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Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How the UK’s cold weather payments need to change to help prevent people freezing in winter

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Longden, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University

    DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

    The UK government recently expanded the warm home discount by removing restrictions that had previously excluded many people who can’t always afford to heat their homes. Now, the payment of £150 will be received by 2.7 million more households than last winter.

    The UK government has also reversed its decision to limit winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners. This could benefit up to 9 million people.

    The UK government has two other mechanisms for reducing heating costs over winter. The warm home discount and winter fuel payment are both one-off payments that help people pay their heating bills. The cold weather payment aims to support people during spells of very cold weather.

    Recipients of specific means-tested benefits in England, Wales and Northern Ireland automatically receive £25 after cold weather occurs in their region. Another policy applies in Scotland, where some people get a single winter heating payment.

    While these changes to the winter fuel payment and warm home discount are welcome, the cold weather payment has long been seen as an outdated, old-fashioned scheme in need of change. For example, it is paid after cold weather happens. Our research indicates that it can be improved by changing this.

    The wide use of smart meters means that researchers like us can now produce data-driven studies that improve our understanding of energy use and expenditure during cold weather. Our recent studies of prepayment meter customers’ energy use indicate ways to improve the cold weather payments.

    Analysis of electricity and gas smart-meter data from 11,500 Utilita Energy prepayment customers showed that 63% of households self-disconnected from energy supply at least once a year. In this study, published in Energy Research & Social Science, we found that more homes self-disconnected from gas during cold periods than at other times. There was no evidence to show that the cold weather payment as presently designed reduced this risk.

    Also using smart meter data from energy company Utilita Energy, a recent study published in the journal Energy Economics shows that prepayment gas customers in regions with high fuel poverty tend to struggle at temperatures below −4°C. Below this temperature, prepayment gas customers need to top up more often and with higher amounts. People using prepayment tend to top-up their credit in advance of cold weather.

    Cold weather payments could be sent directly to customers with smart meters.
    Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

    In colder weather, more people use emergency credit and disconnect from power more often. Emergency credit is provided by the utility as a short-term loan. Self-disconnections occur when the household has no credit left and they have no energy supply.

    The government’s payment is triggered when the average temperature falls below 0°C for seven consecutive days. As this metric is not reported by news media or meteorology services, it’s hard to know when the cold weather payment will be received. The easiest way to find out if a payment will be made, after cold weather, requires people to enter their postcode at a Department for Work and Pensions website.

    If people are unsure if severe weather is forecast, they may not increase their top-up in advance. They may, however, self-ration or limit energy use to save money.

    The cold weather payment is only paid once even when there are multiple periods of cold. This “overlap penalty” severely affects those living in northern England and particularly Yorkshire, which is a colder region where cold weather spells are more common.

    Cause for reform

    The payment should be made in advance of cold weather, and utility companies could pay it directly to customers who have smart meters. Credits could be applied for those using other types of meters. This is likely to reduce self-disconnections and self-rationing during very cold nights.

    Payments should be triggered by the minimum night-time temperature. The temperature measure used at present is confusing and the money is not paid until up to two weeks after extremely cold weather, which is problematic for those on tight budgets.

    To better match the support needed during cold weather, the amount paid should be increased to £10 a day for every day that minimum temperatures are forecast to be below −4°C. This would improve energy security for people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    A policy will only be effective when it is clearly communicated and understood by those it applies to. To prevent self-rationing, people need to know that payment support has arrived, otherwise they may hesitate to turn up the heating on the coldest days of winter, with all the risks that involves.

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    Thomas Longden has recently received funding from Energy Consumers Australia and Original Power – a community-focused, Aboriginal organisation. He is a member of the ACT Climate Change Council and the NSW branch of the Economic Society of Australia.

    Brenda Boardman is affiliated in the UK with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition and the Labour Party. Her research on pre-payment meter households was co-funded by Utilita Giving.

    Tina Fawcett currently receives funding from UKRI. Her research on pre-payment meter households was co-funded by Utilita Giving.

    – ref. How the UK’s cold weather payments need to change to help prevent people freezing in winter – https://theconversation.com/how-the-uks-cold-weather-payments-need-to-change-to-help-prevent-people-freezing-in-winter-259339

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Many tongues, one people: the debate over linguistic diversity in India

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sudhansu Bala Das, Postdoctoral researcher in Linguistics, University of Galway

    India is a home to numerous ancient and linguistically rich languages across its many regions. In a single home, a young person may speak, for example, Odia (the language spoken in the eastern state of Odisha) with their grandparents, switch to English for homework, and enjoy listening to Hindi songs on YouTube.

    Far from being confusing, this coexistence is necessary and natural. It’s a hallmark of a nation where language diversity is embraced as a strength rather than being a barrier to be overcome.

    India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, reflected this attitude in February this year when he remarked that there had “never been any animosity among Indian languages”. He was speaking at a major literary conference in the state of Maharashtra, where the vast majority of people, 84 million out of a population of 112 million, speak Marathi as a first language with Hindi a distant second.

    “[Indian languages] have always influenced and enriched each other, he said. “It is our social responsibility to distance ourselves from such misconceptions and embrace and enrich all languages.” His remarks reinforced a broader message: that linguistic diversity is not a barrier, but a shared cultural strength that binds India together.

    But language can also be a politically divisive issue in such a diverse country. And Modi and members of his government have been criticised for words and actions seen as trying to shape the use of Hindi, English and other languages within India. Because of the country’s linguistic complexity, the situation is always more complicated to navigate than it might first appear.

    India has a total of around 19,500 languages or dialects that are spoken as mother tongues, according to the 2011 census. Of those, 22 languages are recognised as official under the Indian constitution.

    The 2011 census found that 44% of Indians, about 528 million people, speak Hindi as their first language (meaning what is spoken at home). Similarly, around 57% of people use it as a second or third language.

    That means Hindi has a broad presence across regions, but it exists alongside many other languages with equal value, including Marathi, Bengali (97 million), Telugu (81 million), Tamil (69 million) and Meitei (1.8 million).

    First, second and third language speakers in India, according to the 2011 census.
    2011 Indian census, CC BY-NC-SA

    At the national level, India has two official languages: Hindi and English. Hindi is used for communication within the central government, while English is widely used in legal, administrative and international affairs. Each state can choose its own official language(s) for state-level governance. For example, Tamil Nadu uses Tamil, Maharashtra uses Marathi, and so on.

    But in daily life, people often switch between languages depending on where they are and who they are speaking to, at home, at work, or in public spaces. According to the 2011 census, nearly one in four Indians said they could speak at least two languages, and over 7% said they could speak three.

    India introduced a three-language formula in education the 1960s. This policy guideline encouraged students to learn three languages: their regional mother tongue, Hindi (if it is not already their first language) and English. This was intended to produce a flexible and inclusive approach across different states.

    In 2020, the Modi government introduced a new national education policy that gave states more flexibility to pick which two Indian languages should be taught alongside English, but made the recommendation compulsory in all states. This has led to a backlash in several states because some fear it effectively introduces Hindi teaching by the backdoor and will dilute the use of other languages.

    There is also considerable debate in India about the role of English, which about 10.6% of Indians speak to some degree but some believe is a relic of colonial rule. Modi himself has suggested this is the case and has taken action to reduce the official use of English, for example in medical schools.

    However, he has also acknowledged the importance of English, particularly in global communication, and spoken of the value all Indian languages bring to the country’s unity and progress. “It is our duty to embrace all languages,” he told the audience in Maharashtra, adding that Indian languages, including English, “have always enriched each other and formed the foundation of our unity”.

    Many see the language as a link between the many linguistic communities of India. Others see it is a tool for social mobility, especially for lower castes. Some have even accused the government of wanting to discourage English in order to maintain social privileges and promote the dominance of Hindi.

    On the other hand, the 2020 national education policy mandates the teaching of English. It recommends bilingual textbooks in English and local languages, and that English should be taught “wherever possible” alongside mother tongues in primary education.

    The government is also taking steps to make the digital world more inclusive to people, whatever their language. Launched by Modi in 2022, the Bhashini project is a national AI initiative supporting speech-to-text, real-time translation and digital accessibility in all 22 official languages. This aims to make digital platforms and public services more inclusive, especially for rural and remote communities.

    As poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore once wrote: “If God had so wished, he would have made all Indians speak with one language … the unity of India has been and shall always be a unity in diversity.”

    In India, children today grow up speaking their mother tongue, with many learning Hindi to communicate across regions, and gaining English skills for global connections. India’s future does not depend on choosing one language over another, but on enabling them to flourish side by side.

    There’s a Chinese proverb: “To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” With thousands of such windows, India’s future is rooted in both unity and diversity.

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    Sudhansu Bala Das 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. Many tongues, one people: the debate over linguistic diversity in India – https://theconversation.com/many-tongues-one-people-the-debate-over-linguistic-diversity-in-india-261308

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Hormone-free male contraceptive pill passes first safety test

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Susan Walker, Associate Professor in Contraception, Reproductive and Sexual Health, Anglia Ruskin University

    The male contraceptive pill just completed phase 1 trials. Pixel-Shot/ Shutterstock

    A potential new male contraceptive drug has just undergone its first tests in human volunteers. The results give the first indication that the drug, which does not use artificial hormones or affect testosterone production by the testes, may be safe in humans.

    While previous attempts have been made to develop a male contraceptive in the past, these largely failed to pass clinical trials due to their unacceptable side-effects. But this newest contraceptive works differently from past attempts, which means it doesn’t require surgery and is much less likely to cause hormonal side-effects – problems that have helped stop previous attempts from reaching the market.

    The study showed the drug was well tolerated in a small group of healthy young men and did not appear to cause any serious side-effects at the doses used. Further research will be needed to demonstrate precisely how effective it is as a contraceptive.

    The new method uses a specially-designed chemical known as YCT-529 to target a specific cell receptor in the testes called retinoic acid receptor–alpha.

    Similar, but less specific compounds, had been shown to reduce sperm production in humans previously. But these compounds also had unwanted side-effects – such as feeling ill when drinking alcohol, altering salt levels in the bloodstream and not being fully reversible in all men. This made them unsuitable for contraceptive use.

    But in animal studies, YCT-529 was shown to produce fully reversible, temporary infertility without any significant side-effects. A study in mice also found that those who went on to father babies after stopping the drug produce normal, healthy offspring.

    Based on these results, the drug then entered into phase one trials in humans. This is the first stage of human testing, where a small group of healthy volunteers are recruited to test safety, tolerability and possible side-effects.

    This small trial involved 16 male volunteers who took the drug twice at increasing doses – either 10mg to 30mg or 90mg to 180mg. Some men took placebo pills for comparison.

    The participants were monitored for 15 days for any effects on normal hormone levels, inflammation (signs of cell damage), kidney and liver function, abnormal heart rhythms, sexual desire and mood.

    No changes were detected in the natural hormones in the body. There were also no lasting effects on liver and kidney function and no signs of cell damage. No dangerous abnormalities of heart rhythm were detected, and the participants reported no changes in mood or sexual desire.

    However, participants only took two doses of the drug and were only followed up for 15 days. The authors say in the paper that a larger phase two trial is underway which will test the drug in a greater number of men.

    This will then be followed by phase three trials in hundreds of men where the effectiveness, reversibility and side-effects of longer term use of the drug will be assessed. These are the hurdles which have prevented other approaches from being made widely available.

    Why past male contraceptives have failed

    At present there are no commercially available contraceptive methods for men that are not only safe and effective at preventing pregnancy, but which also allow sperm production to be turned off and on again at will.

    While condoms have few side-effects and are used at will, they have a relatively high failure rate (resulting in pregnancy around 12%-18% of the time with typical use).

    A vasectomy, which severs the tube connecting the sperm-producing testes to the rest of the male reproductive organs, is very effective (more than 99%) and safe – but it’s not easily reversible and requires a minor operation.

    There have been previous attempts (and some ongoing) at producing a reversible method of contraception for men. Some have proven to be effective at stopping sperm production or preventing sperm from exiting the male reproductive tract. However, they haven’t moved to the stage of commercial production, often because of unwanted side-effects.

    If the pill proves to be effective in phase 3 trials, it would give men another contraceptive option.
    TanyaJoy/ Shutterstock

    Most of these attempts used one of two main approaches to prevent pregnancy.

    One method involves injecting a substance into the vas deferens (a tube leading from the testes to the urethra). This substance filters out and damages sperm during ejaculation. This substance can be flushed out through a minor procedure if the man wishes to become fertile again.

    The drawback of this method is that it requires a minor surgical procedure (an injection into the scrotum) and that the man has to have a further procedure to reverse its effects.

    The second route involves stopping sperm production altogether by lowering the hormones that cause sperm to be made in the testes.

    The most successful of these trials used an injectable progestogen (a synthetic version of the sex hormone progesterone). This injectable signalled the brain to stop producing follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenising hormone (LH), which normally signal the testes to produce sperm and testosterone.

    However, suppressing LH also turned off the testosterone in the testes that is needed for normal, healthy function in men. To counteract the loss of testosterone, this contraceptive approach required men to take an “add back” testosterone – either as a tablet or a gel applied to the skin.

    But a major trial testing this method was stopped early because of the hormonal side-effects participants experienced, including mood swings, acne and changes to sex drive.

    There’s a long way to go before the new drug can be considered suitable for use as a male contraceptive. But this new approach shows a lot of promise because it avoids upsetting hormonal balance and can be taken orally – rather than requiring an invasive procedure.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Susan Walker has previously received funding from Bayer PLC who manufacture contraceptive devices.

    – ref. Hormone-free male contraceptive pill passes first safety test – https://theconversation.com/hormone-free-male-contraceptive-pill-passes-first-safety-test-262083

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Kemi Badenoch says she wants to be Britain’s Javier Milei – but is the Argentinian president a model to follow?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Halvorsen, Reader in Human Geography, Queen Mary University of London

    When UK Conservative party head Kemi Badenoch recently declared that she aspires to be Britain’s Milei, she aligned herself with one of the world’s most radical and controversial leaders.

    Javier Milei, Argentina’s self-styled “anarcho-capitalist” president, has gained global notoriety since his election in December 2023 for wielding a chainsaw at rallies, promising to destroy the so-called “political caste” and launching a scorched-earth economic reform programme.

    But what has Milei actually achieved since entering office? And should Britain really be looking to his administration for inspiration?

    Milei swept to power on a wave of anti-establishment anger. Styling himself as an outsider economist rallying against the ruling caste, he promised to slash state spending and replace Argentina’s peso with the more stable US dollar. He also pledged to eliminate entire government ministries, including health, education and culture.

    His now-famous “chainsaw plan” proposed a dramatic restructuring of Argentina’s political and economic institutions, which he blamed for decades of stagnation and corruption. Backed by business elites and libertarian ideologues, Milei offered a vision of Argentina remade through radical individualism and state retrenchment.

    His campaign, which contained some clear populist tendencies, was built as much on spectacle as substance. It contained daily media outbursts, personal attacks and an anti-caste rhetoric designed to turn governance into performance.

    Inflation was central to Milei’s campaign. When he took office, annual inflation in Argentina stood at over 130%, one of the highest rates in the world. Milei promised to bring it under control by slashing the fiscal deficit and enforcing monetary discipline.

    Monthly inflation doubled in the first months of his administration, forcing millions of Argentinians further into poverty. But it has fallen below 50% since the middle of 2025, which has been held by the government as a success.

    However, the decrease in the inflation rate is the result of economic recession. While international markets have praised Milei’s fiscal orthodoxy, there is little sign of a growth rebound. Investment has stalled, consumption has plummeted and local industries are struggling amid cuts to public procurement.

    Consumption has shown signs of recovery in the last few months, but only in the high-income segment. This has deepened a dual reality where middle-class and working sectors cannot make ends meet. Instead of helping the Argentinian economy recover, high-income consumption also pushes the trade balance to deteriorate.

    Milei’s government has endeavoured to keep the Argentine peso strong. A strong currency has seen foreign investments paused and, despite ongoing capital controls, millions of US dollars leave the country with a surge in Argentinian tourism abroad. This trend is exactly the opposite of the most controversial of Milei’s promises: to adopt the dollar in Argentina.

    Given the critical level of the central bank’s foreign reserves, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of a US$4.7 billion (£3.5 billion) loan tranche in April 2024. It is expected to loan an extra US$2 billion before the 2025 mid-term elections in October.

    Squeezing Argentinian society

    Job losses have been extensive. Tens of thousands of public sector workers have been laid off, and many more have seen their salaries decimated by inflation. Entire agencies have been shut, from science and housing to the post office.

    Milei’s framing of public employees as part of a parasitic caste has helped him politically. It has reinforced his anti-establishment credentials and mobilised resentment among private sector workers and the self-employed. But it has further polarised an already fragmented Argentinian society.

    Unions and civil society organisations have mobilised in response, organising strikes and mass protests. These have been met in turn with crackdowns, the criminalisation of dissent and expanded police powers.

    Meanwhile, Congress has been sidelined. Milei’s critics warn of creeping authoritarianism as the president governs increasingly by decree, perhaps most notably by attempting to fill two vacancies of the Supreme Court in February.

