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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Release of Palestinian aid worker after nearly nine years of unjust imprisonment ends appalling miscarriage of justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The long overdue release of Palestinian aid worker and prisoner of conscience, Mohammed al-Halabi, as part of the prisoner-hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, brings to an end his agonizing ordeal and a flagrant miscarriage of justice, said Amnesty International today, reiterating calls for the immediate release of all civilian hostages in Gaza and Palestinians arbitrarily detained in Israel.

    Al-Halabi, the former Gaza director of humanitarian aid and development organization World Vision, was arrested by the Israeli security agency at the Erez crossing between Israel and occupied Gaza on 15 June 2016. He was interrogated without a lawyer, tortured, tried in secret hearings and convicted after a grossly unfair trial based on undisclosed evidence that he had allegedly diverted  funds to Hamas. In August 2022, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Beersheba District Court.

    Upon his release on 1 February 2025, al-Halabi showed visible signs of torture and starvation, including an alarming loss of weight.

    “Mohammed al-Halabi was unjustly targeted by Israeli authorities for his humanitarian work. He never should have been arrested in the first place, let alone been forced to spend almost nine years unlawfully imprisoned. The Kafkaesque proceedings against him, including his prolonged pretrial detention, the multiple postponements of his trial which lasted six years, and wrongful conviction, which heavily relied on a statement by a prisoner informant, were an appalling miscarriage of justice,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns.

    Mohammed al-Halabi was unjustly targeted by Israeli authorities for his humanitarian work. He never should have been arrested in the first place, let alone been forced to spend almost nine years unlawfully imprisoned.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International

    “Mohammed al-Halabi’s wrongful conviction must be quashed. The torture and other ill-treatment to which he was subjected both during interrogation and while in prison must be independently investigated and those responsible held accountable.” 

    “His horrifying ordeal behind bars demonstrates how Israel’s discriminatory justice system helps to maintain the cruel system of apartheid against Palestinians. It also underscores the urgent need for Israeli authorities to release all Palestinians who are arbitrarily detained in Israeli prisons.”

    Throughout the proceedings against him, the Israeli prosecution failed to substantiate allegations that al-Halabi was guilty of diverting funds to Hamas and the charges against him relied on “secret” evidence and a coerced statement by a prisoner informant. Despite enormous pressure, al-Halabi repeatedly refused to enter in any plea bargain which would have given him a significantly reduced sentence in exchange for “confessing” to charges that he vehemently denied.

    Speaking to Amnesty International after his release and return to his severely damaged home in Gaza City, al-Halabi said: “They [Israeli authorities] tortured me but never broke my spirit. I maintain my innocence of any of the charges levelled against me and I remain adamant to prove that in court even after my release.”

    He described how after 7 October 2023 he was transferred to Nafha prison in southern Israel where prisoners’ radios were confiscated, and most lawyer visits, were denied, as was any contact with family members or independent monitors. Throughout the 15 months of conflict, he was only able to receive scraps of news about his loved ones in Gaza on the one occasion he was able to meet with his lawyer.

    “That was the worst: not knowing whether my wife and children are alive, not knowing how they were coping? Have they been displaced? Have they been bombed? Will I ever see them again?  That was even worse than the starvation and torture that we were subjected to [in prison].”

    That was the worst: not knowing whether my wife and children are alive, not knowing how they were coping? Have they been displaced? Have they been bombed? Will I ever see them again? 

    Mohammed al-Halabi, Palestinian aid worker

    Al-Halabi also told Amnesty International that he is keen to resume his humanitarian work:

    “The need for humanitarian relief, the type of work I used to do before my arrest, is greater than ever. In previous wars, we used to divide damaged buildings into fully and partially destroyed, but when I went back to Jabalia refugee camp, [in North Gaza governorate] I found out that the category ‘partially destroyed’ is virtually nonexistent. Almost every building is flattened.”

    Al-Halabi expressed his gratitude for the public support he has received from all over the world since his arrest: “Even during my darkest hours, I knew that many people believed in my innocence, that supporters of justice were campaigning for my release. Their solidarity will always be engraved in my heart.”

    Background:

    On 30 August 2022, Mohammed al-Halabi was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Beersheba District Court. He filed an appeal before the Israeli Supreme Court, acting as the High Court of Appeals, against his conviction and the appeal remained pending until his release on 1 February during the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Amnesty International designated him a prisoner of conscience in May 2023 concluding that Israeli authorities were targeting him to intimidate other human rights defenders and to shrink the space of humanitarian work in Gaza at the time.

    Mohammed al-Halabi was released in the fourth batch of a prisoner-hostage swap between Israel and Hamas. Amnesty International also reiterates its call on Hamas and other armed groups to immediately and unconditionally release all civilians held hostage in Gaza and for Israel to free all arbitrarily detained Palestinians, including those who have been forcibly disappeared or held incommunicado.

    For more information see: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde15/6714/2023/en/

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Changes to Commissioner Jørgensen’s mission letter – E-000416/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000416/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Filip Turek (PfE), András László (PfE), András Gyürk (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    Considering that the Energy and Housing Commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, as stated in the updated version of his mission letter, has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing a new target for renewable energy to be achieved by 2040;

    Taking into account that this update was introduced after the parliamentary approval of the Commissioner, without prior political consultation;

    Recalling that the principle of technological neutrality is a fundamental policy pillar that ensures an equitable and science-based approach to decarbonisation;

    Recalling that such a principle entails the full use of all available technologies, including low-carbon technologies such as nuclear energy and particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), and provides greater energy supply security while protecting industrial competitiveness;

    Can the Commission explain:

    • 1.Why a political debate was not held prior to the above-mentioned modification to Commissioner Jørgensen’s mission letter;
    • 2.Whether it plans to adopt an integrated approach to include specific and complementary targets for low-carbon technologies, in order to ensure a realistic and sustainable pathway toward decarbonisation;
    • 3.What measures it intends to promote to encourage the development and application of nuclear technologies such as SMRs, in line with the need for diversification of energy sources and the need to promote the industrial growth of the EU.

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Luxembourg for Eliminating the Gender Pay Gap, Ask about Pension Payments for Women and Penalties for Traffickers

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg, with Committee Experts congratulating the State on eliminating the gender pay gap, and raising questions about pension payments for women and penalties for human traffickers.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, congratulated Luxembourg on becoming the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women.  One Expert said Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world.

    One Expert called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap.  How was the State party working to address this gap?

    A Committee Expert said the State party’s sentences for trafficking were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits.  How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime?  The Expert said the State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years.  Would the State party include civil society in efforts to identify child victims?

    Introducing the report, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said the Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities.  The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.

    On wage equality, Marc Bichler, Permanent Representative of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages.  More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women.  The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.

    The delegation added that the gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.

    On trafficking, the delegation said that training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims. Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations could help identify victims.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Bichler said the dialogue had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls.  There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights.

    In her concluding remarks, Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.

    The delegation of Luxembourg consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity; Chamber of Deputies; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees; Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Internal Affairs; and the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Luxembourg at the end of its ninetieth session on 21 February.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 10 February to hold an informal meeting with representatives from non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions from Belize, Congo, Sri Lanka and Liechtenstein, whose reports will be considered by the Committee next week.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Luxembourg (CEDAW/C/LUX/8).

    Presentation of Report

    YURIKO BACKES, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Defence, Mobility and Public Transport of Luxembourg, said women’s rights, gender equality and diversity were essential to the wellbeing and healthy functioning of society.  Ms. Backes said she tried very hard to make sure that both gender and diversity aspects were considered throughout her Government portfolios.  She was the first woman to hold the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance in Luxembourg.  This demonstrated that there was work ahead when it came to shaping a world where equality was a reality on all levels. 

    Women and girls were differently and disproportionally affected by climate disasters, armed conflicts and pandemics.  The only way to sustainably change this was to opt for gender-responsive policymaking across all fields.  The empowerment of women and girls and Sustainable Development Goal five needed to be front and centre across all areas of action.  The Luxembourg Government remained determined to stand up for women’s and girls’ rights, safety, freedom and access to equal opportunities.  The Committee could count on Luxembourg’s determination and support.

    MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said Luxembourg had had a Ministry in charge of equality issues for 30 years.  It had adapted over time, expanding its mandate to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and diversity.  The 2023-2028 coalition agreement maintained the promotion of equality between women and men as a cross-cutting priority of the Government’s political action.  This work would be guided in the coming years by the national action plan for equality between women and men.

    Luxembourg was currently placed seventh in the European Union in the Gender Equality Index. The proportion of women on the management boards of public institutions was 38.64 per cent, an increase of more than 10 points since 2015.  The rate of women representing the State on these boards stood at 43.61 per cent in 2024, exceeding the initial target of 40 per cent.  The private sector had only 23 per cent women on the boards of large companies, but the trend was upward and indicated improvements to come.  The Government remained firmly committed to continuing its efforts to promote balanced representation.  It was also working with civil society to include men as actors and beneficiaries of equality policies. 

    Luxembourg was the only country in the European Union to have eliminated wage inequality, but there was still a pay gap in favour of men for annual wages.  More efforts were needed to address this economic inequality, particularly regarding the high proportion of part-time work among women. The role of equality officers in private companies with more than 15 employees was particularly important.

    The fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence remained priorities of the Luxembourg Government.  Despite political and legislative progress, this was a daily reality in Luxembourg, affecting women and girls, as well as men and boys in all their diversity.  The total number of victims had increased significantly over the years, from 2,882 in 2015 to 4,793 in 2023.  Women accounted for an average of 71 per cent of victims each year.  In 2023, their number reached 3,218, which represented an increase of more than six per cent compared to 2022.  Luxembourg adopted a strategy in November 2021 to improve the protection against domestic violence and to strengthen the national machinery.  It had created an integrated national centre for victims of all forms of violence, which would facilitate their holistic care, bringing together legal aid, medical aid and psychological assistance.  The centre would open in April and would provide assistance to victims 24/7.

    Luxembourg was in the process of developing a national action plan on gender-based violence, which would support more comprehensive care to victims of different forms of gender-based violence.  It was, in collaboration with civil society, convening several awareness raising campaigns on this topic, including the annual “Orange Week” event, which brought together many actors to stand in solidarity with women and girls who were victims of violence.  A specific system had also been set up to provide consultations and therapeutic care to perpetrators to break the cycle of violence.  Since ratifying the Istanbul Convention, Luxembourg had been firmly committed to monitoring its implementation in a cross-cutting manner.

    A new Grand-Ducal regulation of 2023 strengthened the role of the “Prostitution Commission” to monitor prostitution and to combat pimping and trafficking in human beings. The inclusion of State experts as well as civil society would allow the commission to carry out timely and comprehensive follow-up.  Luxembourg had approved a bill on the prohibition of virginity examinations and certificates, the ban on hymenoplasty, and the abolition of the reflection period for the voluntary termination of pregnancy.  In addition, in 2023, an adaptation to the Penal Code introduced a new definition of rape based on the notion of consent.  The State was currently finalising its second action plan on women, peace and security.

    Luxembourg aimed to uphold a modern and egalitarian society in which every citizen could find their place, regardless of their gender.

    MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg was a crucial actor in combatting discrimination against women.  The Chamber supported Orange Week, lighting its buildings in orange during the week.  Meetings on gender equality were held regularly.  A working group on gender equality had been set up to develop a strategy for promoting gender equality within the Chamber.  The status of members of parliament had been reformed to recognise the status of pregnant members.  The Chamber needed to represent and respect the rights and opinions of all and meet the expectations of its people.

    LAURA CAROCHA, Human and Social Sciences Expert, Consultative Commission of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on Human Rights, welcomed the efforts made by the Luxembourg State to combat discrimination against women since the last report, while noting persistent shortcomings, including a social system that kept women in a subordinate position to men.  Luxembourg’s policy favoured a “neutral” approach that was not gender sensitive.  Ms. Carocha urged politicians to openly acknowledge this systemic patriarchal domination and to make the deconstruction of this mechanism a priority. 

    It was imperative that the Government implemented the principle of gender mainstreaming in a cross-cutting manner in all its policies.  Luxembourg’s equality efforts lacked an intersectional approach and the Government rarely addressed multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.  To implement such an intersectional approach, it was essential to have detailed data, disaggregated by gender, age, ethnicity, disability and education level.  This would allow the State to identify shortcomings in policies and better understand and target the needs of women.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that Luxembourg ranked twentieth in the Human Development Index and was the first country in the European Union to have eliminated the pay gap between men and women. The State party had ratified the Istanbul Convention and the International Labour Organization Convention on forced labour, and introduced legislation to combat multiple forms of discrimination over the reporting period.  However, the revised Constitution of 2021 drew a distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals and lacked protections against forced labour and trafficking.  How did the State party justify the amendments to the Constitution? Would the State party eliminate the distinction between Luxembourg nationals and non-nationals?

    Luxembourg had adopted a law creating the position of a family judge, an act on the provision of legal aid, and an act amending the Criminal Code to strengthen the response to sexual abuse of minors.  The Committee was concerned about the barriers inhibiting access to justice for women.  What measures were in place to overcome these barriers?  Why had the Centre for Legal Treatment not been given the power to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of victims?

    The Committee commended the State party’s national action plan on business and human rights. However, funds deposited in certain banks in Luxembourg may have come from the exploitation of human beings overseas, particularly women.  What rules were imposed on companies domiciled in the State party?  How did the State party address extraterritorial violations?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Luxembourg adopted a neutral approach in its legislation on discrimination. The State believed that women’s rights were human rights.  The neutral approach was grounded on the principle of gender equality.

    Each person in Luxembourg who was subject to criminal proceedings benefited from procedural guarantees, regardless of their residence status or nationality.  These guarantees covered access to a lawyer, the presumption of innocence and, to an extent, legal aid.

    Civil suits could be filed in Luxembourg by victims of discrimination by private enterprises. Luxembourg was transposing European Union guidelines on its supply chains, promoting due diligence for companies and organising public events related to business and human rights. Since 2017, Luxembourg had been working to implement and align with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, conducting consultations with private entities and civil society.  Companies in the banking and insurance sector had provided positive feedback regarding the implementation of the Guiding Principles.  The financial sector was aware of its obligations.  The State was working to address its extraterritorial obligations to provide remedies to the victims of human rights violations occurring overseas.

    The revised Constitution stated that people in Luxembourg were equal before the law. Non-Luxembourg nationals could not vote in legislative elections but could vote in municipal elections.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert commended Luxembourg’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, and to dismantling stereotypes.  The State party had demonstrated its commitment to the women, peace and security agenda through its women, peace and security national action plan.  What was the status of the second iteration of the plan? Was feminism still a part of foreign policy?

    Various sources had criticised the Ministry of Gender and Equality’s neutral approach.  The Committee hoped that its policies would address structural gender inequalities.  There were concerns regarding the depth of the analysis of the Observatory for Gender Equality.  What measures were in place to increase the depth of its analysis?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, said that the State party had established voluntary quotas in some areas, including minimum quotas of 40 per cent representation of one sex on political bodies and 30 per cent representation on the boards of State agencies.  There were concerns that these measures were gender-neutral and not mandatory, and that they did not encourage the representation of vulnerable groups of women.  What efforts were being taken by the State party to improve its temporary special measures and to make its quotas mandatory?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party was striving to eliminate gender equality with ad-hoc programmes targeted at underrepresented genders.  There were programmes targeting violence against women and preparing women to defend themselves.  The legal framework was neutral but the actions taken by the Government were not.

    Luxembourg would work proactively on gender mainstreaming in the field of defence. The second iteration of the women, peace and security national action plan would be adopted this year in March. It would promote the role of women in peace and security initiatives.

    If political parties did not meet the 40 per cent representation quota for each sex, their funding was reduced.  The State party was raising the awareness of political parties and candidates on the importance of equality.  A database with profiles of women who wished to become board members of associations would soon be launched to promote women’s representation.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on its plan to launch the second iteration of the women, peace and security initiative this March.  No non-governmental organizations from Luxembourg had interacted with the Committee during this review process.  How would the State party encourage civil society to provide alternative reports in future sessions?

    Another Committee Expert said that gender stereotypes in the media had not been sufficiently addressed, and women accounted for only around one fourth of all media workers. How was the Government addressing these issues?  How was the State party conducting gender impact assessments, as recommended by the Committee in 2018?  How did legislation and policies address sterilisation and irreversible medical procedures against intersex children?  Had the State party considered broadening the statute of limitations for rape, which was limited to 10 years?  Did the State party plan to establish psychological violence as a stand-alone crime?  Training on gender-based violence was not provided to judges.  How would the State party improve data collection on court cases involving gender-based violence?  Why had retrospective analysis of femicides not been conducted?

