MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

• First automated tool that quickly analyses RNA changes across thousands of biological samples
• Scientists can now better understand how cells adapt to stress, infections or diseases by studying tiny chemical changes in RNA – a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA and regulates how genes respond to challenges
• This will help the healthcare and biomedical industry better identify disease markers, and develop targeted therapies and personalised treatment for diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

Singapore, 03 September 2025 – Researchers at the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group of the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections. This tool opens up new possibilities for science, healthcare and industry — from accelerating disease research and enabling more precise diagnostics, to guiding the development of more effective medical treatments for diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

The research was led by SMART AMR, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), University of Florida, University at Albany, Lodz University of Technology and MIT.

Addressing current limitations in RNA modification profiling

Responding to the Indonesian government’s announcement that at least eight people have been killed since nationwide protests against low wages, tax hikes and lawmakers’ pay started on 25 August, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director, Montse Ferrer, said:

“The increasing number of deaths from the crackdown on protests in Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia is alarming. Nobody should die while exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  

“Authorities in Indonesia must promptly ensure an independent and impartial investigation into these deaths and violent incidents, including the killing of a motorcycle taxi driver after an armoured police vehicle was recklessly driven in a crowded area. Authorities must ensure those responsible for these deaths are identified and held to account in fair trials.

“Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, the police in several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, repeatedly resorted to unnecessary and excessive force, including by inappropriately and excessively using tear gas to quash the demonstrations.

“It is deplorable that the National Police chief instructed police officers to use rubber bullets against protesters who had entered the compound of the Jakarta Police’s Mobile Brigade headquarters. These weapons should only be deployed in exceptional circumstances, such as situations of violent disorder posing an imminent threat of considerable harm to others. Moreover, they should only be used by appropriately trained officers and must not be fired randomly at the crowd but must be aimed exclusively at persons who are engaged in violence against persons, and only when other means have failed to stop the violence.

“Further, the Indonesian government must not use isolated incidents of violence by some protesters as an excuse to further repress peaceful demonstrations. Instead of a brutal clampdown, authorities should respect, facilitate and protect the rights of people to  assemble peacefully and freely express their opinions.”

Background

Indonesia’s biggest protests in years started on 25 August 2025, sparking a violent crackdown across the country.

In Jakarta, a motorcycle taxi driver was killed after being run over by an armoured police vehicle recklessly driven near crowds in Jakarta on Thursday 28 August. Seven police officers are being investigated. A day later three public employees and one member of the Civil Service Police Unit in the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi province, were killed after unknown people set fire to a local parliament building following clashes with police. On Friday 29 August, a motorcycle taxi driver was killed by crowds in Makassar who accused him of being a police intelligence agent.

In the city of Solo, Central Java province, a pedicab driver died allegedly due to exposure to tear gas fired by police when confronting protesters on Friday 29 August.  

In the city of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta province, a student died after allegedly being beaten by police who were also firing tear gas at protesters near police headquarters on Sunday 30 August.

aCentauri Solar Racing Team completes the 3,000-kilometer race across Australia under challenging conditions / Logistics partner Gebrüder Weiss ensures smooth operations off the track

Adelaide / Lauterach, August 29, 2025. ETH Zurich's aCentauri Solar Racing Team finished the World Solar Challenge in Australia in 11th place out of a total of 28 teams in the “Challenger” class. The students covered the approximately 3,000-kilometre route from Darwin to Adelaide in six days, facing consistently challenging weather and road conditions during the Australian winter. Once again, Gebrüder Weiss served as the team's official logistics partner.

“Placing 11th shows how well the team handled the challenges of this year's race – a great achievement,” says Tracy van Arend, Branch Manager Gebrüder Weiss Adelaide. She welcomed the ETH team at the finish line together with Sharon Young, Customer Service and Process Manager at Gebrüder Weiss Australia. “It was exciting to follow the race and cheer for the team. While we as the logistics partner don't directly influence the competition itself, we make sure that the vehicle arrives in Australia on time, giving the students sufficient opportunity to train and prepare. We were able to deliver that again this year,” adds Sharon Young.

Following the race, Gebrüder Weiss will also handle the return transport of the solar car and its equipment back to Europe. The customized logistics solution includes sea freight, comprehensive customs clearance, and final delivery of the solar vehicle by truck to Technopark Zurich.

