If you have been watching or reading world news, you are aware that another virus is spreading in small clusters in the UK (The Telegraph, May 18, 2022). It has also now been reported in Canada, the U.S., Portugal, Germany, Spain, and several other nations. Monkeypox, an infectious disease closely related to smallpox, originates from Africa and is typically spread among small mammals like rats, not monkeys!

The 22 million people of Sri Lanka are suffering from a “full blown political and economic crisis” (The Conversation, May 11, 2022). Violence, starvation, and severe disruptions are rampant as the nation suffers its worst financial crisis in 70 years. Sadly, the government, unable to protect its people, has resorted to violence against them to quell the civil unrest.

When you talk about pillars, you are talking about support structures. Pillars are often made of wood, stone, or metal, and are used as structural support in a building. A pillar may also refer to something shaped like a pillar or to something that functions in a support role.