    One Committee Expert said that the State party’s definition of trafficking in persons did not align with international standards.  Would it amend this legislation?  Sentences were often lenient and judges rarely took away traffickers’ profits or granted remedies to victims.  How would the State party ensure that penalties for trafficking reflected the gravity of the crime and ensure that victims received adequate compensation?  What was the timeline for implementation of the national action plan on trafficking in persons?  How would the plan integrate gender-specific aspects of trafficking?  The State party had not identified child trafficking victims for three years.  Would the State party include civil society into efforts to identify child victims, and prevent the inappropriate penalisation of trafficking victims?  The Committee welcomed the State party’s policies addressing prostitution.  Were there plans to decriminalise prostitution?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the State party valued permanent collaboration with civil society. The Ministry of Equality paid 80 per cent of its budget to civil society to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women.  Luxembourg hosted around 100 non-governmental organizations, despite its small population of 600,000, and these groups had contributed to various Government policies. Non-governmental organizations did not always have the resources needed to travel overseas to participate in dialogues with the Committee.

    An internal assessment of the first women, peace and security national action plan had been conducted and lessons learned would be included in the second plan.  The second plan would place greater emphasis on cooperation with civil society.

    The Government was engaging in dialogue with the media sector to improve the representation of women. The Advertising Ethics Commission received complaints related to discrimination and sexism.  Awareness raising campaigns were being carried out on sexism, discrimination and violence in the media.  A working group on hate speech had been set up that cooperated with the police force and associations working with perpetrators.  The digital service act strived to combat illicit content and encouraged platforms to delete such content swiftly.

    The law on femicide was revised in 2023.  There had yet to be any rulings handed down based on this legislation.  There were plans to collect statistics on femicide. The national action plan on gender-based violence was based on the Istanbul Convention and had been developed to strengthen protections and services for victims, as well as training on gender-based violence.  The State party would address psychological violence in the national action plan on all forms of gender-based violence and would consider establishing a law on this form of violence.

    The Government was working to protect the gender identity of intersex persons and was following Council of Europe regulations on the prevention of irreversible medical procedures against intersex persons.

    In Luxembourg, it was enough to prove that a person had the potential of exploiting an individual to hold them criminally liable for trafficking.  Training had been provided to State officials and non-governmental organizations to improve the identification of and support for trafficking victims.  Victims were officially identified by a specialised unit of the police, but non-governmental organizations and the labour inspectorate could help identify victims.  Street walks were carried out to identify victims of trafficking and provide support to women in prostitution.  Sex workers were not criminalised; clients were criminalised if they knew that the sex worker was a minor or a victim of trafficking.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    Another Committee Expert commended the efforts Luxembourg had made to promote gender equality, including its quota of 40 per cent representation in political bodies. Despite high representation at the national level, women’s representation in municipal governments was around 20 per cent.  What measures were in place to bridge the gender gap in municipalities?  The 2022 law aiming to enhance the participation of foreign nationals in elections was note-worthy.  How did the State party ensure that foreigners were meaningfully included in public life?  Were there targeted initiatives encouraging women to pursue careers in Luxembourg’s foreign service?  Women only made up around 12 per cent of Luxembourg’s military.  What measures were in place to increase their representation in security and military sectors?  Women also accounted for just 23 per cent of board members of private companies.  Were there plans to extend quotas to private sector boards?

    One Committee Expert commended the State’s progress in advancing the rights of women and girls in education.  Primary and secondary education was free for all children in Luxembourg, and compulsory education had recently been extended to 18 years.  Could the State party provide disaggregated data on women working in science, technology, engineering and maths fields?  How was the State party encouraging study in these subjects? The Committee welcomed that the State party had endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration.  How was the State party supporting the international community in the effective implementation of the Declaration?  What measures were in place to support vulnerable women in education? How was the State preventing online violence, ensuring the responsible use of digital technology, and working to close the digital gender gap?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said underrepresentation of women in decision making fora was a key challenge for the Government.  Funding was reduced for political parties that did not uphold quotas.  Individuals could nominate themselves to political positions in smaller municipalities; this led to greater gender imbalances. The State party aimed to achieve gender parity in Government, and better representation of women and wage equality in the private sector, and recruitment campaigns for the armed forces targeted at women.  The diplomatic corps was made up of around 150 agents, 76 per cent of whom were men. In recent years, the number of female diplomats had increased and this trend was likely to continue.

    The State had a service providing training for children on cyberbullying.  When it identified sexual harassment material online, it referred the material to legal services.  Raising awareness about online risks was a priority for the Government. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for eliminating the pay gap between men and women.  Luxembourg’s wage gap was the lowest in the world.  The Committee called for further efforts to achieve wage equality for women in part-time work and in the informal sector. Almost one-third of women worked part time; this affected the pension gap.  How was the State party working to address this gap?  The Committee was concerned that the act on persons with disabilities excluded persons with disabilities who did not meet requirements for support to access the labour market.  Had Luxembourg criminalised workplace sexual harassment and adopted measures to implement appropriate sanctions?  Would it ratify International Labour Organization Convention 190?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Luxembourg considered sexual harassment to be a serious form of violence.  It would be addressed in the national action plan against gender-based violence.  Victims of gender-based violence and discrimination in the workplace could seek support from a specialised service within the labour inspectorate.  Measures were in place to support single parents, who were prioritised in the provision of affordable housing.  The gender pension gap was large; to address this, a major reform of the pension system was underway.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said Luxembourg had an admirable universal healthcare system.  To access free services, individuals needed to prove their identity and that they had lived in Luxembourg for at least three months. How many applications were objected to and on what grounds?  The Expert welcomed the national programme for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health.  What progress had been made in strengthening this programme?  The Committee welcomed the national action plan on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, but was concerned that involuntary surgeries continued to be imposed on intersex persons.  When would the State party abolish this practice?

    The high rate of tobacco use among women was a major issue in the State party, leading to various health complications. What public health measures had been taken to discourage smoking, especially for women?

    One Committee Expert commended the State party’s financial support for women and support for women investors. What measures were in place to educate self-employed women on the pension regime?  Were there digital tools that facilitated women’s integration in pension programmes?  More than one in seven workers in Luxembourg was at risk of poverty.  How was the State party addressing this?  Were there measures to help unemployed women to access benefits and training?  Did the State party have regulations on safeguarding women’s rights in investments?  How did the State party ensure adequate reparation for human rights violations by companies?  What steps had been taken to promote women-owned businesses?  What strategies were planned to boost women’s access to financial services, bonds and loans?  What percentage of businesses were owned by women?  How was the State party helping women and girls to strengthen their digital competencies, collecting disaggregated data on access to loans and credit, and providing financial support services that reached women who lacked digital skills?

    The State party was commended for promoting women’s participation in sports entrepreneurship.  What measures were in place to prevent gender stereotypes in sport?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said all individuals in Luxembourg had access to the universal health coverage system.  The Government worked to streamline gender in all healthcare policies.  It was raising awareness amongst healthcare practitioners regarding differences in treatment between men and women.

    The national action plan on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons would address the issue of involuntary sterilisations.  The State party would assess legal provisions that addressed this issue in other countries. A national action plan to prevent smoking that considered the specific needs of women was being drafted.

    Sport was an area in which there was inequality between men and women in terms of renumeration and presence in the media.  The Government was drafting a national strategy on equality in sport.  Violence against women in sport was being addressed by the National Centre for Victims of Violence.

    A gender finance taskforce had been set up to support women to access the finance sector and loans.  Schools were educating girls on the financial sector. The Ministry of the Family funded a project that supported women’s incorporation into business networks and entrepreneurship support programmes.

    Luxembourg had around 20 observatories collecting disaggregated data on various topics.  The Government was stressing the importance of collecting data disaggregated by sex.  A digital gateway had been setup that promoted women’s and girls’ digital skills. An annual day of digital inclusion was also held to promote the inclusion of women and girls in the digital sphere.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert thanked the State party for its legal advocacy on behalf of Afghan women.  Luxembourg was Europe’s first financial centre.  Several businesses in Luxembourg continued to make investments in the fossil fuel industry.  Would the State party adopt stricter environmental regulations for businesses?  The State party had thus far contributed eight million euros to the Loss and Damage Fund.  Investments needed to be made with a human rights approach, including investments in green bonds.  The State party needed to contribute more to the Loss and Damage Fund in a way that addressed the needs of women.

    Women in solitary confinement had meagre access to education and work, despite legislation enshrining the rights of such women to State services.  How would the State party address this?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the financial sector was one of the biggest contributors to Luxembourg’s gross national income.  It was one of the first sectors to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  The Government had called on the Union of Luxembourg Businesses, which included businesses from the financial sector, to implement the Guiding Principles.  The European Union had adopted a directive on business and human rights that Luxembourg was transposing into law. Employers in the financial sector were aware of regulations related to women’s rights and sanctions that were implemented when those regulations were not respected.

    The Government was committed to supporting climate action in developing countries; it had pledged 120 million euros toward this at a recent Conference of the Parties.  Funds dedicated to climate action included a gender perspective. In 2016, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange decided to open a “green exchange”, which applied stringent criteria for green investment.  This exchange today had over one trillion United States dollars’ worth of sustainable climate assets.  Many sustainable assets addressed the protection of women’s rights.  The Stock Exchange had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Nations Women in 2022 to advance projects and investments that promoted women’s empowerment.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked how many women had requested the grant provided to women divorcees.  Had the State party conducted studies into the effectiveness of shared custody agreements?  Same-sex couples experienced barriers to accessing adoption services.  How was the State party addressing this?  The practice of surrogacy was not sufficiently regulated.  How did the State party protect surrogate mothers and children?  How did the State party support such children to investigate their origins?

    The legal distinction between “legitimate” and “natural” children created discrimination.  Were there plans to remove this distinction?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Luxembourg, asked how many children of Luxembourg lived in institutions and foster families in the State and abroad.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said a draft bill on adoption was currently being assessed.  It addressed adoptions by cohabiting couples and investigations into the lineage of children who were abandoned by their parents.  There were around 1,000 children and adolescents of Luxembourg in institutions and foster families, including 76 children and adolescents who had been placed in institutions abroad.  The distinction between legitimate and natural children still existed in legislation but in reality, there was little difference between these.  The draft bill on the right to lineage removed the distinction. Assessments of this bill were still underway.

    Concluding Remarks 

    MARC BICHLER, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the interactive dialogue.  This had been a valuable exercise that helped the State party to make progress in implementing the Convention and upholding the rights of women and girls.  There were pushbacks against women and girls’ rights globally, but Luxembourg was resolute in defending these rights.  The State party would continue to work to implement the Convention.

    MARYSE FISCH, First Government Counsellor, Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, thanked the Committee for its advice, which helped the State party to improve.  Luxembourg highly valued the Convention, which was mentioned in the coalition agreement and the national action plan on equality.

    MANDY MINELLA, Deputy Head of the Committee Department, Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, said the Chamber of Deputies was committed to equality and would conduct a gender audit and develop a strategy to promote gender equality, inclusive language, and gender mainstreaming.  The Chamber was discussing issues, including childcare and provisions for breastfeeding women.  There were plans to overhaul the Chamber’s regulations with a gender perspective. The Committee’s recommendations would be carefully reviewed in the Chamber.

    CORINNE DETTMEIJER-VERMEULEN, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair of the meeting, said that the dialogue with Luxembourg had provided further insight into the situation of women in the State party.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and called on it to implement the Committee’s recommendations for the benefit of all women and girls of Luxembourg.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW25.005E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on States to establish BioE3 cells as part of India’s Biotechnology revolution and realize Bio-Vision in Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on States to establish BioE3 cells as part of India’s Biotechnology revolution and realize Bio-Vision in Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Science and Technology Minister Dr. Singh releases booklet on Establishment of BIOE3 cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation

    Reiterates PM Modi’s Whole of Government approach, calls for a strong Centre-State partnership for successful implementation of the BioE3 Policy

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on states to establish BioE3 Cells as part of India’s biotechnology revolution, with the aim of realizing Bio-Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. During the Centre-State Partnership Conclave on the BioE3 Policy, held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of strengthening Centre-State collaboration to advance India’s bioeconomy.

    He highlighted the need for state governments to leverage their unique strengths, resources, and economic priorities to propel India’s biomanufacturing sector forward. Notably, he pointed out the importance of marine resources, the Himalayan region’s resources, and other region-specific bio-resources that could help usher in a new biotech revolution.

     

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for approving the BioE3 Policy within the government’s first 100-day agenda. He mentioned other key initiatives, such as Mission Mausam, funding for Space Startups, and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

    To ensure the success of the BioE3 Policy, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged states to establish ‘BioE3 Cells’ in collaboration with the Centre through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These BioE3 Cells will serve as interconnected knowledge hubs, linking state and national stakeholders to facilitate the effective implementation of the BioE3 Policy. Established at the state level, these cells will act as central platforms for knowledge exchange, policy coordination, and technology adoption in the biomanufacturing sector.

    On this occasion, Dr. Singh released a booklet on the Establishment of BioE3 Cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation, which aims to catalyze Centre-State partnerships to drive biotech innovations. In releasing the booklet, he highlighted that the primary goal of the BioE3 Cells is to ensure biomanufacturing initiatives are closely aligned with each state’s specific priorities, resources, and strengths, while also staying connected to broader national objectives. He emphasized that by establishing a nationwide network of BioE3 Cells, the government aims to facilitate the integration of emerging technologies, innovative research, and sustainable biomanufacturing practices across regions, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to biotechnology development in India.

    Reiterating PM Modi’s “Whole of Government” approach, Dr. Singh called for a strong Centre-State partnership to ensure the successful implementation of the BioE3 Policy. He stressed the need to stop working in silos and instead collaborate on various fronts, with clear demarcation between industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. He also referred to IN-SPACe and BIRAC as successful; platform to usher collaborations with private sector.

    Furthermore, Dr. Singh pointed out notable advancements in India’s biotechnology sector, including the indigenous DNA vaccine developed by the Department of Biotechnology during the pandemic, the development of the antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, and successful gene therapy trials at CMC Vellore. He also emphasized that India remains open to private sector collaboration, aiming to replicate the successes seen in the space sector and nuclear energy.

    Highlighting the government’s commitment, Dr. Singh referred to the allocation of resources for Bio Foundries and Biomanufacturing in the latest budget, which marked a shift from typical populist priorities to a focus on science and technology under PM Modi’s leadership.

    Dr. Singh also provided examples of successful Centre-State collaboration. For instance, his Department of Administrative Reforms has paired states with similar issues to address challenges effectively. He noted the central government’s funding for cleaning lakes like Loktak Lake and Dal Lake. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) during the Kumbh Mela, showcasing how science and biotechnology can play a critical role in addressing daily challenges and ensuring sustainable development.

    Dr. Rajesh Gokhale. Secretary Department of Biotechnology addressed the conclave on opportunities in Biotech Sector for Viksit Bharat. Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor DBT summarized the deliberations which took place throughout the day with states. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder, Biocon joined the conclave through virtual mode. Mr. R. Subramani, Founder, Fermbox Bio, Bangalore also marked his presence along with senior representatives from almost all states. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC shared BIRAC’s effort towards building strong industry linkages, paving the way for the establishment of BioE3 cells.