    Environmental protection and foreign policy have also been reshaped by Milei’s radical agenda. The ministry of environment was among the agencies targeted for elimination. And Milei’s sweeping law of bases bill, which became law in 2024, included provisions to weaken environmental regulations and accelerate extractive industries such as lithium and oil.

    Milei dismisses environmental concerns as leftist distractions from economic freedom. This is a stance echoed in his foreign policy, which has seen Argentina pivot away from regional cooperation. He has snubbed neighbours like Brazil, withdrawn from the accession process to the Brics group of nations and has aligned himself more closely with the US, Israel and the global far right.

    He frequently rails against “global socialism”, and presents himself as a figurehead of a new anti-globalist movement. This posture appeals to his domestic base and international allies, but has further isolated Argentina diplomatically and eroded longstanding regional ties.

    If Badenoch wants to emulate Milei, it raises serious questions about the political and economic future she envisions for Britain. Argentina is currently living through a radical experiment in state destruction. Despite circumstantially winning praise from bond markets and libertarian circles, it has brought pain, polarisation and increasing levels of repression.

    For those looking beyond spectacle, Milei’s presidency offers not a blueprint for bold reform, but a cautionary tale about the dangers of governing by chainsaw.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    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. Kemi Badenoch says she wants to be Britain’s Javier Milei – but is the Argentinian president a model to follow? – https://theconversation.com/kemi-badenoch-says-she-wants-to-be-britains-javier-milei-but-is-the-argentinian-president-a-model-to-follow-261915

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Ancient India, Living Traditions: an earnest effort to show how the art of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is sacred and personal

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ram Prasad, Fellow of the British Academy and Distinguished Professor in the Department Politics, Philosophy and Religion, University of Leicester

    The British Museum’s Ancient India, Living Traditions exhibition brings together exhibits on the sacred art of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It also encompasses the spread of the devotional art of these traditions to other parts of Asia.

    The exhibition speaks to religious identity and relationships. Buddhism and Jainism distinguish themselves from the vast surrounding traditions that together we call Hinduism; but they have close kinship with it in practices, beliefs and iconography. Museums that have presented sculptures in isolation have usually not attempted to narrate this complex history.

    Not all the items displayed, some going back 2,000 years, are of purely historical interest. There are representations of traditions that are continuously living in a way the gods of ancient Egypt or classical Europe are not.

    The most instantly recognisable example for visitors of such living ancient tradition is likely to be statues of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha. Visitors can see a rare and valuable 4th century sandstone Ganesha on show. They can also see a small bronze version of that ancient Ganesha that is like the kind you would find in people’s home and to which a quick prayer would be addressed every morning.

    The question of how to respect that sense of the sacred while still mounting an exhibition is a moral and aesthetic challenge that few museums (including in India) have started to address. It’s not uncommon to see such pieces wrenched from the reality of their continued practice and presented in secular art displays. Here, however, the curators have tried to make connections between “statues” on display and “icons” in temples and homes.

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    Finally, there’s the problematic history of the imperial museum and its need to reckon with its past. Most objects on display in this exhibition, and The British Museum more widely, have been presented with scarcely any acknowledgement of how they came to be acquired.

    The exhibition makes an earnest effort to tackle most of these issues.

    Ancient but not dead

    The spaces of the exhibition are structured to be respectful of the historical and contemporary sensitivities of Buddhism and Jainism. This is signalled through subtle changes of colour and the placement of translucent drapery, allowing for transitions between distinct Jain, Buddhist and Hindu displays.

    At the same time, conceptual and sensory commonalities are powerfully conveyed. The first space focuses on nature spirits and demi-deities that are shared across all the ancient traditions. The air is filled with the sound of south Asian birds and musical instruments. The explanatory labels draw attention to the percolation of iconographic features between traditions, for instance, those between the Buddha and the Jaina teachers, or the direct inclusion of the deity of learning (Sarasvati) in both Hindu and Jain worship.

    Also well presented is a final space on the spread of south Asian iconography to central, east and southeast Asia. This is a long story that needs its own telling, but can only be hinted at through some beautifully chosen figures.

    It’s the curators’ use of a community advisory panel of people who practice such traditions today that gives the information its sensitivity. Their inclusion in the exhibition’s production can be seen in a marked mindfulness that the content and symbols of these inert objects are alive and sacred to hundreds of millions.

    For example, one Ganesha from Java in Indonesia draws attention to different elements of his iconography. There is the trans-continentally stable depiction of his having a broken tusk (which, as Hindus will know, he is said to have broken off to write down the epic Mahabharata). But this Ganesha also holds a skull, which is unique to the Javanese version. The label gently points out that “various communities understood and worshipped him differently”.

    The combination of community engagement and creative presentation not only conveys a sense of respect for the traditions, but also elicits a respectful response from visitors. Those from within the tradition will note with satisfaction the description of a symbol or icon. Those from outside the traditions are invited to look at the exhibits with attention and care as they might in a cathedral.

    I saw a pair of young Indian Americans looking at a fossilised ammonite from Nepal that is taken as a symbolic representation of god for worshippers of Vishnu. They animatedly compared it to the one in their own diasporic home.

    Elsewhere in the exhibition, I caught an elderly English couple stood in wondering silence in front of a drum slab from the famous 1st century BC Amaravathi Buddhist site in south India. This slab was carved just before figural representations of the Buddha rapidly gained in popularity. Here, there are symbols associated with him, but the Buddha himself is represented by the empty seat from whence he has gone.

    How did it all get here?

    One potential interpretive danger lies in the emphasis on continuity between past objects and present realities. Hindus today from social backgrounds that did not have the privilege of reaching back to high sacred art might ask where they sit in the smoothed out historical narrative. More broadly, there is no acknowledgement of the complexity of Hindu identity and its formation across centuries, regions, social strata, languages and theologies.

    The weakest part of this exhibition’s generally innovative retelling is the faint-hearted way in which it obliquely acknowledges the dubious acquisition process of the British Museum. To say something was “collected” by a major general “while serving in the East India Company army” is hardly facing up to the question with which the exhibition boldly begins: “How did it get here?”

    This exhibition offers a powerful visual narrative of the multi-spiritual traditions of ancient India, mounted with sensitivity to their living communities today. Its immersive presentation is appealing, and the story it tells is respectful and innovative.

    The task of honest self-representation and difficult conversations on reparation remain. Within that larger imperative, Ancient India, Living Traditions is a step in the right direction. It is a direction towards addressing context, responsiveness and engagement that museums can no longer ignore.

    Ancient India, Living Traditions in on at The British Museum, London until October 19 2025

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Ram Prasad 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. Ancient India, Living Traditions: an earnest effort to show how the art of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism is sacred and personal – https://theconversation.com/ancient-india-living-traditions-an-earnest-effort-to-show-how-the-art-of-hinduism-buddhism-and-jainism-is-sacred-and-personal-262163

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 8 policies that would help fight poverty in South Africa’s economic hub Gauteng

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adrino Mazenda, Senior Researcher, Associate Professor Economic Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

    Poverty goes beyond income. It often arises when health, education and opportunities fall short of meeting people’s needs.

    Individuals are classified as impoverished when they face deprivation in one-third or more of the indicators in a multidimensional poverty index. The index reflects the various influences on socioeconomic class. These include housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition and school attendance.

    The index is one of the most comprehensive measures of poverty. The fact that the multidimentional index captures multiple dimensions enables it to reflect overlapping disadvantages. And provides a fuller picture of well-being. Other monetary measures such as income aren’t as comprehensive.

    About 18% of the world’s population are poor by the definition of the multidimentional poverty index. Sub-Saharan Africa is especially affected, with a multidimensional poverty rate nearing 59%.

    In South Africa, it is at around 40%. This means it experiences four in 10 of the dimensions of poverty.

    The province of Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub. Nevertheless it contains pockets of severe deprivation. About 4.6% of households are poor. In some wards up to 68% are severely deprived.

    We are social scientists with research histories in food systems and livelihoods, public policy and economics of human capital. We recently conducted a study focused on Gauteng. We wanted to determine what could enable poor and vulnerable households to move out of those categories.

    We used a modelling exercise that allowed us to isolate the most relevant factors for this transition.

    The study found six factors: education, age, income, working time, medical aid and being a recipient of a low income municipal support grant. We concluded from this that attending to these six variables was the foundation for upward mobility.

    Conversely, vulnerability to economic shocks, such as job loss or food insecurity, can trigger rapid downward mobility.

    Based on our findings we make eight policy recommendations. These include boosting education and skills training, better healthcare and affordable, reliable transport.

    Range of factors

    Multidimensional poverty intersects with socioeconomic class structures. It reinforces inequality by placing individuals into hierarchical groups. These range from the affluent and middle class to the transient, vulnerable, and chronically poor.

    These disparities shape access to resources, opportunities and upward mobility.

    Lower-class households differ from middle-class and affluent (non-poor) households across multiple dimensions. These differences include income stability, consumption patterns, access to services, asset ownership, social capital and vulnerability to shocks.

    In the light of this we adopted a multidimensional poverty approach to classify households. We used various dimensions and indicators of poverty to assess the extent of deprivation and associated poverty levels.

    We calculated the deprivation score and classified households into three levels: not poor, moderate poverty (vulnerable), and severe poverty (chronically poor).

    Working time had the strongest effect. Part- or full-time work greatly lowered odds of severe poverty (chronic poverty) and moderate poverty (transient poverty). Working time refers to the duration that a person is engaged in paid employment or work-related activities. This is usually between 35 and 45 hours per week for full-time employment. And fewer than 35 hours per week for part-time employment.

    Some factors only influenced certain groups. For severe poverty, transport access, household health, food parcel reliance, household size, and skipping meals were significant. For moderate poverty, gender, food parcel reliance and skipping meals mattered. And for the vulnerable non-poor (middle class), distance from public transport was the only additional factor.

    Social grants and being part of the black population group showed little influence. Transitions and the ability to transcend poverty classes were driven mainly by direct socio-economic factors.

    These dynamics underscore the precariousness of low-income households. They also highlight the importance of targeted interventions to break cycles of poverty.

    Higher education, stable income and access to full-time work, drastically reduce the odds of remaining in severe or moderate poverty or being vulnerable. Medical aid access and municipal assistance programmes that provide free or subsidised basic services, also serve as protective factors. These help households meet essential health and welfare needs.

    However, several structural and socio-economic constraints hinder transitions out of poverty. For example, living a greater distance from public transport increases the likelihood of severe poverty and vulnerability.

    Food insecurity, measured by skipping meals or dependence on food parcels, remains a persistent marker of entrenched deprivation.

    Gender disparities suggest underlying labour market or social vulnerabilities that require targeted policy interventions. For example, male-headed households are more likely than female-headed households to be moderately poor.

    What can be done

    Escaping multidimensional poverty in Gauteng requires targeted, practical and complementary interventions. Examples include subsidised transport, decentralised clinics, or housing closer to jobs.

    This will enable grants to be translated to improved well-being.

    We suggest eight areas for improvement:

    • access to education, vocational training and digital skills. This will help to increase employment prospects

    • public works and youth entrepreneurship support. This will boost income generation

    • social protection like indigent benefits, food vouchers and subsidised medical aid

    • food security. This can be done through community gardens and nutrition programmes

    • support for female-headed households and young people

    • affordable, reliable public transport. Services also need to be decentralised

    • data-driven municipal planning to guide infrastructure and service investments

    • consistently tracking progress against defined objectives.

    The province implements multiple poverty-reduction initiatives. These include expanded public works, township economy support, food gardens, free basic services, subsidised housing, and public transport projects.

    These efforts address income, food security and mobility. But they have limited impact due to persistent barriers. This is because many, particularly young people, don’t have market-relevant skills. In addition, spatial inequality results in long, costly commutes. And housing shortages and rising food prices deepen vulnerability.

    Fragmented funding, weak coordination and inadequate data tracking also undermine progress.

    Massimiliano Tani receives funding from Australian Research Council (unrelated to this article).

    Adrino Mazenda and Catherine Althaus 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. 8 policies that would help fight poverty in South Africa’s economic hub Gauteng – https://theconversation.com/8-policies-that-would-help-fight-poverty-in-south-africas-economic-hub-gauteng-261388

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN – National Martyrs’ Day: Bishop Hiiboro Kussala calls for peace in the country

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 30 July 2025

    Tombura-Yambio (Agenzia Fides) – “As a bishop, I pledge to speak out until the truth is heard. To walk with the victims and wounded families. To offer the Church as a space for reconciliation and dialogue. To pray unceasingly for peace and work side by side with all those who pursue it. I will not remain silent. I will not give up. I will be with you until peace prevails.”These are the words that Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of Tombura-Yambio, addressed to the representatives of the South Sudanese government and all people of good will.“After four years of bloodshed, homes in flames, families destroyed, and buried dreams, our people live under plastic sheets, drink contaminated water, walk in fear, and bury their loved ones in silence. This is not a political issue, it is a humanitarian tragedy and a moral failure.”The bishop, who is also President of the Interreligious Council for the Peace Initiative in Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, launches the appeal on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, today, July 30, 2025: “Let us not belittle their sacrifice with more blood. Let us honor them by bringing peace where there is pain and life where death has reigned.”This day, established to remember the victims and promote peace, commemorates those killed in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023.“The cry of our brothers in Tombura has echoed for too long,” Hiiboro continues. “We do not wish to condemn, but to awaken the conscience of a nation. We urge you as pastors, fellow citizens, and children of one God. May Tombura be our turning point, a sacred place where the nation chooses healing over hatred, truth over propaganda, and hope over despair,” he added.Addressing the government of South Sudan, the bishop states: “Now is the time to act. We call on everyone, from the highest office to the smallest local leader, to act with boldness, compassion, and determination. Deploy protection forces to stop all violence and restore the rule of law. Disarm and dismantle anyone illegally possessing firearms. Open space for inclusive dialogue involving leaders, youth, women, churches, and civil society. Promptly punish hate speech, disinformation, and tribal incitement. Ensure humanitarian access and rebuild social, health, and education services.”“This is our common pain,” he says, and addressing the people of South Sudan, he adds: “Tombura is not alone. When one limb suffers, the whole body suffers. This is not a tragedy of Tombura, it is a wound of South Sudan. To the elders, rise up with wisdom and counsel. To mothers and women, be voices of healing and moral resistance. To the young, refuse to be weapons of destruction. Choose peace, build South Sudan. To religious communities, unite in truth and reconciliation. To the international community, do not look the other way. Peace needs partners. Lives must be saved.”“If we do nothing, the future is at risk. If the violence in Tombura continues, the cost will be unbearable. Entire communities will disappear. Tribal hatred will spread throughout all regions,” he warns.And he continues: “Trust in the government and in national unity will be further eroded. Generations of young people will be lost to revenge or violence. If we choose peace, it will be a new dawn for South Sudan; if we act together, with sincerity, peace will flourish. Children will return to school, families to their homes, and farmers to their fields. Trust will grow between tribes, between citizens and their government. The soul of South Sudan will be reborn not in blood, but in justice.” “May Tombura become a sign that South Sudan chooses life,” concludes Bishop Hiiboro Kussala. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 30/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Hailing Progress to Transform Food Systems, Deputy Secretary-General Urges Stronger Collaboration to End Global Hunger, at UN Summit+4 Stocktake’s Closing Plenary

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the closing plenary of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), in Addis Ababa today:

    Let me begin by extending my appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia for its warm hospitality, and to the Italian Government as well, for their support as Co-Hosts of this Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.

    Over the last three days, we have engaged and heard from over 3,000 of you — leaders from Ethiopia and Italy, Kenya, Somalia, Comoros, Liberia, Nigeria, Uganda, Cuba; the ministers from a wide range of sectors; National Convenors and other government representatives; youth, Indigenous Peoples, food producers, business, civil society, development partners; our Rome-based agencies; and the UN system.  I am particularly grateful to the resident coordinators that joined us here in Addis and will now go back to work with renewed impetus to make food systems transformation a reality.

    The energy and vitality of this movement continues to inspire.  This gathering has reminded us of the value of coming together as a global community to benefit from the perspectives and experiences of others and to shape new, bold action for the future.

    At the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, we embarked on a journey to grow and catalyse energy behind an emerging movement for the transformation of our food systems to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Too often food systems are seen as part of our challenges, when they can be one of the greatest solutions to deliver for people, planet, peace and prosperity.

    Two years ago, still grappling with the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic, facing planetary crises and the effects of new conflicts, the Call to Action from the First Stocktake of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+2) in Rome appealed for inclusivity to strengthen our efforts to drive more targeted investment and mutual accountability.

    Since then, Governments have continued to shift how they govern and shape policy for food systems.  A total of 130 countries have articulated integrated, multisectoral National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation and here again; I want to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Sir David Nabarro.

    In 168 countries, nationally determined contributions are now reflecting the critical role of food and agriculture in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we seek to adapt and transform.

    More than 170 countries are implementing school meal programmes that support child nutrition, often connecting with local producers and contributing to regenerative production practices.  At the subnational level, many cities are leading the way in reducing food waste and strengthening local supply chains.

    I am proud of what we have achieved.  We have heard powerful stories of progress and rising ambition since 2021 from a diverse ecosystem of partners, who are reforming policies, championing local innovation and digitalization, mobilizing investments and partnerships and empowering women and youth.

    And when it comes to our young people, there is increased understanding that ensuring youth-inclusive and youth-led food systems transformation is important both for enhancing youth welfare and building sustainable and resilient food systems.

    The food systems movement has taken root in global and regional agreements — from the Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) Declaration to initiatives emerging from the Group of Seven (G7) and Group of Twenty (G20) to regional agreements, such as the Kampala Declaration earlier this year.

    These are powerful commitments to transform food systems for people and the planet that you have helped inspire.  Thanks to your collective work and efforts we are better equipped to meet our ambition.

    You are strengthening coalitions and launching new initiatives to help drive our work, including:

    • The Food Systems Accelerator, launched by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), GAIN and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, will support countries to turn strategies into financed, scalable change.
    • Through greater uptake of the Financial Flows to Food Systems framework, co-developed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank, we can help Governments design more effective, tailored financing strategies.
    • Business engagement — co-led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development — broke new ground.  These efforts culminated in a Business Compendium of 15 investment-ready models, showing how business is shifting from commitment to implementation.
    • As a result of the investment pitch for Cameroon, the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security has announced their intent to partner with the Joint SDG Fund to significantly scale up existing programmes.  The launch for this large-scale commitment will take place in New York this September 2025.
    • The Convergence Initiative helps drive integration of food systems transformation and climate action for accelerated sustainable development and represents a useful resource for countries to navigate competing policy choices with partners.
    • Investments in critical sectors, including those under the Mattei Plan for Africa, are mobilizing public-private partnerships and catalysing private sector investment.
    • The UNFSS+4 Youth Declaration, crafted by more than 3,000 youth from all over the world, called for inclusive, participatory decision-making in food systems, climate justice and intergenerational collaboration.
    • The UNFSS Coalitions of Action demonstrated that they are dynamic vehicles for food systems transformation, mobilizing diverse stakeholders across sectors and scales to deliver impact aligned with national priorities.

    With just five years until 2030, it is encouraging to see that the world remains committed to the realization of the 2030 Agenda.

    As we conclude this Stocktake, we must acknowledge that we met in the face of challenges that test our moral values and threaten the future sustainability of our planet, underscoring the urgency of our work together.

    The release of the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report last night confirmed:  hunger and malnutrition persist.  Climate shocks, conflict, debt and inequality are widening the cracks in our systems.

    It is estimated that between 638 and 720 million people — a bit less than 1 in 10 people in the world — faced hunger in 2024. 2.6 billion people are still unable to afford a healthy diet.  Only about one third of children aged 6 to 23 months and two thirds of women aged 15 to 49 years achieved minimum dietary diversity globally.

    People’s access to food in conflict zones is highly constrained and — in some instances — attempts to access humanitarian relief has led to injury and death.  Whole communities experience man-made food insecurity and malnutrition, with extreme long-term consequences for their children.

    Farmers everywhere are facing unprecedented adverse climate impacts, threatening livelihoods and food security.  Developing economies are still coping with impacts of inflation, severe fiscal constraints, debt challenges and the high cost of capital.  Looking ahead, 512 million people are still projected to be facing hunger in 2030, of whom nearly 60 per cent will be in Africa.

    As we consider the pathway to 2030, peace and respect for human rights must anchor our ambition.  Every person in our world — rich or poor, young or old — has the right to food that is accessible, affordable, safe and nutritious. Present and future generations are depending on our choices.  Only through inclusive dialogue and genuine partnerships can countries and communities ensure faster and more effective progress.

    As we leave this Stocktake and take what we achieved here in Addis back home and to other milestones, clear points of emphasis have been identified:

    First, we must act urgently to summon the funding, innovations and global solidarity to build the food-secure and climate-resilient future that every person, everywhere, needs and deserves.  The dramatic reduction in life-saving humanitarian funding to respond to these needs must be immediately reversed and safe access to life-saving humanitarian support granted.

    Second, is to deepen the implementation of National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation.  The effective and meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders is a priority, with particular attention to involving family farmers, front-line food workers, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

    Third, we must unlock finance and investment.  That means mobilizing domestic resources and investments at scale for all dimensions of food systems transformation.  It also means scaling up finance and investment by multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and public development banks behind country priorities.

    And we have work to do to scale up private sector investment in agriculture and food systems.  This should include the small and medium-sized enterprises that serve as a backbone of our food systems interfacing with millions of food producers and consumers.

    Fourth, we must continue the drive for an integrated approach.  We need to simultaneously pursue policy measures that focus on equity and resilience through linking environmental, economic and social dimensions of food systems.  Policies should be rooted in local culture, communities and traditional knowledge to help guide approaches that can accelerate transformation and enhance self-reliance.

    Fifth, we must continue to leverage science, technology and knowledge.  Science and innovation are prerequisites for food systems transformation and can support alignment of health, agriculture, climate, biodiversity and economic objectives and policies.  Strong science-policy-society interfaces are essential and must appreciate traditional knowledge.

    New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are changing our economies and our societies.  The road ahead demands we leverage the appropriate and responsible use of technology to ensure prosperity for all in a healthy and liveable planet.  The digital public infrastructure needs more investment to ensure the connectivity of our rural communities.

    And, finally, we must connect with our future.  I agree with our young people — they are not merely future beneficiaries of food systems change, they are active co-leaders in transformation.  Policies should enhance opportunities for young people to create, innovate and thrive.

    On the road to 2030, there will be important milestones that the outcomes of UNFSS+4 will inform and in which this movement will engage.  These include the World Social Summit, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30, UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 and the 2027 SDG Summit.

    UNFSS+4 has reinforced the value of a dedicated space to foster collaboration, deepen systems approaches and encourage the emergence of food systems whose purposes are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.

    The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub will continue to advance progress at country level, through our resident coordinators and country teams, accompanying National Convenors and collaborating with other partners.  Our movement has shown what is possible when we work together in deliberate ways across sectors, stakeholders and countries with a shared purpose.

    I call on Governments and people everywhere to build on what has been accomplished and continue to work together for peace and to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda.  Let’s continue to lead the way — together.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • EU climate goals at risk as ailing forests absorb less CO2, scientists say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Damage to European forests from increased logging, wildfires, drought and pests is reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, putting European Union emissions targets at risk, scientists warned on Wednesday.

    The European Union has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The target includes the expectation that forests will suck up hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions and store it in trees and soil, to compensate for pollution from industry.

    But that assumption is now in doubt. The average annual amount of CO2 Europe’s forests removed from the atmosphere in 2020-2022 was nearly a third lower than in the 2010-2014 period, according to a paper led by scientists from the EU’s Joint Research Centre – its independent science research service.

    In the later period, forests absorbed around 332 million net tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, said the paper, published in the journal Nature. Recent data from EU countries suggest an even steeper decline.

    “This trend, combined with the declining climate resilience of European forests, indicates that the EU’s climate targets, which rely on an increasing carbon sink, might be at risk,” the paper said.

    Today, Europe’s land and forestry sector offsets around 6% of the EU’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. That’s 2% short of the amount the EU calculates is needed to meet climate goals – with the gap expected to widen by 2030.

    Agustín Rubio Sánchez, professor of ecology and soil science at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, said it was “wishful thinking” to rely on forests to meet climate targets.

    “Forests can help, but they shouldn’t be assigned quantities to balance carbon budgets,” he told Reuters.

    The findings are a political headache for EU governments, who are negotiating a new, legally-binding 2040 climate target – which is designed to use forests to offset pollution that industries cannot eliminate.

    Already, some are warning this won’t be possible.

    “What should we do when there are factors that we, as countries, as governments, have not much ability to control – like forest fires or drought,” Sweden’s environment minister Romina Pourmokhtari said in a news conference last week.

    Over-harvesting, climate change-fuelled wildfires and droughts, and pest outbreaks are all depleting forests’ carbon storage.

    However, some of these risks can be managed – for example, by reducing intense logging, or planting more diverse tree species, which may enhance CO2 storage and help forests withstand climate extremes and pests, the paper said.

    (Reuters)

  • Can never forget painful moments of Pahalgam: HM Amit Shah vows to make Kashmir terror-free

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday lambasted the Congress party for ‘prioritising’ political motive over national interests and also recalled the poignant moments of Pahalgam terror attack, when 26 innocent tourists were gunned down by Pakistani terrorists on April 22.

    Sending a strong message to terrorists and their masters, Home Minister Shah vowed to make Jammu and Kashmir terrorism-free, saying that it is the long-standing commitment of Narendra Modi government to bring peace and stability in the region.

    Joining the debate on Operation Sindoor in Rajya Sabha, the Home Minister told the House that when the Pahalgam massacre happened, he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reached the spot on the same day to take stock of the situation and show solidarity with the affected families.

    “I can never forget those painful moments of April 22 terror attack. I met a woman, widowed just six days after her marriage and many families whose members were shot dead in front of their eyes. The agony and anguish of Pahalgam victims are still remain fresh in my mind,” he said.

    He added that there has never been an incident when innocent people were singled out and killed on the basis of religion.

    “The disturbing images of Pahalgam attack are enough to shake the conscience of everyone, including me,” Home Minister Shah added.

    He also lambasted the Opposition for questioning the timing of ‘Operation Mahadev’ and rebuked the Congress party for keeping political interests above national security.

    “Some people are asking why Pahalgam attackers were killed just when the Parliament started debating Operation Sindoor. The whole nation is watching the Congress, their focus has never been national security but scoring political points, their focus is on undermining the forces rather than lauding their valour,” he said.

    The Home Minister also informed the House about the swift action taken by the Union Cabinet, after the Pahalgam attack, for bringing the perpetrators to justice and also to penalise Pakistan for fomenting terror on the Indian territory.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and safety regulations to support science and technology

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting on proposed changes to health and safety regulations to better support innovation in New Zealand’s science and technology sector.  

    “As part of the wider health and safety reforms, we’re clearing the way for scientific progress by reducing complexity and making it easier to understand what’s required,” says Ms van Velden.   

    “We’ve heard that the current regulations don’t match what university laboratories do, creating unnecessary compliance challenges. Researchers and innovators need a system that supports their work, not one that stands in the way.”  

    I am proposing a change that aims to match hazardous substances requirements for university laboratories as well as science and technology laboratories with their actual risk.  

    Current regulations require flammable substance laboratories to be on the ground floor. However, universities often place them on upper levels to improve fire safety and security, keeping evacuation routes clear and limiting access to hazardous materials. This approach, supported by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, does not align with how the regulations are currently written.  

    “I’m developing these changes to ensure they are practical and effectively support New Zealand’s science and technology sector. This includes assessing whether the current laboratory design and hazardous substances storage requirements work for their laboratories.  

    “We’ll be consulting directly with the university laboratories and science and technology laboratories. I intend to complete these changes by mid-2026.”  

    Another key change already being consulted on aims to remove regulatory barriers to the development and use of hydrogen technologies.  

    “We’re planning to update the rules to support the safe development and use of hydrogen technologiesin a way that’s flexible, future-proofed, and internationally aligned.”  

    Officials have already conducted targeted consultation, and now we’re opening it more widely to ensure all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to share their feedback. 

    Because the current safety requirements were not developed with hydrogen in mind, they are now preventing the safe development and use of hydrogen technologies.   

    Key changes being consulted on include:  

    Enabling the use of hydrogen storage containers that are already in common use overseas. 
    Establishing safety requirements for cryogenic liquid hydrogen. 
    Introducing safety requirements for hydrogen filling stations and dispensers.  

    “Hydrogen technologies could transform sectors from transport to manufacturing, and these changes will help unlock that potential by removing regulatory barriers.”  

    These changes support the Government’s 2024 Hydrogen Action Plan by creating an enabling regulatory environment for hydrogen development while maintaining safety. The changes are expected to be completed by mid-2026.  

    “Once agreed, these updates will remove unnecessary complexity and ensure the regulatory system better supports scientific research and emerging technologies,” says Ms van Velden.   

    “These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Aftermath of Tsunami Alert, Cantwell Thanks First Responders & NOAA: “Those Warnings Were Made Possible Because Of The Incredible Work of NOAA Employees”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    07.30.25

    In Aftermath of Tsunami Alert, Cantwell Thanks First Responders & NOAA: “Those Warnings Were Made Possible Because Of The Incredible Work of NOAA Employees”

    Tsunami warning comes on the heels of Cantwell’s letter to Trump calling for more NOAA investments in ocean data collection, emergency alert systems

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell thanked first responders and employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for tracking the risk of a tsunami following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia and immediately mobilizing alert systems to ensure people on the West Coast, in Hawaii, and in Alaska had the up-to-date information needed to stay safe.

    “Those warnings were made possible because of the incredible work of NOAA employees [and] emergency responders. And to make sure that our coastal communities like the State of Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Oregon, and other impacted areas, were given warning safely in advance,” Sen. Cantwell said during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on which she serves as ranking member.

    “We have this capability because of investments we’ve made in infrastructure. This includes the DART program — the NOAA buoys positioned in the ocean to monitor for tsunamis in real time — and the work of NOAA’s Center for Tsunami Research in Seattle working to improve the models to provide faster, more accurate weather warnings and information.”

    Video of her remarks in the committee meeting is HERE; a transcript is HERE.

    Last night’s tsunami warning came on the heels of a letter Sen. Cantwell sent to President Donald Trump last week outlining her five-point plan to bolster the United States’ weather readiness.

    READ MORE:

    The Seattle Times: EDITORIAL — Cantwell’s bipartisan weather plan shows the leadership America needs

    CNN: Key senator makes bipartisan plea to Trump to invest in weather and early warning networks

    CBS: Sen. Maria Cantwell urges Trump to invest in modernized weather forecast system: “The money will save you money”

    Sen. Cantwell’s five recommendations for President Trump are:

    1. Modernize Weather Data Collection: The United States needs to collect and compile more data by land, air, space, and sea by modernizing our weather data infrastructure and other tools, including better radars, hurricane hunters, weather satellites, and ocean buoys.
    2. World Leading Analytics: We need to catch up with and surpass European weather forecasting capabilities, which will require more supercomputing and improvements in data analytics including assimilation.
    3. Cutting Edge Research: As our communities experience more frequent and extreme weather, now is the time to invest in additional cutting-edge basic and applied research.
    4. Modernizing Alert Systems: We must strengthen and expand weather emergency communication channels to keep the public informed and help first responders prepare and react to natural disasters.
    5. Advance Bipartisan Legislation: The bipartisan Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 would strengthen weather research and forecasting and expand commercial data partnerships.

    More details about each of Sen. Cantwell’s recommendations can be found HERE.

    NOAA provides critical services to the nation including weather forecasts, extreme storm tracking and monitoring, tools to enable communities to adapt to sea level rise and climate change, supporting fisheries management, and conserving marine mammals and other protected species.

    Last month, Sen. Cantwell joined renowned meteorologists from across the country for a virtual presser to sound the alarm on cuts at NOAA’s National Weather Service, and called on the Trump Administration to restore the agency to full capacity. In February, Sen. Cantwell voted against confirming Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, citing – among other issues – his “tepid support” for NOAA. She then sent a letter to Lutnick directly following his confirmation calling on him to exempt the NWS from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all NOAA workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”

    Sen. Cantwell is a champion of NOAA and helped secure $3.3 billion in NOAA investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change, boost science needed to understand changing weather and climate patterns, and invest in advanced computer technologies that are critical for extreme weather prediction and emergency response. Her Fire Ready Nation Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen NOAA’s ability to help forecast, prevent, and fight wildfires, passed the Commerce committee unanimously earlier this year and now heads to the full Senate for consideration. In 2011, she secured Washington state’s first coastal Doppler radar in Grays Harbor County, enabling forecasters to better determine wind speed and rainfall of incoming storms.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Pay us what you owe us:’ What the WNBA’s collective bargaining talks reveal about negotiation psychology

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ryan Clutterbuck, Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Brock University

    WNBA all-star players, led by Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and the Minnesota Lynx’s Naphessa Collier, recently made headlines by wearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” T-shirts during the pregame warm-up.

    The T-shirts, which are now available for purchase, were a demonstration of players’ frustrations with the WNBA owners and the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiation. The collective agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment (like salaries and benefits) between the league and its players, and is set to expire Oct. 31, 2025.

    Reportedly, players are asking for increased revenue sharing (the current agreement stipulates WNBA players receive only nine per cent of league revenue, relative to their NBA peers who receive 50 per cent), increased compensation (the average WNBA salary is US$147,745) and other benefits.

    Central to these demands is the perception that, despite a surge in popularity, media attention and viewership, WNBA players are still being underpaid and are undervalued.

    Negotiations for a new collective agreement are ongoing. But as the T-shirts and subsequent public statements from the players and the WNBA show, there is increasing frustration with how the process is unfolding.

    What is ‘owed’ to WNBA players?

    Debate over what is “owed” to WNBA players has intensified recently. ESPN commentator Pat McAfee, for example, has suggested the league should simply increase players’ salaries by US$30,000 per player, saying that contracts like Clark’s are “an embarrassment.”

    But others argue this discussion should go beyond players’ salaries. Syracuse University sport management professor Lindsey Darvin writes:

    “The question isn’t whether the WNBA can afford to pay players what they’re worth; it’s whether the league can afford not to make the investments necessary to realize its full potential.”

    According to Darvin, because the WNBA is an economically inefficient — and arguably exploitative — business, its focus should be on increasing revenue, and not simply on reducing its labour costs. For example, with the goal to satisfy increasing market demands for the WNBA, strategies to increase revenue could include expanding the league to new markets, scheduling more games at the 3 p.m. Eastern time slot and increasing the number of regular season games from 44 to 60 or more.

    In sport management classrooms and negotiation workshops at Brock University, we call this “expanding the pie” — working collaboratively, as opposed to combatively, to grow the game and the business so that both players and owners benefit over the long term. But this is easier said than done.

    Information shapes negotiation outcomes

    While it’s still early in the negotiation process, there are lessons that can be learned from this round of collective bargaining. One of those lessons has to do with making and receiving first offers. In particular, two psychological concepts are at play: information asymmetry and the anchoring effect.

    Information asymmetry occurs when one party holds more relevant knowledge than the other. For example, in a typical job negotiation, the employer knows the number of applicants for the position, how much the company is willing to pay and what compensation trends look like across the sector. The candidate, by contrast, lacks most if not all of this information and thus enters the negotiation at a distinct disadvantage.

    The question is: who should make the first salary offer? The general rule is that when you lack critical information, it’s better to let the other side make the first move.

    In the case of the WNBA’s negotiations, the information asymmetry problem is not so obvious. The owners likely have a certain perspective on what is acceptable in terms of sharing league revenue and improving working conditions. But the players possess their own kind of leverage, regarding their willingness to protest or walk out entirely.

    The league made its initial proposal to the players in early July, but it was not well received.

    The ‘anchoring effect’ can skew negotiations

    Another problem influencing negotiations is the “anchoring effect.” This occurs when an initial offer influences subsequent offers and counteroffers, and ultimately has an impact on the final outcome.

    Garage-sale aficionados may recognize this tendency, as buyers often negotiate with the seller’s sticker price in mind, haggling to earn a 25 or 50 per cent discount on an item without considering whether the item is actually worth the cost. Here, the sticker acts as the anchor.

    While sticker prices and first offers are not inherently malicious, some sale prices and first offers are intended to manipulate buyers and negotiators representing the other side. Savvy negotiators deploy strategic anchors, but even they can sometimes miss.

    In maritime terms, anchor scour occurs when a ship’s anchor fails to catch hold and instead drags across the seabed, destroying ecosystems caught in its path.

    In negotiations, a similar process can unfold. When initial moves and first offers fail to catch hold because they are perceived to be unfair by the other side, it can damage relationships and can make subsequent negotiations even more difficult.

    Now, the WNBA may face the consequences of a poorly received anchor. According to WNBA player representative, Satou Sabally, the WNBA’s initial offer was a “slap in the face”.

    New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart called the players’ meeting with the league on July 17 to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement a “wasted opportunity” while Chicago Sky player Angel Reese called the negotiations “disrespectful.”

    It’s time to right the ship

    Though it’s still early days, we expect negotiations to heat up in the coming weeks as the Halloween deadline to reach a deal approaches.

    There is still time to right the ship, so to speak, but to do so, WNBA players and owners must internalize the potentially disastrous impacts that can come from negotiating over an imagined “fixed pie” instead of expanding it, and dropping anchors that fail to address the other sides’ key interests.

    WNBA players and WNBA team owners now have, in front of them, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform professional women’s sport in North America, through creatively and collaboratively expanding the pie and paying the players what they’re owed.

    Michele K. Donnelly has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

    Michael Van Bussel and Ryan Clutterbuck 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. ‘Pay us what you owe us:’ What the WNBA’s collective bargaining talks reveal about negotiation psychology – https://theconversation.com/pay-us-what-you-owe-us-what-the-wnbas-collective-bargaining-talks-reveal-about-negotiation-psychology-261731

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Car tires are polluting the environment and killing salmon. A global plastics treaty could help

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Timothy Rodgers, Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Engineering, University of British Columbia

    In the 1990s, scientists restoring streams around Seattle, Wash., noticed that returning coho salmon were dying after rainstorms. The effects were immediate: the fish swam in circles, gasping at the surface, then died in a few hours.

    Over the next several decades, researchers chipped away at the problem until in 2020 they discovered the culprit: a chemical called 6PPD-quinone that forms when its parent compound, a tire additive called 6PPD, reacts with ozone.

    6PPD-quinone kills coho salmon at extraordinarily low concentrations, making it one of the most toxic substances to an aquatic species that scientists have ever found.

    Today, a growing body of evidence shows that tire additives and their transformation products, including 6PPD-quinone, are contaminating ecosystems and showing up in people.

    Now, alongside the researchers who made that initial discovery, we’re calling for international regulation of these chemicals to protect people and the environment.

    Our recently published research outlines the hazard posed by tire additives due to their demonstrated toxicity and high emissions near people and sensitive ecosystems, how current regulations don’t do enough to protect us, and how we can do better.

    Tires are complex chemical products

    Tires are far from simple rubber rings. They’re complex chemical products made to endure heat, friction and degradation. For example, 6PPD is in tires to protect them from ozone, which causes tires to crack.

    Unfortunately, little attention was paid to these chemicals until scientists discovered the impacts of 6PPD-quinone and realized these chemicals could be hazardous.

    Once they started looking, researchers found many tire additives, including 6PPD-quinone, in streams near roads, in dust and in the air — wherever there are roads, there is tire additive contamination.

    Although 6PPD-quinone is most lethal to coho, it is also lethal to several other species of salmonids, and it may be toxic to aquatic plants and terrestrial invertebrates.

    We know that exposure to tire wear particles and the chemicals that leach from them affect other aquatic species that are used as indicators of toxicological risk. This widespread contamination occurs because emissions of tire additives are high.

    Every time we drive, we produce particles from tire wear, and those particles release additives into the environment. Tires lose 10-20 per cent of their mass over their lifetime. That means driving emits over one million tonnes of tire particles to the environment in both the United States and the European Union every year.

    All those tire particle emissions represent a large source of chemicals to the environment and high human exposures, especially in cities. Researchers have started to find tire additives and their transformation products in people.

    Although more research is needed on how tire additives affect people, 6PPD is classified as a reproductive toxin, and other tire additives and their transformation products have been associated with increased cancer risk in exposed populations.

    Emerging research with mice indicates that some tire additives and their transformation products impact mammals, with studies showing neurotoxicity, damage to multiple organ systems and impaired fertility from 6PPD-quinone.

    That’s why our team of environmental scientists is calling for urgent global action.

    Plastics treaty

    We’re not arguing that tires shouldn’t have additives, but those additives must be safer. That’s why we are calling for a process that replaces 6PPD and other tire additives with safer alternatives. Tire additives should be nonhazardous across their entire life cycle, and manufacturers should be transparent about what tire additives they are using and what their hazards are.

    Next week, governments from around the world are meeting to negotiate a global treaty to end plastic pollution. We call for tires to be explicitly included in the treaty, and we want to see strong measures around plastic additives including tire additives.

    We want to see:

    • Deadlines for phasing out hazardous chemicals;
    • The ability to mandate alternatives;
    • Transparency around the chemicals used in tires;
    • Independent panels for evaluating additive alternatives and for assessing additive effects;
    • Dedicated working groups focused on tire additives due to their large emissions and demonstrated ecological impacts.

    The good news is that we’ve done this before. After scientists found a hole in the ozone layer, the world banded together under the Montréal Protocol to phase out the most damaging chemicals to the ozone layer. Today, the ozone layer is recovering, averting millions of cases of skin cancer and helping combat climate change. We need the same level of ambition and urgency now.

    Making tires nonhazardous for the environment would help safeguard coho salmon populations, restoring traditional foods to Indigenous Peoples across the Pacific Northwest and protecting a species vital for aquatic ecosystems.

    Since roads are built where people are, reducing the hazard from tire particle pollution would reduce one source of exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, and ensure a future where fewer people are impacted by chemical pollution. It’s time for global action on tire additives, before their impacts become even harder to ignore.

    Timothy Rodgers receives funding from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

    Rachel Scholes receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund, and the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

    Simon Drew receives funding from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

    – ref. Car tires are polluting the environment and killing salmon. A global plastics treaty could help – https://theconversation.com/car-tires-are-polluting-the-environment-and-killing-salmon-a-global-plastics-treaty-could-help-261832

    MIL OSI –

  • NISAR launch a landmark in Indo-US space cooperation, set to transform earth observation: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on Wednesday, calling it a “global benchmark” in Earth observation and a powerful symbol of Indo-US scientific collaboration.

    Though parliamentary duties kept him in the capital, Singh joined scientists and senior officials at the CSIR Auditorium in New Delhi to witness the satellite’s flawless lift-off aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket via live telecast from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

    “NISAR is not just a satellite; it is India’s scientific handshake with the world,” Singh said, emphasising that the mission represents the growing strength of India’s space programme and its transition from utility-based goals to knowledge-driven global initiatives.

    The 2,393-kg satellite is the first in the world to carry dual-frequency synthetic aperture radars—L-band by NASA and S-band by ISRO—on a single platform. This enables high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging of Earth’s land and ice surfaces, with a revisit time of just 12 days.

    In a first for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-F16 successfully placed the satellite into a 747-kilometre Sun-synchronous Polar Orbit, marking the vehicle’s 18th mission and its 12th flight using an indigenous cryogenic stage.

    Singh highlighted NISAR’s broad utility in areas such as disaster management, glacier tracking, agriculture monitoring, climate observation, and more. But he also stressed the mission’s extended value across sectors like aviation safety, maritime navigation, coastal management, and urban planning.

    “This satellite will be a data backbone for smarter decisions in shipping routes, air traffic systems, and infrastructure development,” he said.

    The open-access data policy of NISAR will benefit global researchers, disaster-response agencies, and developing nations, making cutting-edge Earth observation insights widely available over its five-year mission life.

    Jointly funded by NASA and ISRO, the $1.5 billion mission involved significant hardware contributions from both agencies. NASA provided the L-band radar, GPS receiver, high-rate telecom system, and 12-meter deployable antenna, while ISRO contributed the S-band radar, spacecraft bus, launch vehicle, and support systems.

    Singh concluded by attributing India’s space advancements to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “From Chandrayaan to NISAR, we are not just launching satellites—we are launching new possibilities for global science, sustainability, and shared progress.”

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Tsunami alert highlights worth of global early warning system

    Source: United Nations 2

    While the UN-backed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported 
    that there had been no damage to Japan’s nuclear facilities after an 8.8 magnitude quake was recorded off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, coastal communities have been taking no chances and evacuating to higher ground or moving further inland.

    Alerts were sent out within a few minutes of the Russia quake, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) confirmed. Although the authorities have now downgraded the threat across Japan as waves of 1.3 metres (4ft 2in) have been recorded, the advice is for people to stay in shelters until the danger diminishes from continuing sea surges.

    “It is very complex; we are observing the tsunami data in real time, so we need people to stay at the shelter until the tsunami is completed,” said tsunami engineer Professor Fumihiko Imamura from Tohoku University.

    Deadly legacy

    In the Asian island nation, memories are still raw from the 11 March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which killed more than 18,000 people.

    Just last year, the 7.6 magnitude Noto quake left approximately 500 dead and damaged 150,000 homes.

    The disaster also caused a major accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. 

    Today’s developments come amid reports that the latest earthquake was among the 10 most powerful ever recorded, hence why the authorities are monitoring its impact so closely.

    So far, alerts have been triggered off the west coast of the United States, in South America from Chile to Mexico and from Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu in the Pacific. 

    “A 8.8 magnitude earthquake is a very large earthquake,” explained Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

    “As you go from magnitude eight to nine, or seven to eight, at every step the strength of the earthquake increases exponentially. So, an earthquake which is magnitude eight as opposed to seven would be 30 times bigger.” 

    Faster than a jet liner

    Speaking to UN News, Mr. Kishore highlighted the huge distances tsunamis can cover, picking up enormous energy they then dump on coastal communities. 

    Their progress can be as fast as a passenger jet and can be tracked by deep sea pressure change sensors, or tsunameters, that are connected to surface buoys which relay information in real time to satellites. This data is then modelled by national weather centres, influencing whether alerts are issued.

    “It’s a real threat because the tsunamis travel really fast from one coast to the other,” continued Mr. Kishore. “The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 was one of the most devastating in our memory, which travelled from all the way from the coast of Indonesia to the Sri Lankan shores within a little over an hour.”

    Lessons learned

    In addition to the coordination role of UNDRR in the global early warning system, other UN entities also closely involved include the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the UN agency for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO-IOC).  

    The IOC’s role is critical in making sure that countries that use tsunami-tracking instrumentation follow the same standard. 

    These efforts are in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water or climate events through lifesaving early warning systems.

    Today, one in three people – and mainly in least developed countries and Small Island Developing States – lacks access to adequate multi-hazard early warning systems.

    “Tsunami prevention really highlights how important it is to have multilateral action” such as sharing data to run the algorithms behind wave modelling systems, insisted the UN’s Mr. Kishore. 

    “There are countries which are separated by thousands of kilometres of ocean, but they are affected by the same hazard,” he continued. 

    “If you do not share information on observing these hazards, not just in the location where they have occurred, but on what is happening in the intermediate locations in the ocean…we will not be able to warn our citizens.”  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Statement Following OMB Attempt to Slash NIH, Biomedical Research

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reversed course on directing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to only use appropriated dollars for salaries, administrative expenses, and expenses associated with the NIH Clinical Center which would have prohibited the investment of at least $15 billion in biomedical research.

    “The Office of Management and Budget may not change or disregard the law. Congress appropriated $47.3 billion for NIH in fiscal year 2024 appropriations, and it continued that funding level in the fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution. That funding was made available to support research, not just at NIH but at institutions across the country and around the world. OMB and its director, Russ Vought, may not change that reality with the stroke of a pen.

    “NIH-funded research has fueled treatments and cures for sickle cell disease, Hepatitis C, and cystic fibrosis. It has led to effective treatments for myriad cancers, leading in part to a reduction in the cancer death rate by a third in the past 30 years. Halting this progress means death and misery for millions of Americans with diseases that NIH seeks to cure. That is why Congress has continued to empower NIH. Congress has given OMB and NIH zero authority to curtail grantmaking.

    “Russ Vought’s latest attempt to strangle biomedical research is just a continuation of his disdain for Congress, science, and the American people. It was apparently a bridge too far, even for Donald Trump and the White House, which reportedly pushed back on the directive from OMB and Vought. There must be accountability for this directive, and Director Vought must testify before Congress to explain his illegal attempt to gut biomedical research.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ExxonMobil Partners with African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Sponsor – Showcasing Major Investments, Youth Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Africa Initiatives, and Highlighting Women in Energy

    Source: APO

    As a Diamond Sponsor at AEW, ExxonMobil reaffirms its long-standing commitment to Africa’s energy future through ambitious new investments, frontier exploration and impactful educational programs. The company will take a central role in shaping dialogue on the continent’s upstream outlook, LNG development and the transition to more inclusive energy systems.

    As the world’s largest publicly listed, private integrated energy company, ExxonMobil continues to be a leader in the frontier exploration space and deepen its footprint in Africa through a series of forward-looking, high-impact initiatives. In Nigeria, the company looks to make significant investment in the deepwater as part of a broader strategy to help increase national output. This comes on the heels of sustained production efforts at the Erha and Owowo fields, underlining the company’s strategic focus on optimizing existing deepwater assets.

    Further south, ExxonMobil is maintaining production from the prolific Kizomba deepwater development in Angola’s Block 15, where it recently signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) extension with the Angolan National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), extending operations until 2037. The company also renewed its PSC for Block 17, in partnership with TotalEnergies to ensure continued production from key offshore Block 17 fields.

    In East Africa, ExxonMobil is making headway with the long-anticipated Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique’s Area 4. The project – expected to reach a final investment decision in 2026 – aims to bring an additional 18 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG to market, building on Mozambique’s emergence as a key global gas supplier.

    Beyond upstream operations, ExxonMobil is also investing in long-term capacity-building through the ExxonMobil Foundation’s STEM Africa program. Launched in 2024, the program partners with Junior Achievement Africa to deliver immersive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to students in Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique. In its first year alone, the program reached over 3,000 students – 96% of whom expressed interest in pursuing STEM careers. In recognition of its impact, STEM Africa was awarded the Local Impact Award at the Big Five Board Awards in London earlier this month.

    “ExxonMobil’s role as a Diamond Sponsor at AEW 2025 is a testament to their bold, future-focused investments – from revitalizing offshore oilfields in Nigeria and Angola to advancing LNG capacity in Mozambique and exploring new frontiers in Africa’s Atlantic Coast,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Their STEM Africa initiative demonstrates an equally strong commitment to building local talent and empowering young Africans to lead tomorrow’s energy industry. This is the kind of strategic partnership Africa needs.”

    AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will provide a premier platform for ExxonMobil to engage with African governments, investors, and stakeholders as the continent accelerates toward energy security and industrial growth. With a broad and growing portfolio, ExxonMobil continues to lead Africa into its next era of energy development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About African Energy Week:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan First in Canada for Mining Investment Attractiveness: Fraser Institute

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 30, 2025

    Saskatchewan is again the top region in Canada for mining investment attractiveness, ranking first in the country according to the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies. The 2024 report included responses from 350 companies rating 82 jurisdictions around the world. 

    In addition to its best-in-Canada ranking, Saskatchewan placed seventh globally, owing to its strong ranking in policy and regulatory perception. 

    “These results from the Fraser Institute speak to Saskatchewan’s strong and steady approach to attracting mining investment,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “We offer some of the best incentive programs in the country for mineral development and we continue to uphold our reputation of being responsive, stable and predictable as a jurisdiction where investors can move projects forward.”

    The 2024 survey measured all regions on two main areas – policy perception and mineral potential – to come up with an overall attractiveness ranking for investment. Saskatchewan placed first in Canada, and third globally, in policy perception, based on responses concerning policy certainty, environmental regulation, the legal system and skilled labour supply.

    Saskatchewan also ranked highly for its geological database – fourth in the world – which speaks to the Saskatchewan Geological Survey’s cutting-edge mapping technology and high-quality public geoscience data and its extensive library of core samples in its southern and northern Saskatchewan facilities.

    “Achieving the number one ranking in Canada is due to our ability to work constructively and collaboratively with government to enable policies that attract investment,” Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said.

    Last year Saskatchewan reached record highs in potash production, mining approximately 24.7 million tonnes of potassium chloride, while also reaching new records for uranium production and sales – 16,700 tonnes and $2.6 billion, respectively.

    The province is home to 27 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list. In addition to uranium and potash, there is strong potential in Saskatchewan for further growth in the critical minerals sector: helium production continues to increase, while key projects in lithium, copper and zinc are set to begin production over the next year. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks at press conference on “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems’” (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Acting Government Economist, Dr Cecilia Lam, held a press conference on the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique Strengths under ‘One Country, Two Systems’” this afternoon (July 30). Following are their remarks:

    Reporter: I have some questions. First of all, this report seems that it is a wrapping up of all the measures over the past few years. So, what is the significance of this report to Hong Kong’s future development? Also, amid the rising challenges such as the tariff increases, how are you going to convince foreign chambers or investors to invest in Hong Kong? The last question is about the reports of the developer of 11 Skies of the Airport City project, with some reports saying that the developer has intended to sell this mega project, because of lack of tenants and also lacklustre prospects. So what is your take on the proposal of selling 11 Skies to other parties? Thank you.
     
    Financial Secretary: Thank you. First, the significance of this report. Over the past few years, because of COVID, a lot of overseas visitors didn’t have the opportunity to visit Hong Kong. Given the geopolitical landscape, there has been some misperception about the situation of Hong Kong in the western world. . We are trying very hard to reach out to the international community, to explain to them what is really happening here in Hong Kong by sharing facts and data. The purpose of this report is to recap our developments in a concise report for distribution to them, and this report will be made available online, accessible to anyone who is interested.
     
         On the question of tariffs, on the question of the China-US geopolitical tension, of course, there are challenges, for example, in terms of exports, but there are also opportunities in respect of the international financial centre status of Hong Kong. For challenges on export, the direct impact is minimal because Hong Kong is basically a service economy; we don’t have much manufacturing. On the other hand, the indirect impact could be significant, because we re-export for the Mainland. But over the years, we have seen a number of trends. One of them is Mainland companies realigning their industry bases and supply chains across Southeast Asia. For exports to certain markets, such as the US, a lot of the exports come from those regions. When you look at the figures – the export figures from the Mainland to the US, or from the Mainland via Hong Kong to the US – the share of US in Mainland’s total export has been declining.
     
         From our standpoint, we are adjusting our position. In addition to doing re-export, we have shifted to provide high-value supply chain management and the related trade finance and professional services. That is our response. For opportunities, I think we should not underestimate them. Given the geopolitical landscape, it is increasingly difficult for Mainland companies to go to the US for listing. These companies, would naturally want to come to Hong Kong for listing, because by coming to Hong Kong, they can access both international and Mainland capital. This is a very interesting value proposition to them, and has been demonstrated by the figures so far this year. In fact, we have over 200 companies in the pipeline waiting for listing. But the opportunities are more than the IPO market. Say in asset and wealth management, residents in the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) are interested in having certain assets allocated offshore. Naturally, Hong Kong is the destination. The recent improvement in February last year to the GBA Wealth Management Connect – with the implementation of those measures, we have seen significant inflow of capital from the GBA into Hong Kong. In addition, we also have observed capital flow from the Middle East and ASEAN in the asset and wealth management sector. We are quite confident that, by the year 2027 and 2028 the latest – we will overtake Switzerland in cross-border wealth management.

         Another dimension is Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” under the current geopolitical situation. We have observed Mainland companies’ keen interest to go global. First, this is national policy, i.e. high-level two-way opening up. Second, there is also a need, because these companies want to utilise the production capacity they have and do more exports. What we have been pitching to them is that the best way to do it is to come to Hong Kong, set up a company, use Hong Kong as a platform  as well as a brand to go overseas. In our experience in engaging the Middle East and ASEAN, the value of the “Hong Kong brand” is very much respected. This is one way in which we can help them. In the process, Our professional services and other service providers will benefit.
     
         Finally, on 11 Skies, I won’t comment on individual projects. But overall, the attitude of the Government is that, given the economic transition, and given the challenges currently in the non-domestic property market, banks should be supportive to their clients and help them ride through challenges. In the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, HKMA, a working group has been set up between the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the HKMA. This working group deals with individual cases with a view to helping the communication between the banks and borrowers, so that the lenders can extend a more accommodative and facilitative approach to help borrowers who have a viable business model and have a genuine interest in carrying on their business, but are just facing a liquidity crunch. That is the overall attitude of the Government. Thank you.
     
    Reporter: Hi Mr Chan. So, I just want to follow up on the previous question first. So what’s the significance of issuing the report now, like after the previous issuance of four years ago? Like, why does the Government choose to issue the new report at present? And also, you mentioned a lot of positive signs in the markets, like the stock markets booming, and Hong Kong also saw a record capital inflows in the first half of the year. So why does the Government still remain quite conservative over an uptick of the annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth target for the whole year? And also, how do you see the sustainability of such momentum moving forward? And second question I also want to ask about four sectors that are facing structural changes, like you mentioned, to the retail and catering. Do you see the need to further enhance the support measures besides helping them achieve digital transformation? And finally, about the tariff truce, so the Chinese and US (United States) officials just reached agreements to extend their tariff suspension. So how do you assess the impacts on local business, and would the Government take any steps to help, perhaps exports or local businesses to take this opportunity? Thank you.
     
    Financial Secretary: Thank you. Well, the last report was published in 2021. Over the past few years, because of COVID, a lot of overseas travellers hadn’t come to Hong Kong. Given the geopolitical landscape, the perception about Hong Kong in the Western world is not entirely factual and correct. There are some misconceptions. So the purpose of this report is to show to them the current situation in Hong Kong, so that they will be able to better understand what is happening in this city. If they are interested, they are welcome to visit us to see for themselves what it is really like here and the tremendous opportunities available.
     
         As regards the question about the GDP estimate for the whole year, the GDP growth for the first half of this year has been positive. For the first quarter, the growth was 3.1 per cent; for the second quarter, we have maintained the momentum. But given the geopolitical landscape, there are enormous uncertainty and volatility. At this stage, we think it would be prudent to keep the current GDP estimate. There is in fact a mechanism, a defined timetable for reviewing the GDP estimate regularly. On a published timeline, the Government Economist will share with the community the economic situation, and determine at that time whether to make any revision. It’s better to follow that established practice as it provides certainty to the market.
     
         As to supporting the retail and catering sector, we will keep an open mind. I have elaborated on the situation and how we have been trying to help, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation and if necessary, roll out measures. At this stage, we think the current support measures should stay. Let us observe for a longer time. We have been providing various support measures such as the BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales) for marketing development and e-commerce.  Algernon would share more about that.
     
    Before passing to Algernon, I would say the recent discussions leading to the temporary suspension of tariff rise is, of course, a positive sign. But on the other hand, we are conscious of the fact that things can change overnight. There is still tremendous uncertainty, and consequently, volatility. So for our work, first, we need to ensure financial stability and financial security. On the other hand, stay on course, focus on what we have set out to do, and be persistent with our efforts. That includes reinforcing our relationship with traditional markets like Europe and the US, and at the same time, opening up new markets and new capital sources from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Thank you, Algernon please.
     
    Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Regarding the challenges facing the retail and food and beverage sectors, we have different measures and funding helping the retail sector, such as the BUD Fund. We are also encouraging the sectors to look for changes and transformation, and e-commerce is one of the measures that we promote. Just today, we are going to launch the Hong Kong Shopping Festival for cross-border e-commerce to allow the retail sector to do more e-commerce business. For the maximum cumulative funding of $7 million per enterprise under the BUD Fund, they can apply for $1 million for e-commerce business to arrange for promotion and advertising for e-commerce business across the border.
     
    There are also measures to encourage tourists to come to Hong Kong. Actually, the number of tourists coming to Hong Kong is increasing. It is a positive sign that would help the retail sector. But most importantly, as mentioned by the Financial Secretary, it is time for transformation. We have to look at customer behaviour and their needs, and how we can satisfy customer demand. It is one of the major issues that we have to jointly resolve with enterprises. I have met with different chambers and associations of the retail sector. We had very good discussions on helping them to tackle the challenging situation. As mentioned by the Financial Secretary, we will keep an open mind to look at the situation and to see whether there is a need to introduce further measures to help the retail and food and beverage sectors. Thank you.
     
    Financial Secretary: We should be very confident in Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a hub for foreign businesses and talent. Over the past few years, I’ve been travelling a lot and also heavily engaged with the foreign business community in Hong Kong. I can summarise three key reasons why people should choose Hong Kong. First is, of course, for business reasons. Hong Kong has the proximity and sometimes priority access to the Mainland market. Depending on which sector you are in – if you are in the tech sector, say in the biotech sector, Hong Kong has an additional advantage because of our proximity to Shenzhen, and we are part of the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) which is a technology hub. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster is very competitive in innovation.
     
        Apart from that, it is the capital market and the full range of funding options available here. For companies at different development stages, whether they are start-ups or others, we welcome them. In Hong Kong, we have around 4,700 start-ups, and the number represents a significant increase compared to that a few years ago. About 20 per cent of their founders come from overseas, and they come here for funding, professional advice, mentoring, and opportunities. In my discussions with the start-ups in Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, they value these as well as the innovation ecosystem very much. For start-ups, what they need are application scenarios, professional advice and funding support, and they are all available here. In Hong Kong, we have set up the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, which provides patient capital. This means that if enterprises are engaged in cutting-edge technologies, we are willing to support them from small, and help them grow and connect them with fund managers to raise funds.
     
    The second reason is for their families and children. It is well recognised Hong Kong’s law and order is excellent. We are a very safe city. Education here is also outstanding. Moreover, this is an open and multicultural society, and it is very free. We have gathered a lot of overseas professionals and foreign businessmen here.
     
    Finally, it is about our lifestyle. Whether it is city life, F&B (food and beverage) or our countryside. So with all these, I think if we play our cards right, Hong Kong’s opportunities in the future are tremendous. Thank you for attending this conference. I appreciate your time. Thank you.
     
    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA-ISRO Satellite Lifts Off to Track Earth’s Changing Surfaces

    Source: NASA

    Carrying an advanced radar system that will produce a dynamic, three-dimensional view of Earth in unprecedented detail, the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite has launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.
    Jointly developed by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and a critical part of the United States – India civil-space cooperation highlighted by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi earlier this year, the satellite can detect the movement of land and ice surfaces down to the centimeter. The mission will help protect communities by providing unique, actionable information to decision-makers in a diverse range of areas, including disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and agricultural management. 
    The satellite lifted off aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket at 8:10 a.m. EDT (5:10 p.m. IST), Wednesday, July 30. The ISRO ground controllers began communicating with NISAR about 20 minutes after launch, at just after 8:29 a.m. EDT, and confirmed it is operating as expected.
    “Congratulations to the entire NISAR mission team on a successful launch that spanned across multiple time zones and continents in the first-ever partnership between NASA and ISRO on a mission of this sheer magnitude,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Where moments are most critical, NISAR’s data will help ensure the health and safety of those impacted on Earth, as well as the infrastructure that supports them, for the benefit of all.”
    From 464 miles (747 kilometers) above Earth, NISAR will use two advanced radar instruments to track changes in Earth’s forests and wetland ecosystems, monitor deformation and motion of the planet’s frozen surfaces, and detect the movement of Earth’s crust down to fractions of an inch — a key measurement in understanding how the land surface moves before, during, and after earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
    “ISRO’s GSLV has precisely injected NISAR satellite into the intended orbit, 747 kilometers. I am happy to inform that this is GSLV’s first mission to Sun-synchronous polar orbit. With this successful launch, we are at the threshold of fulfilling the immense scientific potential NASA and ISRO envisioned for the NISAR mission more than 10 years ago,” said ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. “The powerful capability of this radar mission will help us study Earth’s dynamic land and ice surfaces in greater detail than ever before.”
    The mission’s two radars will monitor nearly all the planet’s land- and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days, including areas of the polar Southern Hemisphere rarely covered by other Earth-observing radar satellites. The data NISAR collects also can help researchers assess how forests, wetlands, agricultural areas, and permafrost change over time.
    “Observations from NISAR will provide new knowledge and tangible benefits for communities both in the U.S. and around the world,” said Karen St. Germain, director, Earth Science division at NASA Headquarters. “This launch marks the beginning of a new way of seeing the surface of our planet so that we can understand and foresee natural disasters and other changes in our Earth system that affect lives and property.”
    The NISAR satellite is the first free-flying space mission to feature two radar instruments — an L-band system and an S-band system. Each system is sensitive to features of different sizes and specializes in detecting certain attributes. The L-band radar excels at measuring soil moisture, forest biomass, and motion of land and ice surfaces, while S-band radar excels at monitoring agriculture, grassland ecosystems, and infrastructure movement.
    Together, the radar instruments will enhance all of the satellite’s observations, making NISAR more capable than previous synthetic aperture radar missions. Unlike optical sensors, NISAR will be able to “see” through clouds, making it possible to monitor the surface during storms, as well as in darkness and light.
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California provided the L-band radar, and ISRO’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad developed the S-band radar. The NISAR mission marks the first time the two agencies have co-developed hardware for an Earth-observing mission.
    “We’re proud of the international team behind this remarkable satellite. The mission’s measurements will be global but its applications deeply local, as people everywhere will use its data to plan for a resilient future,” said Dave Gallagher, director, NASA JPL, which manages the U.S. portion of the mission for NASA. “At its core is synthetic aperture radar, a technology pioneered at NASA JPL that enables us to study Earth night and day, through all kinds of weather.”
    Including L-band and S-band radars on one satellite is an evolution in SAR airborne and space-based missions that, for NASA, started in 1978 with the launch of Seasat. In 2012, ISRO began launching SAR missions starting with Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1), followed by RISAT-1A in 2022, to support a wide range of applications in India.
    In the coming weeks, the spacecraft will begin a roughly 90-day commissioning phase during which it will deploy its 39-foot (12-meter) radar antenna reflector. This reflector will direct and receive microwave signals from the two radars. By interpreting the differences between the two, researchers can discern characteristics about the surface below. As NISAR passes over the same locations twice every 12 days, scientists can evaluate how those characteristics have changed over time to reveal new insights about Earth’s dynamic surfaces.
    The NISAR mission is an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO. Managed for the agency by Caltech, NASA JPL leads the U.S. component of the project and is providing the mission’s L-band SAR. NASA also is providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
    Space Applications Centre Ahmedabad, ISRO’s lead center for payload development, is providing the mission’s S-band SAR instrument and is responsible for its calibration, data processing, and development of science algorithms to address the scientific goals of the mission. U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, which leads the ISRO components of the mission, is providing the spacecraft bus. The launch vehicle is from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, launch services are through ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and satellite operations are by ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network. National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad is responsible for S-band data reception, operational products generation, and dissemination.
    To learn more about NISAR, visit:
    https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov
    -end-
    Karen Fox / Elizabeth VlockHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov
    Andrew Wang / Jane J. LeeJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-379-6874 / 818-354-0307andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov / jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Webb Traces Details of Complex Planetary Nebula

    Source: NASA

    Since their discovery in the late 1700s, astronomers have learned that planetary nebulae, or the expanding shell of glowing gas expelled by a low-intermediate mass star late in its life, can come in all shapes and sizes. Most planetary nebula present as circular, elliptical, or bi-polar, but some stray from the norm, as seen in new high-resolution images of planetary nebulae by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
    Webb’s newest look at planetary nebula NGC 6072 in the near- and mid-infrared shows what may appear as a very messy scene resembling splattered paint. However, the unusual, asymmetrical appearance hints at more complicated mechanisms underway, as the star central to the scene approaches the very final stages of its life and expels shells of material, losing up to 80 percent of its mass. Astronomers are using Webb to study planetary nebulae to learn more about the full life cycle of stars and how they impact their surrounding environments.

    First, taking a look at the image from Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), it’s readily apparent that this nebula is multi-polar. This means there are several different elliptical outflows jetting out either way from the center, one from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock, another from 1 o’clock to 7 o’clock, and possibly a third from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock. The outflows may compress material as they go, resulting in a disk seen perpendicular to it.
    Astronomers say this is evidence that there are likely at least two stars at the center of this scene. Specifically, a companion star is interacting with an aging star that had already begun to shed some of its outer layers of gas and dust.
    The central region of the planetary nebula glows from the hot stellar core, seen as a light blue hue in near-infrared light. The dark orange material, which is made up of gas and dust, follows pockets or open areas that appear dark blue. This clumpiness could be created when dense molecular clouds formed while being shielded from hot radiation from the central star. There could also be a time element at play. Over thousands of years, inner fast winds could be ploughing through the halo cast off from the main star when it first started to lose mass.

    The longer wavelengths captured by Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) are highlighting dust, revealing the star researchers suspect could be central to this scene. It appears as a small pinkish-whitish dot in this image.
    Webb’s look in the mid-infrared wavelengths also reveals concentric rings expanding from the central region, the most obvious circling just past the edges of the lobes.
    This may be additional evidence of a secondary star at the center of the scene hidden from our view. The secondary star, as it circles repeatedly around the original star, could have carved out rings of material in a bullseye pattern as the main star was expelling mass during an earlier stage of its life.
    The rings may also hint at some kind of pulsation that resulted in gas or dust being expelled uniformly in all directions separated by say, thousands of years.
    The red areas in NIRCam and blue areas in MIRI both trace cool molecular gas (likely molecular hydrogen) while central regions trace hot ionized gas.
    As the star at the center of a planetary nebula cools and fades, the nebula will gradually dissipate into the interstellar medium — contributing enriched material that helps form new stars and planetary systems, now containing those heavier elements.
    Webb’s imaging of NGC 6072 opens the door to studying how the planetary nebulae with more complex shapes contribute to this process.
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    To learn more about Webb, visit:
    https://science.nasa.gov/webb
    Downloads
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Hannah Braun – hbraun@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    View more Webb planetary nebula images
    Learn more about planetary nebula
    Interactive: Explore the Helix Nebula planetary nebula
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Looking Forward to the Moon

    Source: NASA

    On May 8, 2022, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems’ Program Manager Shawn Quinn captured this crop of a full frame image of the Hadley–Apennine region of Earth’s Moon including the Apollo 15 landing site (very near the edge of the shadow of one of the lunar mountains in the area). Building upon the pioneers from the Apollo Program, Artemis crews will plan to verify capabilities for humans to explore deep space and pave the way for long-term exploration and science on the lunar surface.
    Read the Artemis blog for the latest mission updates.
    Image credit: NASA/Shawn Quinn

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from US National Endowment for Democracy

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-24
    President Lai meets Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam  
    On the morning of July 24, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Republic of Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Somaliland government for its longstanding, staunch support for Taiwan-Somaliland relations. The president mentioned that this year marks the fifth anniversary of Taiwan and Somaliland’s mutual establishment of representative offices and that our exchanges in various areas have yielded significant results. He expressed hope for continuing to deepen our partnership, advancing our bilateral friendship and fruitful cooperation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome all of our guests to Taiwan. This is the first visit to Taiwan for Minister Adam, Minister Khadir Hussein Abdi, and Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye. I thank you for your high regard and support for Taiwan. I also very much appreciate that Lead Advisor Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, who served as representative of Somaliland to Taiwan during the past five years, continues deepening Taiwan-Somaliland ties in his new role. Somaliland is renowned as a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa. I want to once again congratulate Somaliland on successfully holding presidential and political party elections last November, which garnered praise from the international community. At that time, I appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu (吳志中) to serve as special envoy and lead a delegation to attend the inauguration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, demonstrating that Taiwan would work closely with Somaliland’s new government to write a new chapter in our friendship. Recently, authoritarian regimes have continued to apply new forms of coercion as they intensify suppression of Taiwan’s and Somaliland’s international participation. In response, our two sides must continue to deepen our partnership and demonstrate the resilience of democratic alliances, as well as our staunch commitment to defending our values.  This year marks the fifth anniversary of Taiwan and Somaliland’s mutual establishment of representative offices. Through our joint efforts, we have continued to expand exchanges in various areas, yielding significant results. This afternoon, we will also sign an agreement on coast guard cooperation, launching bilateral cooperation in maritime affairs. Regarding President Abdullahi’s focus on maritime security, the blue economy, and other policy objectives, we can strengthen our bilateral partnership moving forward. In addition, we also hope to work together with like-minded countries such as the United States, and through trilateral or multilateral cooperation platforms, realize the strategic goal of a non-red Somaliland coastline. I want to thank the Somaliland government once more for its longstanding, staunch support for Taiwan-Somaliland relations. I look forward to working with all of you to continue to advance our bilateral friendship and fruitful cooperation. In closing, I once again welcome Minister Adam and the delegation. I have every confidence that, in addition to advancing bilateral cooperation, this trip will allow you to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty and diverse culture. Minister Adam then delivered remarks, thanking the government and people of Taiwan for the warm hospitality they have received since their arrival. He stated that Taiwan is a peaceful nation and that it shares with Somaliland the value of democracy. He stated that we also share the goal of obtaining recognition, so he is glad that the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship is growing by the day. Minister Adam pointed out that there is much pressure that we are both facing in our relationship, but he reassured President Lai that no amount of pressure can change Somaliland’s strong ties with Taiwan. He also thanked the Taiwan government for the help it has proffered to Somaliland, adding that our relationship will only get better. Minister Adam said that Taiwan and Somaliland can cooperate in many areas and that there is more opportunity in Somaliland than any other country, adding that Somaliland is open for investment from Taiwan. Noting that our countries can also collaborate in other areas such as education and maritime security, the minister said that he is glad they will be signing a cooperative agreement in maritime security with Taiwan. He then said he is looking forward to a better relationship in the future. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Somaliland Representative to Taiwan Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal.  

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. He indicated that Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community, saying that we look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Deputy Speaker John McGuinness is a dear friend of Taiwan who also chairs the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. Thanks to his efforts over the years, support for Taiwan has grown stronger in the Oireachtas. I thank him and all of our guests for traveling such a long way to demonstrate support for Taiwan and open more doors for exchanges and cooperation. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. Ireland is a European stronghold for technology and innovative industries. Just like Taiwan, Ireland is an export-oriented economy. Our industrial structures are highly complementary. We hope that Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing and machinery industries can explore deeper cooperation with Ireland’s ICT software and biopharmaceutical fields, creating win-win outcomes. In May, the Irish government launched its National Semiconductor Strategy, outlining a vision to become a global semiconductor hub. Taiwan is home to the world’s most critical semiconductor ecosystem, and our own industrial development closely parallels that of Ireland. Moreover, we aspire to build non-red technological supply chains with democratic partners. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Ireland can bolster collaboration so as to upgrade the competitiveness of our respective semiconductor industries. Together, we can help build a values-based economic system for democracies. I was delighted to receive congratulations from Deputy Speaker McGuinness on my election. Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. This visit from our guests further attests to our common beliefs. As authoritarianism continues to expand, Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community. We look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. Deputy Speaker McGuinness then delivered remarks, stating that he has been to Taiwan on many occasions and that it is a great honor to join President Lai and his staff at the Presidential Office. He said that Ireland has continued to build its strong relationship with Taiwan based on our democratic values and the interests that we have in trade throughout the world, strengthening this relationship based on culture, education, and more. Noting that he served with many other diplomats from Taiwan, he said all had the same goal, which was to further the interests of the Ireland-Taiwan friendship and to ensure that it grows and prospers. The deputy speaker then extended to President Lai the delegation’s best wishes for his term in office, stating that they commit to the same values as the previous friendship groups that have been visiting Taiwan. He went on to say that some members of the group are newly elected, representing the next generation of the association, and that they are committed to working together with Taiwan to stand strong in the defense of democracy. Deputy Speaker McGuinness also noted that the father of Deputy Ken O’Flynn, one of the delegation members, played an important role as a former chairman of the association, remarking that it is good to see such continuity taking place. Deputy Speaker McGuiness said that he believes the world is facing huge challenges and uncertainty in terms of our markets and trade with one another. He said we have to watch for what the United States will do next and be conscious of what China is doing, emphasizing that the European Union stands strong in the center of this, while Ireland plays a huge role in the context of democracy, trade, and the betterment of all things for the citizens that they represent. The deputy speaker then stated that while we focus on the development of AI that is extremely important for all of us, we can work together to ensure that we control AI rather than AI controlling us. He also remarked that we cannot lose sight of our traditional trading means, saying that we have to keep all of our trade together, expand on that trade, and then take on the new technologies that come before us. Deputy Speaker McGuinness concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for receiving the delegation, stating that they commit to their continuation of support for Taiwan and for democracy. Also in attendance were Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Barry Ward, and Senator Teresa Costello.

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with an official delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the committee for choosing to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan, standing at the very frontline of the democratic world, is determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. He expressed hope that we can share our experiences with Europe to foster even more resilient societies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to your delegation, which marks another official visit from the European Parliament. The Special Committee on the EUDS aims to strengthen societal resilience and counter disinformation and hybrid threats. Having been constituted at the beginning of this year, the committee has chosen to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe and the unlimited possibilities for deepening cooperation on issues of concern. I am also delighted to see many old friends of Taiwan gathered here today. I deeply appreciate your longstanding support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the European Union enjoy close trade and economic relations and share the values of freedom and democracy. However, in recent years, we have both been subjected to information manipulation and infiltration by foreign forces that seek to interfere in democratic elections, foment division in our societies, and shake people’s faith in democracy. Taiwan not only faces an onslaught of disinformation, but also is the target of gray-zone aggression. That is why, after taking office, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, with myself as convener. The committee is a platform that integrates domestic affairs, national defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity, and civil resources. It aims to strengthen the capability of Taiwan’s society to defend itself against new forms of threat, pinpoint external and internal vulnerabilities, and bolster overall resilience and security. The efforts that democracies make are not for opposing anyone else; they are for safeguarding the way of life that we cherish – just as Europe has endeavored to promote diversity and human rights. The Taiwanese people firmly believe that when our society is united and people trust one another, we will be able to withstand any form of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of the democratic world. We are determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. We also hope to share our experiences with Europe and deepen cooperation in such fields as cybersecurity, media literacy, and societal resilience. Thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. Your presence further strengthens the foundations of Taiwan-Europe relations. Let us continue to work together to uphold freedom and democracy and foster even more resilient societies. EUDS Special Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation has members from different countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, and different political parties, but that they have in common their desire for stronger relations between the EU and Taiwan. Committee Chair Loiseau stated that the EU and Taiwan, having many things in common, should work more together. She noted that we have strong trade relations, strong investments on both sides, and strong cultural relations, while we are also facing very similar challenges and threats. She said that we are democracies living in a world where autocracies want to weaken and divide democracies. She added that we also face external information manipulation, cyberattacks, sabotage, attempts to capture elites, and every single gray-zone activity that aims to divide and weaken us. Committee Chair Loiseau pointed out another commonality, that we have never threatened our neighbors. She said that we want to live in peace and we care about our people; we want to defend ourselves, not to attack others. We are not being threatened because of what we do, she emphasized, but because of what we are; and thus there is no reason for not working more together to face these threats and attacks. Committee Chair Loiseau said that Taiwan has valuable experience and good practices in the area of societal resilience, and that they are interested in learning more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach. They in Europe are facing interference, she said, mainly from Russia, and they know that Russia inspires others. She added that they in the EU also have experience regulating social media in a way which combines freedom of expression and responsibility. In closing, the chair said that they are happy to have the opportunity to exchange views with President Lai and that the European Parliament will continue to strongly support relations between the EU and Taiwan. The delegation also included Members of the European Parliament Engin Eroglu, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Markéta Gregorová.

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL Transportation Researchers Recognized for Leadership, Innovativeness, and Collaboration at Vehicle Technologies Office Annual Merit Reviews

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Transportation researchers from NREL received awards at the 2025 Annual Merit Review meeting for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO).

    Each year, VTO presents awards to individuals from partner institutions for contributions to overall program efforts and to recognize research, development, demonstration, and deployment achievements in specific areas.

    VTO Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award – Margo Melendez

    Margo Melendez, NREL’s chief transportation technology deployment and integration engineer, was recognized for her dedication to VTO’s Technology Integration (TI) program and her commitment to the Clean Cities and Communities mission. The award noted that “her leadership has formed an essential connection between DOE, NREL, and stakeholders across a wide range of alternative fuel and advanced transportation fields.”

    NREL’s Margo Melendez, recipient of a VTO Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award, with VTO Director Austin Brown and VTO Technology Integration manager Mark Smith.

    Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) is a DOE partnership that fosters collaboration and innovation to advance transportation energy choices nationwide. More than 75 DOE-designated CC&C coalitions work in urban, suburban, and rural areas to deliver objective technical expertise based on a unique understanding of local markets. DOE’s VTO facilitates the administration of CC&C through its TI program.

    Melendez was recognized by VTO for her more than two decades of serving as a leader in the TI and CC&C national laboratory team. The award honored her work in guiding NREL teams that provide critical technical assistance to the CC&C partnership.

    She was also recognized for managing projects as part of a multimillion-dollar effort funded jointly by DOE, the California Energy Commission, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to advance the state of technology for natural gas vehicles.

    “In addition to the technical projects, the partnership among funding agencies to come together to establish common goals was unique,” Melendez said.

    She credited the many engineers and researchers at VTO for her success. “Their vision for innovation is inspiring, and their leadership has helped so many Americans, from researchers to vehicle operators,” she said.

    VTO Team Award – RouteE and FASTSim

    The NREL teams that developed Route Energy Prediction (RouteE) modeling tools and the Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSim) were recognized by VTO for their “remarkable ingenuity, collaboration, impactful contributions, and outstanding technical expertise.” RouteE and FASTSim can be used to minimize energy consumption, simulate powertrains, and estimate the impact of technology improvements on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.

    The tool development teams were recognized this year for having integrated new research approaches and continued collaborations with external partners, including Google Maps. The team’s work enabled Google Maps’ eco-routing feature.

    The award recognized a number of NREL transportation and mobility analysis researchers, including Chad Baker, Robin Steuteville, Nick Reinicke, Jeff Gonder, Shashi Peddireddy, Balashanmuga Priyan Rajamohan, Ananta Shrestha, Kyle Carow, Jake Holden, Rob Fitzgerald, and Josh Hoshiko and former NREL intern Natalie Schultz.

    VTO Team Award – Cooperative Driving Automation

    Two multilab Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) projects were awarded VTO Team Awards, including one that involved NREL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory. These CDA projects were recognized for outstanding collaboration between laboratories and projects “to advance the understanding and implementation of CDA.”

    In these projects, researchers developed novel software, algorithms, and hardware needed to quantify the energy impacts and the sensitivity on different communication frameworks, as well as for specific CDA and active traffic management (ATM) applications.

    CDA enables multiple automobiles or other road vehicles and road users to communicate with one another and take cooperative actions to increase safety and smoothness of travel. The CDA project teams were recognized in particular for their current work on a shared scenario to demonstrate specific CDA controls.

    The NREL researchers recognized as part of these projects were transportation energy transition analysis researcher Nick Reinicke and computational science researcher Qichao Wang.

    Learn more about NREL’s transportation and mobility research. And sign up for NREL’s transportation and mobility research newsletter, Mobility Matters, to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: World Ranger Day 2025: selfie-style |

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    It’s World Ranger Day!

    Time to celebrate our crews doing their best to protect nature in Aotearoa. This is a window into conservation field work: selfie-style. 📸

    📷1: Taking a break at Ōpoutere Beach after clearing tracks – (L to R) Rebecca, Rachel, Shania
    📷2:  Daniel and Chippy setting new trap lines along Hirikimata on Aotea
    📷3: Community ranger team (Michelle, Chris and Cat) from the Mahaanui office

    World Ranger Day is an opportunity to celebrate rangers who serve on the front lines of conservation worldwide.

    Today we recognise the invaluable efforts of those rangers who contribute to protecting nature and our planet day-in, day-out.

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    📷1: Self-timer selfie at Ōpoutere Beach aftertrack clearing pine logs – Dan, Rebecca, Rachel, Shania, Hugh, Cole and Ken
    📷2:  CITES Officer Sarah inspecting an American Alligator specimen at Auckland International Airport imported from the USA
    📷3: Drone selfie of Rachel and Shania transporting plants to Waemaro Wildlife Management Reserve in collaboration with Ngāti Hako, Waikato Regional Council and Fonterra

    The role of a ranger can be hard work, it’s not always glamorous and has its challenges, but there is no doubt about the importance of the work of our rangers when it comes to preserving and protecting nature.

    Internationally, World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, in addition to celebrating the work rangers do around the globe to protect natural treasures and cultural heritage.

    📷1: Phillip from Kaimaumau in Te Hiku doing a site visit with the locals
    📷2: UBCO Training with Kyle, Doug and Brownie from Te Hiku Kaitaia DOC
    📷3: Alyssia and Daniel planting native seedlings to help restore wetlands in Whangapoua, Aotea

    Not all of our rangers are field-based, and lots of conservation happens behind a desk, but there’s no doubt that our team in the field have some of the best views and work stories around.

    What does a ranger do?

    This is a question we get asked a lot. The short answer is: heaps!

    📷1: Campbell walking up to the infamous Brewster Hut during Winter to clean the hut and toilet
    📷2: Hauraki Heritage and Visitor Team – Rebecca with the Hauraki Tracks Crew
    📷3: Cara and Kaitiaki Kiwi planning conservation work with mana whenua on Aotea

    The long answer involves managing threats like predators, cutting tracks, managing biosecurity risks, monitoring and reporting on population health, restoration, recreation maintenance, running Visitor Centres, research and development … the list goes on and on.

    We have experts in many things: ecosystems, kākāpō, kiwi, weeds, waterways, sharks, bittern, non-vascular plants, bird-banding, endangered orchids, visitor behaviour, surveying, safety, community engagement, backcountry tramping; you name it. The DOC Sounds of Science podcast is a good listen if you’d like to dive deeper into any of these fields.

    📷1: Cameron and Kylie cooking up a kai for the kids after planting a reserve in Ahipara
    📷2: Campbell and Renee crossing the freezing cold East Matukituki River after spraying Cotoneaster weeds
    📷3: Daniel and Chippy putting out biodiversity tracking cards on the pest-free Mokohinau Islands

    Working in the field to help nature thrive is often very physically challenging, complex, with sky high stakes. But, on the other hand, our team have ‘office views’ like no where else, and often have seen things or done things that turn their friends and desk-based colleagues green with envy.

    Please put your emoji hands together for all of our awesome rangers.👏

    They deserve it. 💚

    📷1: Bianca, Alaanah, Brownie and Adrienne during UBCO Training at Maitai Bay
    📷2: A selfie after an Otago Hector Dolphin Biopsy Survey from left Mike, Tom, Cara and Kristina at Port Chalmers
    📷3: Cara and Lizzie and rangers from Karioi Project Jasmine, Terence and Louie carrying out willow control in the Toreparu wetland to enhance matuku habitat

    World Ranger Day 2025

    It’s World Ranger Day. A day to celebrate the amazing things that dedicated rangers do across Aotearoa all year round. You can learn more about World Ranger Day on our website.

    For more information about becoming a ranger, check out our DOC careers page.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: MemoCore Supplement Official Launch | Memory, Focus & Natural Memo core Drops Support

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    MemoCore proudly announces the official launch of its revolutionary new product, MemoCore Drops, a natural brain support supplement designed to enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive health. Developed after extensive research and testing, MemoCore Drops arrives at a time when more individuals than ever are seeking natural, stimulant-free ways to combat mental fatigue, sharpen their focus, and support long-term brain vitality.

    A Timely Solution for a Growing Concern

    Across the world, millions struggle with memory lapses, brain fog, and reduced concentration due to age, stress, digital overload, and modern lifestyle challenges. MemoCore Drops was created in direct response to this rising need for effective, non-invasive solutions that nourish the brain naturally.

    Unlike many synthetic no tropics that rely heavily on stimulants, MemoCore Drops focuses on long-term support through plant-based compounds, vitamins, and brain-healthy nutrients. The goal is not a quick burst of energy but rather sustainable improvement in clarity, recall, and cognitive resilience. Click Here to Support Your Memory & Focus Naturally

    The Vision Behind MemoCore Drops

    The MemoCore development team included neuroscientists, nutrition experts, and health specialists who dedicated more than a year to formulating a supplement that supports brain performance naturally. Their mission was clear:

    • Deliver real, sustainable cognitive support without relying on harsh stimulants.
    • Provide a clean-label product free from proprietary blends, ensuring transparency.
    • Support not just mental performance in the short term but also long-term brain health and protection.
    • Make the supplement easy to use and accessible for people of all ages.

    MemoCore Drops was born out of this vision, offering a solution tailored to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, high-stress world.

    What Sets MemoCore Supplement Apart

    MemoCore Drops distinguishes itself from the crowded supplement market through a blend of science-backed ingredients and strict quality standards. The formulation combines time-tested botanicals with essential nutrients known to play a role in cognitive support.

    Some key highlights include:

    • A non-stimulant formula that avoids jitters, crashes, or dependency.
    • A once-daily use design that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles.
    • Production in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facilities, ensuring quality and safety.
    • Transparent labeling, with no hidden blends or undisclosed ingredients.

    This commitment to transparency and safety positions MemoCore Drops as a supplement consumers can feel confident about.

    Inside the MemoCore Supplement Formula

    MemoCore Drops includes a carefully selected blend of botanicals and nutrients, each chosen for its potential benefits in supporting memory, clarity, and focus.

    • Bacopa Monnieri: A revered Ayurvedic herb linked to improved memory formation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced learning ability.
    • Ginkgo Biloba: Believed to increase cerebral blood flow, helping to support sharper thinking and clearer focus.
    • Phosphatidylserine: A crucial phospholipid that supports healthy brain cell communication and may enhance memory performance.
    • B-Vitamins: Vital for energy metabolism and nerve function, helping sustain mental clarity and reduce cognitive fatigue.

    This blend works synergistically to provide gradual, long-term benefits rather than relying on artificial energy boosts.

    Click Here to Support Your Memory & Focus Naturally

    Who Can Benefit from MemoCore Supplement Drops

    MemoCore Drops is designed to serve a wide range of individuals, making it a versatile supplement for anyone seeking cognitive support.

    • Older Adults: Helps maintain memory and clarity as part of healthy aging.
    • Students: Provides natural focus support during study sessions and exams without stimulant crashes.
    • Busy Professionals: Supports sharp decision-making and concentration during long workdays.
    • Remote Workers: Helps combat digital fatigue and maintain productivity in high-demand environments.
    • Wellness Enthusiasts: Complements holistic health routines with natural brain support.

    The simple once-daily format ensures convenience without disrupting daily routines.

    Early Reception and Market Buzz

    Since its soft introduction to select markets, MemoCore Drops has already begun generating buzz. Wellness blogs and nutrition-focused publications have praised its transparent formula and clean-label promise. Many early users have reported feeling sharper, more focused, and less mentally fatigued after consistent use.

    At the same time, Memo Core’s marketing has sparked debate. While some applaud its strong branding and professional presentation, others caution consumers to remain vigilant and look beyond advertising claims. MemoCore Supplement Drops positions itself as a serious player in the cognitive health market, but industry experts agree that long-term credibility will depend on continued transparency and clinical validation.

    Pros of MemoCore Drops

    • Non-Stimulant Formula – Provides brain support without caffeine, jitters, or crashes.
    • Scientifically Chosen Ingredients – Uses Bacopa, Ginkgo, Phosphatidylserine, and B-vitamins, all linked to cognitive health benefits.
    • Transparent Labeling – No hidden blends or undisclosed ingredients; consumers know exactly what they’re taking.
    • Supports Long-Term Brain Health – Designed for gradual improvements in memory, focus, and mental clarity.
    • Convenient Usage – Once-daily format makes it easy to integrate into any routine.
    • Made in GMP-Certified Facilities – Ensures quality, safety, and consistency with every batch.
    • Suitable for All Adults – Can be used by seniors, students, professionals, and wellness enthusiasts alike.
    • No Artificial Additives – Clean-label approach without unnecessary fillers or chemicals.
    • Supports Mental Energy and Clarity – Helps reduce brain fog and promotes clearer thinking.
    • Encourages Healthy Aging – Provides nutrients beneficial for maintaining cognitive resilience over time.

    Cons of MemoCore Drops

    • Lack of Clinical Trials – No published independent studies confirming its effectiveness.
    • Not FDA Approved – Like most supplements, it is not approved to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases.
    • Marketing Concerns – Some critics note aggressive advertising tactics that may feel exaggerated.
    • Results May Vary – Some users may notice benefits quickly, while others may need several weeks.
    • Requires Consistency – Not a quick-fix solution; effects build gradually over time.
    • Limited User Reviews – Being a newly launched product, real-world feedback is still minimal.
    • Potential Interactions – Individuals on medication or with medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
    • No Guarantee of Results – As with most natural supplements, outcomes differ based on individual health and lifestyle.

    Strengths of MemoCore Drops

    MemoCore Drops offers several advantages that appeal to today’s health-conscious consumer:

    • No artificial stimulants: Supports clarity without jittery side effects.
    • Clean, transparent labeling: Allows users to understand exactly what they are taking.
    • Convenience: Easy daily use that integrates into any lifestyle.
    • Scientific formulation: Ingredients chosen based on established research.
    • Broad appeal: Suitable for a wide demographic, from students to seniors.

    Click Here to Support Your Memory & Focus Naturally

    Addressing Consumer Questions

    Is MemoCore Drops FDA Approved?

    MemoCore Drops is manufactured in FDA-registered facilities and follows strict GMP guidelines. However, like most dietary supplements, it is not FDA-approved and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

    How Long Before Results Are Noticed?

    Most users are advised to take MemoCore Drops consistently for several weeks before noticing improvements. Because it is non-stimulant based, effects tend to build gradually over time.

    Are There Side Effects?

    MemoCore Drops is made with natural ingredients and is considered safe for most adults. However, individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

    The Road Ahead for MemoCore Supplement Drops

    The launch of MemoCore Drops marks just the beginning of the company’s long-term vision. Plans are already underway to:

    • Expand distribution to international markets.
    • Collaborate with research institutions for further clinical studies.
    • Continue refining the formula based on consumer feedback and emerging science.
    • Build stronger educational campaigns around cognitive health and lifestyle synergy.

    By focusing on evidence-based improvements and ethical marketing, MemoCore aims to establish itself as a trusted name in brain health supplementation.

    Why MemoCore Drops Matters

    In today’s world, where mental performance is as crucial as physical well-being, MemoCore Drops offers an appealing solution. It provides natural support without resorting to synthetic stimulants or questionable quick fixes. By encouraging gradual, sustainable improvements in clarity and focus, MemoCore positions itself as a supplement for those who value long-term brain health as much as short-term performance.

    For consumers tired of overhyped energy boosters and questionable “miracle pills,” MemoCore Drops stands out as a refreshing and thoughtful alternative.

    Conclusion

    The official launch of MemoCore Drops signals an exciting chapter in the cognitive health supplement market. With its transparent formula, natural ingredients, and commitment to quality, MemoCore is poised to attract consumers seeking safe and effective brain support.

    While questions remain about its long-term impact and the need for more clinical validation, the brand’s mission to deliver sustainable cognitive wellness solutions has already begun resonating with health-conscious audiences worldwide.

    MemoCore Drops is more than a supplement; it’s a symbol of a growing movement toward holistic brain care—one that blends traditional wisdom, modern science, and consumer transparency.

    Media Contact:

    Project name: Memo Core

     Tel.: +1 (434) 425-7300

     Company Number: 306178201

     Full Name: Harry Bailey

     Website: https://getmemocore.com/

     Email: support@Memocore.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Andrew MacDonald/Getty Images

    The recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on climate action marked a significant step forward in formalising an idea many already accept: climate inaction is not merely a policy failure, but potentially a breach of legal duty by governments.

    The court’s opinion is not legally binding but establishes global expectations. Crucially, the court confirmed environmental protection includes a duty to regulate private businesses and organisations.

    In New Zealand, large organisations already have to list climate-related risks in their annual reports and regulatory filings under the External Reporting Board’s Climate Standards.

    But our latest research suggests the benefits of mandatory climate reporting regulation in New Zealand may not be as straightforward as they appear.

    Extreme weather, limited financial impact

    We analysed how New Zealand’s stock market responds to extreme weather events (heavy rain, windstorms, snow, temperature spikes and thunderstorms) using data curated by Earth Sciences New Zealand.

    Climate risk is widely assumed to have an impact on markets. So, we expected investors would respond to damaging weather with selloffs or price adjustments.

    Instead, we found most extreme weather events had little to no impact on the share prices of New Zealand’s 50 largest listed companies, those on the NZX50.

    Even firms directly exposed to these events – airlines, utilities, logistics companies – showed only muted reactions, if any.

    It may be that markets already price in these risks. Or that firms have managed them effectively through infrastructure investment and planning.

    What is more, the location and severity of extreme weather in New Zealand have remained relatively stable over the past three decades.

    Using a statistical analysis, we found no evidence of accelerating trends typically attributed to global warming. This technique assessed whether a particular extreme weather event can be linked to human-induced climate change.

    New Zealand’s extreme weather events tend to involve cold, rain and wind – unlike the heatwaves, wildfires and droughts that dominate international headlines.

    What this means for disclosure mandates

    If markets are already efficiently pricing in these risks – or if the risks are genuinely immaterial for the company – the benefits of mandatory disclosure may be overstated.

    Our study suggests the case for universal, mandatory disclosure of extreme weather events under the climate board’s standards may not be strong. If financial impacts are already reflected in stock prices, the current voluntary framework may suffice for many firms.

    This is not an argument against disclosure broadly. While our study did not assess other climate-related risks – such as supply chain disruption or chronic sea level rises – these may well be material for some organisations, especially unlisted or regionally exposed firms.

    But for the NZX50, where climate regulation is currently focused, the value of standardised extreme weather events disclosures seems limited.

    Global principles, local realities

    None of this contradicts the ICJ’s opinion.

    The court emphasised that states must act, not only to reduce emissions but to protect against climate-related harm. That includes harm caused by private actors, who must be subject to effective regulation.

    But the ICJ also recognises the importance of national circumstances. While bound by international obligations, each country still needs to tailor its climate policies to the actual risks it faces.

    To do otherwise risks shifting government energy and private capital towards compliance that offers little benefit to investors, the public or the climate.

    New Zealand at a crossroads

    The ICJ decision comes as New Zealand’s climate ambition appears to be softening.

    The government recently released an updated emissions pledge that barely improves on its predecessor. At the same time, it is also reviving offshore oil and gas exploration, expanding coal production and backing legislation to shield carbon-intensive firms from environmental, suitability and governance aligned lending decisions by banks.

    Such moves may be politically popular in some quarters, but they sit uneasily with both the ICJ’s vision and New Zealand’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and various trade deals.

    If New Zealand wants to avoid being seen as lagging – or worse, a bad-faith actor – it must reconcile its domestic policies with international decision-making.

    That does not mean copying regulation from other countries. But it does mean being honest about what is material, what is symbolic and what actually helps reduce emissions or build resilience.

    Regulation needs to be smart, not just visible

    The ICJ opinion should not be used to justify every climate policy proposal. Rather, it should encourage governments to develop regulation that is meaningful, proportionate and based on evidence.

    Our study offers one such piece of evidence. In terms of financial market impacts, New Zealand’s extreme weather may not justify the same disclosure obligations as those in countries where the physical risks are more severe or more clearly linked to climate change.

    This is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do better. Policy needs to target disclosure where it matters, to focus adaptation spending where it is needed and to measure the impact of climate policies not only by their intentions, but by their outcomes.

    In short, the ICJ has spoken. Now it is up to each country to act wisely.

    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. Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research – https://theconversation.com/rules-for-calculating-climate-risk-in-financial-reporting-by-nz-businesses-need-revisiting-new-research-262024

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Sleep Lean 2025: How SleepLean Supplement Helps You To Lose Weight While Sleeping – Here’s What Sleep Lean Reports Say

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the connection between quality sleep and body composition becomes more widely recognized, a new supplement is drawing attention for its unique nighttime approach: Sleep Lean. Early adopters and wellness insiders alike are calling it a promising advancement in aligning sleep patterns with body balance goals — all without disrupting rest.

    In recent years, wellness has become more than just daytime habits and fitness trackers — it’s now encompassing what happens after dark. This evolving awareness has led to increased interest in nighttime formulations like Sleep Lean, which offer support during one of the body’s most crucial regenerative phases: sleep.
    Historically, weight-related products were focused on daytime activity — with emphasis on energy output, dietary routines, or caloric adjustment. However, new insights into circadian biology and hormonal cycles have made it clear: what happens during sleep profoundly affects how the body functions during the day.
    This is where Sleep Lean enters the discussion. It’s not a quick-action formula or a disruptive sleep aid. Instead, it’s designed to work alongside the body’s built-in rhythm — allowing rest, regulation, and renewal to occur without interruption.
    Industry analysts are watching this space closely. According to wellness trend trackers, the demand for evening-based supplements has surged over the past 18 months, especially among those in midlife wellness communities. As interest in sleep as a foundational pillar of health continues to grow, products like Sleep Lean are no longer fringe — they’re becoming central to how people manage body balance over time.

    Why Sleep Lean Is Drawing Attention in 2025: A New Take on Rest and Body Balance

    As the global wellness industry continues to evolve, a quiet but significant shift is underway: people are starting to value sleep not just for energy restoration, but as a critical window for internal balance. At the center of this shift is Sleep Lean, a new entry into the nighttime support space that’s gaining traction among individuals seeking a gentler, more natural path to wellness.

    Unlike traditional approaches that rely on daytime energy enhancers or restrictive regimens, Sleep Lean offers something different — support that works in harmony with the body’s natural overnight functions. Early interest in the product isn’t coming from hype alone; it’s being driven by word-of-mouth, wellness forums, and growing reports of improved rest patterns combined with subtle body recalibration.

    Wellness professionals are calling this the “rest revolution” — a shift from doing more to doing smarter. Sleep Lean taps directly into this trend by focusing on metabolic support when the body is already designed to recover: during sleep.

    With interest growing across the U.S. and abroad, Sleep Lean is emerging not as a fad, but as a reflection of changing priorities. In a market crowded with overstimulating solutions, this product is helping users reconnect with one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — tools in wellness: sleep itself.

    Visit Official Website To Get More Information

    The Science of Sleep and Metabolism: Why Nighttime May Be the Missing Piece

    Modern research continues to affirm that sleep and metabolism are deeply interconnected — yet the wellness space has traditionally focused on daytime strategies. This is precisely where Sleep Lean finds its relevance in 2025: bridging the overlooked link between restorative rest and internal balance.

    During sleep, the body doesn’t shut down — it shifts gears. Hormonal activity changes, repair functions intensify, and energy regulation mechanisms subtly adjust. Growth hormone, for instance, is more active during deep sleep, supporting tissue recovery and nutrient distribution. Cortisol, the hormone tied to stress and fat storage, also resets itself during the night — particularly in well-rested individuals.

    Poor sleep disrupts these processes, leading to imbalances that can affect energy levels, cravings, and weight patterns. Sleep Lean is formulated to work with — not against — these rhythms. It supports deeper rest while allowing internal systems the environment they need to function optimally.

    By prioritizing nighttime support, Sleep Lean aligns with a growing body of research that recognizes the rest window as a critical opportunity for wellness. This new approach resonates with users looking for more than short-term fixes — they want alignment with how the body naturally operates.

    How Sleep Lean Works Without Relying on Harsh Stimulants

    Sleep Lean has entered the spotlight for one reason: it focuses on supporting natural processes during rest hours. While most wellness products operate during active hours, Sleep Lean’s formulation is built around the concept of restorative metabolism — the body’s subtle overnight balancing mechanisms.

    Rather than rely on intense energy boosters or crash-inducing compounds, Sleep Lean offers a gentler path. Its ingredients are designed to help users fall asleep more easily while also nudging internal systems that manage how nutrients are processed and stored.

    This dual-action approach — supporting both restful sleep and metabolic function — is gaining traction among individuals who prefer non-disruptive solutions. Early consumer feedback highlights improved sleep quality alongside gradual body composition improvements.

    Wellness professionals monitoring this trend note that sleep remains a critical yet overlooked factor in metabolic health. With Sleep Lean, that gap may finally be addressed.

    Visit Official Website To Get More Information including pricing and availability

    What Are the Key Ingredients Behind Sleep Lean’s Growing Popularity?

    Behind the rising interest in Sleep Lean lies a carefully formulated combination of ingredients designed to support both restorative rest and overnight metabolic activity — without overstimulation.

    One of the core components includes natural adaptogens, known for helping the body stay balanced during stressful cycles. These adaptogens are included not to sedate but to promote a smoother transition into rest, creating an optimal environment for the body to carry out internal maintenance.

    Alongside that, Sleep Lean incorporates amino acid compounds that are closely linked to neurotransmitter function. These compounds work quietly in the background, helping regulate the body’s natural circadian patterns and enabling deeper rest phases. During these phases, the body is better able to support internal processes such as nutrient breakdown and energy management.

    Another noteworthy inclusion is a botanical complex rich in antioxidant properties. This complex is selected not only for its calming effects but also for its role in supporting the body’s nightly recovery and renewal efforts.

    Together, these ingredients do not force a sedative effect. Instead, they align with the body’s inherent rhythm — a key reason why Sleep Lean is being welcomed by those looking for non-disruptive, holistic nighttime support.

    What Makes Sleep Lean Different from Daytime Weight Support Products?

    According to official website, While most wellness supplements focus on energy, thermogenesis, or appetite control during the day, Sleep Lean takes a contrasting path. It works while the user is at rest, aligning its support with the body’s natural recovery window — nighttime.

    Daytime formulations often aim to stimulate. They’re crafted to deliver short bursts of energy or heightened alertness, which may help with motivation but can also interfere with rest if taken late. Sleep Lean avoids this entirely. There are no jitter-causing compounds, no sharp crashes, and no impact on the body’s cortisol curve.

    Instead, the formulation is structured to support what the body is naturally inclined to do after sundown: reset, repair, and rebalance. Reports suggest that during sleep, the body engages in complex metabolic activities — including nutrient utilization and cellular housekeeping. Sleep Lean is designed to assist those processes, not override them.

    This difference is why Sleep Lean is increasingly favored by individuals seeking long-term wellness support without compromising sleep quality. It doesn’t compete with energy levels — it complements circadian biology. In a world where overstimulation is common, a nighttime-focused strategy is refreshing — and increasingly embraced.

    Who Is Using Sleep Lean in 2025? A Look at the Growing Audience

    Across wellness communities in 2025, a quiet shift is taking place. Individuals are no longer viewing rest as passive downtime — but as a key component of overall body harmony. This shift is reflected in the growing user base of Sleep Lean.

    The audience ranges widely. Professionals facing long workdays are turning to it as part of their evening routine to promote deeper rest and balance. Individuals navigating midlife changes — particularly where sleep patterns and metabolism begin to shift — are adopting Sleep Lean for its gentle support. Even younger wellness enthusiasts, who once overlooked nighttime supplementation, are exploring its benefits as part of a more rounded approach to daily self-care.

    Social media conversations and wellness podcasts are increasingly referencing the “rest and reset” model. Rather than chasing overnight transformations, users are aligning with strategies that feel sustainable. Sleep Lean fits into this narrative — a non-intrusive, steady companion that works behind the scenes.

    What unites this diverse group is a shared value: consistency without compromise. In a marketplace full of products promising instant shifts, Sleep Lean appeals to those who prefer subtle, sustainable progress grounded in how the body naturally works.

     Visit Official Website To Get More Information

    Is Sleep Lean Safe for Nighttime Use? What the Formulation Tells Us

    In 2025, safety remains a top priority for consumers — especially with supplements taken before rest. Sleep Lean has garnered attention not only for its unique purpose but also for how it approaches nighttime support responsibly.

    The formulation is developed without ingredients that commonly disrupt rest, such as high-dose stimulants, synthetic relaxants, or habit-forming agents. Instead, its blend focuses on naturally derived compounds known for their role in regulating circadian patterns, nervous system balance, and gentle metabolic support.

    Each ingredient has been selected for its compatibility with evening use. Instead of triggering abrupt physiological shifts, the goal is to support a smoother transition into deeper rest. Reports from users highlight feelings of calm without grogginess the next morning — a rare balance in this product category.

    In addition, the product’s composition avoids artificial dyes, major allergens, and unnecessary additives. This makes Sleep Lean a viable option for a wide range of wellness-conscious individuals looking to integrate a nighttime formula without compromising safety or quality.

    As interest in sleep-focused metabolic support grows, Sleep Lean positions itself as a responsible entry in this space — prioritizing harmony over force.

    Where to Buy Sleep Lean in 2025: Access, Authenticity & Advisory Notes

    Due to its rising popularity, questions about where to safely access Sleep Lean are becoming more common. The official source for authentic supply remains the product’s official website — a secure platform that ensures formula integrity, proper storage, and full customer support.

    Purchasing directly not only guarantees that users receive the original formulation, but also provides access to updated information, current usage guidelines, and any ongoing offers. Given the emergence of unauthorized listings and imitations on third-party marketplaces, wellness advisors encourage consumers to verify sourcing before purchase.

    Another key reason to go through official channels is safety. With wellness products, particularly those taken during rest, quality control is non-negotiable. Temperature-sensitive ingredients and precise dosing require careful handling from manufacturer to doorstep — something not always ensured by unverified resellers.

    For those considering adding Sleep Lean to their routine, the brand also offers structured packages that support consistent use over several weeks — often preferred by those looking for longer-term body balance support.

    What Wellness Experts Are Saying About Sleep Lean

    As interest in restorative wellness continues to grow, health advisors and holistic practitioners are taking note of formulations like Sleep Lean that emphasize rhythm, not force. While traditional daytime supplements still have a role, the wellness industry is beginning to recognize that rest itself is an active part of balance.

    Experts observing the market see Sleep Lean’s success as part of a wider shift. More individuals are choosing supplements based not only on ingredients, but on when and how they work in the body. With its nighttime focus, Sleep Lean offers a fresh alternative to solutions that rely on daytime energy expenditure.

    Several nutrition consultants have remarked that the ingredients used in Sleep Lean are aligned with current understanding of safe, non-sedating nighttime support. The absence of synthetic relaxants or high-intensity stimulants is frequently mentioned as a key differentiator.

    Sleep Lean appears to have positioned itself not just as a supplement, but as a tool in the broader strategy of metabolic support through rest.

    Final Insights: Where Sleep Lean Fits in 2025’s Wellness Landscape

    With thousands of supplements entering the wellness space each year, only a few manage to break through and redefine how people think about body balance. Sleep Lean, in 2025, is emerging as one of those few — not because of bold promises, but because of its timely alignment with how consumers are rethinking wellness.

    It doesn’t try to overtake the body’s systems. It doesn’t fight biology. Instead, Sleep Lean works in tandem with how the body is naturally designed to recover — quietly, gently, and during rest.

    Its rise reflects a shift in mindset. More individuals are embracing long-view approaches. They are seeking out options that fit into their lives, not products that demand dramatic lifestyle changes. With Sleep Lean, this integration is simple — a capsule, a routine, a commitment to restful evenings and balanced mornings.

    As awareness grows, Sleep Lean’s role in the wellness landscape becomes clearer: it isn’t about chasing faster outcomes, but supporting smarter habits. And in an increasingly overstimulated world, that calm, supportive approach may be what sets it apart.

    For the most accurate and current product details, including pricing and availability, always refer to the official product website.

    Contact: SleepLean
    Address: Jetpack 285 Northeast Ave Tallmadge,
    OH 44278
    United States

    Support Email: info@sleeplean.net 
    Website: www.sleeplean.net
    Disclaimer and Disclosure
    The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional. No material in this content is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Individuals should always consult with a physician or other licensed healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, wellness program, or health regimen, particularly if they are pregnant, nursing, have a known medical condition, or are taking medications.
    All product details, including pricing, ingredients, availability, and usage instructions, are subject to change by the manufacturer at any time without notice. While the article aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information at the time of publication, there is no guarantee that the content is free from typographical errors, outdated details, or other inaccuracies. Readers are encouraged to verify all information directly with the official product website or the manufacturer.
    The publisher, writers, syndication partners, and all affiliated distribution platforms disclaim any liability for any loss, harm, or adverse effects resulting from the use or misuse of any product or information presented herein. The content is published as-is and without warranties of any kind-either expressed or implied.
    By reading this content, the reader acknowledges full responsibility for their own health decisions and agrees not to hold the publisher or any affiliated parties liable for outcomes related to the information presented.

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  • MIL-Evening Report: Big tech says AI could boost Australia’s economy by $115 billion a year. Does the evidence stack up?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Uri Gal, Professor in Business Information Systems, University of Sydney

    Imaginima / Getty Images

    AI is on the agenda in Canberra. In August, the Productivity Commission will release an interim report on harnessing data and digital technology such as AI “to boost productivity growth, accelerate innovation and improve government services”. Shortly afterward, the government will host an Economic Reform Roundtable where AI policy will be up for discussion.

    AI developers are aggressively pursuing influence over the new rules. The Chinese government wants to include AI in trade deals. Meanwhile, as the US government seeks to “win the AI race”, US-based tech companies are making their own overtures.

    The most ambitious intervention has come from ChatGPT developer OpenAI, which recently hired former Tech Council chief executive Kate Pounder as its local policy liaison. Pounder is also a former business partner of Assistant Minister for the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton.

    OpenAI’s AI Economic Blueprint for Australia makes bold projections about the new technology’s impact on the country’s economy, accompanied by a host of policy proposals. However, these claims warrant careful scrutiny, particularly given the company’s clear commercial interests in shaping Australian regulation.

    The gap between promise and evidence

    OpenAI claims AI could boost Australia’s economy by A$115 billion annually by 2030. It attributes most of this to productivity gains in business, education and government. However, the supporting evidence is thin.

    For instance, the report notes Australian workers have lower productivity than their US counterparts and then claims (without evidence) this is because Australia has invested less in digital technologies such as AI. However, it ignores numerous other factors affecting productivity, from industrial structure to regulatory environments.

    The report also describes supposed AI-driven productivity gains in companies such as Moderna and Canva. However, these narratives lack any data about improved organisational or individual performance.

    Perhaps more concerning is the report’s uniformly optimistic tone, which overlooks significant risks. These include organisations struggling with costly AI projects, massive job displacements, worsening labour conditions, and concentrating wealth.

    Most problematically, OpenAI’s blueprint assumes AI adoption and its economic benefits will materialise rapidly across the economy. However, evidence suggests a different reality.

    Economic impact from AI will unfold gradually

    Recent evidence suggests AI’s economic impact may take decades to fully materialise. Studies report some 40% of US adults use generative AI yet this translates to less than 5% of work hours and an increase of less than 1% in labour productivity.

    AI may not spread much faster than past technologies. The limiting factor will be how quickly individuals, organisations and institutions can adapt.

    Even when AI tools are available, meaningful adoption requires time. People must develop new skills, change the way they work, and integrate the new technologies into complex organisations. The economic impacts of earlier general-purpose technologies such as computers and the internet took decades to fully materialise, and there’s little reason to believe AI will be fundamentally different.

    The educational risk

    Like Google, OpenAI is also aggressively pushing for AI adoption in education. It has teamed up with edtech companies and launched a new “study mode” in ChatGPT.

    The push for AI tutoring and automated educational tools raises profound concerns about human development and learning.

    Early evidence suggests over-reliance on AI tools may condition people to depend on them. When students routinely turn to AI, they risk avoiding the mental effort required to build critical thinking skills, creativity and independent inquiry. These capacities form the foundation of a thriving democracy and innovative economy.

    Students who become accustomed to AI-assisted thinking may struggle to develop intellectual independence. This is needed for innovation, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving.

    AI applications that help teachers personalise instruction or identify learning gaps may be useful. But systems that substitute for students’ own cognitive effort and development should be avoided.

    A multi-partner infrastructure strategy

    Australia’s digital strategy will undoubtedly include significant investment in AI infrastructure such as data centres. One challenge for Australia is to avoid concentrating our investment around a single technology provider. Doing so would be a mistake that could compromise both economic competitiveness and national sovereignty.

    Amazon plans to spend $20 billion on local data centres. Microsoft Azure already has significant local capacity, as does Australian company NextDC. This diversity provides a foundation, but maintaining and expanding it requires deliberate policy choices.

    Maintaining multiple data centre suppliers helps keep computing power that is independent of foreign governments or single companies. This approach will give Australia more bargaining power to ensure lower prices, greener power and local skills quotas.

    Diversification provides regulatory leverage as well. Australia can enforce common security standards knowing no single supplier can threaten an investment strike.

    Australia’s AI future

    AI technology is developing rapidly, driven by large corporations wielding vast amounts of capital and political influence. It presents real opportunities for economic growth and social benefit that Australia can’t afford to squander.

    However, if the government uncritically accepts corporate advocacy, these opportunities may be captured by foreign interests.

    Australia’s approach to AI policy should maintain human-centred values alongside technological advancement. This balance requires resisting the siren call of corporate promises.

    The decisions made today will shape Australia’s future for decades. These choices should be guided by independent analysis, empirical evidence, and a commitment to outcomes for all Australians.

    The Australian government must resist the temptation to let Silicon Valley write our digital future, no matter how persuasive their lobbyists or how impressive their promises. The stakes are simply too high to get this wrong.

    Uri Gal 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. Big tech says AI could boost Australia’s economy by $115 billion a year. Does the evidence stack up? – https://theconversation.com/big-tech-says-ai-could-boost-australias-economy-by-115-billion-a-year-does-the-evidence-stack-up-260705

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –