News from October 28, 2025

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Business

Emergent BioSolutions Releases New Survey Findings Revealing Heightened Concerns About Biological Threats and U.S. Preparedness

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced the results of a new survey1 of approximately 250 U.S. policy opinion leaders showing that nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of respondents agree the likelihood of a biological attack on U.S. soil is rising, yet almost half (45 percent) believe the U.S. is unprepared for a biological attack. Conducted by Penta Group on behalf of Emergent, the survey amplifies findings in the unclassified 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community which highlights continued, serious concerns that adversarial nations possess biological and chemical weapons and that additional countries are continuing their research and development of chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical-based agents.2"The risk of bio attacks in the U.S. and around the world is significant, and perhaps even more dangerous than nuclear weapons, given the relative low cost and overall ease to produce, especially today with the enabler of artificial intelligence," said Hon. Andy Weber, Senior Fellow at the Council on Strategic Risk and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. "To meet today's threat we need robust surveillance, stockpiles of PPE and medical countermeasures, and established partnerships to rapidly develop, produce, and deliver vaccines and medicines to address bioengineered or novel threats."Despite the establishment of international treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), emerging threats posed by non-traditional agents, particularly central nervous system (CNS)-acting chemicals and biotoxins, present ongoing challenges to international security.3 Foreign adversary research on pharmaceutical based agents is known to include the development and autonomous deployment of highly potent, weaponized synthetic opioids, like aerosolized fentanyl and medetomidine.4 Aerosolized fentanyl caused the death ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

UVic’s Owen Croft climbs from walk-on to Canada West golf champion
Technology

UVic’s Owen Croft climbs from walk-on to Canada West golf champion

When Owen Croft stood over his final putt at Chilliwack Golf Club, the moment felt heavy, not in pressure, but in meaning. A few years ago, he wasn’t even on the University of Victoria golf team. Now, he’s a Canada West champion. Croft captured the 2025 Canada West men’s individual title on Oct. 21, finishing 10-under over 36 holes to edge the University of Manitoba’s Rory Neill by a single stroke. The third-year Vike fired rounds of 68 and 66 to earn the win, overcoming an early stumble that could have easily derailed his round. “I started round two bogey-bogey, dropped to two-under total, and just told myself, ‘make a couple back and see what happens,’” Croft told Saanich News. “Then I made three birdies in a row, an eagle on nine, another birdie on 10, and at that point it was like, ‘OK, you’re in it.’” By the end of the tournament, Croft’s scorecard told the story of a near-perfect week: two eagles, 11 birdies, five bogeys, and 18 pars. The win also earned him a spot on the Canada West first all-star team, a well-deserved recognition for a player who once wondered if he’d even make the roster. When Croft arrived from Georgetown, Ont. as a first-year student in 2022, he wasn’t recruited to the Vikes golf program. Instead, he showed up to the range every day, met players, and earned his chance. “I just kept showing up,” he said. “Eventually, Coach Justin [Clews] came up to me and said, ‘Our team’s pretty full, but we’d still like to have you if you want to take this home and think about it.’ I told him right away, ‘Yeah, I want to play on this team.’ I haven’t looked back since, it’s been the best thing ever.” Clews has since become more than a coach to Croft, but a mentor and close friend. “Justin’s the best,” he said. “He’s changed my life. Keeps me going every day, super motivating. I look up to him.” That steady support was on display in Chilliwack. After Croft’s rough start in the final round, Clews walked over and asked if he needed anything. Croft waved him off, cracked a joke about being on pace for bogey golf, and two holes later was rolling in birdies. “It’s funny now, but that moment kind of sums up how I’ve grown mentally,” he said. “You just have to stay relaxed and realize a bogey is a bogey, whether it’s the first hole or the last, it’s still just one stroke.” While Croft claimed the individual crown, the Vikes narrowly missed the team podium, finishing fourth at 14-under. UBC Okanagan won team gold at 29-under, followed by UBC (-27) and University of Manitoba (-21). Solomon Decksheimer (15th) posted 72-70, while Parksville’s Jagre Knight finished 17th at 73-70, as the other two top-individual finishers for the Vikes. On the women’s side, UVic earned bronze at 27-over, led by Stelly’s Secondary graduate Cindy Koira (75-73). Next up, the Vikes head south to Buckeye, Ariz. for the ACU Firestorm Invitational, from Nov. 3-5. Croft’s excited for the challenge, but keeping perspective. “I’m just proud of how far I’ve come,” he said. “I never imagined this back when I was just hitting balls on the range, hoping to get noticed. Now, I’ve got a gold medal sitting on my desk. It feels really, really good.”

General Waidi Shaibu, ‘no-nonsense officer’ — Austin Okai
Technology

General Waidi Shaibu, ‘no-nonsense officer’ — Austin Okai

Comrade Usman Okai Austin has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, describing him as “a no-nonsense officer who will not fail in his assignment.” Okai, in a statement on Tuesday, highlighted General Shaibu’s impressive record as Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), where he led key counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast. “Over the past three decades, General Shaibu has distinguished himself as one of the Nigerian Army’s most experienced, disciplined, and intellectually grounded officers,” Okai stated. He described the appointment as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that the decision reflects the President’s commitment to strengthening the leadership of the Armed Forces. Okai urged Nigerians and all security agencies to give their full cooperation to the new Army Chief in the collective fight against insecurity. According to him, national security cannot be the sole responsibility of one institution, emphasizing the need for synergy among all arms of the nation’s security architecture. He commended the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajaye, as well as the leadership of the Navy and Air Force, stressing that “the time to address the nation’s insecurity is now,” provided there is active collaboration from all stakeholders, including the public. Okai concluded by calling on citizens to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies as they work in unity to restore and maintain peace and stability across the country.

Business News | How Best of Exports Became India's No.1 Hotel Furniture Manufacturer
Technology

Business News | How Best of Exports Became India's No.1 Hotel Furniture Manufacturer

New Delhi [India], October 28: The hospitality industry in India is growing faster than ever. From boutique resorts to large hotel chains, every property today seeks furniture that does more than fill a space. It must reflect the brand, handle years of heavy use, and enhance guest comfort. Over time, Best of Exports has become a trusted name in this field -- known for manufacturing hotel furniture that blends craftsmanship, reliability, and thoughtful design. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty End Lower Amid Volatile Trade. Based in Jodhpur, Best of Exports operates from a 1.15 lakh sq. ft. integrated manufacturing facility with wood, metal, upholstery, and finishing units under one roof. A team of 150 manages the entire process, from sampling to installation. With more than 1,500 projects completed across India and overseas, the company has built a reputation for precision and dependability. What Hotels Really Need From Furniture Also Read | Atalanta vs AC Milan, Serie A 2025-26 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch Italian League Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. Hotels need furniture that's inviting, comfortable, and durable for heavy use. Through years of working with property owners and architects, key priorities stand out: - Durability: Withstand daily wear from frequent guests. - Brand consistency: Reflect the hotel's unique style. - Comfort: Enhance guest experience through smart ergonomics. - Speed of setup: Ensure timely installation. - Ease of care: Simple to clean and maintain. Best of Exports designs every collection with these realities in mind, combining engineering accuracy with visual charm. Our Process That Keeps Projects On Time Delivering hotel furniture on time requires meticulous planning and skilled execution. Each project starts with detailed documentation -- reviewing layouts, electrical points, and design intent before production. Within 7-10 days, CAD and shop drawings confirm exact measurements and finishes. A mock-up room follows in about four weeks, allowing clients to experience comfort, tones, and lighting before full production. Depending on the project's scale, production takes 45-90 days across departments like woodwork, metal fabrication, upholstery, and finishing, all operating under one coordinated schedule. Centralized production within a 1.15 lakh sq. ft. facility ensures consistent quality and seamless communication. During dispatch, every item is barcoded and packed per room and floor sequence, supporting phased installation aligned with site readiness. Smaller hotels are completed in a week, while larger 300-key projects progress block by block. Handling around 30 containers monthly with under 2% rework, the process blends design precision with disciplined execution. Room-Wise Packages Every hotel project has its own personality and price point. To help clients plan better, Best of Exports offers structured "Room-Wise Packages" -- designed for different categories, budgets, and comfort levels. Essential Package - Focused on efficiency and endurance for business hotels and mid-range properties. - Includes: bed with headboard, side tables, wardrobe, desk, study chair, luggage rack, and mirror. - Materials: solid Sheesham or Teak with mild steel frames and high-quality hardware. - Finish: PU or AC lacquer, smooth and easy to maintain. - Upholstery: FR foam and high-rub fabrics for heavy usage. - Ideal for 20-100-room properties requiring durability and timely delivery. Premium Package - Designed for boutique hotels and upscale resorts. - Adds: minibar console, vanity mirror frame, accent chairs, and soft-close drawers. - Materials: veneer overlays, metal trims, and brass or copper detailing. - Finish: matte or semi-gloss polish, refined to complement mood lighting. - Fabric range: velvets, textured cottons, or woven chenilles in customized palettes. - Aesthetics: personalized proportions to match the property's concept. - Balances warmth, design value, and maintenance simplicity. Signature Package - Tailored for luxury suites and five-star projects. - Adds: integrated lighting in headboards, USB ports, modular power points, and brass handles. - Woods: Teak, Ash, or Walnut with multiple polish layers for natural tone depth. - Design: curved panels, hand-stitched upholstery, and unique joinery. - Finishes: brushed metal, satin brass, or lacquered accents. - Each project receives a prototype before mass production. Why It Works - Clear budgeting by room category. - Faster approvals since each element is pre-defined. - Uniform quality across hundreds of rooms. - Easy customization to align with design intent. - Ideal for scaled rollouts and rebrands across hotel chains. The room-wise structure has become a practical benchmark for hoteliers -- helping them control cost, aesthetics, and consistency under one roof. Outdoor Furniture for Beach and Hill Properties Outdoor furniture in hospitality endures harsh weather--rain, sun, humidity, and salt air. Best of Exports designs collections suited for Indian climates using lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium frames with powder coating and marine-grade fasteners. UV-rated rope, wicker, and treated Teak or Ash ensure durability in diverse regions. Cushions use quick-dry, FR-treated fabric, while HPL and stone surfaces resist wear. Each set is tested for stability and longevity, maintaining comfort and aesthetic harmony year-round across all environments. By Property Size The scale of a project determines how it's executed. Best of Exports structures production, delivery, and installation around key counts to maintain accuracy and predictability. 20-50 Rooms: Handled as a single production phase. One line manages the entire batch for uniform finish and fit. Logistics require minimal coordination, and installation typically completes within 5-7 days. 100 Rooms: Executed in 2-3 phases. Manufacturing and delivery happen in blocks to match construction progress. Two or three installation teams coordinate on-site with the builder and interior contractor. Average project timeline: 45-60 days of production and 10-14 days of installation. 300 Keys and Above:Large projects are divided into work zones with dedicated managers, labeled crates, and tracked containers. A 30-container monthly capacity ensures efficient, high-quality execution across multiple large-scale projects. For Architects and Operators Best of Exports collaborates closely with architects and hotel operators, ensuring seamless integration of design and functionality. Early CAD plans and sample boards guarantee precision and material consistency. Installation teams coordinate with contractors, documenting all adjustments to protect design intent. Every product, from banquet chairs to wardrobes, is tested for durability and easy upkeep, with manuals and spares provided. Post-installation, AMC services in Tier 1 cities ensure lasting performance and alignment with brand standards. Quality You Can Measure Quality control at Best of Exports is integrated into every stage -- from material selection to final packaging. Wood, metal, and upholstery undergo rigorous checks for strength, moisture, color, and finish consistency. Furniture is tested for stability, load-bearing, and safety, meeting hospitality-grade standards. Packaging uses multi-layer protection with clear labeling for easy installation. This meticulous process ensures an internal defect rate below 2%, delivering exceptional reliability and uniform quality across all projects, regardless of size or location. Sustainability That Lasts At Best of Exports, sustainability means responsible sourcing, durable design, and minimal waste. We use FSC- and Vriksh-certified wood, low-VOC finishes, and CNC optimization to reduce material loss. Offcuts are repurposed or donated, and furniture is built for repair, not replacement, with spare parts available. Energy-efficient machinery, dust control, and recyclable packaging further reduce impact. Our sustainable practices help hotels earn green certifications--proving that for us, sustainability isn't a trend but a lasting commitment to responsible craftsmanship. About Best of Exports Best of Exports is a hotel and hospitality furniture manufacturer based in Jodhpur, India. The company operates from a 1.15 lakh sq. ft. integrated facility with wood, metal, upholstery, and finishing units. Its 10,000 sq. ft. showroom displays collections for hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Led by co-founders Nishant Soni and Nitish Bansal, the company combines design thinking with engineering precision. Nishant oversees brand, product selection, and client relations, while Nitish manages sourcing, production, and daily operations. Together with a 150-member team, they continue to deliver projects that shape the look and comfort of Indian hospitality. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Business News | DKMS and Flix Join Forces to Inspire Lifesaving Stem Cell Donor Registrations
Technology

Business News | DKMS and Flix Join Forces to Inspire Lifesaving Stem Cell Donor Registrations

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 28: Flix, a global travel tech leader and DKMS, an international non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of patients with blood cancer and blood disorders, have launched a long-term partnership to raise awareness and drive stem cell donor registration across six countries. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty End Lower Amid Volatile Trade. Through the collaboration titled "Your journey could save a life", DKMS and Flix aim to make registration as a potential donor as accessible and seamless as possible. In India, specifically, travelers will see select Flix buses with DKMS's signature red-painted headrests, a striking contrast to Flix's iconic green. Each headrest displays a QR code linking directly to the DKMS Foundation's virtual drive registration page. To further enhance visibility, standees and posters will also be positioned in Flix Bus lounges, creating multiple touchpoints for awareness and engagement. Additionally, travelers using onboard Wi-Fi on FlixBus and FlixTrain in Germany, Poland, Chile, the United Kingdom, and the United States will be guided to a dedicated landing page where they can begin the registration process with just a few clicks. Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer or a severe blood disorder. In India, a new diagnosis occurs every five minutes. While 30% of patients may find a matching stem cell donor within their family, the remaining 70% rely on unrelated donors, many of whom never find a match due to underrepresentation in donor registries. DKMS is working globally to diversify the donor pool to improve chances for all patients, especially those with rare genetic profiles. Also Read | Atalanta vs AC Milan, Serie A 2025-26 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch Italian League Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. A Shared Commitment to Social Impact The campaign, leverages Flix's international reach and digital infrastructure to promote awareness and action in six participating countries including India, Germany, Poland, Chile, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Flix travelers are met with simple, actionable prompts at key digital touchpoints during their journey, making it easy to sign up as a potential donor in the midst of everyday life. "Every journey has the potential to change lives for those who travel, and for those waiting for a second chance at life," says Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS. "By partnering with Flix, we're turning mobility into meaningful impact." "Through this partnership with Flix, we are reaching people in everyday moments and showing them how easy it is to take the first step toward saving a life. It's a simple act that can make a real difference, not only for patients here in India, but around the world," says Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman, DKMS India. Andre Schwammlein, CEO of Flix, states, "This collaboration shows how technology, mobility and purpose can come together. Flix connects people every day across borders, and now we're helping connect potential lifesavers with patients around the world." "This partnership demonstrates how innovation and purpose can work hand in hand. Flix brings people together across countries daily, and today, that same connection is helping bridge the gap between those willing to save lives and patients who need them across the globe," says Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India. Who can register? Anyone between the ages of 18-55 in general good health, with a BMI under 40, and not already registered, can sign up as a potential donor. DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of patients with blood cancer and blood disorders. Founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr Peter Harf, DKMS and the organization's over 1,300 employees have since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With over 13 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this more than 125,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need. This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, India and South Africa. International expansion and collaboration are key to helping patients worldwide because, like the organization itself, blood cancer knows no borders. DKMS is also heavily involved in the fields of medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving the survival and recovery rate of patients. In its high-performance laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organization sets worldwide standards in the typing of potential blood stem cell donors. With its international support programs, the organization improves the access to treatment for patients in low and middle-income countries. DKMS Foundation India is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia. The foundation aims to improve the situation of patients in India and across the world by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. For more information, please visit www.dkms-India.org. Flix intends to transform the collective transport sector by offering sustainable and affordable long-distance bus- and train travel solutions in more than 40 countries across four continents through its brands FlixBus, FlixTrain, Kamil Koc, and Greyhound. With its asset-light business model and innovative technology platform, Flix, launched in 2013, swiftly established a market-leading position for long-distance bus travel in Europe, North America and Turkiye and is rapidly expanding further into South America and India. Driven by increased awareness for sustainable travel, Flix is committed to achieving Net Zero operations in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050. To assess its progress within a scientifically recognized framework, Flix established near-term targets for emissions reduction with the Science Based Targets initiative. While Flix manages the commercial side of the business such as network planning, pricing, operations control, marketing and sales, quality management and continuous product development with a data-driven approach, trusted Flix partners conduct the daily operations. The innovative combination of Flix's technology and sales platform with traditional passenger travel has turned a European start-up into a leading and globally expanding travel tech company. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Kwara: Stakeholders urge govt, others to harness investment opportunities in tourism sector
Technology

Kwara: Stakeholders urge govt, others to harness investment opportunities in tourism sector

Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry have urged the government and corporate organisations to leverage the peace and harmony in Kwara State to attract increased financial investment. Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the planned one-day Hospitality Impact and Tourism Conference (HITC 2.0) 2025, the convener of the programme, Mrs Folashade Folayan, said the North Central geopolitical zone is not all about insecurity, stressing the need to change that narrative. Folayan, who also called for collaboration among stakeholders to rebrand Nigeria’s image globally and counter stereotypical perceptions, noted that there are vast financial opportunities in the hospitality business. She described Kwara State as a symbol of cultural harmony, historical depth, and untapped tourism potential in the North Central region. According to her, hosting the second edition of HITC in Ilorin is a deliberate effort to decentralise tourism conversations and demonstrate that growth and opportunity exist beyond traditional hubs like Lagos and Abuja. “The conference is very relevant today,” she said. “In a time when the global economy is shifting, tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors worldwide, a source of jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope. “For us in Nigeria, the opportunity is clear: every state has stories, culture, and destinations waiting to be harnessed. But this growth requires vision, coordination, and partnerships, which is exactly what HITC 2.0 stands for.” ALSO READ: FG screens 170 foreigners for Nigerian citizenship She explained that the conference provides a national platform bringing together government officials, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives to discuss, innovate, and collaborate on the future of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry. “It’s not just a conference, it’s a movement to position Nigeria as a global tourism destination driven by creativity, policy, and people,” she added. Themed “Tourism Transformed: Empowering People, Shaping Policy, Driving Prosperity,” Folayan said the one-day meeting will hold on Sunday, December 7, 2025. “The goal is to empower people, shape policy, and drive prosperity through tourism and hospitality,” she explained. “The meeting seeks to highlight how innovation, professional development, and strategic partnerships can transform the sector into a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. “The conference will showcase Kwara’s cultural and tourism potential, strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors, inspire youth participation in hospitality careers, and create visibility and investment opportunities for local businesses. It is intentionally impact-driven, focused on practical solutions, policy collaboration, and local-to-global storytelling. It bridges the gap between culture and commerce, celebrating Nigerian excellence while preparing our people and systems for a global audience.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

The State of Catholic-Jewish Relations on 60th Anniversary of ‘Nostra Aetate’
Technology

The State of Catholic-Jewish Relations on 60th Anniversary of ‘Nostra Aetate’

The Israel-Hamas war, which began with the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre and quickly escalated to deadly armed conflict in Gaza, has strained relations between Catholic and Jewish leaders. Following the initiation of the conflict, Pope Francis repeatedly questioned Israel’s use of force against Palestinian civilians and pondered whether Israel’s warfare amounted to a “genocide.” The late Pope was particularly invested in the welfare of Gaza’s tiny Christian community and called Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic church, where hundreds of Christians and a few Muslims have found shelter for two years, almost every day. On July 17, the church was hit by what the Israel Defense Forces called an errant IDF tank shell. Three Christians were killed and 15 persons were injured, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest. While Jewish leaders are grateful for his efforts to fight antisemitism and his outreach to Jewish communities, many believe Francis should have spoken out more forcefully against Hamas and other Islamic terror groups and that he was overly critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The American Jewish Committee, for example, called the war Israel’s “defensive fight for survival.” These differing views about the war have caused a cooling of relations between Jewish and Catholic faith leaders. Yet both parties are still deeply committed to interfaith dialogue and finding common ground, largely thanks to the paths of reconciliation and communication fostered by Nostra Aetate, whose 60th anniversary is being marked this week at the Vatican. The declaration on the relation of the Church with non-Christian religions is an official declaration of the Second Vatican Council, promulgated on Oct. 28, 1965, by Pope Paul VI. The declaration acknowledges the rights of different faiths, including Islam, but especially affirms the continuing covenant between the People of Israel and God, absolves Jews of the death of Jesus, and says that antisemitism and anti-Jewish persecution violate Christian values. Rabbi David Rosen, former international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee, said the past two years have tested the relationships between the Catholic Church and the Jewish world, but that the fallout “certainly could have been a lot worse.” “There is a certain amount of trust and of course open communication that’s built up over the years since Nostra Aetate, and the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, is an example of that,” Rosen said, citing the patriarch’s strong outreach to the Holy Land’s Jews and Muslims. “His understanding of the [complexity of the] situation is remarkable, considering the fact that his flock is overwhelmingly Palestinian.” And despite the Jewish world’s “unhappiness” with some of Pope Francis’ pronouncements related to Israel and the war before his death in April, “generally speaking, there has been much more understanding from the Catholic world than from other parts of the Christian world,” Rosen said. ‘Transformation’ Rabbi Noam Marans, interreligious affairs director for the American Jewish Committee, said that “there is no overstating the transformation that Nostra Aetate represents for Catholic-Jewish relations.” At the same time, “challenges remain, and they have sometimes peaked, like in the aftermath of Oct. 7,” when criticism against Israel from some Church officials “did not always seem fair” to many Jews. Marans said the world is experiencing an “unprecedented era of antisemitism resurgence” where there is often a “blurring” of antisemitism and anti-Israelism. But thanks to Nostra Aetate and other subsequent developments, including the Lutheran rejection in the 1980s of the anti-Jewish teachings of Martin Luther, Jews and Christians today have a long-established channel to communicate their concerns and disagreements. “There has never been a period in Nostra Aetate’s 60-year history where major issues did not need to be addressed, and the last couple of years were no exception,” Marans said. “Many countries in the world have found it difficult to understand the difference between Hamas’s horrific terror attack, which killed people of many faiths, including Christians, and Israel’s war for survival. The Catholic Church made judgements about what was going on in Gaza that were sometimes lacking in proper context regarding what it all was in response to.” Alongside his criticism of the scope of Israel’s military actions, Pope Francis met not only with the families of the hostages, but with a delegation of wounded IDF soldiers. This approach of expressing concern and empathy towards the sufferings experienced by victims on both sides of the Gaza conflict has been emulated by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May. “I express my profound closeness to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who continue to live in fear and to survive in unacceptable conditions, forcibly displaced — once again — from their own lands,” the Holy Father said Sept. 17 at his weekly general audience. And this month, Vatican News disclosed that he had instructed the Office of Papal Charities to send 5,000 doses of antibiotics to children in Gaza. On Oct. 5, Pope Leo denounced the global rise in antisemitic hatred. Two days later, on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre, he condemned it as “a terroristic attack,” while also lamenting the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed since then during “a painful two years.” Building Bridges Marans said the fruits of Nostra Aetate are everywhere, including in the visits that contemporary popes now make to synagogues, Israel, and the Auschwitz death camp. “The pope has an unlimited megaphone; his visuals are the most influential in public understanding,” he said. “A pope standing in front of the Kotel, the Western Wall, even placing a note inside a crack, sends a message. These are indelible images” that promote Catholic solidarity with the Jewish people and counter antisemitism. In an essay that appeared in the Jewish News in England at the time of Pope Francis’ death, Elizabeth Harris-Sawczenko, an interfaith adviser and former director of the British Council of Christians and Jews, said building bridges was a top priority for Pope Francis. Right after Pope Francis’ death, Harris-Sawczenko said, her social-media feed was full of photos of Jewish leaders meeting with the Pope, “including my own picture when I met him in the 50th year of Nosta Aetate. It is abundantly clear how much Pope Francis valued dialogue and his relationship with the Jewish world.” In February 2025, Harris-Sawczenko wrote, “the Pope demonstrated his personal commitment to peace between Palestinians and Israelis,” granting a public audience to peace-builders Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Both have lost close family members due to the conflict. “Pope Francis embraced both men together as a sign of his commitment to reconciliation,” she wrote. “He emphasized the need for a shared future, acknowledging the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians and calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.” Prior to Nostra Aetate, “no one could ever have imagined that the Catholic Church, embodied in the Pope, would embrace the Jewish people in this manner, and yet this remarkable change happened in our time,” Harris-Sawczenko commented at the conclusion of the essay. “It strikes me that this ground-breaking change in Christian Jewish relations, is a timely and powerful paradigm and reminder that reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis and an end to conflict is possible in our time as well.” Register staff contributed to this report.

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Mahagathbandhan Releases Poll Manifesto, Calls It ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’ (Watch Video)
Sports News | Going to Be Exceptionally Hard: Smith Fires Warning to England Before Ashes Opener
Technology

Sports News | Going to Be Exceptionally Hard: Smith Fires Warning to England Before Ashes Opener

Brisbane [Gabba], October 28 (ANI): Steve Smith, who will serve as Australia's captain in the absence of Pat Cummins during the first Ashes Test in Perth, has warned England's 'Bazballers' that scoring runs will be a "tricky" affair on surfaces down under. Cricket Australia on Monday confirmed that designated skipper Cummins will miss the opening Test due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his back. During the buildup to the oldest cricketing rivalry, scheduled to begin on November 21, shots have been fired from both sides. Also Read | Atalanta vs AC Milan, Serie A 2025-26 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch Italian League Match Live Telecast on TV & Football Score Updates in IST?. Smith, Australia's talismanic batter, cautioned their arch-rival, declaring that the Ben Stokes-led side will be greeted with green-top pitches, unlike the lifeless pitches in England. "The conditions are going to be different here in Australia, aren't they?' I think the last three or four years have probably been as challenging for batters as we have seen for a long time, particularly the top order," Smith told reporters at the Gabba as quoted from Fox Cricket. Also Read | D Gukesh Takes Calm Revenge on Hikaru Nakamura After Controversial King-Throwing Gesture in Clutch Chess Champions Showdown 2025 (Watch Video). "So in those conditions, the bowlers are very experienced and very good, and it's going to make it hard work for the batters. It is going to be tricky for all batters, but when you are trying to get after it, it's going to be exceptionally hard," Smith added. Over the past four years, Australia has moved heavily towards seam-bowling pitches compared to the previous decade. The top seven batters have averaged 30.22 per dismissal in Test matches in Australia since the beginning of the 2021-22 Ashes, combining for 24 tons in 20 Tests. In contrast, since the 'Bazball' era began in 2022, batters have averaged 38.94. While the art of scoring runs has slumped in Australia, Head has thrived, averaging 54.64 with six centuries, striking at 88.90 in home conditions. Australia's destructive opener, Travis Head, could be the key to dismantling England's pace attack. Compared to Head, no other player has averaged more than 45.29 in Australia in the same period. While Head has found a formula for success, the same hasn't been the case for the rest of the Baggy Greens stars. Smith boasts an average of 45.26 across the last four home summers, compared to 63.20 in Australia across the first 10 years of his career. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Kenya plane crash: Tourists from beach resort die in tragic incident
Brentford star Fabio Carvalho pushing for January exit due to lack of game time
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Brentford star Fabio Carvalho pushing for January exit due to lack of game time

Fabio Carvalho will explore a move away from Brentford in the January transfer window. Carvalho has become frustrated with his lack of action at Brentford since his £27.5million move from Liverpool last year and is keen to pursue a move away, either on loan or permanently. Any potential loan deal would include the option to make the move permanent, with Carvalho adamant he wants to leave in January rather than waiting until next summer. The 23-year-old, who has started just four Premier League games for Brentford, rejected a move to Lyon in the summer to stay and fight for his place under Keith Andrews. But, despite enjoying a strong personal relationship with Andrews, Carvalho has played just 96 Premier League minutes this season and is now actively seeking a move away from the club. Carvalho asked to play for Brentford’s B team against Luton Town last Tuesday in order to gain match fitness, scoring twice as Sam Saunders’ side coasted to a 6-1 victory. Andrews has previously said that he has high hopes for Carvalho, but left him on the bench during last week’s wins over West Ham and Liverpool. Carvalho, who is the sixth most expensive signing in Brentford history, has struggled for minutes under successive managers. Injuries, including a dislocated shoulder that required surgery in March, have contributed to his lack of minutes, but he has become increasingly frustrated by a lack of opportunities. Lyon, Stuttgart and Strasbourg are interested in the midfielder, who is not expected to be short of options should he depart Brentford in January.

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