    The conclave provided a valuable platform for senior representatives from various states to deliberate on biotechnology initiatives, ensuring these efforts are aligned with each state’s unique strengths and resources while staying true to the overarching goals of the BioE3 Policy.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)
    Events launched in commemoration of ACAN’s 60th anniversary (with photos)
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         ​This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). ACAN and the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau are taking the opportunity to co-organise a series of commemorative events, including interactive roving exhibition in education institutions and the community, community engagement activities and competitions etc, with a view to consolidating anti-drug awareness in the community. The opening ceremony of commemorative events series was held this afternoon (February 7) at Hong Kong City Hall.           Officiating at the opening ceremony of the commemorative events, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that the drug problem was once rampant in reviewing the 1960s and 1970s. Since its establishment, ACAN has been providing advice to the Government and mobilising community resources, which has contributed significantly to the anti-drug work efforts.      Mr Tang said that the Government and ACAN will continue to respond positively to the rapidly evolving drug situation. He said, “The Government plans to gazette the listing of etomidate, the main ingredient of the ‘space oil drug’, as a dangerous drug in a week’s time, with immediate effect from February 14, when possession, vaping or drug trafficking is liable for very serious criminal punishment. Our law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have been well-prepared for it.”           In addition, speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said that since its establishment in 1965, ACAN has been committed to working with different sectors of the community to combat drug abuse and to “detoxify” the community. Over the past 60 years, ACAN has been diligently providing advice and reflecting on frontline observations to help the Government enhance the effectiveness of its anti-drug work.           Dr Li added that the drug trend has been complex and is rapidly changing. In view of the recent “space oil drug” problem, he said that “space oil drug” abuse has severe long-term harmful effects. It causes addiction, nausea, unconsciousness, and even death. He has earlier publicly indicated that ACAN fully supported the Government in stepping up the control of etomidate and welcomed the crackdown by LEAs on “space oil drug”-related crimes. He said he hoped that the control of etomidate as a dangerous drug starting from February 14 this year, as well as the increase in liabilities for relevant offences, will be effective in deterring the situation of “space oil drug” abuse.           The roving exhibition in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of ACAN is one of the events commemorating ACAN’s 60th anniversary. The roving exhibition adopts the concept of a time tunnel, taking visitors through different time periods to learn about anti-drug work in the past, present and future. The roving exhibition features a theme zone dedicated to the 60th anniversary of ACAN, in which a number of anti-drug posters produced between 1960 and 2025 are displayed. The poster collection will not only provide an excellent review of various anti-drug publicity campaigns, but also reflect the changes in design and communication strategies of anti-drug publicity in response to the development of society over the years.           The anti-drug black-and-white film “Suicide On Hire Purchase”, produced by ACAN in the 1960s and was once screened in cinemas, is also displayed in the theme zone. Famous comic character Old Master Q makes a guest appearance in the video, which portrays the story of the male protagonist who became a drug addict under the influence of bad company but was able to begin his life anew after undergoing treatment. Movie screenings were one of the main ways of conveying messages to the public in the 1960s. This video proves that ACAN was already well aware of the importance of publicity and education to anti-drug work in the community when it was first established.           Apart from that, a number of precious historical photos, anti-drug videos and anti-drug TV Announcements in the Public Interest are displayed at the theme zone, reviewing the changes in Hong Kong’s anti-drug work over the years as the times evolved.           Including the elements of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and multimedia, the roving exhibition is divided into different theme zones with games, digital exhibition panels and photo booths to share anti-drug knowledge with visitors, and provide them with information about criminal liability for drug offences, how to seek help and so on. By combining the historical part of the exhibition and incorporating the old and the new, visitors will be able to learn from the past and have a better understanding of the harmful effects caused by drugs after the exhibition visit, so as to stay away from drugs.           The first stop of the roving exhibition is open to the public free of charge until February 10 (Monday), from 10am to 8pm, at the Exhibition Hall, 1/F, Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall. After the first stop, the roving exhibition will be held at shopping malls in different districts and tertiary institutes throughout the year. For more details of the roving exhibition, please visit the dedicated webpage on the ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/ACAN60A_exhibition.html).

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 20:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Introduction

    The Comic Creator Championship, a key event under the WAVES summit, is set to redefine India’s comic book industry. Divided into Amateur and Professional categories, the competition will unfold across three stages, offering a platform for both emerging and established creators to showcase their talent globally. In a historic move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), marking the most significant collaboration among Indian comic book publishers in over three decades.

    The championship is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has attracted over 70,000 registrations and launched 31 competitions to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. These challenges are a highlight of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a premier forum for industry leaders and innovators to shape the future of India’s Media and Entertainment sector, drive collaboration, promote trade, and position India as a global creative hub.

    Key Milestones in the Championship 

    On 29 January 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), in collaboration with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), announced the 76 semi-finalists of the WAVES Comics Creator Championship. Spanning 50 cities across 20 states and the National Capital Region, the selected creators reflect India’s diverse and thriving comic book culture. Among them, 40 are amateurs and 30 are professionals, with participants ranging from 10 to 49 years old. Additionally, six young artists received special mentions, underscoring the championship’s dedication to fostering talent at every level.  

    Comic Creator Championship – Overview

    The Comic Creator Championship will take participants through three phases, each designed to test their storytelling, artistic skills, and ability to reflect Indian themes and sensibilities. While the themes are diverse, every story must have an inherently Indian context. Participants can create their comics in either Hindi or English, with no language preference in the judging process. They can apply individually or in teams of up to two members.

    Phase 1: Foundation

    • Open to all entrants.
    • Create two mandatory pages based on one of the eight themes.
    • An optional cover page can be submitted but will not impact selection.

     

    Phase 2: Development

    • 100 participants from Phase 1 will advance.
    • Expand the story by adding three to four more pages.
    • Further develop characters, narrative, and artwork.

     

    Phase 3: Conclusion

    • 25 finalists from Phase 2 will proceed.
    • Complete the story with three to four final pages.
    • Refine artwork for a polished, engaging comic.

     

    By the end of the competition, each finalist will have a coherent 8–10 page comic, with or without a cover page. This process will highlight creators who can craft compelling narratives and high-quality artwork within the given themes and guidelines.

    Themes

    Participants, whether competing individually or as a team of two, must choose one of the following themes:

    1. Horror Comedy: Blend humour and horror to create a uniquely engaging comic.
    2. Era of Gen-Z India: Capture the lives, struggles, and aspirations of India’s Gen-Z through relatable storytelling.
    3. India in Space: Craft a thrilling narrative inspired by India’s space programme and the mysteries of the cosmos.
    4. Folktales Reimagined: Give a modern twist to ancient Indian folktales, merging tradition with innovation.
    5. Sport Legends: Celebrate India’s sporting icons and unforgettable moments through dynamic storytelling.
    6. Science Fiction: Take readers on a journey into speculative and futuristic worlds filled with adventure and discovery.
    7. Indian Tourism: Showcase India’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and heritage through visually compelling narratives.
    8. Indian Armed Forces: Honour the courage and sacrifices of India’s armed forces with powerful and respectful storytelling.

    Eligibility and Guidelines

    Category Definitions

    The Comics Creator Championship is open to both amateur and professional participants, with no age restrictions in either category.

    • Amateur – Individuals who have never published a comic (digitally or physically) through self-publishing or a third party. Posting a few comic strips or pages on social media as a hobby does not count as professional work unless it has a substantial following. Amateurs are typically those who do not earn a living from creating comics or artwork.
    • Professional – Individuals with at least one published comic, whether digital or physical, through any means. Artists who take commissions, have significant social media followings, or generate income from their artwork fall under this category.

     

    Art Style Guidelines

    AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. The competition is designed to celebrate original creativity, encouraging participants to experiment and express their artistic vision.

    The Comics Creator Championship welcomes diverse artistic expressions, including:

    • Colour and black-and-white (B&W) artwork
    • Manga and non-manga styles
    • Inked and non-inked illustrations
    • Digital artwork created using any software
    • Traditional hand-drawn artwork

    Judging Criteria

    Entries for the Comics Creator Championship will be evaluated based on five key aspects:

    • Originality: Fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and innovative concepts that bring something new to the table.

     

    • Creativity: Imaginative storytelling, engaging plot twists, and artistic expression that set the comic apart.

     

    • Writing: Engaging dialogue, well-developed characters, and a coherent narrative that captivates the reader.

     

    • Art: Technical skill, visual appeal, and effective storytelling through illustrations.

     

    • Impact: The ability to evoke emotions, resonate with readers, and leave a lasting impression.

     

    Awards and Recognition

     

    Professional Category

    Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology. Each winning participant/team will receive:

    • ₹1,00,000 cash prize
    • Opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event (subject to WAVES’ discretion).

    Amateur Category

    • Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology.
    • Each winning participant/team will receive a ₹60,000 cash prize.

     

    Additional Prizes

    • Top 100 participants (Phase 2) – Digital Certificate of Appreciation.
    • Top 25 participants (Phase 3) – Exclusive Goodie Bag.

    References:

    Click here to see in PDF:

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), CSIR-NIScPR publishes special issue on the Opportunities & Challenges in Biological Chemistry

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, has brought out a special issue in association with Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campusand theSociety of Biological Chemists –India, (SBC-I) on the theme, “Biological Chemistry: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward” . As a leading public funded Science publishing institute in India, CSIR-NIScPR publishes 15 journals in various STI disciplines, and all of them are indexed by reputed national/international agencies like Science Citation Index (Web of Science), Scopus, NAAS and UGC CARE.

    IJBB, a monthly premier peer-reviewed research journal in the subject area of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, with the JIF score of 1.5. With reputed national/international experts on Board, the journal has been receiving considerable attention from researchers and academicians across the globe. Its commitment to publishing quality research makes it a vital resource for those seeking to stay at the forefront of these critical scientific disciplines. This special issue (March 2025 IJBB Vol. 62 Issue no. 3) has 9 review papers and 1 original research paper broadly covering the emerging trends in the Biological Chemistry contributed by reputed researchers in the subject area.

    The articles cover (i) Phosphodiesterase 4 as a candidate therapeutic target of cancer (ii) A review on repurposing anti-diabetic drugs for the amelioration of betel-nut induced carcinogenesis; (iii) Chromatin higher order structure and possible therapeutic target (iv) From 2D to 3D: decoding tuberculosis pathobiology and drug development with ex vivo disease models; (v) Transport mediated antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; (vi) Phenotypic antibiotic resistance: Involvement of genes and additional factors; (vii) An overview of response pathways for protection of mitochondria from protein misfolding stress (viii) Advances in myogenic differentiation: Role of stem cells, RNA-binding proteins, molecular pathways, and detection Techniques; (ix) Aspergillusnigeracidogenic metabolism: A biased view from the C and N interface; and (x) Camptothecin exerts anti-cancer effects through FoxM1 inhibition

    Publication of this special issue was possible only with the intensive effort of Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, and able guidance of the Editorial Board comprising globally renowned experts Prof. Stephen Dimitrov (Chief Editor, IJBB), Prof DN Rao (Executive Editor, IJBB), Guest editors Prof. Suman Kundu and Prof. Meenal Kowshik, from BITS, Goa Campus, and the initiative taken by Dr. NK Prasanna, Editor, IJBB. We appreciate the kind encouragement from Dr Charu Verma, Head, Research Journals. Contribution from authors, reviewers, and the technical support provided by the print production team of CSIR-NIScPR for successful timely publication of this issue deserves special mention.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Source: Government of India

    Various steps have been taken to promote the use of nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers by the Department of Fertilizers

    Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones – a cost-effective method

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers amongst the farmers, the following steps have been taken:

    1. Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and films in regional languages etc.
    2. Nano Urea and Nano DAP are made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.
    3. Nano Urea has been included under monthly supply plan issued by Department of Fertilizers regularly.
    4. ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized National Campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer (including Nano-fertilizers)”.
    5. Promotion of use of nano fertilizers was done during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) which was launched on 15th November, 2023.
    6. For ease in application and utilization of Nano fertilizers like Nano Urea through foliar application, initiatives such as spraying of Nano Urea through drones and distribution of battery operated Sprayers at retail points are undertaken. For this purpose, pilot training and custom hiring spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are actively promoted.
    7. DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations.  Further, DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has also launched campaign for field level demonstrations and awareness programs of Nano Urea plus in 100 districts of the country.

    At present, there is no provision for subsidy by Department of Fertilizers. However, DoF is encouraging its companies to set up Nano fertilizer plants.

    Spraying of Nano fertilizers through drones has emerged as a cost effective method.  During the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, farmers had shown interest in adopting this new technology of spraying.

    At present, there is no proposal to bring production of nano fertilizers under any Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New milestone in indigenous development of gaseous detector important for mega science FAIR project in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have developed an innovative technique using a radioactive source that can simplify the study of radiation effects on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, a crucial step in nuclear and particle physics experiments.

    Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector are particle detectors used as tracking devices in high-energy physics experiments that utilizes a thin, perforated foil with a high electric field to amplify particles produced by ionizing radiation, allowing for precise detection of particles like muons by significantly multiplying the initial signal generated by the particle’s interaction with the gas within the detector.

    They are also strong candidates for diagnostic applications in medical technology because of their good position resolution. First introduced by Prof. Fabio Sauli in 1997, GEM detectors consist of a 50 μm thick Kapton foil, with 5 μm copper cladding on both sides.

    Despite their advantages, the inclusion of Kapton, a radiation-resistant polyimide film with excellent insulating properties, in the active volume makes these detectors sensitive to radiation-induced effects, particularly the charging-up of the dielectric medium. During operation, ionizing radiation deposits energy into the detector, initiating electron avalanche formation.

    This process results in charge accumulation on the Kapton foil, which in turn enhances the electric field within the GEM holes—the primary region for electron multiplication. This increase in the electric field boosts the detector’s gain and efficiency. Over time, a dynamic equilibrium is established, stabilizing the gain and ensuring consistent detector performance.

    India has the full responsibility of building all the GEM chambers that will be used in the future Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR and will be operated at very high radiation environment. For this, it is important to enhance the understanding of the charging-up effect in GEM detectors, a phenomenon that remains inadequately understood.

    Fig 1: Schematic of the charge accumulation on the Kapton foil inside GEM hole. The dynamical accumulation of the charges on the surface of the Kapton increases the electric field thence the gain of the chamber.

    To investigate this phenomenon, Dr. Saikat Biswas and his PhD student, Dr. Sayak Chatterjee along with the other collaborators from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, conducted an in-depth investigation into the charging-up effect on the Kapton foil and its subsequent impact on detector performance.

    The team from Department of Physical Sciences at Bose Institute, developed a specialized experimental setup to study the charging-up effect in triple GEM detectors by studying its gain variation as a function of time.

    Analysis of the charging effect indicated that as either the detector gain (the ratio of the primary charges to the charges detected by the readout board) or irradiation rate increased, the charging-up time decreased significantly. This behavior was attributed to higher particle densities, which facilitated faster charge equilibrium within the GEM holes.

    Fig 2: (a) Variation of the normalized gain as a function of time fitted with a polynomial function to extract the charging-up time (p2) of a DM triple GEM chamber. (b) Variation of charging-up time of the DM triple GEM chambers as a function of the irradiation rates from a Fe-55 source at a fixed detector gain of ~ 5000.

    The findings from this study provide valuable insights for predicting behavioral changes in GEM detectors, critical components in high-rate experiments, when subjected to external radiation. These insights will inform design considerations and operational parameters for GEM chambers in radiation-intensive environments such as the CBM experiment at FAIR, Germany. These results are not only important for CBM experiment only but also for other high-rate experiments where GEM will be used.

    Fig 3: Variation of charging-up time of the DM & SM triple GEM chambers as a function of the gain of the chambers for different irradiation rates using the Fe-55 X-ray source.

     

    The researchers plan to extend their work to investigate the impact of GEM foil geometry on the charging-up effect and to explore behavioral changes under various types of irradiations, extending beyond the capabilities of laboratory setups. The studies published in the Journal of Instrumentation & Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, are crucial milestones for indigenous gaseous detector development.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “India’s vision of good health implies not just being free of disease but to ensure wellness and welfare for everyone. The goal is to ensure physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

                                                                           Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

    What is Mental Health

    Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

    Impact of Poor Mental Health

    • Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to lower workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and reduced efficiency.
    • Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental well-being affects interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.
    • Economic Impact: According to WHO, mental disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, and untreated conditions can lead to high economic costs.

    Mental Health Scenario in India

    • WHO Data Insight
      • India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
    • Prevalence:
      • The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
      • The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
      • National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention.
      • Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%).
    • Treatment Gap
      • 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
      • According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

    Insights from Economic Survey 2024-25

    Mental wellbeing is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. Recognising its importance, Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted that Mental well-being encompasses all our mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. This can also be construed as the mind’s composite health. It emphasised a whole of community approach to tackling mental health problems and stated that it is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggested:

    1. Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: Early intervention strategies to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.
    2. Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Address job stress, long working hours, and burnout.
    3. Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthen Tele MANAS and integrate AI-based mental health solutions.

    Mental Health Infrastructure in India

    • As part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
    • 47 PG Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Mental health services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
    • 47 Government-Run Mental Hospitals including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
    • Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

    Under Ayushman Bharat, the government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These HWCs provide:

    • Basic counselling and psychiatric medication at PHC levels.
    • Training for general physicians to handle mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
    • Linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care.

    This initiative ensures that mental healthcare is available in both urban and rural areas, reducing dependence on specialized hospitals and making psychiatric care more community-centric.

    Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

    Recognizing the growing burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health services, India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982. The primary goal was to ensure that mental healthcare becomes an integral part of the general healthcare system, rather than being confined to specialized hospitals.

    Key components include:

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced under NMHP to expand community mental health services.

    • Covers 767 districts
    • Provides counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
    • 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level.

    NIMHANS Act, 2012

    The NIMHANS Act, 2012, was a significant step towards enhancing mental health education and research in India. Under this act, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, was declared an Institute of National Importance. This recognition allowed NIMHANS to expand its academic and research capabilities, making it the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in India.

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act which replaced the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness and introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The Act aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

    National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India.

    National Health Policy, 2017

    The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 was a landmark that acknowledged mental health as a national health priority. This policy aimed to address mental health issues through a multi-pronged approach, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, strengthening human resources, and improving treatment accessibility.

    By placing mental health at the center of India’s healthcare framework, NHP 2017 aimed to bridge the treatment gap by making psychological services available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

    iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

    The government has also collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This program focuses on:

    • Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
    • Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
    • Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.

    Through iGOT-Diksha, India has expanded its mental health workforce, ensuring better early intervention strategies and community support mechanisms.

    National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

    Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) was a game-changer in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline (14416 / 1800-89-14416). Available in 20 Indian languages.

    As of February 7, 2025, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across India. There are 53 Tele MANAS Cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The program is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with 5 Regional Coordinating Centers, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare.

