Source: Reserve Bank of India
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Preliminary data on India’s balance of payments (BoP) for the fourth quarter (Q4), i.e., January-March 2024-25, are presented in Statements I and II. Key Features of India’s BoP in Q4:2024-25
BoP During 2024-25
(Puneet Pancholy) Press Release: 2025-2026/611 |
Source: Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Government has recently published a National Risk Appetite Statement (NRAS) with a focus on the eGaming sector and related industries.
The NRAS has been produced in response to the evolving threat landscape, particularly from serious and organised crime in East and Southeast Asia. The NRAS provides clear, actionable guidance for businesses to assess and manage risks in both new and existing relationships.
In conjunction with this cross-agency initiative, the Authority has updated its AML/CFT Handbook to reference the NRAS and provide guidance on where this should be considered by relevant persons in the course of their business activities.
The revised Handbook includes links to the NRAS Frequently Asked Questions, along with an update to the Business Risk Assessment guidance in section 2.2.8.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territories (UTs), announces that the quantum of total market borrowings by the State Governments/UTs for the quarter July – September 2025, is expected to be ₹2,86,696 Crore. The weekly schedule of auctions to be held during the quarter along with the name of States/UTs who have confirmed participation and tentative amounts indicated by them is as under:
The actual amount of borrowings and the details of the States/UTs participating would be intimated by way of press releases two/ three days prior to the actual auction day and would depend on the requirement of the State Governments/UTs, approval from the Government of India under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India and market conditions. RBI would endeavour to conduct the auctions in a non-disruptive manner, taking into account the market conditions and other relevant factors and distribute the borrowings evenly throughout the quarter. RBI reserves the right to modify the dates and the amount of auction in consultation with State Governments/UTs. (Puneet Pancholy) Press Release: 2025-2026/613 |
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Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) today launched a joint public consultation on the legislative proposals for establishing licensing regimes for digital asset (DA) dealing and custodian service providers.
The public consultation will last until August 29.
Under the proposed licensing regime for DA dealing service providers, any person who carries on a business of providing DA dealing services in Hong Kong will have to be licensed by or registered with the SFC.
Also, irrespective of whether the relevant DA dealing services are provided through a physical outlet and/or other platforms, both simple dealing services and more complex services will fall under the scope of the licensing regime.
In addition, licensed or registered providers of DA dealing services will need to meet fit-and-proper criteria and comply with a range of regulatory requirements.
The licensing regime will be fully implemented on the date the relevant statutory provisions come into effect.
Meanwhile, under the proposed licensing regime for DA custodian service providers, any person carrying on a business in Hong Kong of providing DA custodian services will have to be licensed by or registered with the SFC.
Licensed or registered providers of DA custodian services will also need to meet fit-and-proper criteria and comply with a range of regulatory requirements.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the Government is striving to build Hong Kong into a premier global hub for DAs, adding that upholding investor protection is of utmost concern.
“The proposed licensing regimes will lay a solid foundation for us to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for DAs with investor and customer protection at its core.
“The move will also help realise our vision to build Hong Kong’s DA ecosystem into a highly trusted one that will flourish sustainably and responsibly in a risk-managed manner, thereby delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets.”
The public and stakeholders can submit their views by post to the FSTB at 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
They can also send their views on the licensing regime for DA trading service providers or the licensing regime for DA custodian service providers by email.
By Richard Larsen, RNZ News producer — 30′ with Guyon Espiner
The former head of Human Rights Watch — and son of a Holocaust survivor — says Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will likely meet the legal definition of genocide, citing large-scale killings, the targeting of civilians, and the words of senior Israeli officials.
Speaking on 30′ with Guyon Espiner, Ken Roth agreed Hamas committed “blatant war crimes” in its attack on Israel on October 7 last year, which included the abduction and murder of civilians.
But he said it was a “basic rule” that war crimes by one side do not justify war crimes by the other.
There was indisputable evidence Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza and might also be pursuing tactics that fit the international legal standard for genocide, Roth said.
30′ with Guyon Espiner Kenneth Roth Video: RNZ
“The acts are there — mass killing, destruction of life-sustaining conditions. And there are statements from senior officials that point clearly to intent,” Roth said.
He cited comments immediately after the October 7 attack by Hamas from Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who referred to Gazans as “human animals”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said “an entire nation” was responsible for the attack and the notion of “unaware, uninvolved civilians is not true,” referring to the Palestinean people. Herzog subsequently said his words were taken out of context during a case at the International Court of Justice.
The accusation of genocide is hotly contested. Israel says it is fighting a war of self-defence against Hamas after it killed 1200 people, mostly civilians. It claims it adheres to international law and does its best to protect civilians.
It blames Hamas for embedding itself in civilian areas.
But Roth believes a ruling may ultimately come from the International Court of Justice, especially if a forthcoming judgment on Myanmar sets a precedent.
“It’s very similar to what Myanmar did with the Rohingya,” he said. “Kill about 30,000 to send 730,000 fleeing. It’s not just about mass death. It’s about creating conditions where life becomes impossible.”
‘Apartheid’ alleged in Israel’s West Bank
Roth has been described as the ‘Godfather of Human Rights’, and is credited with vastly expanding the influence of the Human Rights Watch group during a 29-year tenure in charge of the organisation.
In the full interview with Guyon Espiner, Roth defended the group’s 2021 report that accused Israel of enforcing a system of apartheid in the occupied West Bank.
“This was not a historical analogy,” he said, implying it was a mistake to compare it with South Africa’s former apartheid regime.
“It was a legal analysis. We used the UN Convention against Apartheid and the Rome Statute, and laid out over 200 pages of evidence.”
He said the Israeli government was unable to offer a factual rebuttal.
“They called us biased, antisemitic — the usual. But they didn’t contest the facts.”
The ‘cheapening’ of antisemitism charges
Roth, who is Jewish and the son of a Holocaust refugee, said it was disturbing to be accused of antisemitism for criticising a government.
“There is a real rise in antisemitism around the world. But when the term is used to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel, it cheapens the concept, and that ultimately harms Jews everywhere.”
Roth said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long opposed a two-state solution and was now pursuing a status quo that amounted to permanent subjugation of Palestinians, a situation human rights groups say is illegal.
“The only acceptable outcome is two states, living side by side. Anything else is apartheid, or worse,” Roth said.
While the international legal process around charges of genocide may take years, Roth is convinced the current actions in Gaza will not be forgotten.
“This is not just about war,” he said. “It’s about the deliberate use of starvation, displacement and mass killing to achieve political goals. And the law is very clear — that’s a crime.”
Roth’s criticism of Israel saw him initially denied a fellowship at Harvard University in 2023. The decision was widely seen as politically motivated, and was later reversed after public and academic backlash.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MANILA, June 27 (Xinhua) — Seven people were killed and 16 others were injured when a mini dump truck crashed in Silay, central Philippines’ Negros Occidental province, on Friday morning, local authorities said.
All the deceased worked in the city administration. The accident occurred when they were returning from an environmental event.
Authorities say the driver apparently lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle then rolled over.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. –0–
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday stressed that the core objective of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is to combat terrorism, and that all member nations must reflect this shared goal through both words and actions.
Addressing an event in the national capital, Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent position that terrorism must not be justified, glorified, or shielded under any pretext.
“The SCO was created with the purpose of fighting terrorism. If any country participating on this platform selectively blocks references to terror incidents or avoids calling out terrorism, then it defeats the very purpose of the organisation,” Jaishankar said.
“Our position is very clear,” he added. “One country objected to the mention of terrorism—and we all know which country it is. That is why our Defence Minister did not endorse the statement. If fighting terrorism is our common goal, then we must call out every act and every place affected.”
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting concluded without a joint statement due to a lack of consensus among member countries.
“India advocated for the inclusion of terrorism concerns in the document, but one country objected. The Defence Minister urged countries to unite against terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasising regional stability and security,” the statement said.
IANS
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Ukraine plans to ask the European Union to sanction Bangladeshi entities it says are importing wheat taken from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, after its warnings to Dhaka failed to stop the trade, a top Ukrainian diplomat in South Asia said.
Russian forces have occupied large parts of Ukraine’s southern agricultural regions since 2014 and Kyiv has accused Russia of stealing its grain even before the 2022 invasion. Russian officials say there is no theft of grain involved as the territories previously considered part of Ukraine are now part of Russia and will remain so forever.
According to documents provided to Reuters by people familiar with the matter, the Ukraine Embassy in New Delhi sent several letters to Bangladesh’s foreign affairs ministry this year, asking them to reject more than 150,000 tonnes of grain allegedly stolen and shipped from Russian port of Kavkaz.
Asked about the confidential diplomatic communication, Ukraine’s ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, said Dhaka had not responded to the communication and Kyiv will now escalate the matter as its intelligence showed entities in Russia mix grain procured from occupied Ukrainian territories with Russian wheat before shipping.
“It’s a crime,” Polishchuk said in an interview at Ukraine’s embassy in New Delhi.
“We will share our investigation with our European Union colleagues, and we will kindly ask them to take the appropriate measures.”
Ukraine’s diplomatic tussle with Bangladeshi authorities has not been previously reported.
The Bangladesh and Russian foreign ministries did not respond to requests for comment.
A Bangladeshi food ministry official said Dhaka bars imports from Russia if the origin of the grain is from occupied Ukrainian territory, adding that the country imports no stolen wheat.
Amid the war with Russia, the agricultural sector remains one of the main sources of export earnings for Ukraine, supplying grain, vegetable oil and oilseeds to foreign markets.
In April, Ukraine detained a foreign vessel in its territorial waters, alleging it was involved in the illegal trade of stolen grain, and last year seized a foreign cargo ship and detained its captain on similar suspicions.
The EU has so far sanctioned 342 ships that are part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which the bloc says enable Moscow to circumvent Western restrictions to move oil, arms and grain. Russia says Western sanctions are illegal.
‘NOT DIAMONDS OR GOLD’
A Ukraine official told Reuters Ukrainian law prohibits any voluntary trade between Ukrainian producers, including grain farmers in the occupied territories, and Russian entities.
The Ukraine Embassy has sent four letters to Bangladesh’s government, reviewed by Reuters, in which it shared vessel names and their registration numbers involved in the alleged trade of moving the grain from the Crimean ports of Sevastopol and Kerch, occupied by Russia since 2014, and Berdiansk, which is under Moscow’s control since 2022, to Kavkaz in Russia.
The letters stated the departure and tentative arrival dates of the ships that left from Kavkaz for Bangladesh between November 2024 and June 2025.
The June 11 letter said Bangladesh can face “serious consequences” of sanctions for taking deliveries of “stolen grain”, and that such purchases fuel “humanitarian suffering.”
The sanctions “may extend beyond importing companies and could also target government officials and the leadership of ministries and agencies who knowingly facilitate or tolerate such violations,” the letter added.
In a statement to Reuters, Anitta Hipper, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the vessels in question were not currently subject to any restrictive measures.
The sanctions regime was designed to act against activities that undermine the food security of Ukraine including transportation of “stolen Ukrainian grain” and “any proven involvement of vessels in shipping stolen Ukrainian grain could provide the basis for future restrictive measures,” she added.
The Russia-controlled territories, excluding Crimea, accounted for about 3% of the total Russian grain harvest in 2024, according to Reuters’ estimates based on official Russian data. Russian grain transporter Rusagrotrans says Bangladesh was the fourth largest buyer of Russian wheat in May.
Ambassador Polishchuk told Reuters their intelligence shows Russia mixes its grain with that from occupied Ukrainian territories to avoid detection.
A Russian trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that when the grain is loaded for export at a Russian port, it is very difficult to track its origin.
“These are not diamonds or gold. The composition of impurities does not allow for identification,” the person said.
(Reuters)
The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi), a Filipino performing arts ensemble from the University of the Philippines, in their visit to Morocco organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rabat, conducted a series of interactive workshops for Moroccan students to promote Philippine music and dance. Professor Pedro Abraham, Jr., founder of Kontra-GaPi, expressed elation at the opportunity to promote Philippine culture as their visit coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Moroccan relations.
At the workshop held on 20 June 2025 at Ecole Internationale de Musique et Danse (EIMD), young Moroccan musicians aged 8 to 13 tried their hands at playing various indigenous instruments such as kulintang, gangsa, tongatong, angklung, kubing, eliciting smiles in their faces. Parents in attendance expressed gratitude to the Embassy for giving their children a rare and unforgettable experience and even shared their intention to visit the Philippines afterwards.
On 21 June 2025, another workshop was held at the Dati Drouk dance studio where Professor Abraham said “I admire Morocco’s rich history, which spans more than 5,000 years—about the same length as the Philippines’ pre-colonial history. I believe that music and dance transcend national boundaries, and I hope to share with you the rich traditions of Filipino gamelan music and indigenous dance.”
Energized by the brief performance of Kontra-GaPi and the workshop that followed, the members of Dati Drouk performed a full dance sequence composed of movements from various Filipino ethno-linguistic groups. The workshop culminated in a spontaneous cultural exchange, as Dati Drouk members responded with an extemporaneous dance performance to the hypnotic rhythms of gnaoua music.
EIMD is a premier institution in Rabat offering comprehensive music, dance, and theater training for over 1,500 students annually and supporting both aspiring professionals and amateurs. On the other hand, Dati Drouk is the first institution in Morocco offering structured professional training in contemporary dance.
The two workshops were conducted on top of the performances of Kontra-GaPi before the Diplomatic Corps on 17 June 2025 and the Filipino community on 22 June 2025. Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja expressed great satisfaction at the opportunity to showcase Philippine culture, saying that “culture is a bridge linking the Philippines and Morocco”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Education Bureau and the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research (SCOLAR) today held the “Closing & Award Presentation Ceremony of the Biliteracy & Trilingualism Campaign 2025”.
The ceremony was attended by around 400 people, including guests from the business sector, the arts and cultural sector, and community organisations, as well as teachers, parents and students. The awards celebrated efforts to promote biliteracy and trilingualism in Hong Kong over the past six months.
Officiating at the event, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that as an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong requires a large pool of biliterate and trilingual talent to fulfill its role as a “super connector”.
She added that languages are crucial to the city’s status as an international education hub in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and emphasised that biliteracy and trilingualism are essential for the city’s development of the “eight centres” outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and for seizing opportunities arising from the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of the Greater Bay Area.
“Under the ‘one country, two systems’, biliteracy and trilingualism stands as one of the advantages of education in Hong Kong,” she said.
The education chief outlined that over the years, the bureau and SCOLAR have worked together to promote biliteracy and trilingualism. Measures introduced in recent years have allowed teachers to improve their Putonghua proficiency with help from the Language Fund.
Additionally, a one-off grant has been provided to schools for the promotion of self-directed language learning of English and Putonghua by students.
Ms Choi said that through the collective efforts, Hong Kong’s language and talent capital can be strengthened, enabling the city to fully leverage its advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world.
The results of a one-minute video production competition were presented. The award-winning works were produced by students who integrated different creative elements.
The event also gave the winners the opportunity to share their insights with attendees.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
The expression ‘Banking System’ or ‘Banks’ means the banks and any other financial institution referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (vi) of clause (d) of the explanation below Section 42(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. No. of Scheduled Commercial Banks as on Current Fortnight:120 Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/606 |
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Source: ASEAN
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting (ASEFBoG46) on 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The Meeting noted the report on the work of the ASEF Management, reviewed the implementation of ASEF’s ongoing initiatives, and approved its project proposals for 2025 and 2026. The Board of Governors also deliberated ways to enhance ASEF’s visibility and profile, and to further promote cultural and people-to-people connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting (ASEFBoG46) on 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The Meeting noted the report on the work of the ASEF Management, reviewed the implementation of ASEF’s ongoing initiatives, and approved its project proposals for 2025 and 2026. The Board of Governors also deliberated ways to enhance ASEF’s visibility and profile, and to further promote cultural and people-to-people connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
U.S. stock index futures surged on Friday, putting the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq on track for record highs as investors geared up for a key inflation report amid signs of a dovish policy outlook from the Federal Reserve this year.
Personal Consumption Expenditure data – the U.S. central bank’s preferred inflation gauge – for May is due to be released at 08:30 a.m. ET and will be scrutinized to assess the Fed’s interest-rate path as tariffs weigh on prices.
As the ceasefire in the Middle East holds, investor focus has turned to the prospect of a dovish Fed after the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump toyed with the idea of announcing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement by September or October.
“News that Donald Trump may announce his pick to be the new Fed chair with months to go has led the interest rate futures market to ramp up bets that interest rates in the U.S. will be cut sharply over the coming months and years,” Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said in a note.
A spate of economic data this week, including a weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP reading as well as jobless claims reaching multi-year highs, has supported the case for the central bank to cut borrowing costs this year.
Traders now price in a 20.7% chance of a rate cut in July, compared with 14.5% last week, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
At 06:30 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis YMcv1 were up 103 points, or 0.24%, S&P 500 E-minis EScv1 were up 13.5 points, or 0.22%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis NQcv1 were up 63.5 points, or 0.28%.
Nike’s NKE.N shares rose 9.2% in premarket trading after the retailer forecast a smaller-than-expected drop in first-quarter revenue.
Retailer Lululemon Athletica LULU.O rose 1.4% after Nike’s results, while Hoka-owner Deckers Outdoor DECK.N added 2.1%.
On the flip side, gold stocks slipped in premarket trading as bullion neared a one-month low. Top miners such as Newmont NEM.N and U.S.-listed Barrick Mining B.N were down 2.3% and 2%, respectively.
The benchmark S&P 500 .SPX and the Nasdaq .IXIC are on track for their best weekly performance in six weeks, while the blue-chip Dow .DJI is set for a weekly advance, if gains hold.
UBS Global Wealth Management raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 index .SPX to 6,200 from its prior forecast of 6,000, banking on softening trade uncertainty.
Adding to the upbeat sentiment, Washington reached an agreement with China on expediting rare-earth shipments to the United States, a White House official said, days ahead of the July 9 deadline for Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs.
Also on tap is the final reading of consumer sentiment for June, measured by the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, due at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Remarks from New York Fed President John Williams, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack and Fed Board Governor Lisa Cook are expected later in the day.
(Reuters)
Source: Interpol (news and events)
ROME, Italy – INTERPOL’s 81st General Assembly has closed with delegates electing as the new President of INTERPOL Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police.
Mrs Ballestrazzi said she felt a great sense of pride and joy to have been elected as the President of INTERPOL and looked forward to serving all of INTERPOL’s 190 member countries in ‘an unfailing spirit to promote mutual assistance and solidarity’.
“I am wholly committed to the fundamental role INTERPOL must play in global police cooperation. By establishing the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation and leading other recent initiatives, INTERPOL has placed itself at the forefront of innovation which I will continue to fully support. There is no doubt that this direction will open up drastically new perspectives for INTERPOL and its member countries worldwide as we face together the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The President of the Organization heads its Executive Committee and is elected by the General Assembly for a period of four years.
INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble welcomed President Ballestrazzi’s appointment as another example of INTERPOL’s evolution, reflecting the active role of both men and women in the international law enforcement community.
“As the world’s largest police organization, it is essential that INTERPOL’s leadership offers the best policing and expertise to its 190 member countries in order to meet their needs,” said Mr Noble.
“Mireille Ballestrazzi’s appointment as President of INTERPOL comes at a time when countries are adapting to the realities of the changing nature of transnational organized crime in the 21st century.
“She brings invaluable experience in cross-border police collaboration to her role, as well as proven leadership abilities, and I look forward to working closely with her to ensure that INTERPOL continues to provide innovative responses to meet the needs of our member countries, ” added the INTERPOL Chief.
Paying a warm tribute to outgoing President Khoo Boon Hui of Singapore, Mr Noble said Mr Khoo would be remembered as ‘a champion and driving force of international law enforcement cooperation’.
Also elected to the Executive Committee were Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Vice President for the Americas), Nobuyuki Kawai, Director of the Organized Crime Department of the National Police Academy of Japan (Vice President for Asia), Algeria’s Abdelkader Kara Bouhadba, Commissaire Divisionnaire de Police, Directeur de la Police Judiciaire (Delegate for Africa), Bob Paulson, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Delegate for the Americas), Jong Yang Kim of the Korean National Police Agency and Head of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Seoul (Delegate for Asia), Brigadier General Saoud Abdallah Al-Mahmoud, Director of the International Cooperation Department of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (Delegate for Asia), and Filippo Dispenza, Brigadier General of the Italian National Police (Delegate for Europe).
The four-day conference (5 – 8 November) in Rome was launched with a Ministerial meeting attended by close to 100 global leaders who endorsed a joint declaration recognizing the need to identify viable strategies to effectively address the changing modes of contemporary criminal violence.
During the conference, more than 1,000 delegates from some 170 countries endorsed a series of resolutions to build a modern framework for collective action, including on maritime piracy, illicit trafficking in cultural property, the INTERPOL Programme to Combat Trafficking in Illicit Goods launched earlier this year, the INTERPOL Travel Document and cybercrime.
A groundbreaking initiative by INTERPOL to support the safety and security of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and other major sporting events over the next 10 years was also launched following an agreement with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee worth USD 10 million.
With Cartagena, Colombia, hosting INTERPOL’s next General Assembly in 2013, conference delegates closed the event by selecting Monaco as the venue for INTERPOL’s 83rd General Assembly in 2014, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the first International Criminal Police Congress.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
LYON, France – Evidence gathered by an INTERPOL Incident Response Team (IRT) following the release of the hijacked oil tanker Irene SL in April 2011 is to be used by Greece in its first maritime piracy prosecution.
The announcement comes during a meeting between Chief of the Hellenic Police Lieutenant General Nikolaos Papagiannopoulos and INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble at the world police body’s General Secretariat headquarters to identify ways for additional support to be provided to the Greek police.
The IRT, supported by the South African Police Service and in coordination with European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) and INTERTANKO, was deployed to Durban in South Africa to conduct a crime scene investigation and debriefing of the hostages on board the Irene SL, following its release by Somali pirates 58 days after the vessel was hijacked off the coast of Oman.
Several of the crew members on board were also able to identify four of their captors from an INTERPOL photo album on maritime piracy, containing images provided by member states and naval forces operating in the Gulf of Aden and the Western Indian Ocean.
Secretary General Noble said that the case perfectly highlighted the benefits that INTERPOL brings to member countries and how information sharing and a collaborative approach is essential to addressing crime issues anywhere in the world.
“In these times of financial constraint the added value that INTERPOL and its global network brings to individual countries and global security is even clearer,” said the INTERPOL Chief.
“INTERPOL will continue to provide every support to Greece, and also calls on the global law enforcement community, countries and regional institutions to identify areas where they can support Greece in meeting the crime challenges which affect us all,” added Mr Noble.
Lieutenant General Papagiannopoulos said ‘the opportunities for international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL help increase the effectiveness of national police services.’
“Today’s meeting with Secretary General Noble provided us with the opportunity to explore ways of building on our existing cooperation and to identify ways for future development together,” added Mr Papagiannopoulos.
During his visit, Mr Papagiannopoulos – accompanied by Brigadier General Zacharoula Tsirigoti, Director of the International Police Cooperation Directorate, and Brigadier General Dimitrios Sofios, Deputy Director of the Attika Criminal Investigation Department – was also updated and briefed on a range of INTERPOL’s tools and services including its global database to enhance police cooperation in areas such as combating illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
A joint INTERPOL-Europol operation targeting fake and substandard food and drink, as well as the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade, has resulted in the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods ranging from everyday products of coffee, soup cubes and olive oil, to luxury goods such as truffles and caviar. A further 100 tonnes of misdeclared and/or potentially hazardous food was confiscated during investigations linked to Operation Opson II.
Operation Opson II (3 – 9 December), which involved 29 countries from all regions of the world, resulted in the recovery of more than 385,000 litres of counterfeit liquids including vodka, wine, soy sauce and orange juice in addition to fish, seafood and meat declared unfit for human consumption, as well as fake candy bars and condiments.
With the fake and substandard food and drink often produced, transported and stored without any form of regulation or hygiene controls, consumers buying these illicit goods are risking their health and safety while the criminal networks make millions in profits which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking.
Operation Opson II saw the number of participating countries rise from 10 in 2011 to nearly 30 this year, an increase which, says Simone Di Meo, a Criminal Intelligence Officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods unit, reflects a growing awareness of the problem and involvement by organized crime.
“With this year’s operation going beyond Europe and involving countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia, this will enable us to gather even more intelligence about the networks behind this criminal activity and potentially identify global links with other types of crime,” says Mr Di Meo.
Coordinated by INTERPOL and Europol, the week-long operation was supported by customs, police and national food regulatory bodies in addition to partners from the private sector. Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.
“With this operation, we are showing the criminal networks involved in this line of business that they are not safe and, just as importantly, we are helping to protect public health and safety. In many cases, the quality of the packaging of the fake food and drink is so well done that consumers may not even be aware that they are buying illicit products and potentially risking their lives,” says Chris Vansteenkiste, Project Manager of the Intellectual Property Crime Team at Europol.
Among the key aims of Operation Opson (meaning food in ancient Greek) were the development of practical cooperation between national law enforcement, food and drug agencies and private companies, the identification of the organized criminal groups behind the trafficking, and raising awareness among consumers and governments about this type of crime.
Countries which took part in Operation Opson II are Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the USA.
Investigations are continuing in many countries and additional information on national activities can be obtained from the enforcement agencies of the countries concerned.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
London, UK, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JA Mining is redefining the investment logic of cloud mining. As a compliant platform certified by the UK FCA, JA Mining has launched a low-threshold, highly transparent digital asset mining service to the world, which does not require hardware or technology, can be deployed with one click, and has daily returns, truly realizing “making mining as simple as depositing money”.
“Our mission is to make cryptocurrency investment truly part of the lives of ordinary people,” said a JAMining spokesperson. “The platform perfectly combines advanced trading logic with intuitive operations to provide users with a simple, safe and efficient digital investment entry.”
Intelligently driven, zero-threshold experience
It only takes a few minutes for new users to register and start trading. Register and receive your $100 to get familiar with the platform. When you know enough about it, you can invest and choose the contract plan that suits you.
Compared with traditional manual trading, the new platform drives decision-making with data, avoids the risks caused by emotional fluctuations or market delays, and is more suitable for investors seeking stable returns and transparent operating experience.
Multiple security, full transparency
With its many years of experience in cloud mining security operations in Europe, North America and Asia, JAMining has built a financial-level security system for the platform, including offline cold wallet storage, end-to-end data encryption and multi-factor authentication mechanisms to fully protect user assets. The platform is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), further enhancing its legitimacy and user trust.
The user interface is simple and intuitive, and you can view daily profits and account growth in real time. All historical transaction data can be tracked to ensure that every operation is open, verifiable and has no hidden costs or capital lock-up clauses.
The following is the potential profit table of the platform contract:
The platform will update the contract plan from time to time. For current plans, please visit ：www.jamining.com.
Grasp the trend and move towards the mainstream
Currently, Bitcoin is at a critical moment of stability but full of variables. Although the price has approached the historical high, the market liquidity is sufficient, and the investment sentiment continues to heat up, the upcoming large-scale option expiration event may become an important catalyst for the short-term trend. The next 48 hours may become a window period to determine the next stage of the trend.
In such a market environment, it is particularly important to choose an efficient, intelligent and risk-controlled platform. JA Mining automated trading system relies on real-time data analysis and pattern recognition technology to accurately capture the price trends of mainstream currencies (such as Bitcoin). Even if users lack trading experience, they can steadily grasp the market rhythm and maximize their profits.
Register now and use JA Mining to enter a new era of intelligent digital asset allocation, grasp the pulse of the market, and easily participate in the growth of global crypto wealth.
Media Contact:
JA Mining
info@jamining.com
www.jamining.com
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Press Release
27 June 2025
SALE OF CUSTODY BUSINESS IN HSBC GERMANY
HSBC Continental Europe has reached an agreement to sell its custody business in Germany to BNP Paribas S.A, Niederlassung Deutschland (‘BNP Paribas’) (the ‘Potential Transaction’), reinforcing its focus on being the leading corporate and institutional bank in Germany and Europe for international clients.
This decision forms part of the simplification strategy of HSBC announced in October 2024. HSBC is focused on increasing its leadership and market share in the areas where it has a clear competitive advantage, and where it has the greatest opportunity to grow and support its clients. This includes connecting European clients to opportunities across HSBC’s international network. For Securities Services, this means focusing on HSBC’s market-leading franchise in Asia and the Middle East and providing best in class custody and fund services to clients in the UK and Europe via our strategic hubs in London, Ireland and Luxembourg.
The custody business in Germany focuses on domestic custody, clearing and depository services for German institutional clients.
All custody staff employed by HSBC Continental Europe S.A., Germany, as well as its assets and clients, would transfer to BNP Paribas as part of the Potential Transaction.
Completion of the Potential Transaction is subject to customary regulatory and anti-trust approvals and the conclusion of negotiations with the Works Council in Germany.
A phased transfer of staff and clients starting early 2026 is anticipated. Both parties are focused on enabling a smooth transition for clients and colleagues.
The analysis of strategic options for HSBC Germany’s fund administration business is ongoing.
Contacts:
HSBC Continental Europe
Headquartered in Paris, HSBC Continental Europe is an indirectly held subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. HSBC Continental Europe comprises corporate and institutional banking, private banking, insurance and asset management activities across Continental Europe, including the business activities of 10 European branches (in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden) and two banking subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Malta. HSBC Continental Europe’s mission is to serve both customers in Continental Europe for their needs worldwide and Group customers for their needs in Continental Europe.
HSBC Continental Europe S.A., Germany (‘HSBC Germany’)
HSBC Germany is the German branch of HSBC Continental Europe, whose activities comprise corporate and institutional banking, private banking and asset management.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,054bn at 31 March 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
About BNP Paribas (group.bnpparibas)
Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.
About Securities Services at BNP Paribas (securities.cib.bnpparibas)
BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business is a leading global custodian providing multi-asset post-trade and asset servicing solutions to buy-side and sell-side market participants, corporates, and issuers. With a global reach covering 90+ markets, its custody network is one of the most extensive in the industry, enabling clients to maximise their investment opportunities worldwide. As a pillar of BNP Paribas’ diversified banking model, Securities Services provides asset servicing solutions that are closely integrated with the first-class services of the Group’s other business lines, in particular those of Global Banking and Global Markets. As of 31 March 2025, Securities Services had USD 15.4 trillion in assets under custody, USD 2.9 trillion in assets under administration and 9,350 funds administered.
Attachment
Source: Samsung
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow applicants at Chandigarh University
In the buzzing classrooms of Khaitan Public School, spirited debates and whiteboard sketches gave way to something bigger — a new generation of changemakers emerging through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. The national innovation contest, launched on April 29, 2025, continues to energize students across the country, and its recent roadshows in Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh are proving just how powerful young minds can be when given the right tools.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme empowers 14-22-year-olds to identify real-world problems and build tech-based solutions using design thinking. The winning four teams receive INR 1 crore, expert mentorship from Samsung and IIT Delhi, investor connects, and prototyping support to help them bring their vision to life.
In recent weeks, the Samsung team engaged with students at Khaitan Public School in Ghaziabad, Lingua Institute and Galgotias College in Delhi, and ITS College in Noida, sparking curiosity and inviting questions from teens eager to make a difference.
For Ishita, a class 12 student from Khaitan Public School, the roadshow was a wake-up call. “I always thought innovation was something for scientists or tech giants. But now I see that even a student like me can solve a local issue using creativity and tech,” she said, already brainstorming a solution around water conservation in her locality.
Her classmate Tanya Chaudhary came in with a rough idea to help senior citizens navigate healthcare access. “After the session, I feel like I finally know how to start. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gave me the confidence to build something that matters,” said Tanya.
Astha Nautiyal, also from Khaitan, wants to use AI to address the rise in teenage anxiety. “Mental health is something we all deal with, but no one talks about it enough. I want to create something that helps teens feel seen and supported,” she said.
Enthusiasm was at its peak at Khaitan Public School in New Delhi
At Galgotias, students discussed a range of topics — from pollution control to AI-based traffic solutions. One group even explored using recycled materials to build smart street furniture that serves both utility and sustainability goals.
The open houses weren’t just information sessions — they were a platform for exchange, inspiration, and self-belief. Students walked out not just with ideas, but with a roadmap.
“Through Solve for Tomorrow, I got the opportunity to treat my ideas not just as a concept but a working prototype. What started as a classroom project is now being shaped with feedback from mentors and experts across disciplines. Meeting other young innovators has been incredibly motivating—it made me believe that with the right support, even students like me can solve real-world problems that impact millions. I am really motivated to apply,” said Mahak Singh, Chandigarh University.
As the roadshows continue to roll across India, these open houses in Delhi-NCR are proving that innovation doesn’t start in labs — it starts in classrooms, in conversations, and in the minds of students who dare to ask what if?
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow isn’t just shaping ideas — it’s shaping a generation that’s ready to solve, lead, and inspire.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The action-packed Japanese animated mystery film “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” held its Shanghai premiere on June 24, with producers attending in person and connecting via video link to nearly 10,000 audience members at post-screening events across 50 locations in China.
The Japanese producers of “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” pose with a performer dressed as Kogoro Mouri, fans and a Chinese calligraphy scroll at the film’s premiere in Shanghai, June 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Road Pictures]
Directed by Katsuya Shigehara in his feature debut, the new “Detective Conan” film is the 28th installment in the popular case-solving franchise based on Gosho Aoyama’s manga series.
The film follows Conan Edogawa and Kogoro Mouri as they investigate a case linked to Inspector Yamato Kansuke’s past and the origins of his eye injury, sustained during an avalanche after glimpsing a mysterious figure. The characters race to unlock Kansuke’s forgotten memories and reveal a dangerous conspiracy.
Chinese fans were delighted by the film’s rich references to Chinese culture. The character Takaaki Morofushi is inspired by Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, the revered strategist from China’s Three Kingdoms period (220-265).
The film’s dialogue also features wisdom from ancient Chinese classics, including Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and “Biographies of Assassins” from Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian.”
Producers Shuho Kondo, Takeshi Yoshida and Yuhei Okada received loud applause when they took the stage at the premiere. Kondo revealed that, as a devoted fan of the Chinese classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” he helped conceive the character Takaaki Morofushi — a fusion of Zhuge Liang’s intellect and the archetype of a Japanese military commander.
“Eighteen years later, seeing a character I helped create take a major role in this theatrical film moves me deeply,” Kondo said.
Later, Chinese fans presented the producers with copies of China’s Four Great Classical Novels as gifts. Kondo, visibly moved, said he loved “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and kept two Japanese editions at home for regular reference.
For Okada, attending the premiere in China marked his first international trip. “I arrived in Shanghai yesterday and walked through the streets, feeling everyone’s love for ‘Detective Conan.’ Seeing the audience’s passion at the premiere moved me deeply,” he noted.
Okada said he had wanted to create a story highlighting private detective Kogoro Mouri’s abilities and made a special request to original creator Gosho Aoyama during production to bring the story to life.
The film has received widespread praise, with some hailing it as the best “Detective Conan” theatrical release in nearly a decade. It is currently Japan’s highest-grossing film of the year.
Producer Takeshi Yoshida said, “I believe the success of ‘Detective Conan’ comes from everyone’s love for the series and our team’s years of hard work. To repay this support, we’ll keep improving to deliver even better films.”
The producers also presented a hand-brushed calligraphy scroll bearing the phrase “We Love Conan Here,” expressing sincere appreciation for Chinese fans.
Audiences explore immersive installations at the “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” premiere in Shanghai, June 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Road Pictures]
Road Pictures, known for organizing large-scale movie events, connected fans across 50 theaters through synchronized broadcasts. The event included video greetings in Mandarin and Shanghainese from voice actors Minami Takayama (Conan Edogawa), Rikiya Koyama (Kogoro Mouri) and Wakana Yamazaki (Ran Mouri).
The event also featured an exclusive illustration by director Katsuya Shigehara depicting the characters in Chinese-inspired attire, accompanied by the message, “Let’s meet at the cinema this summer.”
The premiere venue featured immersive installations designed to recreate the film’s atmosphere. These included a giant ribbon scarf suspended above the theater entrance and a life-size replica of the Mouri Detective Agency stood in the lobby, alongside a five-meter snowy mountain set, ice sculpture and interactive games.
At the end of the screening, shimmering confetti and red ribbons were released into the packed 1,000-seat theater, reflecting the film’s themes of mystery and romance.
“Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback” opens nationwide on June 27.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing has made significant progress in becoming a global benchmark city for the digital economy over the past five years, thanks to the “two zones” initiative, officials said at a press conference Monday.
The “two zones” initiative refers to Beijing’s dual efforts to develop a pilot free trade zone and a national comprehensive demonstration zone for further opening up the service sector. The initiative has helped drive reform, foster a thriving digital industry ecosystem, and accelerate the application of cutting-edge technologies.
According to Liu Weiliang, spokesperson for the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the city has gained a competitive edge in frontier digital technologies. General-purpose AI models such as Doubao and Kimi have achieved strong global performance, placing Beijing among the top tier of global innovators. In brain-computer interface research, Beijing’s Beinao-1 system successfully completed one of the world’s first flexible, semi-invasive, fully implanted wireless human trials and has begun clinical validation. Meanwhile, the Tiangong robot made headlines by winning the world’s first half-marathon title for humanoid robots.
With the world’s largest and most advanced information and communication infrastructure, China has made great strides in digital connectivity, and Beijing is leading the way. The capital has built 143,900 5G base stations — ranking first in China in terms of density, with the highest number of stations per 10,000 people. With 16,000 5G-A base stations, Beijing has over 1,000 residential communities now capable of supporting 10-gigabit broadband access.
The Beijing International Big Data Exchange has been central to the city’s efforts in cultivating a high-quality data market. The exchange has seen rapid growth, with cumulative data transactions reaching 2,250 terabytes and an average annual growth rate of over 200% over the past three years. It has processed more than 100 million high-frequency data requests and introduced 567 high-quality datasets, of which 171 have already been traded. These include text, image, audio, and video formats, highlighting rising market demand, growing product diversity, and active participation.
Telecommunications has also seen broader opening to foreign investment. Wang Hui, deputy director of the Beijing Communications Administration, said that 10 foreign-invested enterprises have been approved for value-added telecom service trials in the city — accounting for 40% of the national total. These approvals cover services such as internet access, online data processing, and information services, and involve well-known multinational corporations with operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
According to Wang, these companies, many of which are local subsidiaries of global giants, are leveraging their international experience and advanced technologies to support Beijing’s goals. Some offer high-quality network solutions to build platforms for clients across supply chains; some focus on sectors like aviation and automotive manufacturing, providing specialized data and IT services; and several others use their global expertise to support Beijing-based companies in going global, while emerging internet firms are helping diversify service options for local users.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Thursday released a new version of its corporate strategy for the period of 2021-2030, outlining its roadmap for future development.
Unveiled at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of the Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from June 24 to 26, the new version is an update of the one that AIIB released five years ago.
AIIB’s previous version of corporate strategy defines its mission as “financing infrastructure for tomorrow,” with the operational focus on green infrastructure, connectivity and regional cooperation, technology-enabled infrastructure, and private capital mobilization.
Under the updated strategy, AIIB aims to double its annual financing goal to $17 billion in 2030, and maximize climate impact, targeting over 50% of its own financing to climate-related investments annually in 2025. In fact, AIIB has surpassed this target for three consecutive years since 2022.
Since its establishment 10 years ago, AIIB has maintained a clearly defined mission of addressing infrastructure financing and development needs across Asia and beyond. It champions multilateralism by enhancing infrastructure connectivity, advancing regional economic integration, and improving people’s living standards.
As of the first day of the annual meeting on June 24, AIIB had approved a total of 322 projects, with financing exceeding US$60 billion. These investments have mobilized over $200 billion in capital for infrastructure development, benefiting 38 members across Asia and beyond.
At the meeting, AIIB released the report titled “Scaling Impact through Collaboration: Shaping the Future of AIIB Partnership in the Multilateral Development Bank Context,” reiterating its firm commitment in multilateralism.
“The past decade has been a decade of collaboration,” said Jin Liqun, president of AIIB, at a press conference of the annual meeting. He said such cooperation has manifested both in AIIB’s partnerships with other institutions.
The AIIB is embarking on a new decade-long journey and stands ready to deepen collaboration with its diverse partners, including the World Bank, private capital providers, philanthropic organizations, and others, Jin said.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Starting June 28, the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant of the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme will be merged into the Compassionate Grant (CG), the Social Welfare Department announced today.
An applicant eligible for the CG will receive $330 per day for a maximum of 60 days of sick leave.
Subject to meeting other criteria, a CG applicant must obtain certification from a registered medical practitioner, including a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, that his/her injury requires hospitalisation for no less than seven days or sick leave for at least seven days. An applicant can only apply for CG once within two years.
The revised arrangements will apply to applications involving traffic accidents that happen at or after midnight on June 28. Victims of traffic accidents that happened before that time can still apply for the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant.
The arrangements for the other three grants under the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, ie the Burial Grant, Death Grant and Disability Grant, will remain unchanged.
The Social Welfare Department explained that the Government has no intention of altering the original policy intent of the scheme. It said the revised arrangements, approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee today, aim to enhance the scheme so that it can provide modest but timely relief to victims of traffic accidents in a sustainable manner, help victims overcome short-term financial difficulties, ensure proper use of public resources, and prevent abuse and fraudulent behaviour.
For individuals with financial difficulties or other welfare needs, the department said it will provide them with appropriate support, including referring them to apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or other assistance.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Indian stock markets ended on a strong note on Friday, with benchmark indices touching a nine-month high. Investor sentiment remained upbeat as tensions in West Asia eased and reports of a potential ‘great’ India-US trade deal lifted market confidence, encouraging buying across sectors.
The Sensex climbed 303.03 points, or 0.36 per cent, to close at 84,058.90. It traded within a range of 83,645.41 to 84,089.35 during the day.
This marked the fourth consecutive session of gains for the benchmark index, indicating a steady upward trend. The Nifty also saw similar momentum, rising 88.80 points, or 0.35 per cent, to end the day at 25,637.80. The index moved between 25,523 and 25,654 during intra-day trade.
“The Nifty continued to move higher as investor confidence remained strong. With no major resistance seen before the 25,750–25,800 range, the index may continue its upward trajectory,” said Rupak De of LKP Securities.
He added that a buy-on-dips strategy appears more appropriate at current levels, following the sharp rise in recent sessions. On the downside, support is placed at 25,500; a break below this level could lead to a phase of consolidation.
The Sensex had last touched the 84,000 mark in October 2024, while the Nifty had previously reached 25,639 on October 3 last year.
Broader markets also mirrored the bullish sentiment. The Nifty Midcap100 index rose 0.27 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 jumped 0.91 per cent—indicating that investor interest remained strong beyond large-cap stocks.
Barring the Nifty Consumer Durables, Realty, IT, and FMCG indices, all other sectoral indices on the NSE closed in the green.
The Nifty Oil & Gas index outperformed both its sectoral peers and the benchmark indices, ending 1.19 per cent higher.
Volatility also eased, with the India VIX—the market’s fear gauge—slipping 1.60 per cent to settle at 12.39, suggesting growing investor confidence in near-term market stability.
-IANS
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a major step towards enhancing digital engagement, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a WhatsApp chatbot integration with the MY Bharat portal, aimed at streamlining access to youth-centric services and boosting participation in national programs.
The chatbot, now live on the MY Bharat portal and accessible directly via WhatsApp at 7289001515, allows users to explore a range of features such as experiential learning programs, volunteering opportunities, CV creation, mentorship, organisation creation/joining, issue reporting, and platform support. Users can simply initiate a session by sending ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp number and verifying their identity through OTP.
Upcoming features will include in-app registrations, media uploads for events, downloadable notifications, reminders, task completion tracking, and delivery of certificates and official documents. The chatbot will also provide real-time updates on government schemes, events, and volunteering opportunities, keeping users informed and involved.
This integration is part of the government’s broader vision to embed public services into the digital platforms most commonly used by the youth, offering a convenient, mobile-first interface for faster access and interaction.
MY Bharat, developed by the Department of Youth Affairs and the Digital India Corporation under MeitY, is a technology-driven platform designed to empower India’s youth through the ethos of ‘Seva Bhav’ and ‘Kartavya Bodh’, promoting active participation in nation-building through capacity building, mentorship, and service-oriented initiatives.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a major step towards enhancing digital engagement, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a WhatsApp chatbot integration with the MY Bharat portal, aimed at streamlining access to youth-centric services and boosting participation in national programs.
The chatbot, now live on the MY Bharat portal and accessible directly via WhatsApp at 7289001515, allows users to explore a range of features such as experiential learning programs, volunteering opportunities, CV creation, mentorship, organisation creation/joining, issue reporting, and platform support. Users can simply initiate a session by sending ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp number and verifying their identity through OTP.
Upcoming features will include in-app registrations, media uploads for events, downloadable notifications, reminders, task completion tracking, and delivery of certificates and official documents. The chatbot will also provide real-time updates on government schemes, events, and volunteering opportunities, keeping users informed and involved.
This integration is part of the government’s broader vision to embed public services into the digital platforms most commonly used by the youth, offering a convenient, mobile-first interface for faster access and interaction.
MY Bharat, developed by the Department of Youth Affairs and the Digital India Corporation under MeitY, is a technology-driven platform designed to empower India’s youth through the ethos of ‘Seva Bhav’ and ‘Kartavya Bodh’, promoting active participation in nation-building through capacity building, mentorship, and service-oriented initiatives.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India has strongly condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka, calling out the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government for attempting to frame the incident as a case of illegal land use.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We understand that extremists were clamouring for the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as a case of illegal land use and allowed the destruction of the temple today”
“This has resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted. We are dismayed that such incidents continue to recur in Bangladesh. Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions,” he added.
India reminded Bangladesh of its duty to safeguard minorities. “Let me underline that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus, their properties, and their religious institutions,” the MEA spokesperson said.
(With agency input)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BEIJING, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that each of the proposed resolutions submitted for shareholders’ approval (the “Proposed Resolutions”) as set forth in the notice of annual general meeting dated April 17, 2025 have been adopted at the meeting held in Beijing, China today.
After the adoption of the Proposed Resolutions, all corporate authorizations and actions contemplated thereunder are approved, including, among other things, that (i) Mr. Jeffrey Zhaohui Li is re-elected as a non-executive director and Ms. Xiaohong Chen is re-elected as an independent non-executive director of the Company, and (ii) the directors of the Company are granted a general unconditional mandate to allot, issue and deal with additional Class A ordinary shares or equivalents and a general unconditional mandate to repurchase the Company’s own shares, respectively, on the terms and in the periods as set out in the notice of annual general meeting.
About KE Holdings Inc.
KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
KE Holdings Inc.
Investor Relations
Siting Li
E-mail: ir@ke.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com
Source: KE Holdings Inc.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that conditions are becoming favourable for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon over the remaining parts of the country within the next two to three days. This development is expected to bring much-needed rainfall to regions still awaiting the seasonal downpour.
Over the next week, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue across several parts of Northwest, Central, Eastern, and Northeastern India. Isolated areas, particularly in Saurashtra and Kutch, are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on Friday, signalling the monsoon’s growing intensity.
In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain active with periodic showers and thunderstorms over the next four days.
On June 27, Delhi will witness partly cloudy skies with very light to light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning during the afternoon/evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 36°C and 38°C, remaining close to normal. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast at a moderate pace.
June 28 will see generally cloudy skies and light to moderate rain with thunderstorm activity during the evening/night. Day temperatures are likely to be slightly below normal, ranging from 35°C to 37°C, while night temperatures will hover between 26°C and 28°C.
On June 29, the weather will continue to remain cloudy, with light to moderate showers expected throughout the day. Both day and night temperatures are set to drop further, with maximum temperatures ranging between 32°C and 34°C, and minimums between 25°C and 27°C. Winds will shift to a westerly direction in the morning before gradually turning southwesterly and picking up speed in the evening.
June 30 is forecast to bring similar weather, with continued rain and thunderstorms expected. Temperatures will remain in the range of 32°C to 34°C during the day and 25°C to 27°C at night, slightly below normal for this time of year. Winds will shift direction again, beginning from the west and later turning southerly.