Challenging Conditions in the Australian Winter

For the first time, the race was held during the Australian winter. The students had to adapt to cooler temperatures and different light conditions. This required an adjusted race strategy, particularly with respect to energy management and daily planning. On the third day of the race, the team also faced a technical issue: the cruise control failed, and a gust of wind tore off part of the left wheel cover. Both problems were quickly repaired, and the vehicle was back on the road shortly afterward.  

“This year's circumstances pushed us but also showed how resilient our team and vehicle are,” says Clara Nörenberg, Team Manager at aCentauri. “We modified our strategy and proved that solar mobility can perform reliably even under difficult circumstances.”

Looking ahead, the aCentauri Solar Racing Team is already preparing for the next World Solar Challenge in two years. Their goal: to return with an optimized vehicle and secure a spot among the top ten.

Further background on this and other Gebrüder Weiss projects related to the “Future of Mobility” can be found at: https://www.gw-world.com/company/sustainability/future-of-mobility, or via the logistics company's social media channels.

About Gebrüder Weiss

Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. 

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, August 29, 2025 – Only a few days remain until the most important economic forum of the Republic of Moldova – Moldova Business Week 2025, organized by Invest Moldova Agency. 

August 27, 2025 – Washington, DC, August 27, 2025, National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A), a bipartisan coalition of retired senior military officers, ambassadors, and national security officials, today announced its opposition to  President Trump’s new Executive Order granting the National Guard sweeping authority to perform domestic law enforcement duties,  calling them “ineffective, wasteful, and dangerous.”

This action represents a perilous escalation in the politicization of America’s armed forces. For over two centuries, the United States has maintained a distinct separation between civilian policing and the military. By directing the Guard to assume routine law enforcement responsibilities, the administration is eroding one of the bedrock principles of our democracy: that military power must never be used as a tool of domestic control.

“The President’s order blurs critical boundaries, forces Guardsmen and women into missions they are not trained for, and weakens public trust in the Guard.,said NSL4A member and former Acting Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, retired Major General Randy Manner. “This is not only a misuse of our men and women in uniform, it is a direct threat to the constitutional framework that protects Americans’ freedoms.”

NSL4A emphasized that the Guard is already stretched thin with overseas deployments, disaster response, and homeland defense missions. Using it for day-to-day policing will degrade readiness for true crises while wasting taxpayer dollars on politically motivated deployments that are unlikely to curb violent crime.  The order disregards long-standing legal safeguards, including the spirit of the Posse Comitatus Act, which was designed to prevent military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

NSL4A calls on Congress, governors, and the Administration to act immediately to halt the misuse of the National Guard as a domestic police force. Any deployment must remain strictly within the bounds of U.S. law, including the constraints of the Posse Comitatus Act, which has safeguarded Americans from military involvement in civilian affairs for nearly 150 years. Absent a credible, data-driven threat assessment and statutory authorization, such use of the Guard is illegitimate and dangerous.

“The President’s authority to activate the Guard in extraordinary circumstances is not a blank check to cash in for political whims,” said NSL4A member, former Illinois Congressman, and former Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, retired Major General Bill Enyart. “Any deployment of the Guard must be justified, time-limited, coordinated with local leadership, and subject to rigorous congressional oversight. Anything less risks turning America’s military into a domestic political weapon. Our democracy and the safety of our communities depend on it.”

28 August 2025 – The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is committing €150 million to support the development of a high-standard electrified railway in eastern Türkiye.

August 25, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is committing €150 million to support the development of a high-standard electrified railway in eastern Türkiye. The Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu (KIAD) Railway Project will enhance transport connectivity, reduce travel time and increase cross-border trade across the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, linking Europe and Asia via Türkiye.

Nedd Brockmann joins CommBank’s national tour, as it travels across the country delivering practical financial tools and scam education.  

The CommBank Tour is officially on the move, travelling across Australia to bring financial tips and information, practical tools and immersive experiences to regional and local communities.

The Tour arrives at the Gold Coast Show today, where residents and small business owners will have the opportunity to meet and hear from the extraordinary Nedd Brockmann, as he leads an inspirational talk and special warm-up session ahead of a local community run or walk.

Why regional financial fitness matters

CommBank research1 shows regional Australians are facing unique financial challenges:

• Lower confidence: Only 51 per cent of regional Australians regularly set goals for their personal finances and feel confident they can achieve their financial goals, compared to 57 per cent in metro areas.
• Cost-of-living response: 66 per cent are searching for ways to save on everyday items, 60 per cent are buying in bulk or meal prepping, and 40 per cent are buying second-hand.
• Barriers to confidence: 60 per cent say something is stopping them from becoming more financially confident, including not knowing where to start (21 per cent) and confusing financial jargon (19 per cent).
• Lifestyle changes: 70 per cent are staying home more, 63 per cent are buying fewer clothes, and 43 per cent have cancelled subscriptions.

These insights will be brought to life through interactive experiences on the CommBank Tour, designed to help Australians take the next step towards financial wellbeing.

Nedd Brockmann joins the CommBank Tour  

Nedd Brockmann, a regional runner from Forbes NSW, will join the tour at multiple locations across the country where he will share his own stories of resilience, including how he pushed past his doubts to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable”. He’ll also lead warm-up sessions before community runs open to all fitness levels.

Athlete, motivational speaker, owner of Nedd’s Milk and former electrician, Nedd Brockmann, said: “Embracing your doubts and discomfort is where true growth happens. Whether you’re setting out on a run or sitting down to tackle your finances, it’s about showing up for yourself. As someone who grew up in regional Australia, I’m excited to join the CommBank Tour and I hope to see as many of you there as possible. If you can’t make the run, or walk, come along to check out what’s on offer. It’s a great opportunity to discover what you’re capable of, both physically and financially.”

What to expect from the CommBank Tour

• Financial well-being – interactive sessions on budgeting, saving and managing expenses.
• Scam detection – learn to spot and avoid financial scams.
• Small business guidance and cash flow courses – tailored guidance for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• VR experience – designed to leave attendees with actionable insights for their financial future, across scams and fraud, financial fitness and small business cash flow. 
• Local charity grants – Each town visited will receive a grant towards a local charity through CommBank’s longstanding Can4Cancer and Tour De Cure Partnership.

Jo Boundy, CommBank Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Australians have always shown incredible resilience and spirit, overcoming unique challenges and finding ways to come together and thrive. We know people are working hard every day to balance priorities, plan for the future and make the most of what they’ve built for their families and communities.

 “The CommBank Tour is about connection, practical skills and empowering people to push past their doubts and take the next step towards achieving their goals. We’re bringing our teams and tools directly to communities across the country, so whether you’re a small business owner, a farmer, a student, a parent or just curious, there’s something for you to learn and take away that can hopefully make a difference.”

The tour builds on CommBank’s new Doubt Never Did platform, encouraging all Australians to push past doubt and take the next step towards their personal and financial goals.

The free CommBank Tour is coming to local shows and events across the country. From premier agricultural showcases to family-friendly interactive experiences, come to celebrate the best of our local communities and the resilience and spirit of regional Australia. Tour dates and locations include:

Southport, QLD Fri 29 – Sun 31 August
Wagga Wagga, NSW Fri 12 – Sat 13 September
Sydney, NSW Mon 13 – Thu 19 October
Bendigo, VIC Fri 24 – Sat 25 October
Whittlesea, VIC Sat 1 – Sun 2 November

For more information on the CommBank Tour, visit commbank.com.au/brighter/commbanktour.

In August, the KOF Economic Barometer drops. After an increase in the previous month, the Barometer decreases below its medium-term average again. The outlook for the Swiss economy is dampened.

The KOF Economic Barometer decreases by 3.9 points to a level of 97.4 (after revised 101.3 in the previous month). The majority of the indicator bundles included in the KOF Economic Barometer reflect this downward tendency. The outlook for the indicator bundles for manufacturing and hospitality is particularly dampened. The negative developments are slightly cushioned by the indicator bundle for foreign demand which shows an improved outlook this month.

Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity all show negative developments. The sub-indicators for exports and the general business situation are under particular pressure, undoubtedly also due to the new US tariffs on Swiss imports.

The majority of the sub-indicators within manufacturing exhibit a downward tendency. The sub-indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the wood, glass, stone and earth segment, the electrical industry as well as for the food and beverage producers show particularly negative developments. Slightly more favourable developments are shown by the sub-indicators of the paper and printing product segment, while the sub-indicators for machinery and equipment manufacturing are nearly unaltered.

Note
Due to the publication of the revised national accounts at the end of September, the yearly update of the KOF Economic Barometer will be done in October. In previous years, KOF has published the yearly update in September.

August 28 2025 – Nvidia's latest results underscore a turning point for markets: the AI leader is moving from hyper growth to high growth, says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The company reported second-quarter earnings that beat expectations, with adjusted EPS of $1.04 on revenue of $46.7 billion. Its data center sales, which form the majority of its business, rose 56% to $41.1 billion.

However, they fell just short of forecasts, margins contracted from 78% to 72%, and revenue growth is projected to cool to 52%.

Nigel Green says: “The shift is that the company's moved from hyper growth to high growth.

“This matters because markets have priced Nvidia as if its rate of expansion could continue indefinitely, and that level of outperformance was never sustainable.”

Shares slid in after-hours trading as investors digested the signs of cooling.

Despite the upbeat guidance of $54 billion for the current quarter, markets are focusing on concentration risks and competition. Reports suggest two customers – believed to be Microsoft and Meta – account for around 30% of total revenue.

“The concentration of earnings is too high,” explain the deVere chief executive.

“When almost a third of revenue depends on just two of Nvidia's clients, the vulnerability is obvious. If either rein in spending, the shockwaves would hit immediately. Markets don't like that level of exposure.”

Competition is also increasing rapidly. AMD and Intel are scaling new products, while hyperscalers are pushing their own in-house chips.

At the same time, US restrictions on H20 sales to China are limiting Nvidia's access to a market its CEO estimates is worth $50 billion. Beijing, meanwhile, is actively supporting local chipmakers.

“Nvidia has been the undisputed champion of the AI boom, but margins are already eroding as rivals push into the space,” Nigel Green notes.

“Growth in AI demand is relentless, but Nvidia's share of that growth is being squeezed. The story is no longer about one company dominating; it's about an entire industry expanding at pace.”

Nvidia's results highlight a paradox for investors: the company remains central to the AI revolution, but its outsized role in driving equity indices has created fragility.

Tech now makes up nearly 30% of the S&P 500, with Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft together representing over 15%. Nvidia alone was responsible for more than a quarter of the index's gains in 2024.

“Nvidia's importance to the S&P 500 is extraordinary, but that concentration is dangerous,” says the deVere CEO.

“Markets can't rely on one stock to deliver so much of the growth story. The risks are growing as its dominance fades.”

The broader AI investment case, however, remains intact. The demand for chips, data infrastructure, software, and electricity to power AI models continues to accelerate, with global data center energy use set to more than double by 2030.

“This is a structural shift in the economy. Spending is real, productivity gains are significant, and applications are multiplying. But investors must adapt.

“Hyper growth has become high growth for Nvidia, and the winners of tomorrow will be spread across the ecosystem, not concentrated in a single name.”

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.

President David Adeang, the current Chairman, has hailed the success of the Nauru Intergenerational Trust Fund, saying that no one should underestimate the country’s economic turnaround or the importance of the fund to the current and future generations.

As previously reported, at last week’s quarterly meeting of the fund in Brisbane it was presented that the fund was delivering stellar returns, amassing $420 million since its establishment in 2015, in a stunning vindication of Nauru’s strategy to future-proof its economy.

President Adeang, who started the sovereign wealth fund as finance minister in 2015 and was appointed its initial chair, said the fund will play a crucial role in securing the nation’s economic future, providing a permanent income stream to fund government services and nation building initiatives.

“The Fund's value is forecast to hit $1 billion by 2034, and even before this if annual returns and contributions increase.

“Our Government will channel the revenue from the Fund into education, health, the environment and infrastructure to enhance the standard of living and quality of life for the people of Nauru,” he said. 

The president labelled the fund “an example of good governance, accountability, and prudent investment practices.

“When I established this in 2015, I recognised that for too long our nation had been looking only at the present and was not learning from our past economic mistakes. 

“But putting ‘God’s Will First’ means looking after our children and our children’s children.”

President Adeang said many Nauruans may be surprised that while other nations that form the trust’s committee had contributed to the fund, over 75 per cent of the contributions had come from the Government of Nauru.

The Fund’s original purpose and goals were to help stabilise the nation’s economy and help replace or supplement Nauru’s current reliance on donor funding and internal sources of revenue. 

Since then the recent UN’s Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) has ranked Nauru the fifth most vulnerable nation in the world – and the most vulnerable in the Pacific – to external shocks like climate change, economic instability, and natural disaster.

However, President Adeang said he doesn’t accept that Nauru must remain vulnerable.

“Our government is determined not to see ourselves as victims, which is why we are positioning Nauru as a Pacific leader in financial stability and innovation.

“We’ve only just started and there is a long way to go, so we must stay the course.”