    Tele MANAS services include:

    • Immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals.
    • Referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
    • Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas.

    Tele MANAS Mobile App & Video Consultation

    • The Tele MANAS App was launched in October 2024.
    • Offers self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals.
    • Video consultation services introduced in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and J&K.

    WHO Recognition

    The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.

    KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

    The KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019), initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.

    During COVID-19, the government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being. These interventions played a vital role in addressing the psychological challenges of the pandemic.

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

    Key components of NSPS include:

    • Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
    • Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers.
    • Community awareness programs to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
    • Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.

    By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent self-harm and improve overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programs such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2100706) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Doechii’s Thom Browne look at the Grammys bridged street culture and luxury fashion

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Pierre-Yann Dolbec, Associate Professor of Marketing, Concordia University

    American rapper Doechii turned heads on the Grammy Awards red carpet on Feb. 2 in a striking Thom Browne ensemble: an off-the-shoulder corset suit dress with exaggerated hips, paired with a crisp white shirt and grey tie.

    The look was both classic and undeniably subversive — a fitting image for the transformation of the fashion world since the early 2000s. Not too long ago, the idea of a rap artist spotlighting a luxury tailor’s creation would have seemed jarring.

    Streetwear and high fashion once lived in separate worlds. Luxury brands sold exclusivity; haute couture, hand-stitched gowns and fine tailoring. Streetwear, on the other hand, was about authenticity and everyday life, with deep ties to subcultures around skateboarding and hip-hop.

    While designers at major high fashion houses occasionally took inspiration from street style in the 1990s and early 2000s — for instance, borrowing stylistic innovations from hip-hop and grunge — high fashion brands kept streetwear brands and designers at a distance.

    When Harlem designer Daniel R. Day — better known as Dapper Dan — repurposed Louis Vuitton and Gucci prints into custom streetwear pieces in the late 1980s, luxury labels sued him out of business. When Supreme used Louis Vuitton’s monogram on its skateboards in 2000, the fashion house hit them with a cease-and-desist order.

    Yet, Doechii’s four custom Thom Browne looks for the Grammys highlight how close hip-hop culture and high fashion now are.

    The birth of luxury streetwear

    The clear divide between streetwear and luxury fashion didn’t happen by accident. In the early 2010s, designers such as Virgil Abloh, Jerry Lorenzo and Shayne Oliver bridged the gap between streetwear and high fashion by pioneering what came to be known as “luxury streetwear.”

    This emerging style blended streetwear staples with luxury fashion production, values and beliefs. Designers crafted hoodies in Italy, integrated sneakers and tees into showstopping runway presentations. Like high fashion houses, they anchored their collections around artists and elevated conceptual work, transforming streetwear-inspired design into an art form.

    By mixing streetwear’s authenticity with high fashion exclusivity, brands like Fear of God, Hood by Air and Off-White gained the respect of luxury consumers and critics alike while retaining street culture’s cool factor.

    High fashion embraces streetwear

    By the mid-2010s, the same high-fashion elite that once kept streetwear at a distance began to see its commercial and cultural potential. Major fashion houses like Burberry and Dior experimented with limited-edition collaborations with streetwear designers, borrowing not just an aesthetic but also distribution tactics like “drops” — a limited, time-sensitive product release by fashion brands.

    The luxury streetwear shift came full circle when Gucci collaborated with Dapper Dan and when Louis Vuitton joined forces with Supreme in 2017. These collections sold out in hours and also served to draw in younger consumers initially uninterested by high fashion.

    Leading fashion houses started hiring luxury streetwear designers in top creative positions and, in some cases, acquiring established luxury streetwear brands.

    This strategy not only refreshed their brand image, but also expanded their appeal to new audiences. It reflected a broader culture shift where luxury is increasingly characterized by authenticity, shared community and pop culture relevance, rather than old-money status signals.

    These shifts opened the door for artists and figures from hip-hop and adjacent creative fields to take on prominent roles. Artists Rihanna, Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar have fronted high fashion campaigns, and rappers like A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott have walked the runway for high fashion houses and worked on high fashion collections, leading critics to claim that “rappers are fashion’s new royalty.”

    Doechii’s watershed moment

    The influence of streetwear on luxury was on full display at this year’s Grammys. When Doechii accepted her groundbreaking award — becoming only the third female artist to earn a Grammy for Best Rap Album — she wore another Thom Browne creation: a cropped, short-sleeved grey jacket with a tie, paired with dramatically structured and tiered balloon pants.

    Once considered an unlikely pairing, Doechii’s choice of a luxury label famed for its avant-garde suits reflected the dismantling of a boundary long separating high fashion from hip-hop culture.

    During her acceptance speech, Doechii addressed tearing down another boundary:

    “So many Black women out there that are watching me right now and I want to tell you … Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony.”

    Her fashion choice and her message ran in parallel: just as her Thom Browne looks reflected a broader cultural shift, one in which a once-marginalized culture has claimed space at the pinnacle of luxury, her words underscored the continued need to break down societal barriers that have sidelined Black women.

    Tensions behind the scenes

    Despite the celebratory tone surrounding luxury’s embrace of streetwear, deeper tensions persist behind the scenes. The key question is not just about influence but about who wields control and reaps the financial benefits.

    Rather than merely adopting streetwear’s aesthetics, high fashion has strategically absorbed it, spotlighting select designers to project an image of inclusivity while ensuring that the status hierarchy remains intact.

    This process offers genuine opportunities for a few, but ultimately reinforces existing power dynamics, allowing luxury brands to appear progressive while maintaining their dominance and capturing the value created by the less powerful.

    As the fashion industry evolves, it must address issues of cultural appropriation and elite capture to and ensure that the voices behind these influential styles receive due recognition and compensation.

    But for consumers on the outside looking in, Doechii’s Grammys moment illustrates a power shift. High fashion, once sealed-off and hierarchical, has become more open, fluid and reflective of diverse backgrounds and artistic visions.

    Pierre-Yann Dolbec receives funding from Concordia University, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec.

    – ref. Doechii’s Thom Browne look at the Grammys bridged street culture and luxury fashion – https://theconversation.com/doechiis-thom-browne-look-at-the-grammys-bridged-street-culture-and-luxury-fashion-249334

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Markey, Hirono in Reintroducing Legislation to Codify Right to Contraception

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 06, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives, contraception and share information about this essential care. Last June, Senate Republicans shamefully blocked the bill from passing the Senate.

    “Ever since the Supreme Court threw out Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen extreme MAGA Republicans across the country work to roll back health care and tear reproductive freedom away from Americans—which has cruelly threatened birth control, plan B, IUDs and other forms of contraception,” said Senator Duckworth. “I refuse to let my daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than I had. As MAGA Republicans continue their anti-choice, anti-science crusade, it is as important as ever that the Senate acts to codify the right to contraception into law so that every American in every state—regardless of their skin color, zip code or income—has equal access to basic, necessary health care. I’m proud to join Senators Markey and Hirono in reintroducing our Right to Contraception Act to do just that.”

    “The right to contraception is essential for people’s freedom to make decisions about their lives and their health without politicians getting in the way,” said Senator Markey. “Contraception is essential not only for sexual and reproductive health, but also to treat a wide array of medical conditions and decrease the risk of certain cancers. The Right to Contraception Act will protect the right for people to get contraception and for providers to give it in the face of President Trump and Republicans’ relentless attacks on reproductive justice.”

    “Contraception is essential health care that millions of people across the country rely on,” said Senator Hirono. “The Right to Contraception Act simply protects patients’ right to access contraception, as well as providers’ right to provide it. I’m proud to join Senator Markey and Representative Fletcher in reintroducing this important bill. The right to control your own body, free from government interference, is as fundamental as it gets, and we’ll continue doing everything we can to protect the reproductive rights of all Americans.” 

    Throughout her time in the Senate, Duckworth has made protecting reproductive freedom a top priority in the face of Republicans’ anti-choice crusade. Duckworth has long pushed to pass her Right to IVF Act—which Senate Republicans blocked not once, but twice last year—that would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, Veterans and federal employees, as well as lower the costs of IVF for middle class families across the country. This marked the fourth time Senate Republicans blocked Duckworth-led legislation that would protect access to IVF nationwide—Duckworth’s Access to Family Building Act, which builds on previous legislation she introduced in 2022.

    Duckworth was the first Senator to give birth while serving in office and had both of her children with the help of IVF. In 2018, she advocated for the Senate to change its rules so she could bring her infant onto the Senate floor.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Efficiency − or empire? How Elon Musk’s hostile takeover could end government as we know it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Allison Stanger, Distinguished Endowed Professor, Middlebury

    Elon Musk, right, has moved to take the reins of the U.S. government. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Elon Musk’s role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, is on the surface a dramatic effort to overhaul the inefficiencies of federal bureaucracy. But beneath the rhetoric of cost-cutting and regulatory streamlining lies a troubling scenario.

    Musk has been appointed what is called a “special government employee” in charge of the White House office formerly known as the U.S. Digital Service, which was renamed the U.S. DOGE Service on the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term. The Musk team’s purported goals are to maximize efficiency and to eliminate waste and redundancy.

    That might sound like a bold move toward Silicon Valley-style innovation in governance. However, the deeper motivations driving Musk’s involvement are unlikely to be purely altruistic.

    Musk has an enormous corporate empire, ambitions in artificial intelligence, desire for financial power and a long-standing disdain for government oversight. His access to sensitive government systems and ability to restructure agencies, with the opaque decision-making guiding DOGE to date, have positioned Musk to extract unprecedented financial and strategic benefits for both himself and his companies, which include the electric car company Tesla and space transport company SpaceX.

    One historical parallel in particular is striking. In 1600, the British East India Company, a merchant shipping firm, began with exclusive rights to conduct trade in the Indian Ocean region before slowly acquiring quasi-governmental powers and ultimately ruling with an iron fist over British colonies in Asia, including most of what is now India. In 1677, the company gained the right to mint currency on behalf of the British crown.

    As I explain in my upcoming book “Who Elected Big Tech?” the U.S. is witnessing a similar pattern of a private company taking over government operations.

    Yet what took centuries in the colonial era is now unfolding at lightning speed in mere days through digital means. In the 21st century, data access and digital financial systems have replaced physical trading posts and private armies. Communications are the key to power now, rather than brute strength.

    A security officer blocks U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, right, from entering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters on Feb. 6, 2025, in an effort to meet with DOGE staff.
    Al Drago/Getty Images

    The data pipeline

    Viewing Musk’s moves as a power grab becomes clearer when examining his corporate empire. He controls multiple companies that have federal contracts and are subject to government regulations. SpaceX and Tesla, as well as tunneling firm The Boring Company, the brain science company Neuralink, and artificial intelligence firm xAI all operate in markets where government oversight can make or break fortunes.

    In his new role, Musk can oversee – and potentially dismantle – the government agencies that have traditionally constrained his businesses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has repeatedly investigated Tesla’s Autopilot system; the Securities and Exchange Commission has penalized Musk for market-moving tweets; environmental regulations have constrained SpaceX.

    Through DOGE, all these oversight mechanisms could be weakened or eliminated under the guise of efficiency.

    But the most catastrophic aspect of Musk’s leadership at DOGE is its unprecedented access to government data. DOGE employees reportedly have digital permission to see data in the U.S. government’s payment system, which includes bank account information, Social Security numbers and income tax documents. Reportedly, they have also seized the ability to alter the system’s software, data, transactions and records.

    Multiple media reports indicate that Musk’s staff have already made changes to the programs that process payments for Social Security beneficiaries and government contractors to make it easier to block payments and hide records of payments blocked, made or altered.

    But DOGE employees only need to be able to read the data to make copies of Americans’ most sensitive personal information.

    A federal court has ordered that not to happen – at least for now. Even so, funneling the data into Grok, Musk’s xAI-created artificial intelligence system, which is already connected with the Musk-owned X, formerly known as Twitter, would create an unparalleled capability for predicting economic shifts, identifying government vulnerabilities and modeling voter behavior.

    That’s an enormous and alarming amount of information and power for any one person to have.

    Candidate Donald Trump speaks at a key cryptocurrency industry conference in July 2024.
    AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

    Cryptocurrency coup?

    Like Trump himself and many of his closest advisers, Musk is also deeply involved in cryptocurrency. The parallel emergence of Trump’s own cryptocurrency and DOGE’s apparent alignment with the cryptocurrency known as Dogecoin suggests more than coincidence. I believe it points to a coordinated strategy for control of America’s money and economic policy, effectively placing the United States in entirely private hands.

    The genius – and danger – of this strategy lies in the fact that each step might appear justified in isolation: modernizing government systems, improving efficiency, updating payment infrastructure. But together, they create the scaffolding for transferring even more financial power to the already wealthy.

    Musk’s authoritarian tendencies, evident in his forceful management of X and his assertion that it was illegal to publish the names of people who work for him, suggest how he might wield his new powers. Companies critical of Musk could face unexpected audits; regulatory agencies scrutinizing his businesses could find their budgets slashed; allies could receive privileged access to government contracts.

    This isn’t speculation – it’s the logical extension of DOGE’s authority combined with Musk’s demonstrated behavior.

    Critics are calling Musk’s actions at DOGE a massive corporate coup. Others are simply calling it a coup. The protest movement is gaining momentum in Washington, D.C., and around the country, but it’s unlikely that street protests alone can stop what Musk is doing.

    Who can effectively investigate a group designed to dismantle oversight itself? The administration’s illegal firing of at least a dozen inspectors general before the Musk operation began suggests a deliberate strategy to eliminate government accountability. The Republican-led Congress, closely aligned with Trump, may not want to step in; but even if it did, Musk is moving far faster than Congress ever does.

    Destroy the republic, build a startup nation?

    Taken together, all of Musk’s and Trump’s moves lay the foundation for what cryptocurrency investor and entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan calls “the network state.”

    The idea is that a virtual nation may form online before establishing any physical presence. Think of the network state like a tech startup company with its own cryptocurrency – instead of declaring independence and fighting for sovereignty, it first builds community and digital systems. By the time a Musk-aligned cryptocurrency gained official status, the underlying structure and relationships would already be in place, making alternatives impractical.

    Converting more of the world’s financial system into privately controlled cryptocurrencies would take power away from national governments, which must answer to their own people. Musk has already begun this effort, using his wealth and social media reach to engage in politics not only in the U.S. but also several European countries, including Germany.

    A nation governed by a cryptocurrency-based system would no longer be run by the people living in its territory but by those who could could afford to buy the digital currency. In this scenario, I am concerned that Musk, or the Communist Party of China, Russian President Vladimir Putin or AI-surveillance conglomerate Palantir, could render irrelevant Congress’ power over government spending and action. And along the way, it could remove the power to hold presidents accountable from Congress, the judiciary and American citizens.

    All of this obviously presents a thicket of conflict-of-interest problems that are wholly unprecedented in scope and scale.

    The question facing Americans, therefore, isn’t whether government needs modernization – it’s whether they’re willing to sacrifice democracy in pursuit of Musk’s version of efficiency. When we grant tech leaders direct control over government functions, we’re not just streamlining bureaucracy – we’re fundamentally altering the relationship between private power and public governance. I believe we’re undermining American national security, as well as the power of We, the People.

    The most dangerous inefficiency of all may be Americans’ delayed response to this crisis.

    Allison Stanger receives funding from the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University

    – ref. Efficiency − or empire? How Elon Musk’s hostile takeover could end government as we know it – https://theconversation.com/efficiency-or-empire-how-elon-musks-hostile-takeover-could-end-government-as-we-know-it-249262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE: Haivision Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360 Video Wall Solution for Operation Centers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision Systems Inc. (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announces that the Haivision Command 360 video wall solution has won the AV Technology ‘Best in Show’ Award at ISE in Barcelona. This prestigious recognition highlights the groundbreaking impact of Command 360 in operation and command centers.

    Haivision Command 360: Powering Mission-Critical Decision-Making

    Haivision Command 360 is a complete video wall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. By aggregating live video feeds, real-time analytics, and diverse data streams onto a secure, scalable video wall, Command 360 empowers defense, government, and public safety organizations to collaborate seamlessly and respond rapidly to critical situations. Its intuitive interface simplifies operations, enabling teams to access, manage, and control essential information with just a few clicks.

