Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) — The pace of decline in commercial housing prices in 70 large and medium-sized cities in China continued to slow in June 2025, official data showed Tuesday.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in four first-tier cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen – prices for new apartments fell by 1.4 percent compared with a year earlier, while the rate of decline slowed by 0.3 percentage points compared with May.
In particular, the country’s economic center, Shanghai, last month saw prices for new apartments rise by 6 percent year-on-year.
In June, prices for apartments in new buildings in second- and third-tier cities fell by 3 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively, year-on-year; compared to May, the decline slowed by 0.5 and 0.3 percentage points, the State Investigative Committee reported. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
India’s benchmark indices opened higher on Tuesday, staging a mild rebound after four straight sessions of losses, as easing inflation and positive global cues lifted investor sentiment.
Consumer inflation dropped to a more than six-year low of 2.10 percent in June, providing a boost to hopes for future rate cuts and signaling macroeconomic resilience.
The Nifty 50 rose 36.30 points, or 0.14 percent, to 25,129.70, while the BSE Sensex added 85.48 points, or 0.10 percent, to 82,338.94.
The rebound offered some relief to investors following recent market volatility. Broader indices showed even stronger momentum, with the Nifty Midcap 100 climbing 0.57 percent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 0.82 percent. The Nifty 100 was up 0.29 percent.
Global markets also provided tailwinds. US equities eked out modest gains overnight, while Asian stocks advanced after China’s second-quarter GDP growth came in at a better-than-expected 5.2 percent, signaling underlying economic strength.
Ajay Bagga, banking and market expert, said, “Indian markets recovered from session lows on Monday, signaling that the four-day fall, the first since March, may be bottoming out. With CPI at multiyear lows, there’s now more room for rate cuts. The global outlook is resilient, and we expect Indian markets to show some strength here on.”
Sectoral indices on the NSE mirrored the upbeat tone, with all major sectors opening in the green. Nifty Media led the gains, rising 1 percent. Nifty Auto advanced 0.68 percent, Nifty IT added 0.31 percent, and Nifty FMCG edged up 0.22 percent. Nifty Pharma and Nifty PSU Bank also saw gains of 0.22 and 0.28 percent, respectively. The Nifty Realty index climbed 0.48 percent.
Despite ongoing uncertainty around potential US tariffs under Donald Trump’s policy rhetoric, markets appeared to take the noise in stride. Focus has now shifted to upcoming earnings from major US banks and key macroeconomic data.
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a mild uptick in inflation, while the Producer Price Index (PPI), due Wednesday, may offer insight into the impact of supply chain disruptions and tariffs.
Meanwhile, safe-haven assets like gold and silver posted mild declines after recent gains, suggesting improved risk appetite among global investors.
Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, offered a technical perspective: “The Nifty held support at 25,000 on Monday, forming a large lower shadow candle, which suggests that the level is technically significant. However, unless the index closes above 25,340, bulls should remain cautious, as a drop into the 24,800–24,900 zone remains likely.”
Across Asia, indices were largely trading in the green. Taiwan’s Weighted Index rose 0.65 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.20 percent, and Singapore’s Straits Times edged 0.12 percent higher. South Korea’s KOSPI was the only major laggard at the time of reporting.
India’s benchmark indices opened higher on Tuesday, staging a mild rebound after four straight sessions of losses, as easing inflation and positive global cues lifted investor sentiment.
Consumer inflation dropped to a more than six-year low of 2.10 percent in June, providing a boost to hopes for future rate cuts and signaling macroeconomic resilience.
The Nifty 50 rose 36.30 points, or 0.14 percent, to 25,129.70, while the BSE Sensex added 85.48 points, or 0.10 percent, to 82,338.94.
The rebound offered some relief to investors following recent market volatility. Broader indices showed even stronger momentum, with the Nifty Midcap 100 climbing 0.57 percent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 0.82 percent. The Nifty 100 was up 0.29 percent.
Global markets also provided tailwinds. US equities eked out modest gains overnight, while Asian stocks advanced after China’s second-quarter GDP growth came in at a better-than-expected 5.2 percent, signaling underlying economic strength.
Ajay Bagga, banking and market expert, said, “Indian markets recovered from session lows on Monday, signaling that the four-day fall, the first since March, may be bottoming out. With CPI at multiyear lows, there’s now more room for rate cuts. The global outlook is resilient, and we expect Indian markets to show some strength here on.”
Sectoral indices on the NSE mirrored the upbeat tone, with all major sectors opening in the green. Nifty Media led the gains, rising 1 percent. Nifty Auto advanced 0.68 percent, Nifty IT added 0.31 percent, and Nifty FMCG edged up 0.22 percent. Nifty Pharma and Nifty PSU Bank also saw gains of 0.22 and 0.28 percent, respectively. The Nifty Realty index climbed 0.48 percent.
Despite ongoing uncertainty around potential US tariffs under Donald Trump’s policy rhetoric, markets appeared to take the noise in stride. Focus has now shifted to upcoming earnings from major US banks and key macroeconomic data.
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a mild uptick in inflation, while the Producer Price Index (PPI), due Wednesday, may offer insight into the impact of supply chain disruptions and tariffs.
Meanwhile, safe-haven assets like gold and silver posted mild declines after recent gains, suggesting improved risk appetite among global investors.
Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, offered a technical perspective: “The Nifty held support at 25,000 on Monday, forming a large lower shadow candle, which suggests that the level is technically significant. However, unless the index closes above 25,340, bulls should remain cautious, as a drop into the 24,800–24,900 zone remains likely.”
Across Asia, indices were largely trading in the green. Taiwan’s Weighted Index rose 0.65 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.20 percent, and Singapore’s Straits Times edged 0.12 percent higher. South Korea’s KOSPI was the only major laggard at the time of reporting.
India’s benchmark indices opened higher on Tuesday, staging a mild rebound after four straight sessions of losses, as easing inflation and positive global cues lifted investor sentiment.
Consumer inflation dropped to a more than six-year low of 2.10 percent in June, providing a boost to hopes for future rate cuts and signaling macroeconomic resilience.
The Nifty 50 rose 36.30 points, or 0.14 percent, to 25,129.70, while the BSE Sensex added 85.48 points, or 0.10 percent, to 82,338.94.
The rebound offered some relief to investors following recent market volatility. Broader indices showed even stronger momentum, with the Nifty Midcap 100 climbing 0.57 percent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 0.82 percent. The Nifty 100 was up 0.29 percent.
Global markets also provided tailwinds. US equities eked out modest gains overnight, while Asian stocks advanced after China’s second-quarter GDP growth came in at a better-than-expected 5.2 percent, signaling underlying economic strength.
Ajay Bagga, banking and market expert, said, “Indian markets recovered from session lows on Monday, signaling that the four-day fall, the first since March, may be bottoming out. With CPI at multiyear lows, there’s now more room for rate cuts. The global outlook is resilient, and we expect Indian markets to show some strength here on.”
Sectoral indices on the NSE mirrored the upbeat tone, with all major sectors opening in the green. Nifty Media led the gains, rising 1 percent. Nifty Auto advanced 0.68 percent, Nifty IT added 0.31 percent, and Nifty FMCG edged up 0.22 percent. Nifty Pharma and Nifty PSU Bank also saw gains of 0.22 and 0.28 percent, respectively. The Nifty Realty index climbed 0.48 percent.
Despite ongoing uncertainty around potential US tariffs under Donald Trump’s policy rhetoric, markets appeared to take the noise in stride. Focus has now shifted to upcoming earnings from major US banks and key macroeconomic data.
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a mild uptick in inflation, while the Producer Price Index (PPI), due Wednesday, may offer insight into the impact of supply chain disruptions and tariffs.
Meanwhile, safe-haven assets like gold and silver posted mild declines after recent gains, suggesting improved risk appetite among global investors.
Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, offered a technical perspective: “The Nifty held support at 25,000 on Monday, forming a large lower shadow candle, which suggests that the level is technically significant. However, unless the index closes above 25,340, bulls should remain cautious, as a drop into the 24,800–24,900 zone remains likely.”
Across Asia, indices were largely trading in the green. Taiwan’s Weighted Index rose 0.65 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 0.20 percent, and Singapore’s Straits Times edged 0.12 percent higher. South Korea’s KOSPI was the only major laggard at the time of reporting.
Most main applicants travelling to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical sticker visa in passports from today (15 July).
The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status, an eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply, which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
eVisas are part of an enhanced border and immigration system that will not only make the visa process easier, but is more secure, digital and streamlined. eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of people already using them on select immigration routes.
British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:
These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold onto their passports, saving them time.
Updating from a physical document to an eVisa does not affect anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
E-visas are being rolled out for the main applicants for:
Students, including short term study for 11 months
Global Business Mobility routes (specifically, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)
Global Talent
International Sportsperson
Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
Temporary Work routes (specifically, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work routes)
Youth Mobility Scheme
Holders can link their travel document (such as passport) to their UKVI account to facilitate straightforward international travel. People who have created a UKVI account will be able to use the view and prove service to prove their status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).
Applicants applying as a dependant, or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work, e.g. general visitor visas, will still need a physical sticker visa. Anyone with existing, in date, physical visa stickers do not need to take any action.
This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes meaning a more secure and streamlined process for all UK visa customers.
For updates on the British High Commission, please follow our social media channels:
Aktsiaselts Infortar acquired 10% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue from Lumi Partners JV1 OÜ. Following the transaction, Aktsiaselts Infortar holds 100% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue. The area of activity of OÜ INF Saue is the rental and operating of own or leased real estate. OÜ INF Saue owns a property located at Saue tee 10, Laagri, which accommodates a logistics center that is leased under a long-term lease agreement to Rimi Eesti Foods AS. The transaction is not treated as a transaction beyond everyday economic activities or a transaction of a significant importance, nor as a transaction with related persons, within the meaning of the “Requirements for Issuers” part of the NASDAQ Tallinn Stock Exchange rules. The transaction does not have a significant impact on Aktsiaselts Infortar’s activities. The members of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar are not personally interested in the transaction in any other way. Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.
Aktsiaselts Infortar acquired 10% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue from Lumi Partners JV1 OÜ. Following the transaction, Aktsiaselts Infortar holds 100% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue. The area of activity of OÜ INF Saue is the rental and operating of own or leased real estate. OÜ INF Saue owns a property located at Saue tee 10, Laagri, which accommodates a logistics center that is leased under a long-term lease agreement to Rimi Eesti Foods AS. The transaction is not treated as a transaction beyond everyday economic activities or a transaction of a significant importance, nor as a transaction with related persons, within the meaning of the “Requirements for Issuers” part of the NASDAQ Tallinn Stock Exchange rules. The transaction does not have a significant impact on Aktsiaselts Infortar’s activities. The members of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar are not personally interested in the transaction in any other way. Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.
Aktsiaselts Infortar acquired 10% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue from Lumi Partners JV1 OÜ. Following the transaction, Aktsiaselts Infortar holds 100% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue. The area of activity of OÜ INF Saue is the rental and operating of own or leased real estate. OÜ INF Saue owns a property located at Saue tee 10, Laagri, which accommodates a logistics center that is leased under a long-term lease agreement to Rimi Eesti Foods AS. The transaction is not treated as a transaction beyond everyday economic activities or a transaction of a significant importance, nor as a transaction with related persons, within the meaning of the “Requirements for Issuers” part of the NASDAQ Tallinn Stock Exchange rules. The transaction does not have a significant impact on Aktsiaselts Infortar’s activities. The members of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar are not personally interested in the transaction in any other way. Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.
Aktsiaselts Infortar acquired 10% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue from Lumi Partners JV1 OÜ. Following the transaction, Aktsiaselts Infortar holds 100% of the shares in OÜ INF Saue. The area of activity of OÜ INF Saue is the rental and operating of own or leased real estate. OÜ INF Saue owns a property located at Saue tee 10, Laagri, which accommodates a logistics center that is leased under a long-term lease agreement to Rimi Eesti Foods AS. The transaction is not treated as a transaction beyond everyday economic activities or a transaction of a significant importance, nor as a transaction with related persons, within the meaning of the “Requirements for Issuers” part of the NASDAQ Tallinn Stock Exchange rules. The transaction does not have a significant impact on Aktsiaselts Infortar’s activities. The members of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar are not personally interested in the transaction in any other way. Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.
London, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIGMA AI, an innovative fintech company specialising in real-time data and AI-driven insights, today announced a minority investment by Trading Technologies, International Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform services provider.
This strategic investment establishes a deeper partnership, with SIGMA AI developing a proprietary AI and innovation hub for TT. The hub will focus on integrating AI into the TT® platform and driving AI adoption across TT’s products and services.
This extends SIGMA AI’s existing partnership with TT, which began in 2024 with a smaller investment focused on leveraging advanced technology within TT’s data and analytics offering.
In addition, Andy Simpson, the founder and CEO of SIGMA AI, is expanding his leadership responsibilities taking on the additional role of Head of AI and Innovation at TT. With deep expertise in market structure and a proven track record of delivering strategic transformation for banks, exchanges, and clearing houses, Simpson will advise on AI strategy reporting to TT CEO, Justin Llewellyn-Jones. His role at SIGMA AI remains unchanged.
TT’s Llewellyn-Jonessaid: “This partnership with SIGMA AI will deliver ground-breaking AI-driven solutions to our clients through products that are faster, smarter, and easier to use, with robust governance frameworks that put security and safety at the forefront to guard against the nefarious use of this technology. It will also enhance internal productivity by giving our global teams access to innovative new tools and processes – again, in a safe and secure manner.”
SIGMA AI’s Simpson said: “I’m thrilled to extend our partnership with Trading Technologies, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing AI in financial markets. I’m equally pleased to be expanding my role with TT. The AI and Innovation Hub will act as a centre of excellence, helping to embed AI more deeply across the TT® platform and operations, and strengthening TT’s long-standing position as a technology leader in global trading.”
“TT has long set the standard for developing cutting-edge tools for institutional traders. It’s a privilege to contribute to that progress while continuing to evolve Sigma AI’s work in delivering forward-thinking solutions for clients across the global trading ecosystem.”
About Sigma AI SIGMA AI is a specialist data analytics company known for its cutting-edge data platform. Our low-latency Engineering & Artificial Intelligence platform offers personalised research, investment tools, and bespoke analytics. Our analytics capabilities are multi-asset and data-type agnostic, covering technicals, fundamentals, news, and client-specific data—delivered on-demand, scheduled, or event-driven. We support wealth managers, asset managers, brokers, traders, research vendors, data vendors, and technology vendors. For more information, visit www.sigmafinancial.ai.
About Trading Technologies Trading Technologies is a global capital markets platform services company providing market-leading technology for the end-to-end trading operations of Tier 1 banks, brokerages, money managers, hedge funds, proprietary traders, Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), commercial hedgers and risk managers. With its roots in listed derivatives, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company delivers “multi-X” solutions, with “X” representing asset classes, functions, workflows and geographies. This multi-X approach features trade execution services across futures and options, fixed income, foreign exchange (FX) and cryptocurrencies augmented by solutions for data and analytics, including transaction cost analysis (TCA); quantitative trading; compliance and trade surveillance; clearing and post-trade allocation; and infrastructure services. The award-winning TT platform ecosystem also helps exchanges deliver innovative solutions to their market participants, and technology companies to distribute their complementary offerings to Trading Technologies’ clients.
London, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIGMA AI, an innovative fintech company specialising in real-time data and AI-driven insights, today announced a minority investment by Trading Technologies, International Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform services provider.
This strategic investment establishes a deeper partnership, with SIGMA AI developing a proprietary AI and innovation hub for TT. The hub will focus on integrating AI into the TT® platform and driving AI adoption across TT’s products and services.
This extends SIGMA AI’s existing partnership with TT, which began in 2024 with a smaller investment focused on leveraging advanced technology within TT’s data and analytics offering.
In addition, Andy Simpson, the founder and CEO of SIGMA AI, is expanding his leadership responsibilities taking on the additional role of Head of AI and Innovation at TT. With deep expertise in market structure and a proven track record of delivering strategic transformation for banks, exchanges, and clearing houses, Simpson will advise on AI strategy reporting to TT CEO, Justin Llewellyn-Jones. His role at SIGMA AI remains unchanged.
TT’s Llewellyn-Jonessaid: “This partnership with SIGMA AI will deliver ground-breaking AI-driven solutions to our clients through products that are faster, smarter, and easier to use, with robust governance frameworks that put security and safety at the forefront to guard against the nefarious use of this technology. It will also enhance internal productivity by giving our global teams access to innovative new tools and processes – again, in a safe and secure manner.”
SIGMA AI’s Simpson said: “I’m thrilled to extend our partnership with Trading Technologies, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing AI in financial markets. I’m equally pleased to be expanding my role with TT. The AI and Innovation Hub will act as a centre of excellence, helping to embed AI more deeply across the TT® platform and operations, and strengthening TT’s long-standing position as a technology leader in global trading.”
“TT has long set the standard for developing cutting-edge tools for institutional traders. It’s a privilege to contribute to that progress while continuing to evolve Sigma AI’s work in delivering forward-thinking solutions for clients across the global trading ecosystem.”
About Sigma AI SIGMA AI is a specialist data analytics company known for its cutting-edge data platform. Our low-latency Engineering & Artificial Intelligence platform offers personalised research, investment tools, and bespoke analytics. Our analytics capabilities are multi-asset and data-type agnostic, covering technicals, fundamentals, news, and client-specific data—delivered on-demand, scheduled, or event-driven. We support wealth managers, asset managers, brokers, traders, research vendors, data vendors, and technology vendors. For more information, visit www.sigmafinancial.ai.
About Trading Technologies Trading Technologies is a global capital markets platform services company providing market-leading technology for the end-to-end trading operations of Tier 1 banks, brokerages, money managers, hedge funds, proprietary traders, Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), commercial hedgers and risk managers. With its roots in listed derivatives, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company delivers “multi-X” solutions, with “X” representing asset classes, functions, workflows and geographies. This multi-X approach features trade execution services across futures and options, fixed income, foreign exchange (FX) and cryptocurrencies augmented by solutions for data and analytics, including transaction cost analysis (TCA); quantitative trading; compliance and trade surveillance; clearing and post-trade allocation; and infrastructure services. The award-winning TT platform ecosystem also helps exchanges deliver innovative solutions to their market participants, and technology companies to distribute their complementary offerings to Trading Technologies’ clients.
London, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIGMA AI, an innovative fintech company specialising in real-time data and AI-driven insights, today announced a minority investment by Trading Technologies, International Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform services provider.
This strategic investment establishes a deeper partnership, with SIGMA AI developing a proprietary AI and innovation hub for TT. The hub will focus on integrating AI into the TT® platform and driving AI adoption across TT’s products and services.
This extends SIGMA AI’s existing partnership with TT, which began in 2024 with a smaller investment focused on leveraging advanced technology within TT’s data and analytics offering.
In addition, Andy Simpson, the founder and CEO of SIGMA AI, is expanding his leadership responsibilities taking on the additional role of Head of AI and Innovation at TT. With deep expertise in market structure and a proven track record of delivering strategic transformation for banks, exchanges, and clearing houses, Simpson will advise on AI strategy reporting to TT CEO, Justin Llewellyn-Jones. His role at SIGMA AI remains unchanged.
TT’s Llewellyn-Jonessaid: “This partnership with SIGMA AI will deliver ground-breaking AI-driven solutions to our clients through products that are faster, smarter, and easier to use, with robust governance frameworks that put security and safety at the forefront to guard against the nefarious use of this technology. It will also enhance internal productivity by giving our global teams access to innovative new tools and processes – again, in a safe and secure manner.”
SIGMA AI’s Simpson said: “I’m thrilled to extend our partnership with Trading Technologies, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing AI in financial markets. I’m equally pleased to be expanding my role with TT. The AI and Innovation Hub will act as a centre of excellence, helping to embed AI more deeply across the TT® platform and operations, and strengthening TT’s long-standing position as a technology leader in global trading.”
“TT has long set the standard for developing cutting-edge tools for institutional traders. It’s a privilege to contribute to that progress while continuing to evolve Sigma AI’s work in delivering forward-thinking solutions for clients across the global trading ecosystem.”
About Sigma AI SIGMA AI is a specialist data analytics company known for its cutting-edge data platform. Our low-latency Engineering & Artificial Intelligence platform offers personalised research, investment tools, and bespoke analytics. Our analytics capabilities are multi-asset and data-type agnostic, covering technicals, fundamentals, news, and client-specific data—delivered on-demand, scheduled, or event-driven. We support wealth managers, asset managers, brokers, traders, research vendors, data vendors, and technology vendors. For more information, visit www.sigmafinancial.ai.
About Trading Technologies Trading Technologies is a global capital markets platform services company providing market-leading technology for the end-to-end trading operations of Tier 1 banks, brokerages, money managers, hedge funds, proprietary traders, Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), commercial hedgers and risk managers. With its roots in listed derivatives, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company delivers “multi-X” solutions, with “X” representing asset classes, functions, workflows and geographies. This multi-X approach features trade execution services across futures and options, fixed income, foreign exchange (FX) and cryptocurrencies augmented by solutions for data and analytics, including transaction cost analysis (TCA); quantitative trading; compliance and trade surveillance; clearing and post-trade allocation; and infrastructure services. The award-winning TT platform ecosystem also helps exchanges deliver innovative solutions to their market participants, and technology companies to distribute their complementary offerings to Trading Technologies’ clients.
We’re just a few months into US president Donald Trump’s second term but his rule has already been repeatedlycompared to tyranny.
This may all feel very new to Americans, and to the rest of us watching on from around the world. But the threat of tyranny is an ancient one.
We can learn much from how people in ancient Greece and China dealt with this issue.
Where does tyranny come from?
The peoples of classical Greece were separated into city-states known as the polis.
A few of these, such as Athens and Argos, were democratic.
Others, such as Rhodes or Chios, had had democratic features such as civic participation in public life.
These city-states routinely faced external enemies but also the threat of tyrannical take-over from within.
Things came to a head in 510 BCE under the rule of an oppressive tyrant known as Hippias. He was ultimately expelled, leading eventually to the establishment of democracy through reforms made under an Athenian statesmen called Cleisthenes.
According to Plato, tyranny is the most degenerate political regime and emerges out of democracy’s excesses.
He argued that as democratic citizens become accustomed to living by pleasure rather than reason or duty to the public good, society becomes fragmented.
Demagogues – populist leaders who gain power by appealing to base desires and prejudices of the masses – promise the people more liberties. They turn citizens away from virtue and toward tyranny.
Aristotle, who was Plato’s student, defines tyranny as the corrupted form of monarchy. The tyrant perverts the constitutional order to bring about self-serving rulership – the rule of one. Tyranny, he argued, destroys law and justice, eroding all public trust.
The approach of Plato and Aristotle to combating tyranny was closely tied to their conception of the polis and the importance of citizenship.
For the classical Greeks, citizenship was a binding relationship of reciprocal duties and obligations owed to all other citizens. The law, they believed, was king.
It was these conventions that constrained political power, especially the arbitrary rule of one.
Civic education by participation in daily democratic life promoted virtue, they believed. All citizens and the ruler were subservient to the law – a bond that tyranny destroyed.
Aristotle said a strong middle class that could best prevent tyranny because they indicated a less unequal, and therefore more stable, society.
Plato’s view was more inward looking. He saw tyranny as a political manifestation of a disordered “enslaved soul” governed by appetites rather than reason. For him, philosophical guidance back to harmony was required for the tyrant and for the people.
Only through wisdom, he argued, could the people recognise and reject demagogues and populists.
Protecting democracy from tyranny
Some city-states learned from their institutional failings when tyranny had taken them over.
For example, after a coup of aristocrats overtook Athenian democracy in 411 BCE, Athenians began to swear the Oath of Demophantos. This was among the first attempts at a constitutional safeguard of democracy against tyranny.
It legally and morally obliged citizens to resist any attempt to overthrow democracy by force. The undertaking was a reciprocal duty; as other scholars have argued, each citizen could count on the support of all others to protect the democracy when a tyrant tried again.
This made it far more likely for people to take action against a would-be-tyrant; they knew every other citizen had sworn an oath to have their back.
The Greek historians of the time support these views. For example, Herodotus in the 5th century documented the rise of several tyrants across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He blamed the political vacuum created by the decline of aristocratic rule. Here, the personal ambition and luxury of elites laid the path to tyrannical behaviour.
Another famous historian named Thucydides, writing at the same time, analysed the power and political corruption behind tyranny. He observed how times of crisis exposed vulnerabilities within Athens, leading to factionalism, instability, and the erosion of democracy.
Tyranny in classical China
In classical China we see a complementary, yet unique view of tyranny.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the Zhou Dynasty was divided amongst several competing states, preventing tyranny was a central concern.
These states were mostly hereditary monarchies rather than democracies but they still emphasised accountability to the people.
Mencius, a 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher and Confucian scholar, argued the people’s welfare was the foundation of legitimate rule.
There is, he argued, a responsibility to all under the Mandate of Heaven (天命, tiānmìng). This ancient Chinese doctrine asserted that heaven grants legitimacy to just rulers. If a ruler became despotic or failed to uphold harmony and virtue, the mandate can be withdrawn, justifying rebellion and dynastic change.
Mencius famously said a ruler who oppresses the people is not a ruler but a “mere man” who could be violently overthrown.
Xunzi, another Confucian philosopher writing in the late 4th to 3rd Centuries BCE, believed humans were inherently selfish and chaotic.
To fend off tyranny he emphasised ritual, education, and rule of law. He believed in formal ceremonies and structured practices such as court etiquette, family rites, and daily ethical conduct. These, he believed, helped cultivate virtue, regulate behaviour, and maintain social harmony.
Mozi, writing mostly in the 5th to early 4th centuries BCE, was a Chinese philosopher who opposed Confucianism and founded Mohism, offered a different view.
Opposing all hierarchies, he emphasised jiān ài(兼爱) – universal obligation or care to all others – as a core ethical and political principle.
According to Mozi, tyranny arises when rulers act selfishly – favoring their own families, states, or interests over the common good. He advocated for strong moral conduct and competence of leaders, rather than their lineage, wealth or status.
Tyranny today
Viewed together, these traditions suggest preventing tyranny requires more than just moral leadership.
Rather, it requires a notion of reciprocity – of shared obligations between citizens – and systemic safeguards against the personal ambitions of rulers.
Ethical governance, civic education, legal frameworks, and shared responsibilities are essential.
Shannon Brincat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
We’re just a few months into US president Donald Trump’s second term but his rule has already been repeatedlycompared to tyranny.
This may all feel very new to Americans, and to the rest of us watching on from around the world. But the threat of tyranny is an ancient one.
We can learn much from how people in ancient Greece and China dealt with this issue.
Where does tyranny come from?
The peoples of classical Greece were separated into city-states known as the polis.
A few of these, such as Athens and Argos, were democratic.
Others, such as Rhodes or Chios, had had democratic features such as civic participation in public life.
These city-states routinely faced external enemies but also the threat of tyrannical take-over from within.
Things came to a head in 510 BCE under the rule of an oppressive tyrant known as Hippias. He was ultimately expelled, leading eventually to the establishment of democracy through reforms made under an Athenian statesmen called Cleisthenes.
According to Plato, tyranny is the most degenerate political regime and emerges out of democracy’s excesses.
He argued that as democratic citizens become accustomed to living by pleasure rather than reason or duty to the public good, society becomes fragmented.
Demagogues – populist leaders who gain power by appealing to base desires and prejudices of the masses – promise the people more liberties. They turn citizens away from virtue and toward tyranny.
Aristotle, who was Plato’s student, defines tyranny as the corrupted form of monarchy. The tyrant perverts the constitutional order to bring about self-serving rulership – the rule of one. Tyranny, he argued, destroys law and justice, eroding all public trust.
The approach of Plato and Aristotle to combating tyranny was closely tied to their conception of the polis and the importance of citizenship.
For the classical Greeks, citizenship was a binding relationship of reciprocal duties and obligations owed to all other citizens. The law, they believed, was king.
It was these conventions that constrained political power, especially the arbitrary rule of one.
Civic education by participation in daily democratic life promoted virtue, they believed. All citizens and the ruler were subservient to the law – a bond that tyranny destroyed.
Aristotle said a strong middle class that could best prevent tyranny because they indicated a less unequal, and therefore more stable, society.
Plato’s view was more inward looking. He saw tyranny as a political manifestation of a disordered “enslaved soul” governed by appetites rather than reason. For him, philosophical guidance back to harmony was required for the tyrant and for the people.
Only through wisdom, he argued, could the people recognise and reject demagogues and populists.
Protecting democracy from tyranny
Some city-states learned from their institutional failings when tyranny had taken them over.
For example, after a coup of aristocrats overtook Athenian democracy in 411 BCE, Athenians began to swear the Oath of Demophantos. This was among the first attempts at a constitutional safeguard of democracy against tyranny.
It legally and morally obliged citizens to resist any attempt to overthrow democracy by force. The undertaking was a reciprocal duty; as other scholars have argued, each citizen could count on the support of all others to protect the democracy when a tyrant tried again.
This made it far more likely for people to take action against a would-be-tyrant; they knew every other citizen had sworn an oath to have their back.
The Greek historians of the time support these views. For example, Herodotus in the 5th century documented the rise of several tyrants across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He blamed the political vacuum created by the decline of aristocratic rule. Here, the personal ambition and luxury of elites laid the path to tyrannical behaviour.
Another famous historian named Thucydides, writing at the same time, analysed the power and political corruption behind tyranny. He observed how times of crisis exposed vulnerabilities within Athens, leading to factionalism, instability, and the erosion of democracy.
Tyranny in classical China
In classical China we see a complementary, yet unique view of tyranny.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the Zhou Dynasty was divided amongst several competing states, preventing tyranny was a central concern.
These states were mostly hereditary monarchies rather than democracies but they still emphasised accountability to the people.
Mencius, a 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher and Confucian scholar, argued the people’s welfare was the foundation of legitimate rule.
There is, he argued, a responsibility to all under the Mandate of Heaven (天命, tiānmìng). This ancient Chinese doctrine asserted that heaven grants legitimacy to just rulers. If a ruler became despotic or failed to uphold harmony and virtue, the mandate can be withdrawn, justifying rebellion and dynastic change.
Mencius famously said a ruler who oppresses the people is not a ruler but a “mere man” who could be violently overthrown.
Xunzi, another Confucian philosopher writing in the late 4th to 3rd Centuries BCE, believed humans were inherently selfish and chaotic.
To fend off tyranny he emphasised ritual, education, and rule of law. He believed in formal ceremonies and structured practices such as court etiquette, family rites, and daily ethical conduct. These, he believed, helped cultivate virtue, regulate behaviour, and maintain social harmony.
Mozi, writing mostly in the 5th to early 4th centuries BCE, was a Chinese philosopher who opposed Confucianism and founded Mohism, offered a different view.
Opposing all hierarchies, he emphasised jiān ài(兼爱) – universal obligation or care to all others – as a core ethical and political principle.
According to Mozi, tyranny arises when rulers act selfishly – favoring their own families, states, or interests over the common good. He advocated for strong moral conduct and competence of leaders, rather than their lineage, wealth or status.
Tyranny today
Viewed together, these traditions suggest preventing tyranny requires more than just moral leadership.
Rather, it requires a notion of reciprocity – of shared obligations between citizens – and systemic safeguards against the personal ambitions of rulers.
Ethical governance, civic education, legal frameworks, and shared responsibilities are essential.
Shannon Brincat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
We’re just a few months into US president Donald Trump’s second term but his rule has already been repeatedlycompared to tyranny.
This may all feel very new to Americans, and to the rest of us watching on from around the world. But the threat of tyranny is an ancient one.
We can learn much from how people in ancient Greece and China dealt with this issue.
Where does tyranny come from?
The peoples of classical Greece were separated into city-states known as the polis.
A few of these, such as Athens and Argos, were democratic.
Others, such as Rhodes or Chios, had had democratic features such as civic participation in public life.
These city-states routinely faced external enemies but also the threat of tyrannical take-over from within.
Things came to a head in 510 BCE under the rule of an oppressive tyrant known as Hippias. He was ultimately expelled, leading eventually to the establishment of democracy through reforms made under an Athenian statesmen called Cleisthenes.
According to Plato, tyranny is the most degenerate political regime and emerges out of democracy’s excesses.
He argued that as democratic citizens become accustomed to living by pleasure rather than reason or duty to the public good, society becomes fragmented.
Demagogues – populist leaders who gain power by appealing to base desires and prejudices of the masses – promise the people more liberties. They turn citizens away from virtue and toward tyranny.
Aristotle, who was Plato’s student, defines tyranny as the corrupted form of monarchy. The tyrant perverts the constitutional order to bring about self-serving rulership – the rule of one. Tyranny, he argued, destroys law and justice, eroding all public trust.
The approach of Plato and Aristotle to combating tyranny was closely tied to their conception of the polis and the importance of citizenship.
For the classical Greeks, citizenship was a binding relationship of reciprocal duties and obligations owed to all other citizens. The law, they believed, was king.
It was these conventions that constrained political power, especially the arbitrary rule of one.
Civic education by participation in daily democratic life promoted virtue, they believed. All citizens and the ruler were subservient to the law – a bond that tyranny destroyed.
Aristotle said a strong middle class that could best prevent tyranny because they indicated a less unequal, and therefore more stable, society.
Plato’s view was more inward looking. He saw tyranny as a political manifestation of a disordered “enslaved soul” governed by appetites rather than reason. For him, philosophical guidance back to harmony was required for the tyrant and for the people.
Only through wisdom, he argued, could the people recognise and reject demagogues and populists.
Protecting democracy from tyranny
Some city-states learned from their institutional failings when tyranny had taken them over.
For example, after a coup of aristocrats overtook Athenian democracy in 411 BCE, Athenians began to swear the Oath of Demophantos. This was among the first attempts at a constitutional safeguard of democracy against tyranny.
It legally and morally obliged citizens to resist any attempt to overthrow democracy by force. The undertaking was a reciprocal duty; as other scholars have argued, each citizen could count on the support of all others to protect the democracy when a tyrant tried again.
This made it far more likely for people to take action against a would-be-tyrant; they knew every other citizen had sworn an oath to have their back.
The Greek historians of the time support these views. For example, Herodotus in the 5th century documented the rise of several tyrants across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He blamed the political vacuum created by the decline of aristocratic rule. Here, the personal ambition and luxury of elites laid the path to tyrannical behaviour.
Another famous historian named Thucydides, writing at the same time, analysed the power and political corruption behind tyranny. He observed how times of crisis exposed vulnerabilities within Athens, leading to factionalism, instability, and the erosion of democracy.
Tyranny in classical China
In classical China we see a complementary, yet unique view of tyranny.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the Zhou Dynasty was divided amongst several competing states, preventing tyranny was a central concern.
These states were mostly hereditary monarchies rather than democracies but they still emphasised accountability to the people.
Mencius, a 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher and Confucian scholar, argued the people’s welfare was the foundation of legitimate rule.
There is, he argued, a responsibility to all under the Mandate of Heaven (天命, tiānmìng). This ancient Chinese doctrine asserted that heaven grants legitimacy to just rulers. If a ruler became despotic or failed to uphold harmony and virtue, the mandate can be withdrawn, justifying rebellion and dynastic change.
Mencius famously said a ruler who oppresses the people is not a ruler but a “mere man” who could be violently overthrown.
Xunzi, another Confucian philosopher writing in the late 4th to 3rd Centuries BCE, believed humans were inherently selfish and chaotic.
To fend off tyranny he emphasised ritual, education, and rule of law. He believed in formal ceremonies and structured practices such as court etiquette, family rites, and daily ethical conduct. These, he believed, helped cultivate virtue, regulate behaviour, and maintain social harmony.
Mozi, writing mostly in the 5th to early 4th centuries BCE, was a Chinese philosopher who opposed Confucianism and founded Mohism, offered a different view.
Opposing all hierarchies, he emphasised jiān ài(兼爱) – universal obligation or care to all others – as a core ethical and political principle.
According to Mozi, tyranny arises when rulers act selfishly – favoring their own families, states, or interests over the common good. He advocated for strong moral conduct and competence of leaders, rather than their lineage, wealth or status.
Tyranny today
Viewed together, these traditions suggest preventing tyranny requires more than just moral leadership.
Rather, it requires a notion of reciprocity – of shared obligations between citizens – and systemic safeguards against the personal ambitions of rulers.
Ethical governance, civic education, legal frameworks, and shared responsibilities are essential.
Shannon Brincat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
We’re just a few months into US president Donald Trump’s second term but his rule has already been repeatedlycompared to tyranny.
This may all feel very new to Americans, and to the rest of us watching on from around the world. But the threat of tyranny is an ancient one.
We can learn much from how people in ancient Greece and China dealt with this issue.
Where does tyranny come from?
The peoples of classical Greece were separated into city-states known as the polis.
A few of these, such as Athens and Argos, were democratic.
Others, such as Rhodes or Chios, had had democratic features such as civic participation in public life.
These city-states routinely faced external enemies but also the threat of tyrannical take-over from within.
Things came to a head in 510 BCE under the rule of an oppressive tyrant known as Hippias. He was ultimately expelled, leading eventually to the establishment of democracy through reforms made under an Athenian statesmen called Cleisthenes.
According to Plato, tyranny is the most degenerate political regime and emerges out of democracy’s excesses.
He argued that as democratic citizens become accustomed to living by pleasure rather than reason or duty to the public good, society becomes fragmented.
Demagogues – populist leaders who gain power by appealing to base desires and prejudices of the masses – promise the people more liberties. They turn citizens away from virtue and toward tyranny.
Aristotle, who was Plato’s student, defines tyranny as the corrupted form of monarchy. The tyrant perverts the constitutional order to bring about self-serving rulership – the rule of one. Tyranny, he argued, destroys law and justice, eroding all public trust.
The approach of Plato and Aristotle to combating tyranny was closely tied to their conception of the polis and the importance of citizenship.
For the classical Greeks, citizenship was a binding relationship of reciprocal duties and obligations owed to all other citizens. The law, they believed, was king.
It was these conventions that constrained political power, especially the arbitrary rule of one.
Civic education by participation in daily democratic life promoted virtue, they believed. All citizens and the ruler were subservient to the law – a bond that tyranny destroyed.
Aristotle said a strong middle class that could best prevent tyranny because they indicated a less unequal, and therefore more stable, society.
Plato’s view was more inward looking. He saw tyranny as a political manifestation of a disordered “enslaved soul” governed by appetites rather than reason. For him, philosophical guidance back to harmony was required for the tyrant and for the people.
Only through wisdom, he argued, could the people recognise and reject demagogues and populists.
Protecting democracy from tyranny
Some city-states learned from their institutional failings when tyranny had taken them over.
For example, after a coup of aristocrats overtook Athenian democracy in 411 BCE, Athenians began to swear the Oath of Demophantos. This was among the first attempts at a constitutional safeguard of democracy against tyranny.
It legally and morally obliged citizens to resist any attempt to overthrow democracy by force. The undertaking was a reciprocal duty; as other scholars have argued, each citizen could count on the support of all others to protect the democracy when a tyrant tried again.
This made it far more likely for people to take action against a would-be-tyrant; they knew every other citizen had sworn an oath to have their back.
The Greek historians of the time support these views. For example, Herodotus in the 5th century documented the rise of several tyrants across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He blamed the political vacuum created by the decline of aristocratic rule. Here, the personal ambition and luxury of elites laid the path to tyrannical behaviour.
Another famous historian named Thucydides, writing at the same time, analysed the power and political corruption behind tyranny. He observed how times of crisis exposed vulnerabilities within Athens, leading to factionalism, instability, and the erosion of democracy.
Tyranny in classical China
In classical China we see a complementary, yet unique view of tyranny.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the Zhou Dynasty was divided amongst several competing states, preventing tyranny was a central concern.
These states were mostly hereditary monarchies rather than democracies but they still emphasised accountability to the people.
Mencius, a 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher and Confucian scholar, argued the people’s welfare was the foundation of legitimate rule.
There is, he argued, a responsibility to all under the Mandate of Heaven (天命, tiānmìng). This ancient Chinese doctrine asserted that heaven grants legitimacy to just rulers. If a ruler became despotic or failed to uphold harmony and virtue, the mandate can be withdrawn, justifying rebellion and dynastic change.
Mencius famously said a ruler who oppresses the people is not a ruler but a “mere man” who could be violently overthrown.
Xunzi, another Confucian philosopher writing in the late 4th to 3rd Centuries BCE, believed humans were inherently selfish and chaotic.
To fend off tyranny he emphasised ritual, education, and rule of law. He believed in formal ceremonies and structured practices such as court etiquette, family rites, and daily ethical conduct. These, he believed, helped cultivate virtue, regulate behaviour, and maintain social harmony.
Mozi, writing mostly in the 5th to early 4th centuries BCE, was a Chinese philosopher who opposed Confucianism and founded Mohism, offered a different view.
Opposing all hierarchies, he emphasised jiān ài(兼爱) – universal obligation or care to all others – as a core ethical and political principle.
According to Mozi, tyranny arises when rulers act selfishly – favoring their own families, states, or interests over the common good. He advocated for strong moral conduct and competence of leaders, rather than their lineage, wealth or status.
Tyranny today
Viewed together, these traditions suggest preventing tyranny requires more than just moral leadership.
Rather, it requires a notion of reciprocity – of shared obligations between citizens – and systemic safeguards against the personal ambitions of rulers.
Ethical governance, civic education, legal frameworks, and shared responsibilities are essential.
Shannon Brincat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
We’re just a few months into US president Donald Trump’s second term but his rule has already been repeatedlycompared to tyranny.
This may all feel very new to Americans, and to the rest of us watching on from around the world. But the threat of tyranny is an ancient one.
We can learn much from how people in ancient Greece and China dealt with this issue.
Where does tyranny come from?
The peoples of classical Greece were separated into city-states known as the polis.
A few of these, such as Athens and Argos, were democratic.
Others, such as Rhodes or Chios, had had democratic features such as civic participation in public life.
These city-states routinely faced external enemies but also the threat of tyrannical take-over from within.
Things came to a head in 510 BCE under the rule of an oppressive tyrant known as Hippias. He was ultimately expelled, leading eventually to the establishment of democracy through reforms made under an Athenian statesmen called Cleisthenes.
According to Plato, tyranny is the most degenerate political regime and emerges out of democracy’s excesses.
He argued that as democratic citizens become accustomed to living by pleasure rather than reason or duty to the public good, society becomes fragmented.
Demagogues – populist leaders who gain power by appealing to base desires and prejudices of the masses – promise the people more liberties. They turn citizens away from virtue and toward tyranny.
Aristotle, who was Plato’s student, defines tyranny as the corrupted form of monarchy. The tyrant perverts the constitutional order to bring about self-serving rulership – the rule of one. Tyranny, he argued, destroys law and justice, eroding all public trust.
The approach of Plato and Aristotle to combating tyranny was closely tied to their conception of the polis and the importance of citizenship.
For the classical Greeks, citizenship was a binding relationship of reciprocal duties and obligations owed to all other citizens. The law, they believed, was king.
It was these conventions that constrained political power, especially the arbitrary rule of one.
Civic education by participation in daily democratic life promoted virtue, they believed. All citizens and the ruler were subservient to the law – a bond that tyranny destroyed.
Aristotle said a strong middle class that could best prevent tyranny because they indicated a less unequal, and therefore more stable, society.
Plato’s view was more inward looking. He saw tyranny as a political manifestation of a disordered “enslaved soul” governed by appetites rather than reason. For him, philosophical guidance back to harmony was required for the tyrant and for the people.
Only through wisdom, he argued, could the people recognise and reject demagogues and populists.
Protecting democracy from tyranny
Some city-states learned from their institutional failings when tyranny had taken them over.
For example, after a coup of aristocrats overtook Athenian democracy in 411 BCE, Athenians began to swear the Oath of Demophantos. This was among the first attempts at a constitutional safeguard of democracy against tyranny.
It legally and morally obliged citizens to resist any attempt to overthrow democracy by force. The undertaking was a reciprocal duty; as other scholars have argued, each citizen could count on the support of all others to protect the democracy when a tyrant tried again.
This made it far more likely for people to take action against a would-be-tyrant; they knew every other citizen had sworn an oath to have their back.
The Greek historians of the time support these views. For example, Herodotus in the 5th century documented the rise of several tyrants across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He blamed the political vacuum created by the decline of aristocratic rule. Here, the personal ambition and luxury of elites laid the path to tyrannical behaviour.
Another famous historian named Thucydides, writing at the same time, analysed the power and political corruption behind tyranny. He observed how times of crisis exposed vulnerabilities within Athens, leading to factionalism, instability, and the erosion of democracy.
Tyranny in classical China
In classical China we see a complementary, yet unique view of tyranny.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the Zhou Dynasty was divided amongst several competing states, preventing tyranny was a central concern.
These states were mostly hereditary monarchies rather than democracies but they still emphasised accountability to the people.
Mencius, a 4th-century BCE Chinese philosopher and Confucian scholar, argued the people’s welfare was the foundation of legitimate rule.
There is, he argued, a responsibility to all under the Mandate of Heaven (天命, tiānmìng). This ancient Chinese doctrine asserted that heaven grants legitimacy to just rulers. If a ruler became despotic or failed to uphold harmony and virtue, the mandate can be withdrawn, justifying rebellion and dynastic change.
Mencius famously said a ruler who oppresses the people is not a ruler but a “mere man” who could be violently overthrown.
Xunzi, another Confucian philosopher writing in the late 4th to 3rd Centuries BCE, believed humans were inherently selfish and chaotic.
To fend off tyranny he emphasised ritual, education, and rule of law. He believed in formal ceremonies and structured practices such as court etiquette, family rites, and daily ethical conduct. These, he believed, helped cultivate virtue, regulate behaviour, and maintain social harmony.
Mozi, writing mostly in the 5th to early 4th centuries BCE, was a Chinese philosopher who opposed Confucianism and founded Mohism, offered a different view.
Opposing all hierarchies, he emphasised jiān ài(兼爱) – universal obligation or care to all others – as a core ethical and political principle.
According to Mozi, tyranny arises when rulers act selfishly – favoring their own families, states, or interests over the common good. He advocated for strong moral conduct and competence of leaders, rather than their lineage, wealth or status.
Tyranny today
Viewed together, these traditions suggest preventing tyranny requires more than just moral leadership.
Rather, it requires a notion of reciprocity – of shared obligations between citizens – and systemic safeguards against the personal ambitions of rulers.
Ethical governance, civic education, legal frameworks, and shared responsibilities are essential.
Shannon Brincat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors are hard at work at several state highway sites across the top of the South Island, as the massive clean-up and repair job in the region continues.
The summary below outlines the current status of the region’s state highway network.
SH6 Rocks Road – CLOSED State Highway 6 Rocks Road remains CLOSED between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street, while work continues to assess the slip and rockfall, and to remove loose material and vegetation.
“Areas at the top of the cliff have been destabilised by the heavy rain. We’re working to remove the loose material and vegetation from the top of the cliff so that the road can be safely reopened as soon as possible,” says Rob Service, NZTA System Manager Nelson/Tasman.
The route remains closed to all traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians until further notice. NZTA is reminding everyone not to go beyond the closure points on Rocks Road, as there is serious danger from potential falling debris, while contractors work to remove material from the cliff face.
To allow people to access businesses and shops on Rocks Road, there is a ‘soft closure’ in place at the intersection of Russell Street, but no travel is permitted between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.
NZTA will provide updates as further information is available.
SH60 Takaka Hill – OPEN State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill is OPEN to light and heavy vehicles, but the road has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. The road remains vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.
There are active worksites on Takaka Hill which are under temporary speed restrictions and single lane sections, both operating 24/7. Please be careful and patient when driving over the hill and adhere to the temporary speed limits.
SH6 Belgrove to Kohatu – OPEN State Highway 6 is OPEN between Belgrove and Kohatu. Extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. There are three active worksites in this section of road under temporary speed restrictions 24/7 and one single lane section controlled by traffic lights.
SH63 – OPENto residents and essential travel only SH63 between Waihopai Valley Road and Korere-Tophouse Road is open for residents and those with essential travel needs only.
General advice
All other state highways are open, but it is not business as usual on the roads or for driving.
Across the network, because of weather damage, drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling. There remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice.
Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.
Please follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They are there to keep the public and work crews safe.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors are hard at work at several state highway sites across the top of the South Island, as the massive clean-up and repair job in the region continues.
The summary below outlines the current status of the region’s state highway network.
SH6 Rocks Road – CLOSED State Highway 6 Rocks Road remains CLOSED between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street, while work continues to assess the slip and rockfall, and to remove loose material and vegetation.
“Areas at the top of the cliff have been destabilised by the heavy rain. We’re working to remove the loose material and vegetation from the top of the cliff so that the road can be safely reopened as soon as possible,” says Rob Service, NZTA System Manager Nelson/Tasman.
The route remains closed to all traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians until further notice. NZTA is reminding everyone not to go beyond the closure points on Rocks Road, as there is serious danger from potential falling debris, while contractors work to remove material from the cliff face.
To allow people to access businesses and shops on Rocks Road, there is a ‘soft closure’ in place at the intersection of Russell Street, but no travel is permitted between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.
NZTA will provide updates as further information is available.
SH60 Takaka Hill – OPEN State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill is OPEN to light and heavy vehicles, but the road has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. The road remains vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.
There are active worksites on Takaka Hill which are under temporary speed restrictions and single lane sections, both operating 24/7. Please be careful and patient when driving over the hill and adhere to the temporary speed limits.
SH6 Belgrove to Kohatu – OPEN State Highway 6 is OPEN between Belgrove and Kohatu. Extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. There are three active worksites in this section of road under temporary speed restrictions 24/7 and one single lane section controlled by traffic lights.
SH63 – OPENto residents and essential travel only SH63 between Waihopai Valley Road and Korere-Tophouse Road is open for residents and those with essential travel needs only.
General advice
All other state highways are open, but it is not business as usual on the roads or for driving.
Across the network, because of weather damage, drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling. There remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice.
Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.
Please follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They are there to keep the public and work crews safe.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong cinema is taking centre stage at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with the “Hong Kong Panorama” series, a curated showcase of 10 dynamic films being presented with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO).
A star-studded award presentation was held prior to the North American premiere of “Last Song For You” this evening (July 14, New York time) at the esteemed Film at Lincoln Center. The film’s lead actor, Ekin Cheng, was honoured with the prestigious Star Asia Award, recognising his legendary contributions across film, television, and music, as well as his enduring impact on Hong Kong’s popular culture.
Cheng’s co-star Natalie Hsu received the Screen International Rising Star Award, highlighting her breakout performances and her bright future on the global stage.
The New York ETO hosted a special reception before the award presentation in honour of the visiting Hong Kong film talent participating in this year’s Festival. Among them are actors, directors, and creatives whose work is helping to shape the next chapter of Hong Kong cinema.
Speaking at the reception, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the lineup for this year’s Festival. “This year we’re proud to showcase 10 diverse Hong Kong films, from romantic comedies and crime thrillers to powerful action dramas. Over half of them are having their North American premieres right here at NYAFF – proof that Hong Kong cinema continues to innovate, inspire, and resonate across borders,” she said.
Ms Ho added that four of these films are marking directorial debuts. They are: Jill Leung’s “Last Song For You”; Jack Lai’s “Possession Street”; Trevor Choi’s “Smashing Frank”; and “Valley of the Shadow of Death” by Jeffrey Lam and Antonio Tam.
“Three films, ‘Last Song For You’, ‘Papa’ and ‘Possession Street’, were made possible with support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. It’s this mix of rising talent and strong institutional backing that keeps our film industry vibrant, evolving, and ready for the world stage,” she added.
Ms Ho went on to extend warm congratulations to the honourees. She praised Cheng for his 37-year career and for helping shape the cultural DNA of Hong Kong entertainment, and lauded Hsu as a gifted and dynamic artist representing the bold future of Hong Kong cinema.
To further honour Cheng’s legacy, the NYAFF held a special retrospective screening of his iconic film “Young and Dangerous”, celebrating the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary and its enduring impact on a generation of filmmakers and audiences.
In addition to Cheng and Hsu, a stellar delegation of Hong Kong filmmakers are attending this year’s NYAFF. They include actor George Au actress Hedwig Tam, directors Oliver Chan, Trevor Choi, Jack Lai, Jeffrey Lam, Jill Leung, Antonio Tam, Adam Wong, and composer Chan Kwong-wing – all showcasing the creative talent propelling Hong Kong cinema into the future.
Adding to this year’s celebration, acclaimed Chinese-American actress Lisa Lu was presented with both the Trailblazer Award and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to cinema across the United States, and Greater China including Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong cinema is taking centre stage at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with the “Hong Kong Panorama” series, a curated showcase of 10 dynamic films being presented with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO).
A star-studded award presentation was held prior to the North American premiere of “Last Song For You” this evening (July 14, New York time) at the esteemed Film at Lincoln Center. The film’s lead actor, Ekin Cheng, was honoured with the prestigious Star Asia Award, recognising his legendary contributions across film, television, and music, as well as his enduring impact on Hong Kong’s popular culture.
Cheng’s co-star Natalie Hsu received the Screen International Rising Star Award, highlighting her breakout performances and her bright future on the global stage.
The New York ETO hosted a special reception before the award presentation in honour of the visiting Hong Kong film talent participating in this year’s Festival. Among them are actors, directors, and creatives whose work is helping to shape the next chapter of Hong Kong cinema.
Speaking at the reception, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the lineup for this year’s Festival. “This year we’re proud to showcase 10 diverse Hong Kong films, from romantic comedies and crime thrillers to powerful action dramas. Over half of them are having their North American premieres right here at NYAFF – proof that Hong Kong cinema continues to innovate, inspire, and resonate across borders,” she said.
Ms Ho added that four of these films are marking directorial debuts. They are: Jill Leung’s “Last Song For You”; Jack Lai’s “Possession Street”; Trevor Choi’s “Smashing Frank”; and “Valley of the Shadow of Death” by Jeffrey Lam and Antonio Tam.
“Three films, ‘Last Song For You’, ‘Papa’ and ‘Possession Street’, were made possible with support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. It’s this mix of rising talent and strong institutional backing that keeps our film industry vibrant, evolving, and ready for the world stage,” she added.
Ms Ho went on to extend warm congratulations to the honourees. She praised Cheng for his 37-year career and for helping shape the cultural DNA of Hong Kong entertainment, and lauded Hsu as a gifted and dynamic artist representing the bold future of Hong Kong cinema.
To further honour Cheng’s legacy, the NYAFF held a special retrospective screening of his iconic film “Young and Dangerous”, celebrating the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary and its enduring impact on a generation of filmmakers and audiences.
In addition to Cheng and Hsu, a stellar delegation of Hong Kong filmmakers are attending this year’s NYAFF. They include actor George Au actress Hedwig Tam, directors Oliver Chan, Trevor Choi, Jack Lai, Jeffrey Lam, Jill Leung, Antonio Tam, Adam Wong, and composer Chan Kwong-wing – all showcasing the creative talent propelling Hong Kong cinema into the future.
Adding to this year’s celebration, acclaimed Chinese-American actress Lisa Lu was presented with both the Trailblazer Award and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to cinema across the United States, and Greater China including Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong cinema is taking centre stage at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with the “Hong Kong Panorama” series, a curated showcase of 10 dynamic films being presented with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO).
A star-studded award presentation was held prior to the North American premiere of “Last Song For You” this evening (July 14, New York time) at the esteemed Film at Lincoln Center. The film’s lead actor, Ekin Cheng, was honoured with the prestigious Star Asia Award, recognising his legendary contributions across film, television, and music, as well as his enduring impact on Hong Kong’s popular culture.
Cheng’s co-star Natalie Hsu received the Screen International Rising Star Award, highlighting her breakout performances and her bright future on the global stage.
The New York ETO hosted a special reception before the award presentation in honour of the visiting Hong Kong film talent participating in this year’s Festival. Among them are actors, directors, and creatives whose work is helping to shape the next chapter of Hong Kong cinema.
Speaking at the reception, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the lineup for this year’s Festival. “This year we’re proud to showcase 10 diverse Hong Kong films, from romantic comedies and crime thrillers to powerful action dramas. Over half of them are having their North American premieres right here at NYAFF – proof that Hong Kong cinema continues to innovate, inspire, and resonate across borders,” she said.
Ms Ho added that four of these films are marking directorial debuts. They are: Jill Leung’s “Last Song For You”; Jack Lai’s “Possession Street”; Trevor Choi’s “Smashing Frank”; and “Valley of the Shadow of Death” by Jeffrey Lam and Antonio Tam.
“Three films, ‘Last Song For You’, ‘Papa’ and ‘Possession Street’, were made possible with support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. It’s this mix of rising talent and strong institutional backing that keeps our film industry vibrant, evolving, and ready for the world stage,” she added.
Ms Ho went on to extend warm congratulations to the honourees. She praised Cheng for his 37-year career and for helping shape the cultural DNA of Hong Kong entertainment, and lauded Hsu as a gifted and dynamic artist representing the bold future of Hong Kong cinema.
To further honour Cheng’s legacy, the NYAFF held a special retrospective screening of his iconic film “Young and Dangerous”, celebrating the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary and its enduring impact on a generation of filmmakers and audiences.
In addition to Cheng and Hsu, a stellar delegation of Hong Kong filmmakers are attending this year’s NYAFF. They include actor George Au actress Hedwig Tam, directors Oliver Chan, Trevor Choi, Jack Lai, Jeffrey Lam, Jill Leung, Antonio Tam, Adam Wong, and composer Chan Kwong-wing – all showcasing the creative talent propelling Hong Kong cinema into the future.
Adding to this year’s celebration, acclaimed Chinese-American actress Lisa Lu was presented with both the Trailblazer Award and the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her groundbreaking career and indelible contributions to cinema across the United States, and Greater China including Hong Kong.
Capacity Market auction parameters: letter from DESNZ to NESO, July 2025
Letter setting out the Capacity Market auction parameters for the T-1 auction for the 2026 to 2027 Delivery Year, and the T-4 auction for the 2029 to 2030 delivery year.
The letter from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, RT Hon Ed Miliband MP, to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) sets out the parameters for the next Capacity Market auctions. This includes the volume of capacity to be secured for the T-1 auction for the 2026 to 2027 Delivery Year and the T-4 auction for the 2029 to 2030 Delivery Year and interconnector de-rating factors for the T-4 auction.
The annex provides full details of auction parameters and the interconnector de-rating factors.
In line with the annual Capacity Market process, the parameters for the two auctions may be updated following auction prequalification and will be confirmed before the auctions are held in early 2025.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as part of a delegation of foreign ministers attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020. He is in the country to participate in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM), being held in Tianjin.
On Monday, Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the CFM.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for bilateral talks.
The two leaders reviewed the current state of India-China ties, acknowledging recent progress in stabilizing and rebuilding relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of people-centric engagement and agreed to enhance cooperation to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for China’s support in resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and discussed expanding people-to-people exchanges, including improved travel access and direct flight connectivity.
Stressing the need for peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to de-escalation and effective border management.
“He underlined the need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including resumption of provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side. He also took up restrictive trade measures and roadblocks to economic cooperation,” the MEA said in a statement.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with Jaishankar affirming India’s support for China’s current SCO presidency.
“The discussions were constructive and forward-looking. The Ministers agreed to remain in touch, including through bilateral visits and meetings,” the MEA said.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
“Good to meet IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in Beijing. Discussed the changing global order and the emergence of multipolarity. Spoke about a constructive India-China relationship in that context,” Jaishankar said on X.
Founded as a regional security bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a permanent intergovernmental organisation comprising India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. The SCO’s agenda spans counterterrorism, security, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as part of a delegation of foreign ministers attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020. He is in the country to participate in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM), being held in Tianjin.
On Monday, Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the CFM.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for bilateral talks.
The two leaders reviewed the current state of India-China ties, acknowledging recent progress in stabilizing and rebuilding relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of people-centric engagement and agreed to enhance cooperation to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for China’s support in resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and discussed expanding people-to-people exchanges, including improved travel access and direct flight connectivity.
Stressing the need for peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to de-escalation and effective border management.
“He underlined the need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including resumption of provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side. He also took up restrictive trade measures and roadblocks to economic cooperation,” the MEA said in a statement.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with Jaishankar affirming India’s support for China’s current SCO presidency.
“The discussions were constructive and forward-looking. The Ministers agreed to remain in touch, including through bilateral visits and meetings,” the MEA said.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
“Good to meet IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in Beijing. Discussed the changing global order and the emergence of multipolarity. Spoke about a constructive India-China relationship in that context,” Jaishankar said on X.
Founded as a regional security bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a permanent intergovernmental organisation comprising India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. The SCO’s agenda spans counterterrorism, security, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing as part of a delegation of foreign ministers attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”
This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020. He is in the country to participate in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM), being held in Tianjin.
On Monday, Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the CFM.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for bilateral talks.
The two leaders reviewed the current state of India-China ties, acknowledging recent progress in stabilizing and rebuilding relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of people-centric engagement and agreed to enhance cooperation to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for China’s support in resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and discussed expanding people-to-people exchanges, including improved travel access and direct flight connectivity.
Stressing the need for peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to de-escalation and effective border management.
“He underlined the need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including resumption of provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side. He also took up restrictive trade measures and roadblocks to economic cooperation,” the MEA said in a statement.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with Jaishankar affirming India’s support for China’s current SCO presidency.
“The discussions were constructive and forward-looking. The Ministers agreed to remain in touch, including through bilateral visits and meetings,” the MEA said.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
“Good to meet IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao in Beijing. Discussed the changing global order and the emergence of multipolarity. Spoke about a constructive India-China relationship in that context,” Jaishankar said on X.
Founded as a regional security bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a permanent intergovernmental organisation comprising India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. The SCO’s agenda spans counterterrorism, security, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ISLAMABAD, July 15 (Xinhua) — At least six people were killed and 27 others injured in a road accident in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province on Sunday night, traffic police spokesman Saqib Waheed told Xinhua.
According to him, the bus with 41 passengers on board overturned and fell into a ravine. Five people, including four women, died on the spot, and another died in hospital. The injured were hospitalized, seven of them are in critical condition. The investigation showed that the accident occurred due to the driver’s negligence on a road slippery from the rain, S. Wahid noted.
Road accidents in Pakistan have become a worrying problem, with both their frequency and severity increasing significantly in recent years.
The main reasons for the high accident rate are careless driving, poor road conditions and poor vehicle maintenance. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Paying homage to Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. He was at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle and provided invaluable leadership in the formative years of our journey after Independence. His noble ideals and emphasis on social justice inspire us all greatly.”
Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born in Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. He was elected unopposed to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937 and re-elected in 1946. That same year, he was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India and later to Parliament in 1952.
Kamaraj became the Chief Minister of Madras in 1954. In 1963, he proposed to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru that senior Congress leaders should resign from ministerial posts to focus on strengthening the party organisation. This initiative became known as the ‘Kamaraj Plan.’
In recognition of his service to the nation, he was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1976.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Paying homage to Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. He was at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle and provided invaluable leadership in the formative years of our journey after Independence. His noble ideals and emphasis on social justice inspire us all greatly.”
Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born in Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. He was elected unopposed to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937 and re-elected in 1946. That same year, he was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India and later to Parliament in 1952.
Kamaraj became the Chief Minister of Madras in 1954. In 1963, he proposed to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru that senior Congress leaders should resign from ministerial posts to focus on strengthening the party organisation. This initiative became known as the ‘Kamaraj Plan.’
In recognition of his service to the nation, he was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1976.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today joined the Heads or Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Parliaments from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and AIPA Observer Parliaments, in a courtesy call on the President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as part of the 16th AIPA Caucus. They discussed ways to enhance AIPA’s role in the ASEAN Community building process, particularly following the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans by the ASEAN Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
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