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Ambassadors of Russian education and science met at a conference in RUDN University to discuss how they can increase the visibility of Russian universities and research organizations in the world, and attract more international students in Russia.
More than 70 people gathered at the conference:
13 new Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science from Burkina Faso, Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Mozambique, Mongolia, the Republic of Guinea, Sri Lanka and Ecuador.
representatives of Russian educational organizations from among the founders of the program “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science”;
members of the Consortium Council;
representatives of international services of Russian higher education institutions;
heads of the main educational divisions of RUDN University.
“Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science” is a RUDN University project that brings together graduates of Russian universities, government and public figures from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the CIS. They voluntarily and gratuitously promote Russian education, brands of Russian educational and scientific organizations, and the Russian education and science system as a whole in their countries.
Graduates of Russian and Soviet universities are guides of Russian education and science in their countries. Cooperation with them will increase the number of international students in Russia, strengthen the authority and reputation of Russian education and science, and strengthen cooperation between foreign countries and Russia. Promotion of the Russian language as one of the world’s languages will also be important.
Vladimir Filippov
President of RUDN University, Chairman of the Consortium Council
Head of the Department of External Relations and International Projects of the Center for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation Elena Averkova spoke on key international humanitarian projects:
“Russian Teacher Abroad” united 28 countries and 245 schools in the Association of Russian Schools Abroad. Its participants are Russian teachers who teach in foreign schools in Russian.
International school “Interdom” named after E. D. Stasova has trained more than 5,000 foreign students. They return to their home countries taking prominent public and state posts there, and strengthening ties with Russia.
Acting Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Nikolai Kudryavtsev stressed that Russia ranks 4th in the list of countries where current heads of foreign states and governments got their degrees. He added that currently in Russia there are 77 bilateral and 15 multilateral agreements in the field of mutual recognition of education, qualifications and academic degrees. Another 50 draft agreements are under development.
Ambassador of Russian Education and Science, General Director of the International Coordinating Council of Graduates of Educational Institutions (INCORVUZ-XXI) Kochofa Aniset Gabriel noted important areas of work to promote Russian education and science:
mutual coordination of projects at the international level with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation;
opening schools and centers for learning the Russian language with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo and Russian embassies in other countries.
The participants of the meeting shared their vision of the development and promotion of Russian education and science abroad. They suggested speeding up the registration of study visas for foreign applicants coming to Russia. The Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science also believe that it is necessary to involve Rossotrudnichestvo and the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation to supply textbooks on the Russian language and literature to Russian schools and Russian language learning centers created on the initiative of foreign graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.
Following the conference, participants outlined a work plan for 2025.
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RUDN University staff and alumni received state and departmental awards at the State Kremlin Palace during a festive concert in honor of RUDN 65th anniversary.
State awards
The honorary title “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation” for great contributions to science and many years of conscientious work was awarded to:
Aslan Abashidze, Head of the Department of International Law, RUDN Law Institute, Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Laws;
Vitaly Eremyan, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law and Constitutional Legal Proceedings, RUDN University Law Institute, Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Laws.
For merits in science and education, training of highly qualified specialists, and many years of diligent work, the Medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” II Class was awarded to:
Vladimir Vorobyov, Head of the Department of the Russian Language and linguoculturology, Institute of the Russian Language, Doctor of Pedagogical sciences.
Natalya Sokolova, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages, Head of the Department of Theory and practice of foreign languages, PhD of Philological Sciences.
The honorary title “Honored Inventor of the Russian Federation” for many years of productive inventive activity was awarded to Alexander Stepanov, Head of the Department of Dentistry of the Institute of Medicine, Doctor of Medical Sciences.
Departmental awards
Andrey Kostin, First Vice-Rector — Vice-Rector for Research of RUDN University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, was awarded the Russian Federation Presidential Certificate of Honor for achievements in science and education, training of highly qualified specialists, and many years of conscientious work.
By the order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the honorary title “Honorary Worker of Education of the Russian Federation” for significant contributions to education and diligent work was conferred on:
Svetlana Balashova, Head of the Department of Economic and mathematical modeling, RUDN Faculty of Economics, PhD of Physical and Mathematical Sciences;
Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva, Head of the Department of Russian History, RUDN Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, PhD of Historical Sciences
State awards to foreign alumni
State awards were also presented to foreign alumni who made significant contributions to strengthening international ties and promoting Russian education and science abroad.
The Order of Friendship was awarded to :
Hamed Muhieddin Abou Zahr (Lebanon), President of the Arab-Peruvian Chamber of Commerce;
Mustafa Hammoud Al-Nawaise (Jordan), Lawyer;
Najim Riad Yusef (Lebanon/Russia), General Director, RamTEK LLC;
Navin Satyapal Saxena (India), Director, pharmaceutical company “Rusan Pharma”.
За достижения в области гуманитарных наук и литературы, вклад в изучение и сохранение культурного наследия России и сближений культур наций трое выпускников награждены Медалью Пушкина:
For achievements in the field of the humanities and literature, contributions to the study and preservation of Russia’s cultural heritage, and bringing national cultures closer together, the Pushkin Medal was awarded to:
Galina Abbas (Russia/Lebanon), President of RUDN University Alumni Association in Lebanon;
Liu Xin (China), Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBDK International Group;
Tony François Simon-Pierre Ngan (Cameroon), Chairman of Alumni Association of Russian (Soviet) Universities in Cameroon “Soyuzniki”
RUDN University congratulates its staff and alumni on receiving these awards!
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The forum attracted over 400 representatives from 36 countries, including delegates from 16 Asian countries, experts from the nuclear industry, supporting and partner universities of Rosatom.
This forum brought together leaders who are committed to stating their ideas and forming teams. You can connect with like-minded people and explore new areas for collaboration. It is essential to support the initiatives of talented students from Asia, who will return to their home countries and develop the nuclear industry in the region.
Vladimir Filippov
President of RUDN University
With the support of Rosatom State Corporation, more than 800 students from Asia are studying in Russia in nuclear engineering programs.
Rosatom is a global leader in nuclear energy. We successfully export both advanced technologies and best educational practices. Our unique educational ecosystem enables us to train top-class specialists starting from school. Within the framework of joint educational initiatives, we collaborate with 17 Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. We offer comprehensive solutions for human resource development – ranging from staff training and university education in Russia to advanced professional development and joint research projects. We take into account the specific needs of each partner country and through transfer of education and technologies we generate new industries and job opportunities.
Tatyana Terentieva
Rosatom Deputy Director General for HR
The forum featured presentations across seven thematic sections covering nuclear energy and its related applications: Nuclear Reactors, Radiation Safety, Agrotechnologies, Environmental Science, Nuclear Medicine, as well as Youth and Public Organizations and Contribution of Alumni to Regional Development.
Speakers included students and young researchers from the supporting and partner universities of Rosatom: MEPhI, TPU, UrFU, NNSTU n.a. R.E. Alekseev, Yuri Gagarin SSTU, Peter the Great SPbPU, BMSTU, IKBFU, LETI and RUDN.
The forum spanned 36 countries, with 16 of them representing Asia. Participants and experts came from Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries.
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Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Miemie Struwig, Professor, Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela University
South Africans want to shop more sustainably, according to research published in the journal Sustainable Development. But most can’t tell which products are environmentally friendly.
Some food manufacturers have introduced eco labels – a certification symbol placed on product packaging. This indicates the product meets specific environmental standards set by a third party organisation.
These labels are meant to signal to consumers that a product has been produced in a way that limits harm to the environment. But our recent study with 108 South African consumers showed low recognition of eco labels, widespread confusion, and a need for clearer guidance.
The results show that most South African shoppers are unfamiliar with these labels or unable to differentiate between real and fictional ones.
In the European Union eco labels like the EU Energy Label are easily understood and highly visible. They are also usually supported by government awareness campaigns. Other examples of labelling systems that work well include those of Germany and Japan.
These countries show that long term institutional support, mandatory labelling in key sectors, and consistent public messaging can greatly improve eco label recognition.
We concluded from our research that South Africa lacks that national visibility and public education, leaving even motivated consumers unsure of what labels to trust. Based on our findings we recommend steps businesses, government and nonprofits can take to ensure that eco labels are clear, visible and understood.
Eco labelling at its best
The EU Energy Label is used on appliances such as fridges, washing machines and light bulbs to indicate their energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
In countries like Germany and Japan, eco labels are government backed as well as being integrated into school curricula, public service announcements and shopping platforms.
Germany’s Blue Angel label, which states “protects the environment”, has been in use since the 1970s. It appears on over 12,000 products and services, including paper goods, cleaning products, paints and electronics, that meet strict environmental criteria. It is supported by ongoing public education campaigns.
In Japan the the Eco Mark appears on products with minimal environmental impact. It appears on items like stationery, detergents, packaging and appliances. Many retailers display explanations next to these products to help consumers understand the label.
South Africans struggle to identify eco labels
We conducted a structured online survey of 108 South African consumers. Participants were asked about their environmental awareness and their ability to recognise both real and fictional eco labels across ten images. According to the global directory of eco labels and environmental certification schemes, there are around 50 eco labels in South Africa.
The EU Energy Label was the most recognised (87%).
The Afrisco Certified Organic label, which is a legitimate South African label, was the least recognised, identified by just 22% of respondents.
Fictional labels were mistakenly identified as real by many participants, revealing widespread confusion.
Only 3 out of 10 labels were recognised by at least half the participants, suggesting a general lack of eco label awareness. These include the Energy Star Eco label; the EU Energy label and the Forest Stewardship council label.
Age and employment status were significantly related to environmental awareness. Older and employed individuals showed higher levels of awareness.
These findings suggest that consumers are not opposed to eco labels, they simply lack the knowledge and confidence to use them effectively.
Eco labels have the potential to build brand trust, drive green purchasing behaviour, and support national sustainability goals. But they only work if consumers recognise and trust them.
In South Africa, inconsistent use, small label size, and a lack of consumer education are holding eco labels back from achieving their purpose.
What businesses can do
Based on our findings, we recommend the following:
Use recognised and credible labels: Third-party certified labels are more trustworthy and reliable.
Improve label visibility: The most recognised label in our study was the EU Energy Label and was also the most prominent. Small, cluttered logos go unnoticed.
Educate your market: Explain what eco labels mean through packaging, marketing, and digital platforms.
Partner with government and NGOs: Awareness campaigns at national and community levels can help standardise eco label understanding.
Tailor communication efforts: Awareness efforts should consider age and employment demographics, as these affect levels of environmental engagement.
The way forward
South Africans are willing to support environmentally responsible products, but they need help identifying them.
Businesses, government and nonprofits all have a role to play in making eco labels clearer, more visible, and more trustworthy.
Eco labels must become more than symbols. They should be tools for transparency and trust, and a gateway to more sustainable shopping.
– Eco labels in South Africa don’t do the job: how to help customers make informed choices – https://theconversation.com/eco-labels-in-south-africa-dont-do-the-job-how-to-help-customers-make-informed-choices-258081
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The Higher School of Service and Trade (HSST) of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU successfully defended the final qualification works of bachelors. The event became a key stage in the implementation of a large-scale joint research grant with the partner Indonesian University of Gunadarma.
Students of the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Institute of Mathematics, Economics and Telecommunications of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Anastasia Pakhaturidi and Yulia Mavlyutova presented the results of their research carried out within the framework of the project “Cross-cultural research and promotion of smart agribusiness of growing marigolds based on digital marketing (a joint project of Indonesia and Russia)”. Both defenses were rated excellent.
The aim of the project is to study the potential of smart agribusiness and digital marketing in the flower industry, specifically focusing on marigolds, which have high economic importance for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. The project is unique in its cross-cultural approach, synchronizing the agribusiness models of Russia (temperate climate, EAEU) and Indonesia (tropical climate, ASEAN) through the prism of digitalization.
Anastasia Pakhaturidi (supervisor — PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Nelli Kozlova) and Yulia Mavlyutova (supervisor — Doctor of Economics, Professor Svetlana Bozhuk) developed a strategy for promoting the project in the Indonesian and ASEAN markets using digital marketing tools. Optimal promotion channels for the B2B and B2C segments were identified, their specifics were described, and recommendations on content were given. An in-depth analysis of the Russian flower market and marketing tools for promoting marigolds was also conducted, including the development of a brand concept and a content plan for the VKontakte social network.
Working on the GUT Marigold project was not easy, but it left only pleasant impressions! The most interesting thing for me was studying consumers, since even at the initial stage it became clear how much the buyer in Asia differs from the Russian one I am used to. This expanded my worldview and gave me knowledge that I hope to apply in my profession in the future. I am grateful to my scientific supervisor Nelli Anatolyevna Kozlova for the opportunity, competent and qualified guidance and support, – shared Anastasia Pakhaturidi.
The research project will continue next year.
Yulia Mavlyutova noted: It was interesting to work on a part of a real project and feel my contribution to the common cause. Most of all I liked creating the concept of a new flower brand and making a content plan. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to work with Svetlana Bozhuk. She very competently guided me along the way and also gave very good advice.
This initiative not only has high scientific and practical value in the field of digital marketing and smart agriculture, but also strengthens the position of St. Petersburg as a center of innovation and international cooperation. The project opens up new opportunities for St. Petersburg enterprises in the agricultural sector and promotes the development of international programs in the field of agrobiotechnology and digital marketing in the city’s scientific and educational institutions, fully consistent with its strategic development goals until 2035.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.
Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.
The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.
Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.
The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.
As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.
Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”
In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.
The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.
Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.
Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.
“This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.
Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.
Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.
The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.
Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.
The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.
As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.
Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”
In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.
The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.
Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.
Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.
“This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.
Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.
U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.
Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.
The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.
Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.
The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.
As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.
Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”
In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.
The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.
Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.
Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.
“This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.
Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.
The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.
Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.
“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.
“We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.
“The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”
Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.
Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.
“I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.
The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.
A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.
“Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.
“We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.
“I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”
Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.
The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.
The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.
Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.
“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.
“We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.
“The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”
Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.
Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.
“I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.
The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.
A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.
“Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.
“We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.
“I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”
Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.
The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.
The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.
Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.
“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.
“We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.
“The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”
Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.
Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.
“I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.
The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.
A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.
“Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.
“We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.
“I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”
Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.
The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.
The growth in India’s services sector activity surged to a 10-month high in June, driven by robust demand in both the domestic and export markets, according to an HSBC survey released on Thursday.
The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose from 58.8 in May to 60.4 in June. The PMI threshold of 50.0 is neutral mark that separates growth from contraction on the index.
New orders expanded at the quickest rate since August 2024. Services companies benefited most from the continued strength of the domestic market, alongside a marked increase in new export business. Overseas demand particularly improved from the Asian, Middle Eastern and US markets, according to panel members, the survey states.
The ongoing expansion of the Indian services sector had a positive impact on recruitment. Employment rose for the thirty-seventh consecutive month in June, with the rate of job growth outpacing its long-run average, although it was lower than the record figure achieved in May.
The rate of input cost inflation across India’s service economy eased to a ten-month low in June, and was below its long-run average. Despite easing from May, the rate of charge inflation remained above the series trend. Outstanding business expanded at a slight rate that was nevertheless faster than in May.
According to the survey, optimism regarding the outlook for output levels in one-year time was sustained, with 18 per cent of service providers forecasting growth. This proportion of upbeat firms was, however, the lowest since mid-2022. Hence, the overall level of confidence fell and was below its long-run average.
The HSBC India Composite PMI, which combines services and manufacturing activity, rose to 61.0 in June from 59.3, marking the fastest expansion in 14 months. The manufacturing PMI data released this week showed manufacturing activity growth accelerated in June, in tune with the strong services sector performance.
Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.
The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.
The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.
Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.
The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.
Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.
Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.
Essential services have also been significantly impacted.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.
“Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.
Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.
Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.
The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.
The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.
Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.
The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.
Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.
Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.
Essential services have also been significantly impacted.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.
“Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.
Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.
Four people died, 30 were missing and 31 survived after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the Indonesian island of Bali, the country’s Search and Rescue agency said on Thursday, as rescuers raced to find victims in the rough sea.
The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java province’s Banyuwangi port on its way to Bali late on Wednesday, the agency said on Thursday.
The boat was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members, as well as 22 vehicles, the agency said.
A search for the missing is underway although it is being hampered by strong currents and winds, the agency said, adding it had deployed a helicopter to the location and 13 underwater rescuers.
Video provided by the national rescue agency Basarnas showed what appeared to be the body of one person being carried to shore from a fishing boat in calm seas.
There has been no official statement on the nationalities of the passengers, but a manifest list broadcast by news channel MetroTV indicated there were no foreigners on board.
Ferries are a common mode of transport in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, and accidents are common as lax safety standards often allow vessels to be overloaded without adequate life-saving equipment.
A small ferry capsized in 2023 near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 15 people.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Summer Library Festival 2025 to explore local cultural stories with readers A series of interesting parent-child workshops will be held at public libraries in various districts, where parents and children can learn more about the life and culture of Hong Kong, such as the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, street food and the love for giant pandas through making handicrafts together such as small ornaments, clay keychains and origami. Young readers can participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) workshops with their parents to make mini neon signs and distinctive music boxes, while learning about the science behind them. For teenaged and adult readers, they can participate in the Landscape Painting with Hong Kong Characteristics workshops to learn about drawing and painting Hong Kong’s beautiful scenery with coffee and pencils, or the Transportation 3D Origami workshops to make paper crafts of Hong Kong’s public transport icons.
Storytelling workshops with the theme of traditional festivals will also be held at public libraries in various districts. Children will learn about the significance of traditional festivals and make related handicrafts in the workshops to cultivate their interest in reading. The storytelling workshops will be conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua or English.
All activities are free of charge. Seat reservations are required for some of the programmes. For details, please visit the SLF 2025 website. Members of the public can also visit the “Reading is Joyful” Facebook page (
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The weather of June 2025 was hotter and drier than usual in Hong Kong, mainly attributed to the stronger subtropical ridge covering southeastern China. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.1 degrees was 0.6 degrees above the normal and one of the fifth highest on record for June. The monthly mean maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees and the monthly mean temperature of 28.9 degrees were 0.8 degrees and 0.6 degrees above their corresponding normals and both were among the seventh on record for June. The total rainfall in the month was 237.3 millimetres, about 48 per cent of the normal of 491.5 millimetres. With all six months drier than usual, the accumulated rainfall recorded in the first half of the year was only 444.4 millimetres, about 41 per cent of the normal of 1 082.5 millimetres for the same period and the fifth lowest on record for the same period.
With the easterly airstream prevailing over the coast of Guangdong replaced by a southerly airstream, it was hot with sunny periods and there were one or two showers in Hong Kong on the first two days of the month. When a trough of low pressure moved across the coast of Guangdong on June 3, the local weather turned mainly cloudy with a few showers. An upper-air disturbance and a surface trough of low pressure brought showers to the northern part of the South China Sea and its coastal areas the next day. Locally, it was cloudy with showers. There were thunderstorms in the afternoon. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Lantau Island and the western part of the New Territories. While it was still mainly cloudy with one or two showers on June 5, it became hot with sunny periods the next day, as the anticyclone aloft covering the coast of southeastern China strengthened gradually. Under the dominance of the anticyclone aloft, the local weather was generally fine with prolonged heat from June 7 to 10. It was extremely hot on June 10 with the maximum temperature at the Observatory soaring to 35.6 degrees, levelling the record maximum for June since records began in 1884. The maximum temperature at Lau Fau Shan even reached 38.9 degrees, the highest record so far since the setup of the station in 1985.
Wutip formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the South China Sea on the night of June 10. It tracked generally west-northwestward towards Hainan Island and intensified gradually. Its outer rainbands occasionally brought squally showers to the northern part of the South China Sea and the coast of Guangdong. The Observatory issued the first tropical cyclone warning signal of the year on June 11. Locally, the weather deteriorated gradually with a few squally showers that day. While there were sunny intervals during the day, there were also isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Wutip further intensified into a severe tropical storm on June 12 and gradually turned to a north-northeasterly track over Beibu Wan, skirting the western coast of Hainan Island and Leizhou Peninsula in the following two days. Under the influence of Wutip’s outer rainbands, there were squally showers locally from June 12 to 14, with thunderstorms on June 12 and 13. The showers were heavy with more than 30 millimetres of rainfall recorded over most parts of the territory on June 13. The strong winds associated with Wutip affected the Pearl River Estuary and its vicinity on June 15. Local winds were generally strong, occasionally reaching gale force on high ground. Winds moderated progressively later in the afternoon. While moving northeastwards further into inland areas, Wutip weakened gradually and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure on the evening of June 15. Locally, there were still a few squally showers that day.
Under the influence of an active southwesterly airstream, showers and thunderstorms affected Hong Kong on June 16 and 17. The showers were heavy with squally thunderstorms on June 17. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 70 millimetres in the northern part of the New Territories, Tsuen Wan and Sai Kung Districts. With a southerly airstream affecting the coast of Guangdong, it was hot with sunny intervals in the following five days. Meanwhile, there were also occasional showers, with isolated thunderstorms on June 19 and 20. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over the eastern part of the New Territories on June 20, and the eastern parts of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories on June 21. While the southerly airstream continued to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms at first on June 23, with an anticyclone aloft covering southern China, the weather became generally fine and very hot that afternoon, and remained so in the following two days. Furthermore, an area of low pressure over the central and northern parts of the South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression on June 25 and moved northwestward towards the eastern part of Hainan Island and Leizhou Peninsula. Its outer rainbands brought heavy showers and squally thunderstorms to Hong Kong the next day. Around 30 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. A broad trough of low pressure and an upper-air disturbance affected the coast of Guangdong and brought showers and thunderstorms over the territory on June 27 and 28. The showers were heavy in the small hours of June 28, around 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres over Tai Po. With the broad trough of low pressure lingering over the coast of Guangdong, the weather remained mainly cloudy with occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms on the last two days of the month. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Kowloon East and Sha Tin on June 29. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres in Kowloon East and the eastern part of the New Territories on June 30.
Three tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in June 2025.
Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for June are tabulated in Table 2.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Land Registry releases statistics for June Land registration ——————- * The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in June was 7 271 (+12.9 per cent compared with May 2025 and +38.6 per cent compared with June 2024)
* The 12-month moving average for June was 5 812 (3.0 per cent above the 12-month moving average for May 2025 and 19.6 per cent above that for June 2024)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in June was $66.4 billion (+33.2 per cent compared with May 2025 and +61.6 per cent compared with June 2024)
* Among the sale and purchase agreements, 5 955 were for residential units (+16.7 per cent compared with May 2025 and +54.4 per cent compared with June 2024)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $61.1 billion (+59.7 per cent compared with May 2025 and +77.0 per cent compared with June 2024)
Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.
Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.
As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
Land search ————- * The number of searches of land registers made by the public in June was 409 789 (+1.5 per cent compared with May 2025 and +14.8 per cent compared with June 2024)
The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services. Issued at HKT 15:00
A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv on Wednesday that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
Ukraine said it had called in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and cautioned that any cut-off would embolden Russia in its war in Ukraine.
The Pentagon’s decision – tied to concerns that U.S. military stockpiles are too low – began in recent days and includes 30 Patriot air defence missiles, which Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, four people familiar with the decision said on Wednesday.
It also includes nearly 8,500 155mm artillery shells, more than 250 precision GMLRS (mobile rocket artillery) missiles and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, they said.
“The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine‘s defence capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” Ukraine‘s foreign ministry said.
The defence ministry said it had not been officially notified of any halt in U.S. shipments and was seeking clarity from its American counterparts.
A Ukrainian source familiar with the situation said the decision was a “total shock.”
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly said the decision was made “to put America’s interests first” following a Department of Defense review of military support around the world.
“The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,” she said, referring to U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last month.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the U.S. needed to take care of its stockpiles but told Fox News that “in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get” when it comes to ammunition and air defence systems.
RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES
Dozens of people have been killed in recent airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and Russian forces, which control about a fifth of Ukraine, have been making gains in the east.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the decision risks Ukrainian lives, undermines Washington’s credibility and will make it harder to end the war.
“This sends a message to not just our allies, like Ukraine and our European allies, but it sends a message to our adversaries, to China, to North Korea, to Russia, that our allies can’t count on the United States,” she told WKBK radio in her home state New Hampshire.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, he has softened Washington’s position towards Russia, seeking a diplomatic solution to the war and raising doubts about future U.S. military support for Kyiv.
Trump said last week he was considering selling more Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s national security and defence committee, said the decision to halt shipments was “very unpleasant for us“.
In an email, the Pentagon said it was providing Trump with options to continue military aid to Ukraine in line with the goal of ending the war.
Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defence for policy, said it was “rigorously examining and adapting its approach…while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness.”
All weapons aid was briefly stopped in February, with a second, longer halt in March. Washington resumed sending the last of the aid approved under the previous administration, of Democratic President Joe Biden, but no new aid to Ukraine has been announced.
The Kremlin welcomed the news of a halt, saying the conflict would end sooner if fewer arms reached Ukraine.
Kyiv residents expressed alarm at the Pentagon’s decision.
“If we end up in a situation where there’s no air defence left, I will move (out of Kyiv), because my safety is my first concern,” said Oksana Kurochkina, a 35-year-old lawyer.
On the battlefield, a halt in precision munitions would limit the capacity of Ukrainian troops to strike Russian positions farther behind the front line, said Jack Watling, a military analyst at the Royal United Services Institute.
“In short, this decision will cost Ukrainian lives and territory,” he said.
In a major scientific breakthrough, Indian researchers have developed a new green energy material that could revolutionize energy storage technology. Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have engineered a lanthanum-doped silver niobate (AgNbO₃) compound that significantly enhances supercapacitor performance.
Supercapacitors, known for their rapid charging and discharging abilities, often fall short in energy storage capacity. The new material overcomes this limitation by increasing energy density without sacrificing speed or stability.
Led by Dr. Kavita Pandey, the team introduced lanthanum—a rare-earth element—into silver niobate nanoparticles, improving their electrical conductivity and shrinking particle size to increase surface area. This led to a remarkable 118% energy retention after repeated use and an unprecedented 100% coulombic efficiency, meaning no energy was lost during charging cycles.
A prototype asymmetric supercapacitor using the new material successfully powered an LCD display, pointing to potential real-world applications in everything from portable electronics to renewable energy systems.
Published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, the study positions lanthanum-doped AgNbO₃ as a leading candidate for high-performance, eco-friendly energy storage. Researchers now aim to explore similar doping strategies in other materials and scale up production to enable commercial use.
This innovation marks a significant step in India’s contribution to sustainable energy solutions amid the global push for cleaner and more efficient technologies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conferment with Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, has been hailed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South. Jaishankar also described the honour as a reflection of the deep-rooted cooperation and enduring friendship between India and Ghana.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Fitting that PM @narendramodi has been conferred with Ghana’s national honour – the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’. It is a recognition of his steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South. Also a testament to our cooperation and friendship with Ghana.”
PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian honour, by President John Mahama on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi thanked Ghana’s President for the honour and called it a “matter of immense pride”.
“It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by the President. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama ji, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” PM Modi said.
He said he dedicated the award to the youth of both countries.”I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” he said.
The award was presented during PM Modi’s visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years. During his visit, PM Modi held talks with Ghana President Mahama and the two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership.”
During the joint press briefing, PM Modi said, “The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership.’ India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building.”
“In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of ‘Security through Solidarity.’ Collaboration will be strengthened in key areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity,” he added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — China announced at a press conference on Thursday that an evening gala will be held on Sept. 3 in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The event will be jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Media Group, the Political Work Department of the China Military Commission and the Beijing municipal government, according to the State Council Information Office.
China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day to mark the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.
Immediately after killing Fernando Pereira and blowing up Greenpeace’s flagship the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, several of the French agents went on a ski holiday in New Zealand’s South Island to celebrate.
Such was the contempt the French had for the Kiwis and the abilities of our police to pursue them. How wrong they were.
A new prologue by former prime minister Helen Clark and a preface by Greenpeace’s Bunny McDiarmid, along with an extensive postscript which bring us up to the present day, underline why the past is not dead; it’s with us right now.
Written by David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report, who spent 11 weeks on the final voyage of the Warrior, the book is the most remarkable piece of history I have read this year and one of those rare books that has the power to expand your mind and make your blood boil at the same time. I thought I knew a fair bit about the momentous events surrounding the attack — until I read Eyes of Fire.
Heroes of our age The book covers the history of Greenpeace action — from fighting the dumping of nuclear and other toxic waste in European waters, the Arctic and the Pacific, voyages to link besieged communities across the oceans, through to their epic struggles to halt whaling and save endangered marine colonies from predators.
The Rainbow Warrior’s very last voyage before the bombing was to evacuate the entire population of Rongelap atoll (about 320 people) in the Marshall Islands who had been exposed to US nuclear radiation for decades.
This article is the first of two in which I will explore themes that the book triggered for me.
Neither secret nor intelligent – the French secret intelligence service
Jean-Luc Kister was the DGSE (Direction-générale de la Sécurité extérieure) agent who placed the two bombs that ripped a massive hole in the hull of the Warrior on 10 July 1985. The ship quickly sank, trapping Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira inside.
Former colonel Kister was a member of a large team of elite agents sent to New Zealand. One had also infiltrated Greenpeace months before, some travelled through the country prior to the attack, drinking, rooting New Zealand women and leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that led all the way to the Palais de l’Élysée where François Mitterrand, Socialist President of France, had personally given the order to bomb the famous peace vessel.
Robie aptly calls the French mission “Blundergate”. The stupidity, howling incompetence and moronic lack of a sound strategic rationale behind the attack were only matched by the mendacity, the imperial hauteur and the racist contempt that lies at the heart of French policy in the Pacific to this very day.
Thinking the Kiwi police would be no match for their élan, their savoir-faire and their panache, some of the killers hit the ski slopes to celebrate “Mission Accompli”. Others fled to Norfolk Island aboard a yacht, the Ouvéa.
Tracked there by the New Zealand police it was only with the assistance of our friends and allies, the Australians, that the agents were able to escape. Within days they sank their yacht at sea during a rendezvous with a French nuclear submarine and were evenually able to return to France for medals and promotions.
Two of the agents, however, were not so lucky. As everyone my age will recall, Dominique Prieur and Alain Mafart, were nabbed after a lightning fast operation by New Zealand police.
With friends and allies like these, who needs enemies? We should recall that the French were our allies at the time. They decided, however, to stop the Rainbow Warrior from leading a flotilla of ships up to Moruroa Atoll in French Polynesia where yet another round of nuclear tests were scheduled. In other words: they bombed a peace ship to keep testing bombs.
By 1995, France had detonated 193 nuclear bombs in the South Pacific.
David Robie sees the bombing as “a desperate attempt by one of the last colonial powers in the Pacific to hang on to the vestiges of empire by blowing up a peace ship so it could continue despoiling Pacific islands for the sake of an independent nuclear force”.
The US, UK and Australia cold-shouldered New Zealand through this period and uttered not a word of condemnation against the French. Within two years we were frog-marched out of the ANZUS alliance with Australia and the US because of our ground-breaking nuclear-free legislation.
It was a blessing and the dawn of a period in which New Zealanders had an intense sense of national pride — a far cry from today when New Zealand politicians are being referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for war crimes associated with the Gaza genocide.
The French State invented the term ‘terrorism’ I studied French History at university in France and did a paper called “La France à la veille de révolution” (France on the eve of revolution). One of the chilling cultural memories is of the period from September 1793 to July 1794, which was known as La Terreur.
At the time the French state literally coined the term “terrorisme” — with the blade of the guillotine dropping on neck after neck as the state tried to consolidate power through terror. But, as Robie points out, quoting law professor Roger S. Clark, we tend to use the term today to refer almost exclusively to non-state actors.
With the US and Israel gunning down starving civilians in Gaza every day, with wave after wave of terror attacks being committed inside Iran and across the Middle East by Mossad, the CIA and MI6, we should amend this erroneous habit.
The DGSE team who attached limpet mines to the Rainbow Warrior did so as psychopathic servants of the French State. Eyes of Fire: “At the time, Prime Minister David Lange described the Rainbow Warrior attack as ‘nothing more than a sordid act of international state-backed terrorism’.”
Don’t get me wrong. I am not “anti-French”. I lived for years in France, had a French girlfriend, studied French history, language and literature. I even had friends in Wellington who worked at the French Embassy.
Curiously when I lived next to Premier House, the official residence of the prime minister, my other next door neighbour was a French agent who specialised in surveillance. Our houses backed onto Premier House. Quelle coïncidence. To his mild consternation I’d greet him with “Salut, mon espion favori.” (Hello, my favourite spy).
What I despise is French colonialism, French racism, and what the French call magouillage. I don’t know a good English word for it . . . it is a mix of shenanigans, duplicity, artful deception to achieve unscrupulous outcomes that can’t be publicly avowed. In brief: what the French attempted in Auckland in 1985.
Robie recounts in detail the lying, smokescreens and roadblocks that everyone from President Mitterrand through to junior officials put in the way of the New Zealand investigators. Mitterrand gave Prime Minister David Lange assurances that the culprits would be brought to justice. The French Embassy in Wellington claimed at the time: “In no way is France involved. The French government doesn’t deal with its opponents in such ways.”
It took years for the bombshell to explode that none other than Mitterrand himself had ordered the terrorist attack on New Zealand and Greenpeace!
We the people of the Pacific We, the people of the Pacific, owe a debt to Greenpeace and all those who were part of the Rainbow Warrior, including author David Robie. We must remember the crime and call it by its name: state terrorism.
The French attempted to escape justice, deny involvement and then welched on the terms of the agreement negotiated with the help of the United Nations secretary-general.
A great way to honour the sacrifice of those who stood up for justice, who stood for peace and a nuclear-free Pacific, and who honoured our own national identity would be to buy David Robie’s excellent book.
I’ll give the last word to former Prime Minister Helen Clark:
“This is the time for New Zealand to link with the many small and middle powers across regions who have a vision for a world characterised by solidarity and peace and which can rise to the occasion to combat the existential challenges it faces — including of nuclear weapons, climate change, and artificial intelligence. If our independent foreign policy is to mean anything in the mid-2020s, it must be based on concerted diplomacy for peace and sustainable development.”
You cannot sink a rainbow.
Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz
Immediately after killing Fernando Pereira and blowing up Greenpeace’s flagship the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, several of the French agents went on a ski holiday in New Zealand’s South Island to celebrate.
Such was the contempt the French had for the Kiwis and the abilities of our police to pursue them. How wrong they were.
A new prologue by former prime minister Helen Clark and a preface by Greenpeace’s Bunny McDiarmid, along with an extensive postscript which bring us up to the present day, underline why the past is not dead; it’s with us right now.
Written by David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report, who spent 11 weeks on the final voyage of the Warrior, the book is the most remarkable piece of history I have read this year and one of those rare books that has the power to expand your mind and make your blood boil at the same time. I thought I knew a fair bit about the momentous events surrounding the attack — until I read Eyes of Fire.
Heroes of our age The book covers the history of Greenpeace action — from fighting the dumping of nuclear and other toxic waste in European waters, the Arctic and the Pacific, voyages to link besieged communities across the oceans, through to their epic struggles to halt whaling and save endangered marine colonies from predators.
The Rainbow Warrior’s very last voyage before the bombing was to evacuate the entire population of Rongelap atoll (about 320 people) in the Marshall Islands who had been exposed to US nuclear radiation for decades.
This article is the first of two in which I will explore themes that the book triggered for me.
Neither secret nor intelligent – the French secret intelligence service
Jean-Luc Kister was the DGSE (Direction-générale de la Sécurité extérieure) agent who placed the two bombs that ripped a massive hole in the hull of the Warrior on 10 July 1985. The ship quickly sank, trapping Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira inside.
Former colonel Kister was a member of a large team of elite agents sent to New Zealand. One had also infiltrated Greenpeace months before, some travelled through the country prior to the attack, drinking, rooting New Zealand women and leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that led all the way to the Palais de l’Élysée where François Mitterrand, Socialist President of France, had personally given the order to bomb the famous peace vessel.
Robie aptly calls the French mission “Blundergate”. The stupidity, howling incompetence and moronic lack of a sound strategic rationale behind the attack were only matched by the mendacity, the imperial hauteur and the racist contempt that lies at the heart of French policy in the Pacific to this very day.
Thinking the Kiwi police would be no match for their élan, their savoir-faire and their panache, some of the killers hit the ski slopes to celebrate “Mission Accompli”. Others fled to Norfolk Island aboard a yacht, the Ouvéa.
Tracked there by the New Zealand police it was only with the assistance of our friends and allies, the Australians, that the agents were able to escape. Within days they sank their yacht at sea during a rendezvous with a French nuclear submarine and were evenually able to return to France for medals and promotions.
Two of the agents, however, were not so lucky. As everyone my age will recall, Dominique Prieur and Alain Mafart, were nabbed after a lightning fast operation by New Zealand police.
With friends and allies like these, who needs enemies? We should recall that the French were our allies at the time. They decided, however, to stop the Rainbow Warrior from leading a flotilla of ships up to Moruroa Atoll in French Polynesia where yet another round of nuclear tests were scheduled. In other words: they bombed a peace ship to keep testing bombs.
By 1995, France had detonated 193 nuclear bombs in the South Pacific.
David Robie sees the bombing as “a desperate attempt by one of the last colonial powers in the Pacific to hang on to the vestiges of empire by blowing up a peace ship so it could continue despoiling Pacific islands for the sake of an independent nuclear force”.
The US, UK and Australia cold-shouldered New Zealand through this period and uttered not a word of condemnation against the French. Within two years we were frog-marched out of the ANZUS alliance with Australia and the US because of our ground-breaking nuclear-free legislation.
It was a blessing and the dawn of a period in which New Zealanders had an intense sense of national pride — a far cry from today when New Zealand politicians are being referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for war crimes associated with the Gaza genocide.
The French State invented the term ‘terrorism’ I studied French History at university in France and did a paper called “La France à la veille de révolution” (France on the eve of revolution). One of the chilling cultural memories is of the period from September 1793 to July 1794, which was known as La Terreur.
At the time the French state literally coined the term “terrorisme” — with the blade of the guillotine dropping on neck after neck as the state tried to consolidate power through terror. But, as Robie points out, quoting law professor Roger S. Clark, we tend to use the term today to refer almost exclusively to non-state actors.
With the US and Israel gunning down starving civilians in Gaza every day, with wave after wave of terror attacks being committed inside Iran and across the Middle East by Mossad, the CIA and MI6, we should amend this erroneous habit.
The DGSE team who attached limpet mines to the Rainbow Warrior did so as psychopathic servants of the French State. Eyes of Fire: “At the time, Prime Minister David Lange described the Rainbow Warrior attack as ‘nothing more than a sordid act of international state-backed terrorism’.”
Don’t get me wrong. I am not “anti-French”. I lived for years in France, had a French girlfriend, studied French history, language and literature. I even had friends in Wellington who worked at the French Embassy.
Curiously when I lived next to Premier House, the official residence of the prime minister, my other next door neighbour was a French agent who specialised in surveillance. Our houses backed onto Premier House. Quelle coïncidence. To his mild consternation I’d greet him with “Salut, mon espion favori.” (Hello, my favourite spy).
What I despise is French colonialism, French racism, and what the French call magouillage. I don’t know a good English word for it . . . it is a mix of shenanigans, duplicity, artful deception to achieve unscrupulous outcomes that can’t be publicly avowed. In brief: what the French attempted in Auckland in 1985.
Robie recounts in detail the lying, smokescreens and roadblocks that everyone from President Mitterrand through to junior officials put in the way of the New Zealand investigators. Mitterrand gave Prime Minister David Lange assurances that the culprits would be brought to justice. The French Embassy in Wellington claimed at the time: “In no way is France involved. The French government doesn’t deal with its opponents in such ways.”
It took years for the bombshell to explode that none other than Mitterrand himself had ordered the terrorist attack on New Zealand and Greenpeace!
We the people of the Pacific We, the people of the Pacific, owe a debt to Greenpeace and all those who were part of the Rainbow Warrior, including author David Robie. We must remember the crime and call it by its name: state terrorism.
The French attempted to escape justice, deny involvement and then welched on the terms of the agreement negotiated with the help of the United Nations secretary-general.
A great way to honour the sacrifice of those who stood up for justice, who stood for peace and a nuclear-free Pacific, and who honoured our own national identity would be to buy David Robie’s excellent book.
I’ll give the last word to former Prime Minister Helen Clark:
“This is the time for New Zealand to link with the many small and middle powers across regions who have a vision for a world characterised by solidarity and peace and which can rise to the occasion to combat the existential challenges it faces — including of nuclear weapons, climate change, and artificial intelligence. If our independent foreign policy is to mean anything in the mid-2020s, it must be based on concerted diplomacy for peace and sustainable development.”
You cannot sink a rainbow.
Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Singapore to ASEAN, H.E. Gerard Ho, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed and exchanged views on the work of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat, focusing on preparations for the upcoming series of ministerial meetings to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, later this month.
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Planisware accelerates its development in Asia and announces the opening of an office in Seoul
Paris, France, July 3, 2025 – Planisware, a leading B2B provider of SaaS in the rapidly growing Project Economy market, announces the opening of an office in Seoul. This move aligns with the company’s international development strategy, and strengthens its footprint in Asia, where it already has a presence in Singapore and Japan.
Ranked among the OECD’s most innovative countries, South Korea represents a high-potential market for Planisware. The country boasts a dynamic economy, driven by cutting-edge industries such as electronics, chemicals, life sciences and industrial equipment. These are all sectors in which Planisware has recognized expertise and a solid portfolio of international customers.
The opening of this office aims to forge relationships with new South Korean players, providing them with local support, while consolidating links with existing customers, notably subsidiaries of major international groups. This local presence will enable more effective support for their digital transformation and the management of complex projects, particularly in the financial, telecoms, industrial and public sectors.
“Asia is a major strategic hub for Planisware,” says Loïc Sautour, CEO of Planisware. “The opening of this third office in Asia marks an important step in our regional expansion. This latest inauguration in South Korea will enable us to support our growth in an economy renowned for its technological excellence and industrial dynamism. I am delighted to welcome Victor Mercier as head of this new office. His experience, in-depth knowledge of our solutions and ability to support our customers’ transformation will be invaluable assets in accelerating our development in South Korea.“
Yves Humblot, co-founder of Planisware, adds: “South Korea offers a unique environment, at the crossroads of innovation, industrial excellence and digitalization. This new office will enable us to better serve our customers and forge strong partnerships with key local players.”
With over 15 years’ experience in complex project management and digital transformation, Victor Mercier joined Planisware in 2021. He held the position of Project Director for over four years before taking over the management of the South Korean subsidiary. Prior to this, he spent over seven years with Accenture, where he carried out numerous consulting projects in the energy, industry and infrastructure sectors, developing recognized expertise in IT project management, agile methods and change management. An engineering graduate of IMT Atlantique (2010), he brings solid expertise in digital transformation and complex project management.
Planisware is a leading business-to-business (“B2B”) provider of Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) in the rapidly growing Project Economy. Planisware’s mission is to provide solutions that help organizations transform how they strategize, plan and deliver their projects, project portfolios, programs and products.
With circa 750 employees across 18 offices, Planisware operates at significant scale serving around 600 organizational clients in a wide range of verticals and functions across more than 30 countries worldwide. Planisware’s clients include large international companies, medium-sized businesses and public sector entities.
Planisware is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Compartment A, ISIN code FR001400PFU4, ticker symbol “PLNW”).
Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a leading technology enabler in the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors, today announces the appointment of Harikrishnan Venkataramanan as President – ERP.
With over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, including more than two decades in senior leadership at Ramco Systems, Hari brings a rare combination of strategic vision and deep executional expertise. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in Azentio’s journey to transform and scale its ERP business across high-growth markets.
Hari has led ERP transformations across industries and geographies, delivering double-digit growth, sustained client success, and cutting-edge innovation in complex enterprise environments. He is known for building agile, customer-focused organizations that unlock real business value.
In his new role, Hari will lead Azentio’s ERP strategy across product, engineering, and go-to-market, with a focus on expanding into new verticals, accelerating product innovation, and elevating customer experience. His leadership will be key to shaping the next generation of Azentio’s ERP offerings for sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and financial management.
Sanjay Singh, CEO of Azentio, commented: “Hari joins us at a transformative time for our ERP business. His track record of growth, innovation, and customer-centric execution makes him the ideal leader to drive our ambitions forward. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Azentio leadership team as we sharpen our focus on regional momentum and product excellence.”
Harikrishnan Venkataramanan, President – ERP, added: “I’m energised by the opportunity to lead Azentio’s ERP business into its next phase. Today, ERP is about far more than operations, it’s about enabling intelligent, connected, and scalable enterprises. With Azentio’s strong regional foundation and product DNA, I’m excited to unlock new value for our customers and partners.”
Hari’s appointment reinforces Azentio’s commitment to delivering transformative, industry-specific ERP solutions that empower businesses to scale, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.
About Azentio: Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje visited the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Baltal on Thursday and expressed her joy over the spiritual journey and the ongoing development works in the area.
She joined thousands of devotees on the 2025 Amarnath Yatra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Speaking to ANI during her visit, she said, “Today, we are all going to have the darshan of Bholenath. It feels wonderful… May God bless us all. The atmosphere here is very pleasant… people are feeling good because development work is happening here too…”
The Union Minister praised the efforts made by local authorities and the government to improve facilities and infrastructure along the pilgrimage route. She noted that enhanced arrangements have added to the comfort and spiritual experience of the yatris (pilgrims).
Earlier in the day, as a fresh batch of pilgrims set off for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that the Yatra was not just a religious one, but a journey of the people.
He further stated that security forces, porters, tent service providers and others were all involved in the Yatra.
“This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. It is a Yatra of the people. Security forces, ‘pitthus’, tents, every service provider is involved in it… The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country,” Bidhuri told ANI.
A day earlier, Kashmir Police issued an advisory for devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra 2025, urging them to travel only in officially designated convoys.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, directed all pilgrims to start their journey only from the authorised base camps at Bhagwati Nagar (Jammu), Baltal and Nunwan. These routes have been designated to ensure better coordination, security and medical assistance along the challenging mountainous route to the holy Amarnath shrine.
“All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and Nunwan base camps,” Kashmir Police said in a post on X. (ANI)
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje visited the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Baltal on Thursday and expressed her joy over the spiritual journey and the ongoing development works in the area.
She joined thousands of devotees on the 2025 Amarnath Yatra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Speaking to ANI during her visit, she said, “Today, we are all going to have the darshan of Bholenath. It feels wonderful… May God bless us all. The atmosphere here is very pleasant… people are feeling good because development work is happening here too…”
The Union Minister praised the efforts made by local authorities and the government to improve facilities and infrastructure along the pilgrimage route. She noted that enhanced arrangements have added to the comfort and spiritual experience of the yatris (pilgrims).
Earlier in the day, as a fresh batch of pilgrims set off for the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Baba, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that the Yatra was not just a religious one, but a journey of the people.
He further stated that security forces, porters, tent service providers and others were all involved in the Yatra.
“This Yatra is not just a religious Yatra. It is a Yatra of the people. Security forces, ‘pitthus’, tents, every service provider is involved in it… The enthusiasm among the devotees is unparalleled. I pray that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled and there is peace and happiness in Kashmir and the rest of the country,” Bidhuri told ANI.
A day earlier, Kashmir Police issued an advisory for devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra 2025, urging them to travel only in officially designated convoys.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, directed all pilgrims to start their journey only from the authorised base camps at Bhagwati Nagar (Jammu), Baltal and Nunwan. These routes have been designated to ensure better coordination, security and medical assistance along the challenging mountainous route to the holy Amarnath shrine.
“All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal and Nunwan base camps,” Kashmir Police said in a post on X. (ANI)
As the 36-day-long Amarnath Yatra commenced, thousands of pilgrims from across the country converged in Jammu and Kashmir to undertake the sacred journey to the revered Amarnath cave shrine.
The first batch of Yatris began their trek from the Baltal base camp early Thursday morning, while another group departed from the traditional Pahalgam route. Simultaneously, the second batch of 5,246 pilgrims left from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys, underscoring the stringent security measures in place.
Speaking to IANS, several pilgrims thanked administration for the arrangements and the Indian Army for ensuring their safety.
“I have been coming to Baba Barfani’s shrine since 2019, and every visit feels wonderful. The arrangements this year are excellent,” said one devotee.
Another added, “The government’s efforts are commendable. We are very happy with the facilities provided.”
This year’s turnout appears to be significantly higher than in previous years. One pilgrim remarked, “Earlier, due to the threat of terror attacks, very few people came for the Yatra. But this time, the number of devotees is overwhelming.”
“When one comes on a pilgrimage, comfort is not the priority. But the arrangements this time are excellent—far better than in previous years,” said another devotee.
Appreciating security arrangements, a pilgrim noted, “The Indian Army has made our journey easy and safe. Their presence is reassuring. The efforts of the Centre and the J&K administration are truly commendable.”
Another devotee added, “Thanks to the Indian Army and the administration, pilgrims feel secure and can perform this holy Yatra without any fear. We are grateful for everything.”
The Yatra was officially flagged off by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu on Wednesday.
Authorities have implemented an unprecedented security plan in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed, supplementing the already robust security presence comprising the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and J&K Police.
Pilgrims have been advised to travel from Jammu to the base camps only as part of escorted convoys and have been warned against undertaking the journey independently.
Due to heightened security concerns, helicopter services for the Yatra have been suspended this year.