The Indian government must immediately halt all deportations of Rohingya men, women and children, recognize them as refugees and treat them with the dignity and protection they deserve under international human rights law, Amnesty International said ahead of World Refugee Day.
In just the last month, the Indian authorities allegedly deported at least 40 Rohingya refugees, including children and older people, by forcing them off a naval ship and giving them life jackets before abandoning them in international waters near Myanmar. In a separate incident, authorities also forced over 100 Rohingya refugees across the border into Bangladesh.
“From Zoroastrians and Tibetans to Afghans, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankan Tamils, India has long been a sanctuary for those fleeing persecution. But the Government of India’s recent actions which includes dumping Rohingya refugees at sea and forcefully deporting refugees without following any due procedure, unfortunately betrays this proud tradition. History will remember how the government chose to treat the persecuted when they knocked on our door for safety,” said Aakar Patel, chair of the board of Amnesty International India.
“The Indian government treats us like criminals”
On 8 May, Indian authorities detained at least 40 Rohingya refugees living in Delhi, many of whom held identification documents issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), according to their relatives who spoke with Amnesty International. The refugees were then blindfolded, flown to the far-off Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and transferred onto an Indian naval vessel.
In the Andaman Sea, the refugees were allegedly given life jackets and forced into the water, leaving them with no choice but to attempt to swim to an island in Myanmar’s territory. Speaking to Amnesty International, a relative of one of the Rohingya refugees said, “Once they reached ashore, they called us using the phone of a fisherman… After that we haven’t heard from them. We are very worried about their safety.” While the refugees are believed to have reached the shore safely, their current location and condition remain unknown.
A few days later, over 100 Rohingya refugees detained at the Matia Transit Detention Centre in Assam, the largest such facility in India, were transported by bus and then forced across the eastern border into Bangladesh, reportedly without being granted access to any formal legal process or asylum review.
On 17 May, two Rohingya refugees filed a petition urging India’s Supreme Court to intervene and immediately halt further deportations. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea, with the judge questioning the credibility of the “beautifully crafted story” lacking substantive evidence, while criticizing the timing of the petition filed during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
Speaking to Amnesty International on the condition of anonymity due to the fear of reprisal, a Rohingya refugee based in India said, “We are living in constant fear of being deported. Even though we hold UNHCR refugee cards, the Indian government treats us like criminals. In the past few months, so many of my relatives and fri
The Education Bureau today said today that it is encouraged that universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) continue to hold top spots in the latest World University Rankings, which are published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), an international higher education organisation.
The bureau highlighted that five UGC-funded universities stayed in the world’s top 100 in the World University Ranking 2026, making Hong Kong the place with the highest concentration of top-ranked universities globally.
It said the rankings reflect not only the unremitting efforts and continuous pursuit of excellence of Hong Kong’s higher education institutions but also the Government’s long-term commitment to investing in education.
The University of Hong Kong rose six places to 11th globally in the latest rankings, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong climbed four spots to 32nd, and the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology advanced three positions to 44th.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong also achieved outstanding results, ranking 54th and 63rd respectively.
The bureau said the Government will do its utmost to provide assistance and convenience to overseas talent interested in studying or conducting research at higher education institutions in Hong Kong, and will strive to further expand the non-local student quota. It added that the Government will continue to promote internationalisation and diversified development in the eight UGC-funded universities.
Furthermore, it outlined that the Government strives both to attract talent from around the world and nurture local talent through various initiatives such as scholarship programmes, thereby leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths to serve the country’s needs.
The bureau also stressed that the Government will continue to strengthen global exchanges, including strengthening and broadening research networks and co-operation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing man in Tsing Yi
Police today (June 19) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tsing Yi.
Cheng Tik-lun, aged 28, went missing after he left his residence in Hong Wah House, Cheung Hong Estate on June 9 afternoon. His family made a report to Police on June 16.
He is about 1.65 metres tall, around 59 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen in unknown clothing.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9078 1880 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre to hold fun day this weekend to celebrate reopening
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the Fun Day of Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre (SWHCC) from 1pm to 5.30pm on June 21 (Saturday) and 22 (Sunday) to celebrate the reopening of SWHCC after renovation and improvement works. Members of the public are welcome to join. An array of programmes blending Chinese and Western cultures, with youth and community engagement as highlights, will be held at the Fun Day. Programmes include a lion dance performance by the acclaimed dragon and lion dance team of the Buddhist Ho Nam Kam Secondary School, an exhilarating Chinese drum performance by the Hong Kong Drum Ensemble, a street dance and busking performance by the Youth Outreach’s School of Hip Hop, and a performance of various styles of jazz music by young musicians from the group Fountain de Chopin. Young musicians curated by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong will also stage performances of diverse music pieces. Moreover, the ceremony of the Fun Day will be held at the Theatre of SWHCC at 1pm on June 22, with exciting lion dance and majestic Chinese drum performances for public enjoyment. A number of workshops will also be available at the Fun Day, including the “One Day in the Theatre” workshop by the Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection (AFTEC), the venue partner of SWHCC, for participants to try being an actor or working backstage in a theatre setting, and 19/06/2025, 11:27 Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre to hold fun day this weekend to celebrate reopening (with photos) https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/19/P2025061900251p.htm#:~:text=The Leisure and Cultural Services,after renovation and improvement works. 1/2 to take part in a showcase performance on the same day. Furthermore, the AFTEC will present the “Re-imagine Theatre” exhibition at the foyer of SWHCC from June 21, guiding audiences into the world of theatrical plays as the protagonists’ companions. On June 21, a stage tour will be available for members of the public at the Theatre of SWHCC to introduce participants to the new and advanced stage equipment and facilities after the renovation of SWHCC and to learn about the operations behind the scenes in a stage production. Admission is free. For details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swhcc/aboutus/funday.html . Ends/Thursday, June 19, 2025 Issued at HKT 12:30 NNNN
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
JAKARTA, 19 June 2025 — Ambassador Roberto Colaminè presented his Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, assuming his post as the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to ASEAN.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Colaminè on his assumption of office and reiterated the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to work closely with him and the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Jakarta in further strengthening the ASEAN-Italy Development Partnership. In response, Ambassador Colaminè confirmed Italy’s commitment to ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region and referred to the successful completion of key initiatives to promote Italy-ASEAN relations.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao took the opportunity to encourage Ambassador Colaminè to engage with the diplomatic community in Jakarta, especially with the Permanent Missions of the ASEAN Member States to ASEAN. Both sides noted the significance of expanding and exploring cooperation in areas of mutual interest under the ASEAN-Italy Practical Cooperation Areas (2022-2026), such as space technology, agriculture, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable coastal and maritime development.
Italy accredited its first Ambassador to ASEAN in 2009. Ambassador Colaminè succeeds Ambassador Benedetto Latteri, who completed his tenure in December 2024.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced that the southwest monsoon has further advanced over most parts of Bihar and some more parts of East Uttar Pradesh.
As the monsoon gains momentum, very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places across Gujarat, north Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha on June 19.
Jharkhand is also likely to experience intense rainfall on both June 19 and 20. Meanwhile, the northeastern states are forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall consistently over the next seven days.
In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy from June 19 to 22, with intermittent rain and thunderstorms.
The IMD has advised residents, particularly in the affected states, to stay cautious during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms. The advancing monsoon is expected to bring significant relief from heat, while also contributing to the seasonal rainfall crucial for agriculture.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 19) launched a new edition of antimicrobial guidelines entitled the Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial ChemoTherapy (IMPACT) Guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for doctors when prescribing antimicrobial drugs for inpatients, aiming to prevent overuse which may aggravate antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
“In view of the evolving AMR situations, the CHP in collaboration with experts updated IMPACT based on local AMR data and the latest international and local literature for reference of doctors so that antimicrobials can be prescribed in a more accurate manner. The CHP organised a forum today to introduce the major updates of the guidelines, including the empirical therapy of common infections, antimicrobials for known pathogens and recommendations for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis to over 150 participating healthcare professionals from the public and private sectors. Recommended dosing and adverse reactions for certain antimicrobials are also set out in the updated guidelines,” said the Consultant (Antimicrobial Resistance) of the Infection Control Branch of the CHP, Dr Edmond Ma.
In addition to the forum for the medical field, the CHP also issued a Letter to Doctors today, urging them to refer to the new guidelines and prescribe the appropriate antimicrobials to patients in need. This will help curb the spread of drug resistance and safeguard the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Dr Ma added, “AMR occurs when microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) evolve and become resistant to previously effective medications. When patients are infected with drug-resistant bacteria, their illness may be prolonged, and their risk of death may even increase. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the major drivers of drug-resistant bacteria. Since the first edition of the IMPACT Guidelines was launched in 1999, it has become an important reference for healthcare professionals, helping to minimise unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. At the same time, it has become a key foundation for launching the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme in public hospitals and will facilitate the enhancement of relevant measures in private hospitals in the future. According to the latest surveillance data, the proportion of antimicrobials in the Watch category (i.e. antimicrobials considered by the World Health Organization to be at a higher risk of developing drug resistance) in the total supply of antimicrobials in Hong Kong decreased from 40.3 per cent in 2016 to 34.6 per cent in 2024, indicating that doctors are prescribing relatively fewer broad spectrum antibiotics to help combat AMR.”
The Government has been placing great importance on addressing the necessity of combating AMR. In 2022, the Government published the second Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (Action Plan), outlining strategies to tackle the threat of AMR from 2023 to 2027. The measures include reviewing and updating IMPACT, and reminding doctors to prescribe antimicrobials to patients in accordance with guidelines and scientific evidence.
The IMPACT set of guidelines, now in its 6th edition, are a collaborative effort among the CHP, the Hospital Authority, the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Medical Association and the Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association. The CHP would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Editors, Dr Ho Pak-leung, Dr Wu Tak-chiu, and the other members of the Editorial Board.
The CHP also urged members of the public to work with healthcare professionals to eliminate AMR by observing the following:
Consult a doctor when having a cold, flu or COVID-19. Do not buy antibiotics without a prescription at community pharmacies;
Do not demand antibiotics from doctors. Only take antibiotics when advised by doctors and complete the whole course of treatment even if symptoms have improved;
Follow health advice stated on the prescription bag and adopt appropriate infection control measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, and disinfecting and covering all wounds properly to prevent person-to-person spread of resistant bacteria when taking antibiotics;
Receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as effective means to prevent secondary bacterial infection, hence reducing the use of antibiotics and occurrence of AMR;
Be aware of the risk of acquiring resistant bacteria from ready-to-eat (RTE) food. People taking antibiotics or antacids, and high-risk populations (such as pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity) are of higher risk and should avoid eating raw or undercooked RTE foods; and
Observe good hygienic practices in the kitchen when handling food to minimise the risk of cross-contamination by resistant bacteria.
For details of the IMPACT Guidelines, please visit the IMPACT webpage (impact.chp.gov.hk/). For more information about AMR, please visit the CHP website.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government welcomes appointment of new Chief Executive of Consumer Council The Consumer Council has completed the open recruitment and selection process for the post of Chief Executive and has just announced the appointment arrangements.
Mr Yau said, “With her extensive management experience in public organisations, Ms Shum is well placed to lead the Consumer Council. She is currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, responsible for the strategic development work on the Mainland and overseas, and the promotion of collaboration among various stakeholders. I hope that the Consumer Council, under Ms Shum’s leadership, will continue to join hands with various sectors to further enhance the protection of consumer rights and interests.” Issued at HKT 11:15
Headline: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards
[Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] During MWC Shanghai 2025, China Mobile and Huawei were honored with GSMA’s Best AI Innovation in Asia Award for its industry-first AI Core Network solution. This accolade highlights the industry’s recognition of China Mobile and Huawei’s technological innovation and business practices in core network and AI, cementing its role as a pioneer in the mobile AI era.
AI Core Network wins the Best AI Innovation in Asia Award
The convergence of 5G-A and AI technology heralds the era of mobile AI, allowing for exponentially more connections between people, homes, and industries. This evolution drives core networks to expand the boundaries of connectivity, and meet the service demands of individuals, families, enterprises, and AI agents.
To that end, China Mobile and Huawei have taken the lead in introducing AI to the core network, to accommodate intelligent applications with intelligent networks. The AI Core Network develops in two phases. The first phase is to build a 5G-A intelligent core network with AI agents, greatly improving the intelligent capabilities of the network, and allowing intelligent services, experiences, and O&M to be implemented. This phase also introduces computing-network convergence to address the computing power and energy challenges faced by user devices. The second phase is to reconstruct the core network as AI native, evolving into an Agentic Core. The Agentic Core can be self-generating, self-optimizing, and self-maintaining. It can dynamically adapt to diverse, real-time personalized service requirements.
As a frontrunner of service intelligence, New Calling has been put into large-scale commercial use in China, providing innovative services such as Visualized Voice Calling, Fun Calling, and Real-time Translation. For network intelligence, the Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) solution is commercially deployed across multiple provinces in China. IPE realizes service awareness, user awareness, and network awareness, helping operators shift from traffic-based to experience-based monetization. O&M intelligence has been integrated into operators’ production systems. This has allowed the reshaping of O&M models, and greatly enhanced operations, maintenance, and customer experiences. China Mobile Zhejiang branch has pioneered the commercial use of AI agents for fault management and complaint handling. China Mobile has also worked with Huawei to develop a low-carbon core network through hardware-software collaboration, to achieve E2E system-level energy efficiency.
George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, stated that “Integrating AI into the core network is a defining feature of the mobile AI era. Beyond this, the AI Core Network will provide a fertile ground for innovative services, accelerating the shift from an intelligent connectivity of things, to an intelligent connectivity of AI agents. Huawei will work with China Mobile and industry partners to develop more innovative services, empower more industries, and create greater business value.”
MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025
Headline: China Mobile and Huawei’s AI Core Network Wins Best AI Innovation in Asia Award at GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards
[Shanghai, China, June 19, 2025] During MWC Shanghai 2025, China Mobile and Huawei were honored with GSMA’s Best AI Innovation in Asia Award for its industry-first AI Core Network solution. This accolade highlights the industry’s recognition of China Mobile and Huawei’s technological innovation and business practices in core network and AI, cementing its role as a pioneer in the mobile AI era.
AI Core Network wins the Best AI Innovation in Asia Award
The convergence of 5G-A and AI technology heralds the era of mobile AI, allowing for exponentially more connections between people, homes, and industries. This evolution drives core networks to expand the boundaries of connectivity, and meet the service demands of individuals, families, enterprises, and AI agents.
To that end, China Mobile and Huawei have taken the lead in introducing AI to the core network, to accommodate intelligent applications with intelligent networks. The AI Core Network develops in two phases. The first phase is to build a 5G-A intelligent core network with AI agents, greatly improving the intelligent capabilities of the network, and allowing intelligent services, experiences, and O&M to be implemented. This phase also introduces computing-network convergence to address the computing power and energy challenges faced by user devices. The second phase is to reconstruct the core network as AI native, evolving into an Agentic Core. The Agentic Core can be self-generating, self-optimizing, and self-maintaining. It can dynamically adapt to diverse, real-time personalized service requirements.
As a frontrunner of service intelligence, New Calling has been put into large-scale commercial use in China, providing innovative services such as Visualized Voice Calling, Fun Calling, and Real-time Translation. For network intelligence, the Intelligent Personalized Experience (IPE) solution is commercially deployed across multiple provinces in China. IPE realizes service awareness, user awareness, and network awareness, helping operators shift from traffic-based to experience-based monetization. O&M intelligence has been integrated into operators’ production systems. This has allowed the reshaping of O&M models, and greatly enhanced operations, maintenance, and customer experiences. China Mobile Zhejiang branch has pioneered the commercial use of AI agents for fault management and complaint handling. China Mobile has also worked with Huawei to develop a low-carbon core network through hardware-software collaboration, to achieve E2E system-level energy efficiency.
George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, stated that “Integrating AI into the core network is a defining feature of the mobile AI era. Beyond this, the AI Core Network will provide a fertile ground for innovative services, accelerating the shift from an intelligent connectivity of things, to an intelligent connectivity of AI agents. Huawei will work with China Mobile and industry partners to develop more innovative services, empower more industries, and create greater business value.”
MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025
As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is rolling out a wide range of events across the country under this year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
The main event, Yoga Sangam, will feature a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over one lakh locations across India. The nationwide event is scheduled for June 21, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national celebration from Visakhapatnam, where over 2.5 lakh participants are expected to perform yoga together — an attempt to set a new world record. This collective celebration underscores India’s continued commitment to yoga as a timeless tool for well-being and sustainability.
Yoga, an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, has become one of the most trusted practices to enhance both physical and mental health. Derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning “to join,” “to yoke,” or “to unite,” yoga symbolises the unity of mind and body, thought and action, discipline and fulfilment, and harmony between humans and nature.
Recognising yoga’s universal appeal, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga through Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. The draft resolution was introduced by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.
Prime Minister Modi first proposed the idea in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. The date, June 21, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising balance between nature and wellness — a concept rooted in many cultures worldwide.
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated in 2015, and since then, the event has grown into a global wellness movement. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, participation has risen exponentially — from 9.59 crore people in 2018 to an estimated 24.53 crore in 2024, demonstrating its massive global appeal.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” resonates deeply with India’s G20 presidency vision — One Earth, One Family, One Future. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual health, planetary sustainability, and collective well-being.
Elaborating on the symbolism of the International Yoga Day logo, the Ministry of AYUSH explained that the folded hands represent the union of individual and universal consciousness, regarded as the core principle of yoga.
Each element of the logo carries deeper meaning: the brown leaves signify the Earth element, green represents Nature, blue denotes Water, brightness symbolizes Fire, and the Sun stands for the ultimate source of energy and inspiration.
Together, the logo embodies the values of harmony, peace, and holistic well-being for all of humanity.
As part of the celebrations, the PM Yoga Awards will be conferred to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding contributions in promoting and practising yoga. The awards aim to honour excellence and encourage the widespread adoption of yoga as a daily practice.
Ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday hailed the state as the land of yoga and sages, while highlighting the government’s efforts to promote yoga at the grassroots level.
Joined by officers and staff, Dhami performed yoga at his residence and urged the people of Uttarakhand to incorporate the ancient practice into their daily lives.
“Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a journey towards inner peace and self-realisation. It is a means to calm the mind and reach the depths of consciousness,” the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising yoga’s deep roots in Indian culture, Dhami described it as a fundamental pillar of Sanatan Dharma, which has long prioritised human values and holistic well-being.
“This is why yoga has become an integral part of the lives of crores of people across the world, establishing the Indian way of life on the global stage,” he added.
The Chief Minister also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to designate an International Day of Yoga. The resolution received support from 177 countries and led to the annual observance of Yoga Day on June 21.
Dhami noted that yoga has also become a source of livelihood, generating employment opportunities in India and abroad. To strengthen this momentum, the state government has introduced a Yoga Policy aimed at establishing Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga and wellness.
Finland’s parliament voted on Thursday in favour of withdrawing the country from the Ottawa Convention that bans the use of anti-personnel landmines amid concerns over a military threat posed by neighbouring Russia.
Finland joins other European Union and NATO members bordering Russia – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland – in exiting or planning to exit the treaty, as fears grow about their much larger neighbour.
President Alexander Stubb, who leads Finland’s foreign and security policy, on Tuesday defended the move.
“The reality in the endgame is that we have as our neighbouring country an aggressive, imperialist state called Russia, which itself is not a member of the Ottawa Treaty and which itself uses landmines ruthlessly,” he said.
Russia has used landmines in its invasion of Ukraine.
The Finnish decision follows similar votes in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where parliaments have already approved the withdrawal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed India’s significant improvement in the QS World University Rankings 2026, calling it a reflection of the country’s growing stature in global education.
Responding to a post on X by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi said, “The QS World University 2026 Rankings bring great news for our education sector. Our government is committed to furthering research and innovation ecosystems for the benefit of India’s youth.”
A record 54 Indian institutions have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emerging as the top-ranked Indian institution nationally.
The education minister said the improvement was the result of education reforms introduced over the past decade, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“This five-fold jump — from just 11 institutions in 2014 to 54 in 2026 — is a testament to the transformative reforms brought in by the Modi government over the last ten years,” he said. “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is not just changing our education system; it is revolutionising it.”
According to the Ministry of Education, India has seen an “unprecedented rise” in representation, with more universities than ever earning a place in the global rankings. The ministry stated that India is now the fastest-growing G20 country in the QS rankings, recording a 390 percent increase in the number of ranked institutions over the past decade.
In a significant boost to India’s defence self-reliance efforts, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the complete requirement of special steel for the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala. The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Wednesday.
The steel supplied by SAIL has been used entirely in the construction of INS Arnala, reflecting a major stride in the country’s journey towards indigenisation and reduced import dependency in the defence manufacturing sector.
INS Arnala is the lead ship in a series of eight ASW-SWC corvettes being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. SAIL has provided the complete special-grade steel requirement for all eight vessels under this project.
As a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking and the largest steel producer in India, SAIL has consistently supported the nation’s defence infrastructure. The company has played a vital role in several indigenous defence projects. In addition to INS Arnala, SAIL has previously supplied special steel for notable naval platforms such as INS Vikrant, INS Vindhyagiri, INS Nilgiri, and INS Surat.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on UKHSA announcing a rabies case in an individual that had contact with an animal in Morocco.
Dr Chris Smith, Clinical Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Although cases in UK travellers are very rare, this recent tragic case underscores the importance of awareness and timely treatment.
“Rabies is endemic in many parts of the world, including popular holiday destinations such as Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. All human rabies cases reported in the UK since 1902 have been acquired abroad: typically through dog bites. Since 1946, 26 imported cases have been reported, with the most recent prior to this being in 2018, following a bite from a cat in Morocco.
“Travellers to countries where rabies is present should seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination.
“Rabies is usually transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often dogs, but also cats and bats. Even a minor scratch or lick on broken skin can pose a risk. If exposed, immediate first aid is essential: the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – including a course of rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin – should be sought. These interventions are highly effective when started early.”
“The key public health messages are:
Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease
Seek pre-travel advice regarding vaccination when visiting high-risk countries
Avoid contact with animals abroad; if bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately — don’t wait for symptoms to appear”
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Deputy Secretary General of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, Nattakrit Vongjarean, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. Dr. Kao congratulated Deputy Secretary General Nattakrit on his recent appointment and acknowledged Thailand’s active role in enhancing parliamentary engagement within ASEAN. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration between ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), particularly in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the promotion of regional awareness.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Deputy Secretary General of the Secretariat of House Representatives of Thailand appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, June 19 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo opened in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Thursday. Wang Dongming, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC Standing Committee), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
Wang Dongming noted that in recent years, China and South Asian countries have been adhering to the spirit of openness, cooperation and inclusiveness, deepening practical cooperation in all areas, and economic and trade exchanges have maintained a favorable development momentum, bringing benefits to the peoples of all countries. Mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides has laid a solid foundation for deepening the traditional friendship between the peoples of China and South Asia, and has become a model for synergistic development in the region.
Wang Dongming stressed that China is committed to further linking its own development with that of South Asian countries. China will continuously strengthen strategic mutual trust, firmly uphold multilateralism, continuously deepen practical cooperation, actively carry out mutual learning and exchange of experience, promote the building of a community with a shared future for neighboring countries, and jointly create a bright future.
The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held from June 19 to 24 in Kunming. Earlier, at a press conference, Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Yan Dong said that the expo, jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, will be one of the most important events this year in the field of economic and trade exchanges between China and South Asian countries.
According to him, in 2024, trade turnover between China and South Asian countries will approach US$200 billion, doubling over the past decade.
Yan Dong also noted that China will closely cooperate with South Asian countries to align development strategies, expand cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy, low-carbon development and intelligent manufacturing, and support the region’s industrialization. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, June 19 (Xinhua) — Uzbekistan and China are strategic partners in promoting green development, Sarvar Rakhmatullaev, a leading researcher at the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said in an interview with Xinhua.
He noted that in the era of global climate challenges and energy transformation, international cooperation in the field of sustainable development is of particular importance. One of the most striking examples of such interaction is the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China in the field of green economy: two countries united by a common vision of an environmentally sustainable future are demonstrating an exemplary model of interstate cooperation that can become a catalyst for green transformation of all of Central Asia, the scientist emphasized.
According to S. Rakhmatullaev, in recent years, a remarkable transformation has been observed in relations between Uzbekistan and China, turning bilateral interaction into the embodiment of successful interstate cooperation. Thanks to the active efforts of the leaders of the two states, these relations have reached a new, higher level with the establishment of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in a new era, he added.
Economic indicators eloquently testify to the scale of the progress achieved: the most significant trend of recent years has been the transition from traditional forms of cooperation to the environmental agenda, the expert said. Today, there is a significant dynamic of interaction between Uzbekistan and China in green energy, which implies cooperation in the use of technologies that promote environmental efficiency and sustainability, including innovative solutions and advanced developments to achieve environmental goals, the agency’s interlocutor said.
S. Rakhmatullaev noted that in recent years, China has secured its status as the undisputed leader in the field of renewable energy and green technologies. The green development policy has become one of the priority tasks of the Chinese government, it is based on the concept of the ecological civilization of China, aimed at balanced and sustainable development, harmonious coexistence of man and nature, the expert added. -0-
A total of 2,34,864 houses have been sanctioned across nine states—Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These houses fall under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) and Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) verticals of the scheme.
With this latest approval, the cumulative number of houses sanctioned under PMAY-U 2.0 has reached 7,09,979.
Addressing the meeting, Secretary MoHUA urged larger states to formulate state-level affordable housing policies and submit more proposals under the AHP vertical. States were also advised to consider Maharashtra’s policy framework as a reference model and adapt it based on local needs. The Secretary further recommended early identification and attachment of beneficiaries to reduce the risk of unoccupied housing units at a later stage.
The scheme continues to lay strong emphasis on inclusivity and women’s empowerment. Of the houses approved, over 1.25 lakh units have been sanctioned in the name of women, including single women and widows. Additionally, 44 houses have been allocated to transgender persons. In a further boost to social equity, 42,400 houses have been sanctioned for Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries, 17,574 for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 1,13,414 for Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Under PMAY-U 2.0, launched as a revamped version of the original PMAY-U in June 2015, the Government aims to provide 1 crore urban families with financial assistance to either construct or purchase a pucca house. A central assistance of up to ₹2.5 lakh per unit is provided under the scheme.
The eligibility criteria include individuals or families not owning a pucca house anywhere in India. For the BLC and AHP verticals, households with an annual income up to ₹3 lakh are eligible, while for the Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) vertical, the income cap is ₹9 lakh. Aadhaar or Aadhaar Virtual ID is mandatory for all beneficiaries.
To date, over 93.19 lakh houses have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries under PMAY-U. The launch of PMAY-U 2.0 aims to extend this support to an additional 1 crore families across the urban landscape, particularly targeting the EWS, LIG and MIG segments.
Citizens can apply for the scheme through the official portal at https://pmay-urban.gov.in or seek assistance from their respective Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
lass=”tr-story-p1″>Boca Juniors players Ander Herrera and Nicolas Figal were handed four-match bans by FIFA after being sent off in their Club World Cup opener against Benfica, a spokesperson for the Argentine club told Reuters on Wednesday.
Boca disagreed with the sanctions imposed on their players after Benfica’s Andrea Belotti received a two-match ban for catching Ayrton Costa in the head with a high boot in the 72nd minute.
“We have already contacted FIFA to submit an appeal,” said the club spokesperson.
Spanish midfielder Herrera, who was subbed off due to a muscle injury, was shown a red card in the 45th minute after protesting to Mexican referee Cesar Ramos from the bench over a penalty awarded to the Portuguese side.
Defender Figal was sent off in the 88th minute with a straight red card for a foul on Florentino Luis when the match was tied at 2-2.
Boca will face Bayern Munich at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday in their second match in Group C.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Excellent performance of Hong Kong’s higher education system showcases effectiveness of government measures He stressed that the Government attracts quality talent from around the world and nurtures local talent through various measures such as scholarship programmes to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to serve the country’s needs. Starting from the 2024/25 academic year (AY), the non-local student quota for UGC-funded institutions has been doubled from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, raising non-local undergraduate enrolment from 19.9 per cent (2023/24 AY) to 23.2 per cent. The Government will further foster collaboration among the eight UGC-funded universities, including supporting the jointly established Heads of Universities Committee’s Standing Committee on Internationalisation to continue to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand worldwide.
The spokesman added that the Government will continue to promote the strengthening of global exchanges and connections of research personnel and teams of local universities and support them to broaden research networks and co-operation areas with their overseas counterparts.
The Government attaches great importance to the quality of teaching and learning at universities and invests substantial resources to step up support for the high-quality development of Hong Kong education. For the 2025–2028 triennium, approximately 78 per cent of the Block Grant will be allocated to support teaching and learning. Compared with the 2022-2025 triennium, the Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant provided by the UGC will increase by $100 million to approximately $920 million. The key themes of the Grant – including the integration of generative artificial intelligence and innovative technologies in education, the sharing of exemplary practices in teaching and learning, and the enhancement of students’ well-being and personal development – are aligned with current trends in education and societal needs. The most recent round of quality audits conducted by the Quality Assurance Council under the UGC also reaffirms the high quality of educational experiences offered by UGC-funded universities.
To dovetail with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Government will leverage the vast opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, supporting cutting-edge research conducted by the eight UGC-funded universities through the Research Grants Council (RGC) under the UGC. Over 20 research funds and scholarship programmes operate under the RGC, with more than 1 500 new projects receiving funding annually. These measures will help foster a robust research environment and further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international post-secondary education hub. Issued at HKT 17:06
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.115 [2025]
(Open Market Operations Office, June 18, 2025)
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) issued the fourth batch of central bank bills in 2025 on the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) bond tendering platform of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) through interest rate bidding on June 18, 2025 (Wednesday).
Details of the Reverse Repo Operations
Issue
Volume
Maturity
Rate
The Fourth Batch of Central Bank Bills (2025) (Hong Kong)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, June 19 — The 9th China-South Asia Expo opened on Thursday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, drawing representatives from 73 countries, regions and international organizations, as well as more than 2,500 enterprises.
The six-day event has brought together all South and Southeast Asian nations, featuring 16 exhibition halls, nearly 70 percent of which are dedicated to professional sectors such as manufacturing, green energy, the coffee industry, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Two South Asia-themed pavilions with nearly 800 booths have been set up, with India and Pakistan each hosting 140 booths.
Nearly 40 economic and trade events are scheduled during the expo, including forums and procurement matchmaking meetings aimed at deepening regional cooperation.
The expo was first held in Kunming in 2013, the same year China put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. It has since facilitated over 110 billion U.S. dollars in foreign trade transactions and served more than 20,000 enterprises.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and the Yunnan provincial government, the expo serves as a key platform to strengthen economic and trade links between China and South Asian nations.
In 2024, trade between China and South Asian countries neared 200 billion U.S. dollars, doubling over the past decade with an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent, according to MOC data.
China remains committed to high-level opening up and is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, a process that will create valuable opportunities for cooperation with countries around the world, including those in South Asia, vice minister of commerce Yan Dong said at the opening ceremony.
Yan also expressed China’s readiness to deepen trade and investment ties, expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, low-carbon development, artificial intelligence and biomedicine, and jointly promote an open world economy.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Nine highly anticipated Chinese blockbusters, including projects from directors Guan Hu, Rao Xiaozhi, Lu Yang and Feng Xiaogang, were previewed at a special event during the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) on June 17.
Cast and crew members of nine upcoming Chinese blockbusters pose for a group photo at a promotional event during the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, June 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
Chen Guo, managing director of the Shanghai International Film and TV Events Center, said the blockbuster productions reflected the Chinese film industry’s ability to bring together leading talent and resources.
“These films not only showcase the highest standards of Chinese cinema but also exert significant influence across the global film market,” Chen said at the 2025 Chinese Epic Showcase event. “The nine featured productions embody the collective expertise and dedication of Chinese filmmakers, carrying the industry’s and audiences’ highest expectations. Together, they will inject powerful momentum into the film market’s growth for the second half of this year.”
The nine productions include Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang’s “Dong Ji Island,” Light Chaser Animation’s “Curious Tales of a Temple,” Rao Xiaozhi’s sequel to “A Cool Fish,” Da Peng’s “The Lychee Road,” Lu Yang’s “A Writer’s Odyssey 2” and “Echoes of Encounter,” Cao Baoping’s “Man Huang Jin Di,” and Feng Xiaogang’s “I Know Who You Are.” Several are scheduled for summer theatrical release.
“Dong Ji Island,” six years in development and part of the Filmed for IMAX program, tells the story of Chinese fishermen from the Dongji Islands who risked their lives during World War II to rescue British prisoners of war after the Japanese transport ship Lisbon Maru was torpedoed and sank. The film features extensive underwater sequences, with more than 100 crew members receiving aquatic training and over 60 days spent on underwater filming, co-director Fei Zhenxiang said. The film is set for release on Aug. 8.
“Curious Tales of a Temple,” an animated fantasy anthology from the studio behind “Chang An,” is set for release on July 12. Yu Zhou, co-founder and president of Light Chaser Animation, said the studio sought to honor the literary legacy of Pu Songling, a Qing dynasty writer, and that the project was its most demanding to date.
Another anticipated title is “The Lychee Road,” due out July 25. Adapted from Ma Boyong’s novel, the film follows a Tang Dynasty official tasked with delivering lychees to the royal court. Director Da Peng described it as a comedy about an “ordinary man giving his all against life’s unfairness and helplessness.”
Director Lu Yang presented two films: “A Writer’s Odyssey 2,” a fantasy adventure in the Filmed for IMAX program, and “Echoes of Encounter,” a science fiction romance set in a post-apocalyptic Nanjing and based on Tianrui Shuofu’s award-winning novel “Once Upon a Time in Nanjing.”
“We explored the Filmed for IMAX program to capture our grand-scale scenes and innovative action sequences,” Lu said. “The IMAX format extends beyond mere larger visuals — it expands imagination itself. It allows us to fully convey the fearless courage we want to present to audiences, along with our passionate devotion to the people and ideals we believe in.”
Director Cao Baoping, known for crime dramas such as “Trouble Makers” and “The Dead End,” introduced his latest film, “Man Huang Jin Di,” at the event. Set in a lawless region where crime is rampant, the film stars Jackson Yee, Duan Yihong, Huang Bo and Zhang Yi. It is scheduled for release later this year.
“I Know Who You Are,” the latest film from director Feng Xiaogang, marks his return to period drama after an eight-year break since “Youth.” Starring Lei Jiayin and Hu Ge, the film follows a police officer’s 40-year search for a spy who turns out to be his neighbor. The story spans several decades and depicts social change through detailed recreations of daily life and architecture.
Other films promoted at the event include the fantasy romance “Gift from a Cloud” by Yao Tingting, which is set for release on Aug. 29, and a dark comedy sequel to Rao Xiaozhi’s hit “A Cool Fish,” scheduled for release on July 5. The sequel is also part of the Filmed for IMAX program.
“Whether in life or work, we all face low moments — even the global film market has struggled these years. This film is our wish for tides to turn,” Rao said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The “618” mid-year shopping festival, one of China’s biggest e-commerce events, has driven a sharp rise in cross-border purchases in Beijing.
According to Beijing Customs, from May 13 to June 16, they processed 802,800 cross-border e-commerce import orders, up 10.98% from the previous year. The total value reached approximately 126 million yuan ($17.52 million), up 23.53% year on year.
E-commerce platforms like JD.com are now offering fast delivery for imported goods. A Beijing resident surnamed Wang recently received a bottle of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon in less than an hour after placing his order. JD Worldwide’s head of supply chain Wu Xue said the order marked a milestone for the platform’s instant delivery service, which enables customers to receive international orders in just hours or, in some cases, minutes.
Through this service model, consumers can check out imported products in offline stores, place orders online, and get them delivered within a few hours, faster than the usual same-day or next-day delivery.
JD has stocked more than 500 types of imported products, including cosmetics, wines, and baby care items, at Beijing Yizhuang Bonded Logistics Center in advance. Once an order is placed, goods go through customs procedures and are then transferred to nearby couriers, significantly reducing delivery time.
Tianzhu Customs, under Beijing Customs, also stepped up preparations ahead of the shopping festival. Officials monitored order flows in real-time and optimized clearance processes to support timely deliveries. From May 13 to June 16, Tianzhu Customs processed over 55-million-yuan worth of beauty and fragrance products, a 38.5% increase from the same period last year.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 19) the preliminary figures of chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by economic activity for the first quarter of 2025.
GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by value added or net output, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.
According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 3.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the 2.5% increase in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, value added in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 2.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 1.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector increased by 4.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the accommodation and food services sector decreased by 1.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, as against the growth of 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 2.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 6.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the information and communications sector increased by 1.3% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the rise of 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the financing and insurance sector increased by 4.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the real estate, professional and business services sector registered a decrease of 0.3% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, as against the rise of 1.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the public administration, social and personal services sector rose by 1.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.0% the fourth quarter of 2024.
As for sectors other than the services sectors, value added in the local manufacturing sector increased by 0.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 1.0% in the fourth quarter 2024.
Value added in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector decreased by 1.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, as against the increase of 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Value added in the construction sector decreased by 1.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1. More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross Domestic Product by Economic Activity”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030004&scode=250). For enquiries about statistics on GDP by economic activity, please call the National Income Branch (2) of the C&SD at 3903 7005.
Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the first quarter of 2025 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly and can be found at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.html).
SPECIAL REPORT:By Saige England in Ōtautahi and Ava Mulla in Cairo
Hope for freedom for Palestinians remains high among a group of trauma-struck New Zealanders in Cairo.
In spite of extensive planning, the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) delegation of about 4000 international aid volunteers was thwarted in its mission to walk from Cairo to Gaza to lend support.
The land of oranges and pyramids became the land of autocracy last week as peace aid volunteers — young, middle-aged, and elderly — were herded like cattle and cordoned behind fences.
Their passports were initially seized — and later returned. Several New Zealanders were among those dragged and beaten.
While ordinary Egyptians showed “huge support” for the GMTG, the militant Egyptian regime showed its hand in supporting Israel rather than Palestine.
A member of the delegation, Natasha*, said she and other members pursued every available diplomatic channel to ensure that the peaceful, humanitarian, march would reach Gaza.
Moved by love, they were met with hate.
Violently attacked “When I stepped toward the crowd’s edge and began instinctually with heart break to chant, ‘Free Palestine,’ I was violently attacked by five plainclothes men.
“They screamed, grabbed, shoved, and even spat on me,” she said.
Tackled, she was dragged to an unmarked van. She did not resist, posed no threat, yet the violence escalated instantly.
“I saw hatred in their eyes.”
Egyptian state security forces and embedded provocateurs were intent on dismantling and discrediting the Global March activists. Image: GMTG
Another GMTG member, a woman who tried to intervene was also “viciously assaulted”. She witnessed at least three other women and two men being attacked.
The peacemakers escaped from the unmarked van the aggressors were distracted, seemingly confused about their destination, she said.
It is now clear that from the beginning Egyptian State forces and embedded provocateurs were intent on dismantling and discrediting the GMTG.
Authorities as provocateurs The peace participants witnessed plainclothed authorities act as provacateurs, “shoving people, stepping on them, throwing objects” to create a false image for media.
New Zealand actor Will Alexander . . . “This is only a fraction of what Palestinians experience every day.” GMTG
New Zealand actor Will Alexander said the experience had inflated rather than deflated his passion for human rights, and compassion for Palestinians.
“This is only a fraction of what Palestinians experience everyday. Palestinians pushed into smaller and smaller areas are murdered for wanting to stand on their own land,” he said.
“The reason that ordinary New Zealanders like us need to put our bodies on the line is because our government has failed to uphold its obligations under the Genocide Convention.
“Israel has blatantly breached international law for decades with total impunity.”
While the New Zealanders are all safe, a small number of people in the wider movement had been forcibly ‘disappeared’,” said GMTG New Zealand member Sam Leason.
Their whereabouts was still unknown, he said.
Arab members targeted “It must be emphasised that it is primarily — and possibly strictly — Arab members of the March who are the targets of the most dramatic and violent excesses committed by the Egyptian authorities, including all forced disappearances.”
Global March to Gaza activists being attacked . . . the genocide cannot be sustained when people from around the world push against the Israeli regime and support the people on the ground with food and healthcare. Image: GMTG screenshot APR
This did, however, continuously add to the mounting sense of stress, tension, anxiety and fear, felt by the contingent, he said.
“Especially given the Egyptian authorities’ disregard to their own legal system, which leaves us blindsided and in a thick fog of uncertainty.”
Moving swiftly through the streets of Cairo in the pitch of night, from hotel to hotel and safehouse to safehouse, was a “surreal and dystopian” experience for the New Zealanders and other GMTG members.
The group says that the genocide cannot be sustained when people from around the world push against the Israeli regime and support the people on the ground with food and healthcare.
“For 20 months our hearts have raced and our eyes have filled in unison with the elderly, men, women, and children, and the babies in Palestine,” said Billie*, a participant who preferred, for safety reasons, not to reveal their surname.
“If we do not react to the carnage, suffering and complete injustice and recognise our shared need for sane governance and a liveable planet what is the point?”
Experienced despair Aqua*, another New Zealand GMTG member, had experienced despair seeing the suffering of Palestinians, but she said it was important to nurture hope, as that was the only way to stop the genocide.
“We cling to every glimmer of hope that presents itself. Like an oasis in a desert devoid of human emotion we chase any potential igniter of the flame of change.”
Activist Eva Mulla . . . inspired by the courage of the Palestinians. Image: GMTG screenshot APR
Ava Mulla, said from Cairo, that the group was inspired by the courage of the Palestinians.
“They’ve been fighting for freedom and justice for decades against the world’s strongest powers. They are courageous and steadfast.”
Mulla referred to the “We Were Seeds” saying inspired by Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos.
“We are millions of seeds. Every act of injustice fuels our growth,” she said.
Helplessness an illusion The GMTG members agreed that “impotence and helplessness was an illusion” that led to inaction but such inaction allowed “unspeakable atrocities” to take place.
“This is the holocaust of our age,” said Sam Leason.
“We need the world to leave the rhetorical and symbolic field of discourse and move promptly towards the camp of concrete action to protect the people of Palestine from a clear campaign of extermination.”
Saige England is an Aotearoa New Zealand journalist, author, and poet, member of the Palestinian Solidarity Network of Aotearoa (PSNA), and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.
*Several protesters quoted in this article requested that their family names not be reported for security reasons. Ava Mulla was born in Germany and lives in Aotearoa with her partner, actor Will Alexander. She studied industrial engineering and is passionate about innovative housing solutions for developing countries. She is a member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA).
New Zealand and other activists with Tino Rangatiratanga and Palestine flags taking part in the Global March To Gaza. Will Alexander (far left) is in the back row and Ava Mulla (pink tee shirt) is in the front row. Image: GMTG screenshot APR
SPECIAL REPORT:By Saige England in Ōtautahi and Ava Mulla in Cairo
Hope for freedom for Palestinians remains high among a group of trauma-struck New Zealanders in Cairo.
In spite of extensive planning, the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) delegation of about 4000 international aid volunteers was thwarted in its mission to walk from Cairo to Gaza to lend support.
The land of oranges and pyramids became the land of autocracy last week as peace aid volunteers — young, middle-aged, and elderly — were herded like cattle and cordoned behind fences.
Their passports were initially seized — and later returned. Several New Zealanders were among those dragged and beaten.
While ordinary Egyptians showed “huge support” for the GMTG, the militant Egyptian regime showed its hand in supporting Israel rather than Palestine.
A member of the delegation, Natasha*, said she and other members pursued every available diplomatic channel to ensure that the peaceful, humanitarian, march would reach Gaza.
Moved by love, they were met with hate.
Violently attacked “When I stepped toward the crowd’s edge and began instinctually with heart break to chant, ‘Free Palestine,’ I was violently attacked by five plainclothes men.
“They screamed, grabbed, shoved, and even spat on me,” she said.
Tackled, she was dragged to an unmarked van. She did not resist, posed no threat, yet the violence escalated instantly.
“I saw hatred in their eyes.”
Egyptian state security forces and embedded provocateurs were intent on dismantling and discrediting the Global March activists. Image: GMTG
Another GMTG member, a woman who tried to intervene was also “viciously assaulted”. She witnessed at least three other women and two men being attacked.
The peacemakers escaped from the unmarked van the aggressors were distracted, seemingly confused about their destination, she said.
It is now clear that from the beginning Egyptian State forces and embedded provocateurs were intent on dismantling and discrediting the GMTG.
Authorities as provocateurs The peace participants witnessed plainclothed authorities act as provacateurs, “shoving people, stepping on them, throwing objects” to create a false image for media.
New Zealand actor Will Alexander . . . “This is only a fraction of what Palestinians experience every day.” GMTG
New Zealand actor Will Alexander said the experience had inflated rather than deflated his passion for human rights, and compassion for Palestinians.
“This is only a fraction of what Palestinians experience everyday. Palestinians pushed into smaller and smaller areas are murdered for wanting to stand on their own land,” he said.
“The reason that ordinary New Zealanders like us need to put our bodies on the line is because our government has failed to uphold its obligations under the Genocide Convention.
“Israel has blatantly breached international law for decades with total impunity.”
While the New Zealanders are all safe, a small number of people in the wider movement had been forcibly ‘disappeared’,” said GMTG New Zealand member Sam Leason.
Their whereabouts was still unknown, he said.
Arab members targeted “It must be emphasised that it is primarily — and possibly strictly — Arab members of the March who are the targets of the most dramatic and violent excesses committed by the Egyptian authorities, including all forced disappearances.”
Global March to Gaza activists being attacked . . . the genocide cannot be sustained when people from around the world push against the Israeli regime and support the people on the ground with food and healthcare. Image: GMTG screenshot APR
This did, however, continuously add to the mounting sense of stress, tension, anxiety and fear, felt by the contingent, he said.
“Especially given the Egyptian authorities’ disregard to their own legal system, which leaves us blindsided and in a thick fog of uncertainty.”
Moving swiftly through the streets of Cairo in the pitch of night, from hotel to hotel and safehouse to safehouse, was a “surreal and dystopian” experience for the New Zealanders and other GMTG members.
The group says that the genocide cannot be sustained when people from around the world push against the Israeli regime and support the people on the ground with food and healthcare.
“For 20 months our hearts have raced and our eyes have filled in unison with the elderly, men, women, and children, and the babies in Palestine,” said Billie*, a participant who preferred, for safety reasons, not to reveal their surname.
“If we do not react to the carnage, suffering and complete injustice and recognise our shared need for sane governance and a liveable planet what is the point?”
Experienced despair Aqua*, another New Zealand GMTG member, had experienced despair seeing the suffering of Palestinians, but she said it was important to nurture hope, as that was the only way to stop the genocide.
“We cling to every glimmer of hope that presents itself. Like an oasis in a desert devoid of human emotion we chase any potential igniter of the flame of change.”
Activist Eva Mulla . . . inspired by the courage of the Palestinians. Image: GMTG screenshot APR
Ava Mulla, said from Cairo, that the group was inspired by the courage of the Palestinians.
“They’ve been fighting for freedom and justice for decades against the world’s strongest powers. They are courageous and steadfast.”
Mulla referred to the “We Were Seeds” saying inspired by Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos.
“We are millions of seeds. Every act of injustice fuels our growth,” she said.
Helplessness an illusion The GMTG members agreed that “impotence and helplessness was an illusion” that led to inaction but such inaction allowed “unspeakable atrocities” to take place.
“This is the holocaust of our age,” said Sam Leason.
“We need the world to leave the rhetorical and symbolic field of discourse and move promptly towards the camp of concrete action to protect the people of Palestine from a clear campaign of extermination.”
Saige England is an Aotearoa New Zealand journalist, author, and poet, member of the Palestinian Solidarity Network of Aotearoa (PSNA), and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.
*Several protesters quoted in this article requested that their family names not be reported for security reasons. Ava Mulla was born in Germany and lives in Aotearoa with her partner, actor Will Alexander. She studied industrial engineering and is passionate about innovative housing solutions for developing countries. She is a member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA).
New Zealand and other activists with Tino Rangatiratanga and Palestine flags taking part in the Global March To Gaza. Will Alexander (far left) is in the back row and Ava Mulla (pink tee shirt) is in the front row. Image: GMTG screenshot APR