    “We are extremely honored to have won the ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “Haivision is a world leader in providing solutions that improve situational awareness and help organizations make better decisions in mission-critical situations. Winning this award at ISE is a recognition of our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Haivision Command 360 is part of Haivision’s mission-critical video ecosystem, helping aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Command 360 provides the following features and benefits to customers:

    • Display Any Content: Command 360 supports a wide range of content types, including live video feeds, TV channels, data dashboards, maps, web content, software applications, and more, ensuring access to critical information in real-time.
    • Centralized Management: The system features easy management of user permissions based on roles and responsibilities across multiple operation centers.
    • Defense-Grade Security: Command 360 adheres to strict government and industry standards to ensure security, reliability, and interoperability.
    • Use Safely from Anywhere: Secure remote access is critical when situations requiring attention develop at unpredictable times. Command 360 provides robust encryption and secure access controls to protect sensitive information and ensure data integrity, even for users accessing remotely.
    • User-Driven UI for Any Workflow: Command 360’s easy-to-use interface enables users of any technical proficiency to change input sources, customize layouts, and schedule system actions.
    • Total Device Control: The ultra-capable and intuitive Command 360 software integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, offering agnostic compatibility with multiple devices.
    • Remote Workstation Access with KVM: Integrated Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) control for direct interaction with displayed content from remote workstations, enhances operational flexibility and efficiency.

    For more information about Haivision Command 360, visit https://www.haivision.com/products/command-360-video-wall-software/.

    About Haivision

    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

    Jennifer Gazin
    514.334.5445 ext 8309
    jgazin@haivision.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko, Maxim Reshetnikov and Valery Falkov discussed training of personnel in the tourism sector

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke with students of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RSUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality and spoke with students of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RSUTIS).

    Acting Rector of RSUTS Ambartsum Galustov presented plans for the development of the university’s infrastructure and educational programs to the Deputy Prime Minister and ministers.

    “The formation of a system for training and developing the human resources potential of workers in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the priority tasks of the industry, set by President Vladimir Putin. Currently, about 1 million people are employed in this sector. The need for employees is about 250 thousand, by 2030 this number will increase to 400 thousand people. New specialists are needed for the successful development of the industry as a whole, as well as for the implementation of large-scale investment projects, such as “Five Seas and Lake Baikal”. The Russian State University of Tourism and Service is intended to become a leading center for training personnel for the industry. Today, the university signed several agreements on the creation of new campuses,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The plans include the development of the scientific and educational infrastructure of RSUTS in Zavidovo, Tver Region, and in Anapa, where they will train personnel for the Five Seas and Lake Baikal project.

    In Russia, students are admitted to more than 100 universities and 1,300 colleges in the field of tourism and hospitality. Within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”, training centers have been created in the Moscow Region on the basis of RSUTS, Tatarstan and St. Petersburg.

    At a meeting at the university, a comprehensive approach to solving the issue of personnel shortage was discussed. This is necessary to achieve the goals set by the head of state within the framework of the national project.

    “Tourism needs a model of integration with secondary vocational education. There should be interaction with strong regional universities. These should not be point solutions. And today’s agreements are an example that can be replicated throughout the country. Another important aspect is labor productivity. We have created competence centers based at Kavkaz.RF and in Krasnodar Krai. The centers have been created and have begun work. Also, together with businesses, it is worth working on the issue of including the topic of productivity in educational programs for training personnel for the tourism industry,” said Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that today special attention is paid to the training of personnel in the tourism sector. The new model of higher education provides for qualitative changes in the implementation of educational programs, which should be a modern response to the industry’s demand.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that the interest of tourists in the Moscow region, where RGUTIS is located, is growing every year. “This is facilitated by the availability of high-quality infrastructure for recreation and a huge number of attractions – these are cultural heritage sites, churches and monasteries, estates, monuments of military glory, which is especially important in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, declared by President Vladimir Putin, in the year of the 80th anniversary of our Victory,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the university infrastructure and talked to students. He noted the attention of the head of state and the Ministry of Economic Development to the tourism sector and supported the students in choosing this direction. The guys presented their projects, including concepts for the adaptation of foreign students, the development of design projects for the Five Seas and Lake Baikal program and the popularization of tourism among young people through student media.

    In addition, the consecration of the restored temple-chapel of the Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky took place.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko left a note in the university’s memorial book: “I am confident that the experienced teaching staff of RSUTS and the talented students who came here from different regions of the country will make a serious contribution to the development of tourism in Russia. As our President Vladimir Putin said, domestic tourism is one of the main priorities.”

    “The President called the development of domestic tourism one of the priorities of the long-term development strategy of Russia. In our Moscow Region, we see that there is a great demand for tourism, and therefore for specialists. In our Moscow Region, we have 14 colleges and 5 universities engaged in training personnel. Last year, one of the three federal resource centers was created here, on the basis of RSUTS, which plans to train 10 thousand specialists for the entire country this year,” said Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov.

    Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister gave a number of instructions, including updating educational programs, developing plans for the development of the university, and holding new competitions in the field of tourism.

    The meeting was also attended by the Governor of the Tver Region Igor Rudenya, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Russia Dmitry Platygin, Deputy Minister of Education of Russia Irina Shvartsman, Deputy Governor of the Krasnodar Region Alexander Ruppel, university rectors, representatives of companies and public organizations.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI: Haivision Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360 Video Wall Solution for Operation Centers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision Systems Inc. (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announces that the Haivision Command 360 video wall solution has won the AV Technology ‘Best in Show’ Award at ISE in Barcelona. This prestigious recognition highlights the groundbreaking impact of Command 360 in operation and command centers.

    Haivision Command 360: Powering Mission-Critical Decision-Making

    Haivision Command 360 is a complete video wall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. By aggregating live video feeds, real-time analytics, and diverse data streams onto a secure, scalable video wall, Command 360 empowers defense, government, and public safety organizations to collaborate seamlessly and respond rapidly to critical situations. Its intuitive interface simplifies operations, enabling teams to access, manage, and control essential information with just a few clicks.

    “We are extremely honored to have won the ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “Haivision is a world leader in providing solutions that improve situational awareness and help organizations make better decisions in mission-critical situations. Winning this award at ISE is a recognition of our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Haivision Command 360 is part of Haivision’s mission-critical video ecosystem, helping aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Command 360 provides the following features and benefits to customers:

    • Display Any Content: Command 360 supports a wide range of content types, including live video feeds, TV channels, data dashboards, maps, web content, software applications, and more, ensuring access to critical information in real-time.
    • Centralized Management: The system features easy management of user permissions based on roles and responsibilities across multiple operation centers.
    • Defense-Grade Security: Command 360 adheres to strict government and industry standards to ensure security, reliability, and interoperability.
    • Use Safely from Anywhere: Secure remote access is critical when situations requiring attention develop at unpredictable times. Command 360 provides robust encryption and secure access controls to protect sensitive information and ensure data integrity, even for users accessing remotely.
    • User-Driven UI for Any Workflow: Command 360’s easy-to-use interface enables users of any technical proficiency to change input sources, customize layouts, and schedule system actions.
    • Total Device Control: The ultra-capable and intuitive Command 360 software integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, offering agnostic compatibility with multiple devices.
    • Remote Workstation Access with KVM: Integrated Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) control for direct interaction with displayed content from remote workstations, enhances operational flexibility and efficiency.

    For more information about Haivision Command 360, visit https://www.haivision.com/products/command-360-video-wall-software/.

    About Haivision

    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

    SEO Title: Haivision Command 360 Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Advancing Mission-Critical Operations

    Slug: haivision-command-360-ise-best-in-show-award

    Meta description: Haivision Command 360 has won the ISE Best in Show Award, recognizing its impact on situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. Learn more about this award-winning video wall solution.

    Social

    #Haivision #Command360, a complete #videowall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments, wins Best in Show award at #ISE2025. Read more in the press release:

    Jennifer Gazin
    514.334.5445 ext 8309
    jgazin@haivision.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Global Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Advisory Council would bring together leaders in manufacturing, labor, and education to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. Peters introduced the National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The bill passed the Senate with unanimous support last Congress.  
    “Our manufacturers, labor leaders, and experts bring an important real-world perspective that can help ensure the United States remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing globally,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation would give our industry leaders a seat at the table to help shape federal manufacturing policy and inform our response to emerging challenges and threats.”   
    “This initiative, the National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act, is designed to improve the resources and support for our nation’s small and medium-size manufacturers, which are a truly vital driver of our economy. I applaud Senator Peters for his steadfast, unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 
    “We applaud Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.” 
    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Gary Peters and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”   
    “We commend Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) for today introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”   
    The Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year and be tasked with providing lawmakers with a national strategic plan – including recommendations to address workforce issues, supply chain interruptions, and other logistical and emerging challenges. Specifically, the Advisory Council would be required to: 
    IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the impacts of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging defense needs on the manufacturing competitiveness of the United States. 
    SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing. 
    PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary regarding global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, regulatory and logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on areas to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of burgeoning technology and worker training and education priorities. 
    Peters has made strengthening domestic manufacturing a top priority of his work in the Senate. Peters helped craft and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which includes a provision he authored to support the domestic production of mature semiconductor technologies and ensure that projects supporting critical manufacturing industries, such as the auto industry, are given priority status. This funding was in addition to $50 billion already in the bill to incentivize the production of semiconductors of all kinds in the U.S. – for a total of $52 billion. 
    The CHIPS and Science Act also authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. Peters also supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis and create millions of American jobs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Museum of History Announces Casting Call for Revolutionary War Film Series

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Museum of History Announces Casting Call for Revolutionary War Film Series

    North Carolina Museum of History Announces Casting Call for Revolutionary War Film Series
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    The North Carolina Museum of History is seeking actors for It’s Revolutionary!, an original video series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This dynamic 20-part series will blend documentary storytelling with engaging narrative elements, bringing North Carolina’s revolutionary past to life for students, educators, and the public.

    It’s Revolutionary! is a multiyear educational initiative of the museum’s K-12 Outreach Branch, Beyond the Exhibits. This effort explores North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution through engaging programs, materials, and resources based on primary and secondary sources. It’s Revolutionary! also includes upcoming Educator Notebooks, online teacher workshops, History-In-a-Box kits and more. “This project brings history to life in a way that is both engaging and educational,” said Sally Causey Bloom, curator of education at the North Carolina Museum of History. “By combining documentary and narrative storytelling, we hope to spark curiosity and a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in our nation’s history. We want everyone to know that they make history, too!”

    SUBMISSION & CASTING DETAILS

    • Roles: Actors who can portray characters ages 17 to mid-50s; some roles require specific accents.
    • Submission Requirements: Headshot, resume, audition video (mp4 preferred), sizes, and measurements.
    • Audition Deadline: February 17, 2025
    • Casting Notifications: February 26, 2025
    • Filming Schedule: Weekdays during regular business hours, May–June 2025.
    • Compensation: Day rate is $300.
    • How to Audition: Information and submission form here.

    It’s Revolutionary! is made possible through the generous support of the North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati.

    About the N.C. Museum of History

    The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. In 2024, more than 275,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of History serves as the flagship historical institution of the Division of State History Museums. This division, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, includes seven regional history museums dedicated to preserving and interpreting the stories of North Carolina’s past.

    About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network

    Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

    Feb 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Archives to host a virtual program on Lafayette’s tour in North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: State Archives to host a virtual program on Lafayette’s tour in North Carolina

    State Archives to host a virtual program on Lafayette’s tour in North Carolina
    jejohnson6

    Learn about Marquis de Lafayette’s final journey through North Carolina.

    A Zoom teleconference scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 1-2: p.m., will cover Lafayette’s farewell tour in North Carolina.

    2025 marks the bicentennial of the southern leg of Lafayette’s farewell tour of the United States.

    The commemorative festivities have begun and will continue into March.

    Learn about this historical episode, Lafayette’s popularity, upcoming celebrations in North Carolina, and relevant documents in the State Archives, including Lafayette’s writings.

    Speakers for this virtual roundtable include coordinators for events in northeastern North Carolina and Fayetteville and State Archives staff.

    This program will also include a Q&A session. Register for the program at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_SZ3_f4fCRGGvDBn01QPO-w#/registration

    About the State Archives
    The State Archives serves as the custodian of North Carolina’s historical records, preserving and providing public access to a wealth of archival materials. Through its diverse collections, educational programs, and exhibitions, the State Archives plays a crucial role in promoting an understanding and appreciation of North Carolina’s rich historical legacy.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting Feb. 12 at 1 P.M.

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting Feb. 12 at 1 P.M.

    North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting Feb. 12 at 1 P.M.
    jejohnson6

    The North Carolina Zoo Council will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. in the Stedman Education Center (4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205).

    Contact Jennifer Hicks (Jennifer.Hicks@NCZoo.org) with questions about the Council meeting.

    Council Chairman Walker Moffitt will preside over the business meeting. The Zoo Council is a 15-member board appointed by the governor to oversee the operation and development of the North Carolina Zoo.

    The meeting will include updates on park operations, 2025 events, 2026 Asia opening and capital projects.

    About the North Carolina Zoo  
    At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Historic Halifax State Historic Site to Mark 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Historic Halifax State Historic Site to Mark 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit

    Historic Halifax State Historic Site to Mark 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit
    jejohnson6

    Historic Halifax State Historic Site will mark the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s historic visit to the town with special programming on Thursday, Feb. 27.

    Beginning at 1 p.m., visitors are invited to tour Historic Halifax’s historic buildings and interact with costumed interpreters engaged in living history demonstrations. At 5 p.m., cannon fire and ringing bells will announce Lafayette’s arrival by horse-drawn carriage. The actor portraying Lafayette will be welcomed at the Eagle Tavern to greet everyone assembled. Then, he’ll proceed to a festive dinner at The Hen and The Hog Restaurant.

    The dinner program will reenact the hospitality of the citizens of Halifax, who celebrated their distinguished guest with 13 toasts in 1825. The dinner, hosted by Royal White Hart Lodge #2 and the American Friends of the Marquis de Lafayette, is sold out.

    Nearly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, President James Monroe invited the Marquis de Lafayette to tour the United States. Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, stopped in Halifax on Feb. 27, 1825. He stayed at the Eagle Tavern and spoke about liberty and freedom. At the time, Lafayette was the last surviving major general of the Revolutionary War.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: History for Lunch: The History of Surfing in North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: History for Lunch: The History of Surfing in North Carolina

    History for Lunch: The History of Surfing in North Carolina
    jejohnson6

    ELIZABETH CITY

    The Museum of the Albemarle will host our monthly History for Lunch on Wednesday, March 5 at noon in the Gaither Auditorium. Who would have known that the sport of surfing has been taking place in North Carolina for more than 100 years? Join Benjamin Wunderly, education curator at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, for a look at North Carolina surfing as we cover the state’s role in the sport’s history and learn about some of the people and places involved. From records dating back to the early 20th century to becoming one of the top surfing destinations on the East Coast, we will try to leave no board un-waxed!

    The Museum will offer the History for Lunch program in-person and through Zoom. To attend the lecture virtually, register in advance by clicking here to receive the link. Registration is not required to attend the lecture in person.

    The virtual program is supported by Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle.

    About the Museum of the Albemarle

    The Museum of the Albemarle is located at 501 S. Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC. (252) 335-1453. www.museumofthealbemarle.com. Find us on Facebook! Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and State Holidays. Serving Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties, the museum is the northeast regional history museum of the North Carolina Division of State History Museums within the N.C.

    Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural, and economic future. Information is available 24/7 at www.dncr.nc.gov.   

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

    Feb 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open

    Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open
    jejohnson6

    Pilot Mountain State Park’s Bean Shoals Access, located along the north side of the Yadkin River, has reopened following a construction project in 2024, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

    The project included building three arched culverts over Horne Creek, a scenic overlook pavilion and parking area, and a stream restoration.

    “This project was crucial to address longstanding issues at Bean Shoals Access,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “Creating a safe access to the outdoor recreation on the river that also mitigates negative environmental impacts helps the division accomplish its mission of balancing conservation and recreation. We hope these improvements also result in a better overall visitor experience to the river section of Pilot Mountain State Park.”

    Prior to the construction project, which began in February 2024, visitors to Bean Shoals Access by vehicle needed to cross Horne Creek three times, presenting safety challenges for low-clearance vehicles. Periods of heavy rain made it dangerous for any vehicles to cross, blocking access to the north side of the river section entirely.

    In addition, decades of vehicles fording through creek waters have negatively impacted the water quality of Horne Creek and the Yadkin River. The culverts now help prevent contaminants from flowing into the creek and help reduce sediment in the streams. The construction project also included 1,500 feet of stream restoration that addressed erosion and wear and tear from vehicular crossings.

    Surry County funded the project through a $3.6 million grant from the state of North Carolina. The county worked with Resource Institute — a nonprofit organization that works to restore streams, rivers, and wetlands — on the stream restoration project. The Winston-Salem-based institute’s mission is to enhance water quality, protect habitats, and support local economies.

    “The Bean Shoals Access of Pilot Mountain State Park’s Yadkin River Section is a true gem in Surry County, and we are thankful and excited that the access has been revitalized for our residents and tourists to enjoy,” said Van Tucker, Surry County Commissioner. “The new bridges and improved overlook have dusted off and polished an important piece of our history, and we hope that new generations will frequent the access to appreciate one of the most unique and beautiful properties in Surry County and North Carolina.”

    Bean Shoals Access provides access to three hiking trails. One of the hiking trails takes visitors to the remnants of the Bean Shoals Canal project, an 1820s endeavor to build a canal around the shallow and rocky shoals on the river that was never finished.

    The Yadkin River State Trail includes this segment of the river, though paddlers must utilize the Shoals Fishing Area and Paddling Access, located on the south bank of the river, to launch their watercraft.

    About North Carolina State Parks
    North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nominations Open for 2025 North Carolina Awards

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Nominations Open for 2025 North Carolina Awards

    Nominations Open for 2025 North Carolina Awards
    jejohnson6

    Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state, now through April 1.

    Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts and public service.

    Anyone may submit award nominations. A simplified nomination form is available online. After reviewing the initial nominations, the North Carolina Awards Committee will request additional information from nominators as needed. The committee will make its final selections this summer.

    The 2025 North Carolina Award recipients will be honored at an event later this year. Past award recipients have included some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists and public servants.

    Previous awardees include Maya Angelou, Doc Watson, William Friday, Gertrude Elion, Branford Marsalis, and other noteworthy North Carolinians. Information on the award and the online nomination process are available here. To receive forms by mail or e-mail contact Beth Carpenter at beth.carpenter@dncr.nc.gov or (919) 814-6756.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wellness supplements are no silver bullet for cancer

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University

    Health supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people turning to them in hopes of improving overall health and reducing risk of diseases like cancer. The allure of these products is understandable – who doesn’t want a simple pill or powder to ward off serious illness?

    As a consultant oncologist and cancer researcher, I’ve researched the effects of health supplements on cancer risk, prevention and treatment. And the relationship between supplements and cancer risk is often misunderstood and far more complex than many people realise.

    Dietary supplements come in a wide variety of forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances – and it’s a multi-billion pound industry. Often fuelled by marketing claims and anecdotal evidence from friends, family members and celebrity wellness gurus who swear by certain supplements, many people take them with the belief that they can fill nutritional gaps in their diet or provide additional health benefits.

    Potential harm

    However, when it comes to cancer prevention and treatment, the scientific evidence supporting the use of supplements is mixed and often inconclusive.

    The world of supplement research is vast and complex, with studies often producing conflicting results. Some smaller studies have suggested potential benefits of certain supplements in cancer prevention but large scale, randomised clinical trials – considered the gold standard in medical research – have often failed to show significant benefits of supplement use in cancer prevention. In fact, some studies have even shown potential harm from certain supplements.

    For example, the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial tested whether these supplements could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Contrary to expectations, the study found that vitamin E supplementation could increase the risk of prostate cancer, especially in healthy, young men.

    Similarly, studies on beta carotene supplements showed an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. These findings highlight the importance of approaching supplement use with caution – more is not always better when it comes to nutrients.

    Healthy scepticism

    Celebrities and social media influencers often recommend health supplements and make baseless claims about their potential to reduce cancer risk.

    For example, thanks to wellness influencers and Mel Gibson – who’s now as famous for his controversial outburts as he is for his acting – the synthetic dye methylene blue has attracted attention on social media for it’s use as a cancer-fighting supplement. While methylene blue does have legitimate medical uses – and has shown some promise in certain areas of cancer research – it’s crucial to approach these claims with a healthy degree of scepticism.

    In cancer research, methylene blue has shown potential as a “photosensitiser” in treatments using laser light – meaning it makes certain cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment. However, it’s important to stress that these are specific medical applications under controlled conditions, not a general cancer prevention strategy that can be applied broadly through supplement use.

    Claims about methylene blue as a cancer-preventing supplement are not supported by robust scientific evidence. In fact, long-term toxicity studies on methylene blue have shown mixed results, with some animal studies suggesting potential risks at high doses.

    This underscores the importance of not misinterpreting preliminary research or specific medical applications as justification for casual supplement use.

    When considering the role of supplements in cancer prevention, it’s essential to adopt a holistic view of health and wellbeing. This approach considers the whole person – body, mind and spirit – rather than focusing on individual components or symptoms.

    One of the most important elements of this approach is nutrition. Rather than relying on supplements, people should aim to meet their nutritional needs through a varied, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

    This approach not only provides essential nutrients but also offers the benefits of fibre, phytochemicals and other compounds found in whole foods that may work together to promote health.

    Regular physical activity is another crucial component of a holistic approach to cancer prevention. Numerous, large, well-conducted studies have consistently linked regular exercise to lower cancer risk, as well as improved overall health and wellbeing.

    Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces inflammation and may have direct effects on cancer cell growth and proliferation. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and promote overall wellbeing.

    Personal choice – based on robust evidence

    While the evidence for many supplements in cancer prevention is limited, it’s crucial to respect personal choice in health decisions. However, it’s also important that these decisions are based on accurate information and in consultation with healthcare professionals. Good, medically sound evidence and advice is available.

    Medical professionals can help evaluate the potential benefits and risks of supplement use, taking into account factors such as existing health conditions, medications and overall nutritional status.

    It’s also important to be wary of products claiming to be “miracle cures” for cancer or other serious diseases. These claims are often unfounded and can lead vulnerable people to delay seeking proper medical treatment. Instead, focus on evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention and overall health.

    The most effective approach to reducing cancer risk remains a holistic one, focusing on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management and other lifestyle factors including avoiding tobacco and too much alcohol. While supplements may have a role in specific situations, they should not be seen as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

    In conclusion, while the idea of taking supplements to reduce cancer risk is appealing, the reality is more complex. Current scientific evidence does not support the use of most supplements for cancer prevention, and in some cases, certain high-dose supplementation may even increase risk.

    However, this doesn’t mean all supplements are harmful or useless. For individuals with specific nutritional deficiencies or health conditions, supplements can play an important role when used under the right supervision.

    Justin Stebbing, Professor of 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Record January heat suggests La Niña may be losing its ability to keep global warming in check

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard P. Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading

    January 2025 was the hottest on record – a whole 1.7°C above pre-industrial levels. If many climate-watchers expected the world to cool slightly this year thanks to the natural “La Niña” phenomena, the climate itself didn’t seem to get the memo. In fact, January 2025’s record heat highlights how human-driven ocean warming is increasingly overwhelming these natural climate patterns.

    La Niña is a part of the El Niño southern oscillation, a climate fluctuation that slowly sloshes vast bodies of water and heat between different ocean basins and disrupts weather patterns around the world. El Niño was first identified and christened by Peruvian fishermen who noticed a dismal drop in their catch of sardines that coincided with much warmer than usual coastal waters.

    El Niño is now well known to be part of a grander climate reorganisation that also has a reverse cool phase, La Niña. As vast swathes of the eastern Pacific cool down during La Niña, this has knock on effects for atmospheric weather patterns, shifting the most vigorous storms from the central Pacific to the west and disrupting the prevailing winds across the globe.

    This atmospheric reaction also helps to amplify the sea surface temperature changes. Typically, La Niña will lower the global temperature by a couple of tenths of a degree Celsius.

    In 2024 the Pacific swung from moderate El Niño conditions to a weak La Niña. However, this time around, it’s apparently not enough to stop the world warming – even temporarily. So what’s different this time?

    Each La Niña cycle is unique

    Scientists aren’t entirely surprised. Each El Niño and La Niña cycle is unique. Following an surprisingly lengthy “triple dip” La Niña starting in 2020, the El Niño that developed in 2023 was also unusual, struggling to stand out against globally warm seas. The switch to a weak La Niña has only slightly cooled a narrow band along the equatorial Pacific, while surrounding waters have remained unusually hot.

    Recent research shows human caused warming of the ocean is accelerating – so a year on year rise in temperature is itself getting bigger – and this is dominating to an ever greater extent over El Niño and other natural oscillations in the climate. This means that even during La Niña – when equatorial eastern Pacific waters are cooler than normal – the rest of the world’s oceans have remained remarkably warm.

    More carbon, less reflection

    There is also a sense of inevitability as greenhouse gas levels continue to grow, even despite the demise of El Niño. During El Niño years, the land tends to absorb less carbon from the atmosphere as large continental areas, such as parts of South America, temporarily dry out causing less plant growth and more carbon-emitting plant decay.

    La Niña tends to have the opposite effect. In the strong La Niña of 2011, so much extra rain fell on the normally dry lands of Australia and parts of South America and southeast Asia that sea levels dropped as the land held on to this excess moisture borrowed temporarily from the ocean. This meant more carbon was taken from the atmosphere to feed extra plant growth. But despite the switch to La Niña, the rate of rise in atmospheric carbon in 2024 and January 2025 remains above the already high levels of previous years.

    To this we can also add the diminishing effects of particle pollution from industry, big ships and other sources of “aerosols”, which in some regions had added a reflective haze in the atmosphere meaning the world absorbed less sunlight. Clean air policies introduced over time have made the world less smoggy, but they also seem to have caused clouds to reflect less sunlight back to space, adding to global heating.

    As industrial activity continues to spew greenhouse gases into the air, while air cleansed of particle pollution causes more sunlight to reach the ground, this growing heating effect is beginning to drown out natural fluctuations, tipping the balance toward record warmth and worsening hot, dry and wet extremes.

    The long-term trend is clear

    But, just as one swallow doesn’t make a summer, a single month is not reflective of the overall trajectory of climate change. Changing weather patterns from week to week can rapidly shift temperatures especially over big landmasses, which warm up and cool down more quickly than the oceans (it takes a long time to boil up water for your vegetables but not long to super heat an empty pan).

    Large areas of Europe, Canada and Siberia experienced much less cold weather than is normal for January (by up to about 7°C). Parts of South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica also experienced above average temperatures. Along with the balmy oceans, this all contributed to an unexpectedly warm start to 2025.

    While this particular warm January isn’t necessarily cause for immediate alarm, it suggests natural cooling phases may become less effective at temporarily offsetting the impact of rising greenhouse gas levels on global temperatures. And to limit the scale of the inevitable, ensuing climate change, there is a clear, urgent need to rapidly and massively cut greenhouse gas emissions and to properly account for the true cost of our lifestyles on societies and the ecosystems that underpin them.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Richard P. Allan 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. Record January heat suggests La Niña may be losing its ability to keep global warming in check – https://theconversation.com/record-january-heat-suggests-la-nina-may-be-losing-its-ability-to-keep-global-warming-in-check-249389

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Stories about repeating history – what to watch, read and see this week

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor

    “Here they are, my lost people, in need of strongmen and simple ideas,” says Benito Mussolini to the camera. It is March 23 1919, and all that we know will happen in Italy and all that we know this man will become is only just being set in motion. Mussolini: Son of the Century, a new Italian-language Sky Atlantic TV series, tells the story of this beginning, of the rise of Italian fascism and its consolidation in power from 1919 to 1925.

    Set out in eight parts, it’s a striking and powerful piece of TV. Italian actor Luca Marinelli performs indomitably as the 35-year-old soon-to-be dictator, Benito Mussolini. Our reviewer, expert in Italian history John Foot, has spent countless hours studying and watching Mussolini. He was blown away by the precision with which Marinelli expels torrents of words – many of which have been drawn directly from Mussolini’s journalism and speeches.

    The series is coming at a moment when far-right leaders are winning elections all over the world and its director, Joe Wright, is keenly aware. This series is clearly a warning. Democracy is fragile. Yes, this series is about the man who would become “Il Duce” (the Duke) but it shows, as Foot notes, how he was enabled and how easily his incendiary language and the violence of his supporters were ignored.

    Mussolini: Son of the Century is available on Sky Atlantic now



    Read more:
    Why I loved the new Mussolini drama – by an expert in Italian fascism

    Dark history

    If you’re looking to learn about another bit of global history through brilliant storytelling let me recommend the director Tim Fehlbaum’s new film September 5. The film recounts the Black September attack on the Israeli team at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

    As our reviewer, film expert Barry Langford writes, this incident arguably introduced the term “terrorist” to many viewers for the first time. The story has been told many times but the focus here is on the American sports broadcasting crew tasked with covering the hostage crisis. The drama unfolds almost entirely within the confines of the control room.

    It is a tense and tightly-packed 94 minutes that does this story justice and shows that big topics can be handled well in short (for these days) films.

    September 5 is in cinemas now.



    Read more:
    September 5: tense and taut drama vividly recreates the Munich massacre

    Another historical fiction recommendation is the new book from the Nobel literature prize-winning South Korean author Han Kang, We Do Not Part. First published in 2021 and now translated into English, it takes on the memories and lasting shadow of Jeju 4.3 (1947 to 1948) on the families who survived.

    The official figure of how many people died is still not known, and it’s assumed that around 10% of the population of Jeju island was killed during this US-backed operation by the Korean government to eradicate communists and their sympathisers. The incident was suppressed by the government until 2000 when it was officially recognised.

    In this book, Kang bears witness to the horror through Kyungha, who is snowed in at her friend Inseon’s compound in Jeju. There, she discovers Inseon’s lifelong investigation into her family’s experiences of the massacres.

    It is told in a sort of dizzying, fragmentary style where excerpts of interviews, descriptions of pictures and passages of memories intersect with Kyungha’s present. Haunting and harrowing at times, it features Han Kang’s typical precise language and brilliantly unnerving and dreamlike storytelling.



    Read more:
    We Do Not Part by Han Kang: a haunting story which forces the reader to remember a horrific incident in Korea’s past that it tried to erase

    Killer robots and giant whales

    Film’s fascination with the possibility of sexy female robots goes back to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis in 1927. Men lust after these robots, but also fear them – and often rightly so. Some of my favourites in this genre are Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982), Alex Garland’s Ex Machina (2014) and now Drew Hancock’s Companion (2025).

    Companion follows Iris and Josh, a seemingly average couple bound in their driverless car for a weekend away with Josh’s friends. Iris, like many girlfriends in this scenario, is eager to be a success. But, she isn’t a normal girl, she’s a sophisticated humanoid companion bot – something she doesn’t know about herself … yet. What begins with dinner parties and dancing soon devolves into violence as something in her programming goes wrong.

    As our reviewer Sarah Artt notes: “What makes Companion unsettling is not so much its depiction of cyborgs but rather its portrayal of misogyny.” This glossy film asks what makes someone a good partner to anyone, sophisticated robot or otherwise. Does our treatment and respect of humanoid bots and AI matter? I saw this film last week and am still thinking about it.

    Companion is in cinemas now.



    Read more:
    Companion review: this sleek but violent film asks interesting ethical questions about our relationship with AI

    Finally, if you are in or happen to be going to Winchester this month, pop by the cathedral to gawp in awe at three huge sculptures of sperm whales hanging from the ceiling in the nave. The immersive exhibition Whales is by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser and asks visitors to stare up at the majesty of these almighty creatures and contemplate humankind’s increasing ecological impact on the world’s climate.

    Whales is on at Winchester Cathedral until February 26.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    – ref. Stories about repeating history – what to watch, read and see this week – https://theconversation.com/stories-about-repeating-history-what-to-watch-read-and-see-this-week-249297

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘There has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs’: the rising global threat of nitazenes and synthetic opioids

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Philip A. Berry, Visiting Research Fellow, King’s College London

    US Drug Enforcement Administration images accompanying a warning about the emergence of nitazenes in Washington DC, June 2022 USDEA

    In the early hours of September 14 2021, three men parked in a quiet car park in the southern English market town of Abingdon-on-Thames. The men, returning from a night out, had pulled over to smoke heroin.

    Unknown to them, the drug had been fortified with a nitazene compound called isotonitazene, a highly potent new synthetic opioid. Two of the men, Peter Haslam and Adrian Davies, overdosed and went into cardiac arrest. The third, Michael Parsons, tried to save them and himself by injecting naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote. Despite paramedics also trying to resuscitate Haslam and Davies, both died at the scene.

    Their deaths were among at least 27 fatalities linked to nitazenes that year in the UK. Since then, nitazenes – otherwise known as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids – have become more prevalent in the UK’s illegal drug supply, leading some experts to warn that they are a major new threat because of their extreme potency.

    In June 2023, the UK’s most recent outbreak of deaths linked to synthetic opioids emerged in the West Midlands when drug dealers used nitazenes to fortify low-purity heroin. By August, there were 21 nitazene-related fatalities in Birmingham alone. In some cases, dealers also added xylazine (colloquially known as “tranq”), a non-opioid sedative used by vets.

    The increasing availability of these and other synthetic drugs led the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to warn in August 2024 that “there has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs”. Like Haslam and Davies, many heroin users are unaware they might also be consuming nitazenes, which significantly increase the risk of overdose.

    Given their potency, only a small amount of nitazene is required to produce a fatal dose. While some studies have concluded that nitazenes are even more potent than the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which causes many thousands of deaths in the US, the NCA judges it a “realistic possibility” that the potency of both substances are “broadly equivalent” – making them roughly 50 times more potent than heroin.


    Illicit drug use is damaging large parts of the world socially, politically and environmentally. Patterns of supply and demand are changing rapidly. In our new longform series Addicted, leading drug experts bring you the latest insights on drug use and production as we ask: is it time to declare a planetary emergency?

    Officially, more than 400 deaths plus many non-fatal overdoses were linked to nitazenes in the UK between June 2023 and January 2025. But this is likely to be an underestimate because of gaps within forensic and toxicology reporting. These figures come amid record levels of drug-related deaths in England and Wales. In 2023, there were 5,448 deaths related to drug poisoning, an 11% increase on the previous year and the highest total since records began in 1993.

    This is of particular concern given that the UK has the largest heroin market in Europe, comprising around 300,000 users in England alone. While nitazene-related deaths are still relatively low (although by no means insignificant) compared with those from heroin and other opioids, these new synthetic opioids are cheap and easy to buy, and offer dealers multiple advantages over traditional plant-based drugs.

    Unlike opium, nitazenes and other synthetic opioids can be produced anywhere in the world using precursor chemicals that are often uncontrolled and widely available. Producer countries including China and India have not yet banned all nitazene compounds, meaning they are sold legally – mostly online. Chemical manufacturing companies in these countries can synthesise nitazenes at scale using a comparatively easy three or four-step process.

    Opioid use death rates around the world:

    Estimated deaths from opioid use disorders per 100,000 people in 2021.
    Our World In Data, CC BY

    For the past 15 years, I have researched and advised on the international narcotics industry, especially the Afghan drug trade, as an academic, UK Home Office official and consultant. I’ve observed many shifts within global drug markets, and I believe the increasing availability of synthetic drugs in the UK and Europe may represent a new chapter in illicit drug use here – with the emergence of nitazenes only adding to these concerns.

    A brief history of synthetic opioids

    New synthetic opioids (NSOs) are one of the fastest-growing groups of new psychoactive substances around the world. The EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) currently monitors 81 NSOs – the fourth-largest group of drugs under observation.

    NSOs largely fall into two broad groups: fentanyl and its analogues, and non-fentanyl-structured compounds – these include nitazenes, among many other substances.

    Many of these “new” synthetic opioids have, in fact, existed for decades. Nitazenes were first synthesised in the 1950s by the Swiss pharmaceutical company, Ciba Aktiengesellschaft, as pain-relieving analgesics, although they were never approved for medical use.

    Prior to 2019, there had only been limited reports of nitazenes in the illegal drug supply – including a “brownish looking powder” found in Italy in 1966; the discovery of a lab in Germany in 1987; several nitazene-related deaths in Moscow in 1998; and a US chemist illegally producing the drug for personal use in 2003. But since nitazenes re-emerged at the end of the last decade, over 20 variants have been discovered.

    Paul Janssen, the Belgian chemist who first made fentanyl.
    Johnson & Johnson

    The most common NSO in the illegal drug market, fentanyl, was first synthesised by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen in 1960. Fentanyl, which is roughly 100 times more potent than morphine, was approved in the US in 1968 for pharmaceutical use as an analgesic.

    Over the next four decades, however, illegally produced fentanyl resulted in three relatively small outbreaks of deaths in the US. A fourth, larger fentanyl outbreak in Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia resulted in about 1,000 deaths between 2005 and 2007.

    The current US fentanyl crisis started in 2013, expanding to affect much of the country. Between 2014 and 2019, Chinese companies were the main manufacturers of finished fentanyl substances in the US – to combat this, both the Obama and Trump administrations lobbied Beijing to curtail the fentanyl industry.

    The Chinese government responded by controlling specific fentanyl analogues. However, every time an analogue was banned, chemists there would slightly adjust the formula to produce a new compound that mirrored the banned substance.

    China finally banned all fentanyl-related substances in May 2019, prompting two significant changes in the drug’s supply: a slowdown in the development of new fentanyl analogues, and a reduction in their direct sale to the US from China. Instead, Chinese companies increasingly sent fentanyl precursors to Mexican drug cartels who would synthesise fentanyl (or counterfeit medication) in clandestine labs, before smuggling it across the US border. Consequently, Mexico is now the primary source of fentanyl in the US.

    But these supply changes led to another shift in the global drugs arena, as China’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses – keen to develop new markets – adjusted their focus to producing uncontrolled synthetic substances, including nitazenes. At the same time, they expanded their geographical focus from North America to include Europe and the UK.

    The nitazene supply chain

    Producing nitazenes is a relatively low-cost exercise. They are largely manufactured in laboratories – both legal and illegal – in China, before being smuggled to the UK and Europe via fast parcel and post networks.

    Nitazenes’ high potency means only small quantities are required, making them easier to transport and harder for border officials to detect. Some Chinese vendors have reportedly been offering to hide nitazenes in legitimate goods such as dog food and catering supplies, to circumvent custom controls. All of this decreases the risk to sellers, and lessens the price of doing business.

    In March 2024, two China-based sellers operating on the dark web were selling a kilo of nitazene for between €10,000 and €17,000 (£12,000-£20,000). During roughly the same period, a kilo of heroin at the wholesale level in the UK was selling for between £23,000 and £26,000. Once bought, nitazenes are largely used to fortify low-purity heroin, although the drug can also be made into pills.

    Video by The Guardian.

    Nitazenes are not limited to the dark web. They are widely and openly advertised on the internet, social media and music streaming platforms. In February 2024, one China-based e-commerce site displayed 85 advertisements for nitazenes. Such sites also sell a range of other synthetic drugs, including fentanyl analogues and precursors, xylazines, cannabinoids and methamphetamine.

    This means drug dealers in the UK and across the world no longer need to have established connections to underworld figures to source illegal drugs. With a click of a mouse, they can have them delivered to their home address. In this sense, the internet has democratised the drug trade by widening access beyond “traditional” criminals.

    In the UK, while the supply of nitazenes is currently assessed as “low”, a number of smaller-scale organised crime groups are importing them to fortify low-purity heroin, before largely dealing it at the “county lines” level. This involves organised crime groups moving drugs – primarily heroin and crack cocaine – across towns, cities and county borders within the UK, using mobile phones or another form of “deal line” to sell to customers.

    In November 2023, Leon Brown from West Bromwich was imprisoned for seven years for dealing drugs containing nitazenes – a verdict described as “a great result in our ongoing efforts to tackle county lines drug dealing” by detective sergeant Luke Papps of the South Worcestershire county lines team.

    A few larger UK criminal networks have also been involved in nitazene distribution. In October 2023, the police and Border Force conducted raids across north London, arresting 11 people. They dismantled a drug processing site and seized 150,000 tablets containing nitazene – the UK’s largest ever seizure of synthetic opioids – as well as a pill-pressing machine, a firearm, more than £60,000 in cash and £8,000 in cryptocurrency. The police suspected the group had been selling the tablets on the dark web.

    Anecdotal reports suggest there have been mixed reactions to the introduction of nitazenes into the illegal drug supply. Richard, a recovering heroin user from Bristol, told Vice magazine that, given their potency, some “people are scared of [nitazenes]” while others are “actively seeking” them.

    As has been the case with fentanyl in the US, users build up tolerance and therefore seek stronger doses. Manny, a heroin user from Bristol, told Vice: “I smoked [heroin cut with nitazenes] and it felt like the first time I’d ever taken drugs.”

    Video by Vice.

    UK-based criminals also use the dark web to export nitazenes abroad. In October 2023, the Australian Border Force identified 22 nitazene discoveries in packages shipped to the country via mail cargo from the UK. British criminals have also trafficked counterfeit medicines containing nitazenes to Ireland and Norway.

    Use of nitazenes is now being detected all over the world. Within Europe, Ireland experienced several nitazene outbreaks in 2023-24 while in Estonia, nitazenes now account for a large share of overdose deaths – a trend also seen (to a lesser extent) in Latvia. Preliminary data suggests at least 150 deaths were linked to nitazenes in Europe in 2023.

    Nitazenes have also been discovered in fake pain medication such as benzodiazepines, oxycodone and diazepam, which widens the number of people at risk to include those with no opioid tolerance. The death in July 2023 of Alex Harpum, a 23-year-old British student who was preparing for a career as an opera singer, was a stark reminder of the danger of buying fake medicine online that may have been contaminated with nitazenes.

    The nitazene ‘boom’ and the global heroin trade

    For decades, Afghanistan was the world’s largest opium producer and the source of most of Europe’s heroin. Then in April 2022, the ruling Taliban announced a comprehensive prohibition on the use, trade, transport, production, import and export of all drugs. As a result, poppy cultivation has fallen to historically low levels for a second consecutive year.

    While this has not, as yet, translated into a shortage of heroin on European streets, including in the UK and Germany, some indicators suggest a slowdown in heroin supplies to the UK. In the year March 2023-24, the quantity of heroin seized in the UK fell by 54%, from 950kg to 441kg. This is the lowest quantity of heroin seized since 1989, when about 350kg was intercepted.

    The NCA assesses that the Taliban ban has created market “uncertainty”. The wholesale price of heroin has increased from roughly £16,000 per kilo prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to about £26,000, while anecdotal reports suggest average heroin purity for users dropped to under 30% (often to 10-20%) in 2024, compared with around 35% in 2023 and 45% in 2022.

    Video by UN Story.

    Even without the Taliban’s ban, heroin is not easy to produce and supply. Cultivating opium poppy is labour-intensive, taking five or six months. The static nature of opium fields means they are visible and susceptible to eradication; poppy crops can also be negatively affected by blight or drought.

    Converting opium into heroin base is also a labour-intensive process that can involve (depending on the production method) at least 17 steps. Acetic anhydride, the main chemical used to convert morphine into heroin, is relatively expensive compared with synthetic precursors. Moreover, heroin is a bulky product, which means it is harder to move in large volumes.

    While the relationship between events in opiate-producer countries and the introduction of synthetic opioids to consumer markets should not be overstated, this new type of drug offers economic advantages to criminals whose “sole motivation is greed”.

    For decades, Turkish, Kurdish and Pakistani criminal networks have been responsible for importing heroin into the UK. Once in the UK, both Turkish and British groups largely control its wholesale supply, with some participation of Albanian gangs.

    To date, there is little evidence to suggest these groups have transitioned to supplying NSOs, including nitazenes. The shifting dynamics in the global drug supply chain, however, could upend traditional markets and the gangs who profit from them.

    America’s synthetic drug crisis

    The synthetic opioid fentanyl has devastated the US, having been linked to about 75,000 deaths in 2023 alone. It is the primary cause of death for Americans aged 18-49. Canada, too, has experienced a wave of deaths: between January 2016 and June 2024, there were 49,105 apparent opioid deaths there, with fentanyl implicated in a large proportion.

    While the North American nitazene market is still small in comparison, the US, followed by Canada, has reported the highest number of unique nitazenes to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances.

    More than 4,300 reports of nitazenes have reached the US National Forensic Laboratory Information System since 2019. They are typically used to fortify fentanyl and other opioids, which can produce a fatal concoction.

    Efforts to stem the flow of NSOs, including nitazenes, from China to the US and elsewhere will prove challenging. And even if China does implement stricter controls, other countries could step in to fill the void. According to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking:

    The overall sizes of these industries, limited oversight efforts and political incentives contribute to an atmosphere of impunity among firms and individuals associated with those industries.

    While US and Chinese counter-narcotics cooperation ended in 2022 amid increasing geopolitical tensions, the following November’s summit in Woodside, California, between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping saw them agree to recommence collaboration.

    As a result, China recently closed several chemical companies that were shipping fentanyl precursors and nitazenes to the US. These vendors used encrypted platforms and cryptocurrency to conduct the deals, and mislabelled the consignments to try to ensure the substances evaded border controls. China has also outlawed more chemicals and substances, including several nitazene variants.

    But President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on imports from China – which sit alongside proposed taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico, in part for supposedly not doing enough to curb the trafficking of fentanyl and its precursors to the US – threatens this counter-narcotics cooperation.

    While nitazenes are not yet widely available in the US, their presence within some fentanyl batches is complicating the US opioid crisis – and according to some experts, has the potential to further increase the already shocking number of synthetic opioid-related deaths.

    The UK response to nitazenes

    Successive UK governments have made tackling NSOs a high priority. Shortly after the most recent nitazene-related deaths were discovered in the UK in summer 2023, the NCA launched Project Housebuilder to lead and coordinate the law enforcement and public health response.

    This was soon followed by the establishment of a government-wide Synthetic Opioids Taskforce “to improve…understanding, preparedness and mitigation against this evolving threat”. Chris Philp, then the UK’s combatting drugs minister, stated that “synthetic opioids are at the top of [this government’s] list because of the harm they cause”.

    The taskforce has taken a range of measures, such as controlling more NSOs as class A drugs, conducting more intelligence operations at UK borders, widening access to naloxone, and enhancing the UK’s real-time, multi-source drug surveillance system. The government also worked with the US and Canada to learn from their experiences.

    Recently, the current UK government banned a further six synthetic opioids and introduced a generic definition of nitazenes as class A drugs. And the UK’s current government, unlike its Conservative predecessor, has also indicated its willingness to consider evidence from the UK’s first drug consumption facility, which recently opened in Glasgow.



    Read more:
    Drug deaths are rising and overdose prevention centres save lives, so why is the UK unwilling to introduce them?

    Other policy measures worthy of consideration include expanding drug checking services whereby drug users submit drugs to a lab to test what is in them, then are provided with information about the sample. These services offer vital information to the public and authorities about current drug trends.

    While there is high uncertainty about what is going to happen next in the UK regarding illicit drug trends, the evolution of the US drug landscape over generations provides some important lessons.

    Lessons from the US

    The US fentanyl crisis shows drug markets can change quickly with long-lasting consequences. Most heroin on US streets contains – or has been replaced by – fentanyl. According to DEA seizure data, US heroin seizures declined by nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023, whereas fentanyl seizures have increased by 451%.

    However, illegal drug markets evolve in different ways and at different paces. In May 1989, Douglas Hogg, a UK Home Office minister, travelled to the US and the Bahamas on a fact-finding mission about crack cocaine, a drug that was predicted to spread from the US to the UK. Upon his return, Hogg noted:

    The ethnic, social and economic characters of many of our big cities are very similar to those in the US. If they have a crack problem, why should not we? … The use of crack in Great Britain is likely to develop very substantially over the next few years.

    But this “crack invasion”, as some called it, did not materialise in the UK to the extent it had in the US – and the same was true about a predicted wave of methamphetamine use in the UK, which remains low compared with the US.

    It is also unlikely the UK and Europe will experience a synthetic opioid crisis on the same scale as the US. The first wave of the US crisis was driven by extensive overprescription of opioids for pain relief. This increased the number of people addicted to opioids, some of whom later turned to heroin, before transitioning to fentanyl. In contrast, large-scale opioid prescriptions have not been a major issue in the UK or Europe, although there is some diversion of legal fentanyl into the illegal drug market in Europe.

    Video by The Brookings Institution.

    According to Alex Stevens, professor of criminology at the University of Sheffield, another factor differentiating the US and Europe is the provision of drug treatment and harm reduction programmes. Opioid users in Europe, and to a lesser extent in the UK, are much more likely to be in medication-assisted treatment than their US counterparts, thus reducing the number of people at risk. These interventions are reinforced by different socioeconomic factors in much of Europe, such as lower economic inequality, stronger social protections, and better healthcare systems.

    None of this, though, means the nitazene threat in the UK and Europe should be underestimated, nor that use and supply of these drugs (and other NSOs) will not increase from its current relatively low base. As the NCA recently warned:

    While a zero-tolerance approach from law enforcement, plus advice to users on the heightened dangers, may contain or slow the current uptake, we must prepare for these substances to become widely available, both unadvertised in fortified mixes and in response to user demand as a more potent high.

    The future of new synthetic opioids

    Predicting the future of NSO use and trafficking is a challenging task. Projections for Europe range from existing opiate stockpiles ensuring that heroin consumer markets remain serviced (assuming the Taliban ban is short-lived), to a heroin shortage which results in more drug dealers turning to NSOs to plug the shortfall, which in turn could lead to lasting changes in European drug markets (as happened in a few countries following the Taliban’s first opium ban in 2000-01).

    In such a scenario, it is possible that Turkish criminal networks may exploit their links with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel to source NSOs. Mexican criminal gangs also operate in Europe, which may increase the likelihood of them trying to open a new NSO market on the continent.

    There is also evidence that some Italian criminal organisations have entered the NSO marketplace. In November 2023, Italian authorities announced the seizure of 100,000 doses of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, as part of operation Painkiller, a joint Italian-American initiative.

    Given the many advantages for criminal groups of NSOs, it seems likely they are here to stay. A key question is whether nitazenes (or other NSOs) will supplant traditional heroin as the opioid of choice, as they have done in the US, or remain at relatively low levels in Europe, co-existing with or mixed into the heroin supply.

    In December 2023, Paul Griffiths, the EUDA’s scientific director, told Vice: “We’re not seeing much new initiation of heroin use in Europe. So in five to ten years … as heroin users get older and more vulnerable, we’re not going to have much of an opiate problem left.”

    But he warned that if heroin use does dry up: “You might then see opioids appearing in other forms and preparations, such as pills, that could potentially become popular among younger age groups who currently do not appear attracted to injecting heroin.”

    While previous NSO outbreaks in the UK were relatively short-lived and limited in scale, the most recent nitazene outbreak, which started in summer of 2023, has been more sustained, covered more parts of the UK, and involved more fatalities. The broader trend in Europe also suggests the prevalence and variations of NSOs are increasing at a faster pace than in previous years.

    Notwithstanding, nitazene use and supply in the UK currently remains relatively low. In fact, the rate of nitazene-linked deaths – at least those officially reported – decreased between spring 2024 and the end of the year.

    In the short term, then, it seems unlikely there will be a nitazene “explosion”. Rather, criminal groups will probably try to increasingly embed nitazenes into the UK drug market at a similar pace to the last 18 months.

    However, this situation could change rapidly in future, especially if larger criminal networks involved in heroin importation switch to smuggling NSOs, and there is a genuine shortage of Afghan heroin. This problem would be compounded if drug users start seeking nitazenes, thus creating demand for them.

    Either way, the UK government, along with its European partners, should continue to reinforce the whole drug system, to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

    For you: more from our Insights series:

    To hear about new Insights articles, join the hundreds of thousands of people who value The Conversation’s evidence-based news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

    Philip A. Berry 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. ‘There has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs’: the rising global threat of nitazenes and synthetic opioids – https://theconversation.com/there-has-never-been-a-more-dangerous-time-to-take-drugs-the-rising-global-threat-of-nitazenes-and-synthetic-opioids-247268

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The US tried high tariffs and ‘America first’ policies in the 1930s. Trump should note what happened next

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Gift, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre on US Politics, UCL

    Donald Trump has hit the 30-day pause button on imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, but is proceeding with slapping 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, and tariffs on the EU are still on his agenda.

    Trump has declared that “tariff” is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”. Yet as the president weighs up the sweeping consequences of his tariff fixation, he may want to throw out the dictionary and pick up a history book.

    The magnitude and scale of the proposed tariffs hark back to the US Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act enacted in 1930.

    For example, Nobel Laureate economist Paul Krugman told Bloomberg that “we’re really talking about tariffs on a scale that we … have not seen,” adding that “we’re talking about a reversal of really 90 years of US policy”.

    The Smoot-Hawley tariffs were initially intended to provide support to the deeply indebted US agricultural sector at the end of the 1920s, and protect them from foreign competition – all familiar themes to the anti-free-trade rhetoric peddled by Trumpists today.

    The advent of the Great Depression had generated widespread, albeit not universal, demands for protection from imports, and Smoot-Hawley increased already significant tariffs on overseas goods. Members of Congress were eager to provide protection, trading votes in exchange for support for their constituents’ industries.

    Although at the time more than 1,000 economists implored President Herbert Hoover to veto Smoot-Hawley, the bill was signed into law. The resulting tariff act led to taxes averaging nearly 40% on 20,000 or so different types of imported goods.

    The history of trade tariffs in the US.

    The culmination led to a dramatic decline in US trade with other countries, particularly among those that retaliated, and is widely acknowledge as severely worsening the Great Depression. According to one estimate, the sum of US imports plummeted by nearly half.

    What’s more, the impacts were felt globally. Protectionist policies are believed to have accounted for about half of the 25% decline in world trade, and indirectly helped create economic factors that led to the second world war.

    The blowback against Capitol Hill was immense as well: the optics of vote trading over the tariff act resulted in Congress delegating control over trade policy to the president just four years later because the behaviour was regarded as so reckless.

    All of this came against the backdrop of diplomatic American isolationism in the 1930s, which were not unlike many of Trump’s current efforts to retreat from – or even attack – multilateral institutions.

    Despite President Woodrow Wilson winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his work initiating the League of Nations (a forerunner of the United Nations), for example, the US never became a member. The term “America first” was also used widely in this period to refer to a focus on domestic policy and high tariffs.

    Fast forward to present day

    Trump has said that his tariffs will cause “some pain” but are “worth the price that must be paid.” Based on recent estimates from the non-partisan Peterson Institute for International Economics, Trump’s tariffs could drive up costs for the average US household more than US$1,200 (£963) per year.

    Whether US voters will still stand behind Trump when actual prices begin to rise is still to be determined.

    However, many Republicans on Capitol Hill have rushed to Trump’s defence. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York told Fox News that she’s glad the US is “projecting strength for once on the world stage”. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri insisted that tariffs were “not a surprise,” emphasising that Trump had relentlessly campaigned on “improving our standing in the world.”

    Perhaps the sharpest Republican rebuke came from Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who labelled the tariffs simply a “bad idea”.

    Public opinion data show that tariffs are hotly contested, with partisanship shaping both general views toward tariffs and views on specific national targets.

    According to a January 2025 Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, 52% of Americans overall approve of placing new tariffs on China, with 74% of Republicans in favour, but just 34% of Democrats.

    Support is more modest for imposing tariffs on America’s neighbours. Only 40% of voters think tariffs on Canada and Mexico are a good idea, including 59% of Republicans and 24% of Democrats.

    Tariffs rank low on a list of national priorities. A mere 3% of Americans think tariffs on Canada and Mexico should be a top priority for Trump in his first 100 days, while just 11% rank tariffs on China as a top priority.

    Prospect of a broader trade war

    What seems clear is that Trump’s proposed tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China could be just the opening salvos in a broader tit-for-tat that may extend to Europe, and beyond.

    At home, the political challenge for Trump is to keep intact what increasingly looks like a fragile coalition – balancing the interests of hardline Maga supporters who reject free trade and tech titans who see tariffs as disrupting vital supply chains, especially to Asia.

    After Trump’s election, former adviser and populist nationalist Steve Bannon warned that America would no longer be “abused” by “unbalanced trade deals.” “Yes, tariffs are coming,” he said. “You will have to pay to have access to the US market. It is no longer free, the free market is over.”

    Meanwhile, Silicon Valley has been mostly silent on the tariffs. While tech moguls are doubtlessly trying to curry favour for tariff exemptions or the reduction of tariffs altogether, it’s possible that they have been assured that the tariffs are about leverage and will be gone soon enough.

    Regardless, Trump is showing that tariffs are a crucial part of his “America first” foreign policy, a kind of belligerent unilateralism that treats allies and adversaries alike as pieces to be moved around a chessboard.

    Under Trump, the “art of the deal” means throwing America’s weight around as the world’s economic superpower, and waiting for the leaders of other nations to fold. Whether American voters will endure the economic costs necessary for his plans could determine his resolve.

    Trump may think that tariff is a beautiful word now. But if even a glimmer of the 1930s repeats itself, its economic shadow could soon look grim.

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

    – ref. The US tried high tariffs and ‘America first’ policies in the 1930s. Trump should note what happened next – https://theconversation.com/the-us-tried-high-tariffs-and-america-first-policies-in-the-1930s-trump-should-note-what-happened-next-249079

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Public Accounts Committee report on Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) Technologies

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) technologies. 

    Prof Hannah Chalmers, Personal Chair of Sustainable Energy Systems, Institute for Energy Systems, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, said:

    “CCUS technologies can play a unique role in tackling carbon dioxide emissions.  They can be used at large industrial sites to ensure that most of the carbon dioxide produced by activities like iron and steel production is not emitted to the atmosphere.  Instead, the carbon dioxide is permanently stored in geological formations (rocks).  In the UK, CCUS projects are developing plans to store carbon dioxide in layers of rock that are deep underneath the sea.

    “There is also ongoing work to develop and deploy cost-effective approaches to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air.  This provides an important option to respond to the widely reported increases in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere that are causing significant concern.

    “There is significant evidence that including CCUS in a mix of technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will be the most cost-effective way to address climate change.  Several large-scale projects have been operating in other countries for many years.  Experience from these projects is being used to ensure that the CCUS projects that are being developed in the UK are designed to be reliable and cost-effective.”

     

    Dr Stuart Gilfillan, Reader in Geochemistry, University of Edinburgh, said:

    What is CCUS technology, how does it work, does it have limitations?

    “CCUS stands for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage, which is a developing technology which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. It works by capturing CO2 at the point source, transporting it and then burying it for safe storage in rocks over a kilometre below the ground surface. Like any technology, it has pros and cons, and costs more than simply releasing the CO2 directly to the atmosphere, which is currently free. CCUS is the only currently available technology that can directly reduce CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes. Given that global temperature records are now being broken on an almost daily basis and yesterday’s announcement of the hottest January on record, it is essential tool in the urgent fight against runaway climate change.

    What is the existing evidence around the efficacy of CCUS?

    “CO2 capture technology has proven successful in capturing up to 90-95% of CO2 emissions from point of sources from power stations and industrial facilities. Successful examples include the Boundary Dam power station in Saskatchewan, Canada, where a large-scale CCUS unit has been operational since 2014, capturing about 1 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

    “The long-term storage of CO2 is proven by natural CO2 reservoirs around the world and engineered projects like Sleipner in the North Sea, which have been injecting CO2 beneath the seabed since 1996 without significant issues. Research over the past two decades has developed monitoring technologies that can detect and mitigate potential leakage and to ensure that CO2 remains securely buried in rocks deep underground.

    What more evidence may be needed to be confident in its applications?

    “No more evidence is required, as exemplified by the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC), which is an independent body established under the Climate Change Act who advise the government on emissions targets and report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The CCC is clear that CCUS is a critical technology for the decarbonisation of the UK economy, particularly in sectors that are hard to decarbonize directly, such as heavy industry (steel, cement, chemicals) and power generation.

    “CCUS is not only as a standalone technology but is an essential part of a broader strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It compliments energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, and electrification. CCUS is a clear driver for regional economic development, particularly in regions with suitable geological storage sites and industrial bases, such as the East Coast of Scotland, the Humber region, and North East England, areas that have been ‘left behind’ in recent times.”

     

    Dr Tim Dixon, IEA Greenhouse Gas, Director and General Manager, said:

    “Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a necessary technology for the UK and other countries to achieve net-zero, and we need all low-carbon energy technologies. The science case for the role of CCS is provided by the UK’s Climate Change Committee, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) and cannot be disputed if climate change is to be taken seriously. The key aspect of CCS is the secure long-term retention of CO2 in deep geological formations, and we have decades of experience in this from around the world. With over 40 large scale projects in operation injecting millions of tonnes every year and many pilot-scale projects, this has allowed us to test the science, the monitoring and the practicalities of geological storage of CO2. Hence CO2 geological storage is a proven technology and the regulations to enable and to ensure that it is safe and secure are based upon this sound science and experience. ”

     

    Professor Paul Fennell FIchemE, Professor of Clean Energy, Imperial College London, said:

    “The idea that Carbon Capture and Storage is an unproven technology is simply untrue.  There are projects ongoing around the world, and millions of tonnes of CO2 have been safely stored over the last couple of decades.  This has not happened in the U.K. because of our sclerotic inability to develop public infrastructure, not because the technology is unproven.”

     

    Dr Greg Mutch, Researcher in Carbon Capture and Storage, Newcastle University, said:

    “Carbon capture and storage is a technology that prevents carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, by capturing it and storing it underground in ‘empty’ oil & gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. According to the world’s foremost experts on the subject, gathered to contribute the International Panel on Climate Change, carbon capture and storage processes are necessary to achieve climate change mitigation goals at lowest cost. Without scalable CCS technologies by the end of the century, climate change mitigation will cost between 29 and 297% (mean value 138%) more.[1] Moreover, CCS is predicted to provide tens of thousands of jobs in the UK, add several billion pounds in terms of gross value added per year by 2050,[2] and enable other important technologies (hydrogen production etc) that will come with further jobs and economic value.”

    [1] IPCC, 2018: Global Warming of 1.5 °C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty, ed. V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, H.-O. Portner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P. R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Pean, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J. B. R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M. I. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor and T. Waterfield, Cambridge University Press, 2018.

    [2] Energy Innovation Needs Assessment Sub-theme report: Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, Vivid Economics, Carbon Trust, E4tech, Imperial College London, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Energy Systems Catapult. Commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 2019.

    Professor Peter Styring, Director of the UK Centre for Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Professor of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, University of Sheffield, said:

    What is CCUS technology, how does it work, does it have limitations?

    “CCUS is carbon capture and storage. This has been primarily focused on CCS as the main driver. It aims to capture carbon dioxide from emitters such as power stations and industries. The current technology temperature swing absorption (TSA)  using a chemical reaction with an aqueous amine solvent to capture the CO2 from the mixed waste gas and then to release it in a purified form by increased temperature chemical desorption and then further drying and purification to get a gas that can be in theory transported to a site where the gas can be stored underground. It works but at a high energy cost and the production of amine decomposition products that need to be removed and more amine added. It costs a lot!

    “Limitations are the energy and financial costs, permitting regulations on solvent disclosure and the large physical footprint. Full system lifecycle analysis is required but this is not always reported.”

    What is the existing evidence around the efficacy of CCUS?

    “This is not proven using current technologies. The problem is that the current government funded projects use old technologies to achieve CCS and what is actually needed is a step change to new, lower cost more efficient processes such as solid based pressure swing adsorption (PSA). The whole system tends to be simpler and the energy costs and land use is significantly reduced.”

    What more evidence may be needed to be confident in its applications?

    “Full evaluation of new technologies and rapid acceleration from proof of concept to capture at scale. The Innovate UK funded Flue2Chem project is a good example of how this is being addressed using mid-TRL technologies. The UK also needs to move away from a single minded storage approach to adding value through the use of CO2 in the production of chemicals that would otherwise be sourced from virgin fossil carbon. SUSTAIN project is making synthetic fuels from captured CO2 and Flue2Chem is making FMCG components, including surfactants and precursors from the CO2.”

     

    Dr Stuart Jenkins, Net Zero Fossil Fuel Fellow, University of Oxford, said:

    “The Public Accounts Committee are wrong to have labelled CCUS as ‘unproven’, there are many commercial scale projects around the world, but they are right to question the current model for funding it. We need to make sure the CCUS industry becomes self-sustaining, without the need for major taxpayer funding. One option — asking fossil fuel suppliers to contribute to these costs via a carbon storage mandate — is a fair and responsible approach going forward.

    In a recent report we published working with researchers at the University of Oxford and Carbon Balance Initiative [1] we looked at the use of Carbon Storage Mandates, which place an obligation on fossil fuel producers to capture and store a rising fraction of the CO2 they produce, to support the UK’s CCUS industry. 

    Carbon storage mandates, in tandem with carbon pricing and other mechanisms, could deliver subsidy-free CCUS to the UK and provide investment certainty for companies.”

    [1]- https://www.carbon-balance.earth/briefs-reports/report-markets-and-mandates 

    https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/127/public-accounts-committee/news/205139/carbon-capture-high-degree-of-uncertainty-whether-risky-investment-by-govt-will-pay-off/#:~:text=In%20a%20report%20published%20today,and%20the%20cost%20of%20living

    Declared interests

    Dr Stuart Jenkins Our report was funded by the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, and consulted regulators, fossil fuel companies, capture and storage entities, UK Government, and academics on models for CCUS sector support packages. 

    Professor Paul Fennell: No conflicts other than being involved in CCs research.

    Dr Tim Dixon: “Tim is a Director of IEA Environmental Projects Ltd (UK), a Non-Executive Director on the Board for The International CCS Knowledge Centre (Canada). He is also proud to be an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas in Austin, and an Honorary Lecturer at the School of Geosciences at University of Edinburgh. He was an original Board Member of the UK CCS Research Centre. Previously he worked in CCS, emissions trading, clean energy technologies and related areas for AEA Technology (ETSU), for the UK Government‘s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and for the Global CCS Institute. He was the EU’s Lead Negotiator for getting CCS in the CDM in UNFCCC in 2011, and a UK negotiator for getting CCS in the London Convention 2004-7, in OSPAR 2006-7, in the EU Emission Trading Scheme 2004-8, and inputting to the EU CCS Directive 2007-8. He gives talks on climate and CCS to schools and public organisations and supported the start of Oxford Climate Society at the University of Oxford. He is a Fellow of the UK Energy Institute, and member of the UK Institute of Physics and the UK Environmental Law Association.”

    Dr Stuart Gilfillan “I have received funding from TotalEnergies in the past, for research related to CO2 origins in the subsurface and reservoir connectivity and Equinor on CO2 dissolution in natural CO2 reservoirs. I currently receive funding from the Natural Environment Research Council and Carbfix on CO2 mineralisation.”

    Prof Hannah Chalmers “I work collaboratively with industrial partners who are developing CCUS projects in the UK (e.g. as a member of the Advisory Board for the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre).  I currently receive no funding from industry, but have received funding from industrial partners who are actively developing CCUS projects in the UK in the past (e.g. SSE plc).”

    Professor Peter Styring: Peter is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of Sheffield (an investigator on Flue2Chem and SUSTAIN) and a Co-founder and Director of CCU International.

    For all other experts, no response to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –