Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Source: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)
 
The dairy industry has been plagued by a persistent global problem for decades – bacterial infection of cow udders that significantly reduces milk production.
 
The condition, known as bovine mastitis, is estimated to cause annual global losses of US$22 billion (S$28 billion). While antibiotics have been used to treat the infection in dairy cattle, there are issues such as rising antibiotic resistance and concerns around milk contamination from antibiotic residues.
 
Now, a team of international researchers has developed alternatives to antibiotics that prevent infection through a novel mechanism they discovered.
 
The scientists were led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), in collaboration with the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Interdisciplinary Research Group at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore. Their findings were recently published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
 
In a preliminary farm trial, the new antimicrobial compounds were applied on cow teats and shown to stave off udder infection after the animals were exposed to bacteria.
 
“Our study has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used in the agriculture industry to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis,” saidProfessor Mary Chan, one of the co-leads of the research from NTU Singapore’s School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, as well as a Principal Investigator at SMART AMR. “The compounds are also promising as they did not cause significant adverse effects in cattle in our tests. They didn’t spoil the cows’ milk nor make it unsafe for consumption as well.”
 
The new compounds have since attracted interest from several agricultural companies in Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and New Zealand. The businesses are keen as they are seeking substitutes that are safer and more environmentally friendly than existing compounds in preventing the infection of cow teats.
 
Professor Paula Hammond, Institute Professor and Executive Vice Provost at MIT and Principal Investigator at SMART AMR, who is one of the co-authors of the research, said: “With the success of our initial study in both the laboratory and in the field, we are now planning to work closely with industry partners to scale up and do larger trials in dairy cattle, with the aim of commercialising the novel antimicrobial compounds.”
 
Professor Kevin Pethe, the study’s other co-lead from NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Principal Investigator at SMART AMR, noted that the new compounds are also very effective in killing multi-drug-resistant bacteria in mice at doses that were not noticeably harmful to the rodents in the team’s study. “This opens the way for the compounds to be further developed and optimised for other therapeutic applications in the biomedical field in the future,” he said.
   
Udder concerns
When cattle udders get infected, the antibiotics used to treat them often end up in their milk in high concentrations for some time, so the milk cannot be consumed or sold under existing rules. Bacteria resistant to such antibiotic treatments have surfaced too.
 
To prevent the infection of cow teats, farmers typically dip udders in antiseptic solution, such as those containing iodine or chlorhexidine, to kill bacteria on them. However, the disinfectants’ long-term use can irritate udders or cause their skin to crack, which increases the risk of infection.
 
There are also concerns that after cleaning the udders of the antiseptics, iodine and chlorhexidine may find their way into the environment and cause problems like disrupting the nutrient balance in nature and harming aquatic life respectively. And when the chemicals come into contact with milk, like when udders are not properly cleaned, they become less effective at killing bacteria.
 
The NTU-led scientists realised that these challenges in the dairy business could be addressed with novel compounds called “oligoimidazolium carbon acids” (OIMs) that they initially developed as alternatives to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 
They found that OIMs kill bacteria in a new way, unlike traditional “cationic” antimicrobials studied now as antibiotic substitutes. Parts of the OIMs convert into structures called carbenes, which lets them slip past the bacteria’s protective membranes quickly to damage their DNA and kill them. This killing method is more potent than for typical cationic antimicrobials. So, lower doses of OIMs are needed, which reduces the chance of side effects.
 
Commercial potential
The research team tested if OIMs could be used as an antiseptic dip to prevent bovine mastitis in a preliminary farm trial led by SMART AMR. Cows whose teats were dipped in the compounds did not develop udder infection over time after being exposed to bacteria.
 
The OIMs also did not irritate the cows’ udders nor cause the animals to behave abnormally – for example, they were not restless and did not kick, which are signs of itching and irritation. The compounds were easily washed off as no traces of them were detected on the udders or in the cows’ milk after the teats were cleaned.
 
They have a sustainable advantage as well. “The OIMs are biodegradable and break down into natural molecules that are neither toxic nor polluting, so we expect them to be more environmentally friendly than using iodine or chlorhexidine,” explained Dr Kaixi Zhang, Research Scientist at SMART AMR and a co-author of the study.
 
Tests showed that the OIMs do not affect the quality of the milk too. Furthermore, unlike iodine and chlorhexidine, the OIM’s ability to kill bacteria was unaffected by milk.
 
Going forward, the scientists are commercialising the OIMs through a spin-off company, and a large farm trial has been started in Malacca, Malaysia, to optimise the antimicrobial compounds. Several agricultural companies in Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed interest in exploring the commercial use of the antimicrobial compounds in preventing, and possibly treating, bovine mastitis in dairy cattle.
 
The dairy industry has been actively searching for new compounds that are much less toxic, more effective and more sustainable to replace existing iodine- and chlorhexidine-based products, which have been used to prevent bovine mastitis for decades. Coupled with increased scrutiny of the dairy business following rising incidents of adulterated milk, companies have thus shown interest in the researchers’ new antimicrobial compounds.
 
The research conducted at SMART is supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme. The farm trial study was supported by a grant from the SMART Innovation Centre, which helps researchers commercialise their technologies and turn them into successful ventures.

Source: Edith Cowan University (ECU)

Governments which employ private military companies such as Wagner and Africa Corps, can be held liable for any human rights violations committed by these firms, research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has highlighted.

(ref. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-law/article/state-responsibility-for-violations-of-international-humanitarian-law-and-human-rights-law-by-private-security-companies-in-africa-the-case-of-the-wagner-group-and-africa-corps/C621A38DFB47268AA92E78E8206602B1 )

Associate Professor Shannon Bosch said the International Law Commission’s Articles of Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARISWA) provides a means for the international community to hold states responsible for the actions of private military, on behalf of the victims of abuse.

“Corporations like Wagner and Africa Corps, which both have solid ties to Russia, have been involved in Africa for quite some time. In exchange for mineral rights, they have partnered with elected leaders, African dictators, rebel groups and military generals and offer services ranging from private protection details to full military services,” Associate Professor Bosch said.

However, research noted that the name Wagner has become synonymous with grave human rights violations and abuses in Africa, with the companies facing allegations of sexual assault, mass executions, torture, the planting of explosives in civilian areas, and the forced displacement of civilians.

Associate Professor Bosch said that while it was tempting to classify Wagner employees as mercenaries, that legal status would depend on the company’s relationship with the host State. Where Wagner employees have been incorporated into the State’s armed forces, or even contracted, that contractual link exempts them from mercenary status.

It was also this association which made host States liable for any actions taken by these employees.

“States have the responsibility to ensure that any private military company that acts on their behalf should be well supervised and should be held accountable when instances of human rights violations are reported,” Associate Professor Bosch said.

“Immunity clauses and informal arrangements cannot shield States from responsibility when violations involve non-derogable rights.”

If the host nation is unwilling to step in and address these human rights violations, or worse condones them, it is up to third party states to act, Associate Professor Bosch said.

“ARISWA allows any State can invoke the responsibility of delinquent States when the breached obligation is owed to the international community as a whole. Third party States can bring actions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to ensure accountability for violations of jus cogens norms, which are peremptory principles of international law that are universally recognised and from which no derogation is permitted.” she said.

In addition to moral and ethical obligations, third party States could also be prompted into taking this action to stave off the flow-on effects from human rights violations, particularly in States directly surrounding the host nation.

“Human rights violations cause repercussions that flow throughout the continent, including massive regional refugee populations and political instability. Rebel forces in neighbouring states are quick to incorporate the lessons learned from the private military firms and use those to stage a coup,” Associate Professor Bosch said.

Through ARSIWA, international law allows the global community to hold States accountable when they employ, support or control private military groups like Wagner or Africa Corps, whether these groups are officially part of the State's military, act like regular armed forces, follow State orders, or have their actions officially accepted by the State.

Where delinquent States rely on foreign aid and trade, sanctions could be an effective response to deter the use Wagner or Africa Corps forces.

However, Associate Professor Bosch noted that actions like ICJ rulings, diplomatic pressure, or sanctions all depend on proving a clear link between these forces and the States that hire, support, or allow them to operate.

Source: Swinburne University of Technology

Australia is projected to experience 18 days of extreme heatwaves annually, up from just 4 days currently, and a 444 per cent increase in heatwave-related deaths in Sydney alone, according to a new report: (ref. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/australia-warns-cascading-climate-risks-ahead-emissions-target-announcement-2025-09-15 )

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

The latest CommBank View examines the shifting forces and underlying tensions shaping Australia’s economy, global markets, and the outlook for 2026.

13 October 2025 – The Australian economy is at a crossroads heading towards 2026. There are a range of potential domestic and international scenarios that could rapidly shift the outlook. But CBA economists are still predicting a final RBA interest rate cut early in the year.

“The Australian economy is at an important juncture,” CBA Chief Economist Luke Yeaman said.

With private activity rebounding, consumer confidence climbing, and house prices on the move, the Australian outlook has strengthened. Yet, the path ahead is finely balanced, as inflation has re-emerged as a risk, jobs growth has slowed, and wage gains have eased, while global risks remain high.

Australia’s economy is likely to steer a middle path through these cross-currents, according to the latest CommBank View report; an in-depth look at the forces shaping global and domestic economies, markets, currencies, and commodities as we head into 2026.

The Domestic View: Emerging tensions in the outlook

After years of subdued growth, Australia’s economy is rebounding, with consumer spending and house prices rising. GDP growth has reached 1.8 per cent and is forecast to hit 2.2 per cent by end-2026. However, employment growth is slowing, and inflation remains sticky, prompting the RBA to hold rates steady.

While spending is broadening, many households remain cautious and are still boosting savings. Business investment is yet to lift meaningfully, and the labour market is softening.

“There are emerging tensions in recent economic data, complicating the outlook.  Improvements in economic activity have been accompanied by weaker employment growth, and upside surprises to monthly inflation data. This tension has created a challenge for the central bank in determining the extent and timing of further easing in monetary policy,” said Head of Australian Economics, Belinda Allen.

The Global View: Improved prospects but risks remain

Global economic prospects have generally improved, as interest rate and US tax cuts take effect, however the latest US-China frictions show there is no room for complacency. A comprehensive US-China deal still remains elusive despite most US trading partners now having settled reciprocal rates. The US economy is absorbing tariffs with little impact on consumer inflation to date, but employment in import-heavy sectors has weakened.

China’s growth has slowed, prompting further fiscal support, while Europe faces modest expansion amid new tariffs and a slow ramp up in promised defence and infrastructure investment.

Key risks remain, including renewed US-China tensions, as highlighted by the latest Chinese announcement over rare earth restrictions and US threats of 100 per cent tariffs. Fiscal discipline will be crucial for global stability as markets remain sensitive to government debt and policy changes.

The report also warns of ongoing risks, including the threat to US Federal Reserve independence. “A loss of Fed credibility would undermine markets and drive-up long-term inflation expectations,” said Joseph Capurso, Head of FX, International & Geoeconomics.

Other key takeaways:

Commodities

• Gold has surged as the preferred safe-haven asset in 2025, outperforming the US dollar and Treasuries amid global uncertainty and strong central bank demand. 
• This marks a shift from previous crises, with gold now favoured by investors and central banks alike. 
• Meanwhile, iron ore prices remain resilient above $US100/t but are expected to ease as weak Chinese steel demand weighs on margins. 
• The outlook for both commodities will depend on global policy moves and China’s production decisions.

Sustainability

• The Australian government has set an ambitious target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70 per cent by 2035, with the electricity sector expected to lead the way. 
• Achieving this will require a major ramp-up in renewables, reduced coal and gas output, and a rapid shift to electric vehicles and cleaner industry. 
• While the goals are bold, significant policy support and further incentives will be needed to meet these challenges across all key sectors.

Currencies

• The US dollar has stabilised after a sharp fall earlier this year but is expected to weaken further in the near term as investor risk appetite remains high and US growth slows. 
• The Australian dollar is forecast to rise as the USD falls, but this trend may reverse in 2026 as the US economy recovers. 
• Ongoing global uncertainty and falling commodity prices could weigh on the AUD, while risks remain from both US and Chinese economic developments.

Bonds

• Global bond markets have stabilised after earlier volatility, with US yields trending lower as growth slows and the Federal Reserve resumes rate cuts. 
• Australian bond yields have remained more stable, but interest rate differentials with the US have widened.
• Looking ahead, concerns over global inflation and high government debt may limit further declines in yields, keeping markets sensitive to policy changes and fiscal pressures.

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières

11 October 2025: The announcement of the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza brings a welcome moment of relief for exhausted, starved, and grieving Palestinians and a great relief to the families of all hostages — but it comes after more than two years and over 67,000 lost lives.  

While we welcome the ceasefire, it does not mark the end of this horrendous suffering — people in Gaza are left to survive amid the ruins of what was once their home, facing immense medical, psychological, and material needs.

“The feeling of our colleagues and the people around us is one of hope, a lot of hope, wishing that this nightmare will finally stop and they will be able to be at peace, be able to recover from their trauma, both physical and mental. But there's also a lot of uncertainty of what is going to happen, what are the next steps,” says Jacob Granger, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza.    

The ceasefire must be respected and sustained because it's the only way that will allow care to be provided at the scale people desperately need — something that was impossible under siege and bombardment. In the long term, we hope to see this ceasefire leading to efforts to rebuild the Strip, including restoring the shattered healthcare system.
 
The most basic necessities are still urgently needed in Gaza: medical equipment, medicines, food, water, fuel, and adequate shelter for two million people who will face the approaching winter without a roof over their heads.  

This ceasefire must be accompanied by an immediate massive and sustained scale-up of aid into and across the Strip, including the north. We urge the Israeli authorities to allow a sufficient and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance and to authorize medical evacuations for patients in need of urgent specialist care. At the same time, the UN-led humanitarian coordination mechanism must be reinstated to guarantee safe and impartial access to aid for those in need, wherever they are in the Gaza Strip.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Source: KOF Economic Institute

The Coincident Barometer records a slight decrease, and the Leading Barometer remains stable in October. Both show a stabilization movement after four consecutive months of increases. Mainly the results of the Western Hemisphere are holding back the barometer.

In October, the Global Economic Coincident Barometer decreases by 0.7 points to 97.8 points, while the Leading Barometer remains stable at 102.7 points. Among the regions, the Western Hemisphere contributes negatively to both results, while the Asia, Pacific & Africa region moves in the opposite direction and Europe shows moderate contributions in both directions.

“Following four consecutive increases in both the coincident and leading global barometers, neither increased further. In both cases, survey information from the United States in particular restrained further improvement. While political turmoil largely affected industry, the slight decline in the coincident indicator was largely due to services. Given that the US government shutdown is too recent to be reflected in the underlying data, this probably highlights an overall weakening of the Western Hemisphere that cannot be fully compensated for by the rest of the world”, comments KOF Director Jan-Egbert Sturm the latest results.

Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors

The 0.7-point decrease in the Coincident Barometer in October results from negative contributions of 0.9 and 0.1 points from the Western Hemisphere and Europe regions, respectively, while the Asia, Pacific & Africa region contributes positively with 0.3 points. As a result, the Western Hemisphere indicator falls to its lowest level since July of this year, diverging from the levels of the other regions. These, in turn, stabilize near the neutral 100-point level.

Among the coincident sectoral indicators, only Trade rises in the month, maintaining the highest level among sectors, a position it has held since March of this year. Among the other sectors, Services records the largest decrease and the lowest level.

Leading Barometer – regions and sectors

The Global Leading Barometer remains stable in October, with the Asia, Pacific & Africa and Europe regions contributing positively with 0.6 and 0.1 points, respectively. The Western Hemisphere, on the other hand, contributes negatively with -0.7 points. The first two regional indicators remain above the 100-point level, while the Western Hemisphere falls to the upper range of the 90-point level. The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average.

The leading sectoral indicators show mixed results in the month, with increases in Trade, Construction, and Industry, and decreases in Services and the Economy indicator (which is based on variables representing overall business and consumer evaluations).

Source: Statement from AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT INTERNATIONAL

Shooting at Mosque Highlights ongoing persecution and Neglected Protection

An armed attack occurred today (Friday 5 October) at Baitul Mahdi Mosque in Rabwah, Pakistan, injuring several Ahmadi Muslim volunteers.

According to initial reports, an armed assailant opened fire on members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who were volunteering outside the Mosque to ensure the safety of worshippers. Several Ahmadi Muslims were fired upon and injured. At least two Ahmadi Muslims sustained critical injuries, whilst others suffered less severe injuries.

The terrorist was shot dead by security personnel at the scene before he could enter the Mosque and target more innocent civilians.

During his weekly Friday Sermon, speaking from Farnham, Surrey, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Today in Rabwah, at Baitul Mahdi located in Gol Bazaar, terrorists launched an attack in which five or six of our members were injured. Two of them are in a critical condition … May Allah the Almighty grant them a full and speedy recovery … One of the terrorists was killed by our security personnel, while another managed to flee.”

His Holiness called upon the Government of Punjab to uphold justice and fulfil its duty to protect all citizens, rather than making hollow claims that crime in the province has been entirely eradicated.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“May Allah swiftly bring to justice those terrorists, lawbreakers, and opponents of the Community. The government of Punjab and its Chief Minister claim that crime in Punjab has been one hundred percent controlled and that no criminals remain. Yet, the repeated attacks upon Ahmadi Muslims – their being martyred, injured, or having their properties set ablaze – are seemingly not counted as crimes.”

This attack comes amid a long and painful history of systematic persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan. Ahmadi Muslims are legally prohibited from identifying as Muslims or practising their faith openly.

Last month, an Ahmadiyya mosque in Bahawalnagar was desecrated, while over 200 attackers set fire to properties in Piro Chak. Similar attacks also occurred this year in Daska, Faisalabad, and Karachi, targeting mosques and community members.

Source: deVere Group

October 9 2025 – Global stock markets – particularly those in the Middle East – are poised for a significant surge if the Trump-backed agreement proves to be a decisive step toward ending the two-year Gaza conflict, says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group.

 

“Should the agreement hold and bring stability to the region, it could ignite a considerable rally,” he explains.

 

“We would see Middle Eastern equities, global energy stocks, and construction and infrastructure firms soar, while financials and logistics would also move sharply higher as investors price in peace, growth, and reconstruction.”

 

He adds: “The world has been conditioned to price in war risk for two years. If the Trump-brokered deal marks a credible path to lasting peace, that risk premium collapses. Capital will flood back into markets that have been sitting in a holding pattern. 

 

“Investors will chase early exposure to Gulf bourses, oil majors, and global firms linked to regional rebuilding.”

 

The Gulf's main indices have already signalled optimism. The Dubai Financial Market climbed around 1%, Abu Dhabi's exchange rose, and Saudi Arabia's Tadawul advanced more than 1.5% on Thursday. 

 

“These are early moves, but they show exactly how markets behave when geopolitical clouds start to clear,” Nigel Green explains. 

 

“We'd expect the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to lead the charge, powered by their fiscal surpluses and sovereign wealth capital ready to be redeployed.”

 

Energy stocks would also benefit, though in a different way.

 

“A sustained ceasefire could narrow the geopolitical risk premium in oil, tempering prices initially. But lower volatility and predictable supply would boost the energy sector's appeal. Refiners, pipeline operators, and renewables developers tied to Gulf diversification plans could all see strong inflows,” he says.

 

It could be expected that the biggest upside will come in infrastructure, construction, and financial services. 

 

“If this agreement triggers real reconstruction efforts, there will be enormous demand for capital, materials, and project management. Cement producers, steel firms, engineering companies, and banks financing regional rebuilding will see a surge in activity. 

 

“It could become the single largest reconstruction investment drive since the early 2000s.”

The peace dividend, he argues, is likely to also cascade across other emerging markets. “Stability in the Middle East enhances confidence globally. 

 

“We'll see emerging-market bonds compress in yield as geopolitical tension fades. Asian and European markets tied to energy, construction, and shipping will also rally as risk appetite strengthens.”

 

The timing of the deal amplifies its potential impact. 

 

“Markets are already buoyed by expectations of further US rate cuts. Layer a peace framework on top of that and you have the perfect cocktail for a risk rally,” comments the deVere CEO.

 

“Cash-heavy institutional investors will rotate quickly out of safe assets into equities, sovereign bonds, and high-yield plays.”

 

He adds that investor psychology will shift dramatically. “For the first time in years, peace in the Middle East would be seen not as a hope but as an investable event. The narrative flips from conflict management to growth acceleration.”

 

“Energy infrastructure, transport, and logistics firms are likely to move first,” Nigel Green predicts. 

 

“Then banks, insurers, and capital markets across the GCC will attract inflows as they become the financing hubs of a reconstruction-led cycle. Industrials and materials will follow as tenders roll out. Even consumer stocks could benefit as confidence and regional tourism rebound.”

 

He warns, however, that durability matters. “Investors will reward verified progress — ceasefire enforcement, reconstruction financing, and diplomatic continuity. 

 “If those appear credible, the rally could extend for quarters, not days.”

 

Nigel Green concludes: “A successful, Trump-backed peace deal would not just lift regional sentiment, it could reshape global investment priorities. Markets are ready to move the moment peace looks real.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Geneva, 9 October 2025 – The latest Global Trade Update from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released today shows that:

Global trade expanded by about $500 billion in the first half of 2025, despite volatility, policy shifts and persistent geopolitical tensions.