Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China SCIO | June 11, 2025
Eastern China’s Nanjing is committed to making the biomedicine industry one of its leading industrial clusters, as part of the city’s efforts to foster new quality productive forces, a city official said Monday.
Nanjing Biotech and Pharmaceutical Valley. [Photo provided to China SCIO]
Wu Gang, deputy head of the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, said that Nanjing benefits from rich educational and industrial resources, which provide a strong foundation for the development of biomedicine and biopharmaceutical industries.
Data shows that the city is home to four specialized colleges and over 20 key universities offering related programs. Each year, more than 60,000 graduates in the city complete their studies in biomedicine, ranking among the top in China.
In addition, Wu said that the city has developed a complete industrial chain in the biomedicine sector, integrating education, research, industrialization, and clinical application.
Nanjing has been hard at work to upgrade its biomedicine industry. In 2020, it introduced several key policies including a five-year plan for biomedicine industry development and an action plan for building a biomedicine industry cluster. These policies have provided comprehensive support for high-quality growth, with specific measures to foster R&D innovation, facilitate technology transfer, streamline regulatory approvals, and ensure talent development.
The efforts have paid off. In 2024, Nanjing’s biomedicine industry generated over 210 billion yuan (US$29.25 billion) in revenue, up 5% from the previous year. Additionally, Nanjing now hosts 1,032 high-tech biomedicine enterprises and 35 national-level “little giant” firms, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products.
At the core of this success is the Nanjing Biotech and Pharmaceutical Valley (NJBPV), a biopharma industrial park located in Nanjing Jiangbei New Area. Established in 2011, NJBPV is home to over 1,300 life sciences companies, including five listed firms and 53 cutting-edge SMEs.
A lab at biopharmaceutical company IASO Bio. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]
“The valley focuses on gene and cell therapies, innovative drugs, and high-end medical devices,” said Yang Tao, deputy director of the Life and Health Industry Development Management Office of Nanjing Jiangbei New Area. He added that over 400 drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies in the valley have already received market approval in China.
Yang also noted that Nanjing Jiangbei New Area encourages these pharmaceutical companies to expand their footprint by providing tailored support regarding operational needs, regulatory requirements, and market entry challenges.
For instance, IASO Bio, located in NJBPV, is a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in innovative cell therapies. The company reached a milestone in recent months by delivering to a resident in Hong Kong its flagship CAR-T therapy , a cutting-edge cancer treatment, according to Zhang Jinhua, the firm’s founder and CEO.
The therapy requires strict time control when transporting the patient’s blood samples to IASO Bio for the production of CAR-T cell therapy drug, which was then delivered across the border to Hong Kong. Zhang said that after learning about the company’s needs, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area worked with local customs authorities to streamline clearance procedures, reducing delivery time to under 30 hours for blood samples and 144 hours for the final cell products.
“After successfully establishing a cross-border delivery channel through Hong Kong, we’re now applying to expand this model to more regions and countries,” Zhang said.
Delhi continues to reel under an intense heatwave as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the national capital on Wednesday. The IMD has warned that daytime temperatures in Delhi could reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, with night-time lows hovering around 29 degrees Celsius, providing little relief even after sunset. The ongoing weather conditions are part of a prolonged heatwave affecting large parts of northwestern India.
“Very hot weather conditions are likely to persist over Delhi till at least June 12,” the IMD said in its latest bulletin. The extreme temperatures, combined with high humidity levels in certain areas, have pushed the ‘feels-like’ temperature to around 50 degrees Celsius, making the situation even more challenging for people across the capital.
Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius, which is 3.6 degrees above the seasonal average, as per IMD data.
The high temperature and oppressive heat led the IMD to extend its orange alert into Wednesday, urging people to take all necessary precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, and minimising outdoor activities.
The heatwave warning also covers much of northwest India, with the IMD predicting similar conditions to prevail for the next four to five days.
Authorities are advising residents, particularly the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, to remain indoors as much as possible and to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Meteorologists suggest a gradual abatement of the heatwave after June 12, but until then, the capital remains firmly under the grip of extreme summer heat. (IANS)
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)
Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025, H.R. 252, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) earlier this year. H.R. 252 will strengthen our national security by prohibiting certain foreign entities, including state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from entering into contracts for the ownership, leasing, or operation of U.S. port facilities that are subject to security plans.
“I want to thank my House colleagues for passing the Secure Our Ports Act and taking an important step in protecting our critically important port facilities,” said Rep. Calvert. “America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce. We cannot jeopardize America’s economic and national security by allowing foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, to own and operate port infrastructure.”
The Secure Our Ports Act prohibits the ownership, leasing, or operation of port facilities by an entity that is a Chinese, Russian, North Korean, or Iranian state-owned enterprise, or a foreign entity for which any percentage is owned by one of those four countries.
According to reports, “China owns or operates ports and terminals at nearly 100 locations in over 50 countries.” Last year, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party issued a reporthighlighting its national security concerns over the influence of critical port infrastructure by Chinese-owned enterprises. Recently, the Defense Department included a number of Chinese shipping firms to a list of companies it identifies as military in nature.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ12: Urban renewal Question:
The Urban Renewal Authority published in 2022 the District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok – Information Booklet, which proposed a new planning tool called “transfer of plot ratio” (i.e. allowing the transfer of gross floor area from small sites with limited redevelopment potentials (“sending sites”) to sizable redevelopment sites at strategic locations (“receiving sites”)). Subsequently, the Town Planning Board launched a pilot scheme on transfer of plot ratio (the Pilot Scheme) with Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei as pilot areas, and the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok is the first project. On the other hand, in the reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on March 19 this year, the Government indicated that it would study the feasibility of cross-district transfer of plot ratios (i.e. transferring the residual plot ratios of redevelopment projects in old districts for use in new development areas (NDAs)), so as to incentivise market participation in redevelopment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it will draw on the experience of projects under the Pilot Scheme to allow developers to transfer the residual plot ratios of small redevelopment sites in old districts other than Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei for use in sizeable redevelopment sites in the same district or in other districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) given that there are views pointing out that the value of land in old districts is generally higher than that in NDAs, whether the Government will study adjusting the plot ratio to be transferred based on the price per square foot of the “sending and receiving sites” (e.g. allowing a higher plot ratio for sites in NDAs with lower prices per square foot when receiving gross floor area from sites in old districts with higher prices per square foot), so as to attract developer participation in redevelopment; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether it will consider requiring that a portion of land from the “sending sites” be allocated for Green Belt, Open Space, and Government, Institution or Community uses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) completed the District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok in 2021, which put forward a number of recommendations and new planning tools, including a pilot scheme for transfer of plot ratio (TPR) within the same district. To follow up on this recommendation, the Town Planning Board promulgated guidelines for the pilot scheme on TPR for Yau Mong Districts in July 2023, allowing the transfer of unutilised plot ratio from sending site(s) (SS) to receiving site(s) (RS) within the same Outline Zoning Plan to enhance redevelopment incentives. As mentioned in the question, the URA’s Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok is the first pilot redevelopment project to adopt TPR, which consolidated and transferred the unutilised plot ratio of several small and scattered sites without redevelopment potential to a larger site for mixed development, so as to enhance planning gains and the commercial viability of the project.
To encourage and expedite urban renewal, the Development Bureau is conducting a policy study to examine the use of newly developed land to drive large-scale urban redevelopment projects, including cross-district TPR. Unlike the above-mentioned pilot scheme on TPR within the same district, we will consider allowing cross-district transfer of unutilised plot ratio from the SS to new development areas, and reducing the density of old districts. We will complete the policy study and put forward preliminary recommendations within this year.
My reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Yang Wing-kit is as follows:
(1) Our preliminary view is to extend TPR to old districts other than Yau Mong Districts, so that more redevelopment projects can benefit. We are conducting an analysis on expanding the coverage of districts. Details will be provided when announcing preliminary recommendations within this year.
(2) As mentioned by the Member, the land value in old districts is different from that in new development areas, with the former typically higher than the latter. Therefore, one of the key design challenges is to address the land value difference across districts. The effectiveness will depend on whether the value transferred to the RS can reasonably reflect the value of the unutilised plot ratio at the SS. Meanwhile, the mechanism should be simple and easy to implement, providing market certainty and avoiding unnecessary administrative burden. We will finalise the recommendations along such directions.
(3) Our goal is to encourage the URA and landowners holding old buildings in the market to take forward redevelopment in order to address the potential risks associated with ageing structures and improve the conditions of old districts. Premised on a balance between this policy objective and the project financial viability, we will also consider in the above policy study whether requirements to provide public open spaces and/or government, community, and institutional facilities should be imposed on the SS. Issued at HKT 14:30
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — China will continue to push forward the comprehensive reform pilot in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, deepening reform and innovation in the city and expanding its opening-up, according to a guideline released Tuesday.
The document, jointly released by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, outlines a new series of reform measures for Shenzhen to overcome institutional barriers in education, science and high-caliber talent training in a coordinated manner. It calls for strengthening the deep integration of innovation, industry, capital and talent chains, and exploring new paths, scenarios and platforms for cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also envisages pilot projects in areas such as building a modern, international and innovative city.
As noted in the document, Shenzhen will deepen reform and expand opening-up from a higher starting point, at a higher level and to achieve higher goals, creating more new practices that can be replicated and disseminated. The city will further enhance its role as an important driving force for the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a development stimulating center in the national strategy, and contribute to and set a model for the all-round construction of a modern socialist country.
As part of the reform, foreign investors are encouraged to establish professional educational organizations in the city in accordance with the rules and introduce advanced advanced training courses, faculty and teaching methods.
According to the document, employers in Shenzhen will be given greater autonomy in recruiting and managing foreign specialists.
The document said Shenzhen will carry out reforms to enhance data security management capacity and explore efficient, convenient and secure mechanisms for cross-border data transfer while complying with relevant laws and regulations.
In accordance with the guidelines, the results achieved in the pilot comprehensive reform programmes will be monitored and successful experiences will be disseminated on a wider scale. -0-
Effective plastic waste management in Southeast Asia depends on strong data governance frameworks that are practical, inclusive, and enforceable. By clearly defining what should be governed—such as data assets, processes, stakeholders, and compliance areas—and how it should be governed—through policies, roles, structures, and monitoring mechanisms—stakeholders can ensure data is accurate, secure, and actionable.
A well-designed and functioning governance operating model connects strategic intent with operational execution, supported by a bottom-up enforcement loop that keeps the system accountable and adaptive.
As the region moves toward digitalization and a circular plastic economy, digital tools and collaborative governance will be essential to unlocking the full potential of data in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Note: Data governance for plastic waste management will be part of the discussions during ADB’sCircular Economy Forum, particularly on 18 June (Wednesday), 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., with the session Data Governance Framework, under Track 3: Digitalization of the Plastic Value Chain. For more details, see the programhere.
As the Modi government marks the completion of eleven years in office, one of the most striking shifts in India’s defence landscape has been the growing presence of women in uniform. From policy reforms to breaking long-standing barriers, the journey over the past decade has redefined the role of women in the armed forces, both symbolically and structurally.
Back in 2014, the number of women officers across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force stood at just around 3,000. Today, that figure has crossed 11,000, signalling not only a change in numbers but also in the institutional mindset. Over the years, the government has opened new avenues for women in defence, including extending permanent commission to women officers—a long-pending demand that was finally addressed. As of now, 507 women officers have been granted permanent commission, allowing them to pursue full careers and assume leadership positions across various branches.
Perhaps the most visible testament to this transformation came with the historic decision to induct female cadets into the National Defence Academy (NDA). The Academy, long considered the cradle of military leadership in India, admitted its first batch of 17 female cadets in August 2022 as part of the 148th course. Since then, the number has grown steadily, with 126 female cadets joining across four batches till the 153rd course.
The moment reached its culmination on May 30, 2025, when the pioneering group of 17 women graduated alongside 319 male cadets from the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. This landmark event, while ceremonial in nature, carried immense symbolic weight. It reflected the Armed Forces’ growing commitment to inclusion and merit, and the belief that strength, resilience, and leadership are not confined to any one gender.
Beyond training academies, the presence of women has expanded across various roles, including combat support and aviation. From piloting fighter jets in the Indian Air Force to handling operational command in naval and ground units, women officers today are occupying spaces once deemed inaccessible.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Holden Chow and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
In the 2017 Policy Address, the Government proposed the “Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities” to launch 26 projects to develop new and improve existing sports and recreation facilities. However, the Government indicated in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026 that four out of such 26 projects are still under planning. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) in respect of the aforesaid four projects still under planning, of (i) the dates when they were proposed, and (ii) the time lag to date since their proposal (set out in a table);
(2) as the Government has advised that among the aforesaid four projects, the project of Sports Ground and Open Space with Public Vehicle Park in Area 16, Tuen Mun (TMA16 Project) can only proceed after the depots of two franchised bus companies currently at the site concerned are relocated, and that the Government will actively co-ordinate in expediting the implementation of the depot relocation plans for the two franchised bus companies, of the latest progress of the relevant work, and how the Government will push forward the commencement of the TMA16 Project; and
(3) whether it will consider proceeding to tendering for the engagement of engineering consultants for the TMA16 Project as the first step, so as to kick-start the engineering design and submission of the planning applications as early as possible, thereby compressing the overall timeline of the project; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government announced in the 2017 Policy Address the “Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities” with a view to commencing 26 projects to increase and improve sports and recreation facilities. Among which, 13 projects have been opened or partially opened for public use while four projects are still under planning. Having consulted the relevant policy bureaux and departments, my reply to the questions raised by the Hon Holden Chow is set out below:
(1) In order to make optimal use of land resources, the Government announced in the 2018 Policy Address that the principle of “single site, multiple uses” would be adopted when implementing public works projects. In view of the public demand for parking spaces in the relevant districts, the Government has proposed to incorporate public vehicle parks into four sports and recreation facility projects under planning to meet the public needs for sports and recreation facilities and alleviate the demand for parking spaces in the districts concerned. The latest progress of the four projects is set out below:
Project
Date of obtaining support from the District Council (DC) upon revision of the proposed project facilities
Number of years since the date of obtaining support from the DC and current progress (up to 2025)
Sports Ground and Open Space with Public Vehicle Park in Area 16, Tuen Mun (TMA16 Project)
Support was obtained from Tuen Mun DC in February 2019
Around six years
The relevant site is currently used for several temporary purposes, including bus depots of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) and the Citybus Limited (Citybus), the Tuen Mun Training Ground and Testing Centre of the Construction Industry Council, as well as a fee-paying public vehicle park. The two bus companies have preliminarily identified new sites and submitted their applications for short-term tenancy (STT) to the Lands Department with a view to relocating their bus depots and returning the site for taking forward the project.
Football-cum-Rugby Pitch with Public Vehicle Park in Area 33, Tai Po
Support was obtained from Tai Po DC in November 2018.
Around six years
The Government consulted the DC about the conceptual design of the project on September 4, 2024.
“Design and build” (D&B) model will be adopted for the project. The Government will take the project forward in accordance with public works procedures.
Sports Facilities with Public Vehicle Park in Tung Tau Industrial Area, Yuen Long
Support was obtained from Yuen Long DC in January 2019.
Around six years
D&B model will be adopted for the project. The Government will take the project forward in accordance with public works procedures.
Open Space with Public Vehicle Park in Area 17, Tuen Mun
Support was obtained from Tuen Mun DC in June 2019
Around six years
The Government has engaged a consultant to undertake the design and planning applications for the project.
The Government will continue to review the order of priority of works projects under planning and update their works schedules as appropriate for using public resources more effectively.
(2) Regarding the TMA16 Project, relevant government departments have been actively assisting franchised bus operators in identifying sites for relocating the bus depots so as to vacate the site early for taking forward the project. Both the KMB and Citybus have submitted STT applications to the Lands Department for the use of government sites at the southern and northern ends of Ho Wo Street respectively for relocating the bus depots currently located at Area 16, Tuen Mun. The site at the southern end of Ho Wo Street was handed over to the KMB in March 2025. The KMB will carry out site formation and associated works as soon as practicable to expedite the commencement of the new bus depot thereat.
As for the site at the northern end of Ho Wo Street which Citybus has applied for, its underground drainage facilities pose certain technical constraints on the use of the land, including the feasibility of setting up petrol stations and vehicle-washing machines at the site. In this regard, relevant government departments are actively liaising with Citybus and exploring possible solutions. Upon the granting of STT, Citybus will commence the preparatory work for relocating its bus depot.
Relevant bureaux and departments will continue to co-ordinate and assist the two bus companies in the relocation exercise to ensure that the bus depots can be moved out and the site can be cleared as soon as practicable. Meanwhile, other preparatory work will continue to be carried out so that the works can be commenced immediately after the tender exercise is completed and funding approval is obtained from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
(3) To implement the TMA16 Project, the Government will adopt the D&B model under which bids for design works and building works will be invited under a single contract. The successful contractor is required to engage construction and design teams to carry out detailed design for the project simultaneously to shorten the overall construction period as well as make best use of its expertise and experience on building materials and construction techniques to enhance the design quality and cost-effectiveness of the project.
As the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 approaches, a host of celebrated personalities from film, music, and public service are lending their voices to promote the ancient Indian practice. What started as a national observance has transformed into a people’s movement, with this year’s IDY marking a decade of celebrations.
Former Puducherry Governor and retired IPS officer Dr. Kiran Bedi called yoga “another word for self-care and social care,” highlighting its relevance in modern life.
Veteran actors Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor echoed the sentiment. In a post on X, Kapoor said, “Yoga inspires, heals, and unites. Let’s embrace a healthier today and tomorrow through the spirit of Yoga Mahotsav,” while Anupam shared a video message encouraging everyone to “Celebrate Yoga”.
Wrestler and motivational speaker Sangram Singh emphasized yoga’s spiritual dimension, calling it a bridge between the physical and the inner self. Cultural icons like singer Kailash Kher and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh praised yoga as India’s timeless gift to the world.
Actors Manoj Joshi and Shilpa Shetty advocated for integrating yoga and Ayurvedic principles into daily life, while Rakul Preet Singh described yoga as a unifying force from ancient India to the global stage.
Their collective outreach, especially on social media, is energizing youth and digital audiences nationwide. As June 21 draws near, these influential voices are not just promoting yoga as a practice—but as a way of life.
In a push to curb rising dust pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday signed a tripartite agreement with the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate the implementation of a standardised framework for the redevelopment of urban roads, including paving and greening of footpaths and sidewalks — a measure seen as critical to reducing dust levels, a major contributor to air pollution in the region.
The agreement also envisions the setting up of a Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) at CAQM, with technical support from CRRI and SPA. The cell will be tasked with overseeing the phased rollout of the redevelopment framework across NCR states.
In the first phase, nine cities — all with significant urban and industrial footprints — have been identified for implementation. These include Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi and Neemrana. Officials said the cities were selected after consultations with the state governments and the Delhi administration.
According to CAQM, the standard framework includes scientific redesigning of road cross-sections, integration of green buffers along the right of way (ROW), and use of a web-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for regular maintenance. The plan also calls for adoption of newer technologies in road construction and dust control.
Both CRRI and SPA will provide technical and institutional support to the PMC, including help with recruitment, training and ongoing project guidance. A digital dashboard will also be developed to enable real-time monitoring of individual road projects, the commission said.
Transforming urban roads through scientific design, sustainable greening, and modern technologies is one of the key long term solutions for abating dust pollution from the roads and improvement of air quality in the region.
The world experienced its second-warmest May since records began, a month in which climate change fuelled a record-breaking heatwave in Greenland, scientists said on Wednesday.
Last month was Earth’s second-warmest May on record – exceeded only by May 2024 – rounding out the northern hemisphere’s second-hottest March-May spring on record, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said in a monthly bulletin.
Global surface temperatures last month averaged 1.4 degrees Celsius higher than in the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, C3S said.
That broke a run of extraordinary heat, in which 21 of the last 22 months had an average global temperature exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial times – although scientists warned this break was unlikely to last.
“Whilst this may offer a brief respite for the planet, we do expect the 1.5C threshold to be exceeded again in the near future due to the continued warming of the climate system,” said C3S director Carlo Buontempo.
The main cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Last year was the planet’s hottest on record.
A separate study, published by the World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists on Wednesday, found that human-caused climate change made a record-breaking heatwave in Iceland and Greenland last month about 3C hotter than it otherwise would have been – contributing to a huge additional melting of Greenland’s ice sheet.
“Even cold-climate countries are experiencing unprecedented temperatures,” said Sarah Kew, study co-author and researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.
The global threshold of 1.5C is the limit of warming which countries vowed under the Paris climate agreement to try to prevent, to avoid the worst consequences of warming.
The world has not yet technically breached that target – which refers to an average global temperature of 1.5C over decades.
However, some scientists have said it can no longer realistically be met, and have urged governments to cut CO2 emissions faster, to limit the overshoot and the fuelling of extreme weather.
C3S’s records go back to 1940, and are cross-checked with global temperature records going back to 1850.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
Many members of the public have relayed that under the circumstances of a lack of parking spaces, some businesses are occupying on-street parking spaces in various districts on a long-term basis or blocking them with objects in order to use such parking spaces for commercial activities. There are views that such practices defeat the original purpose of installing parking meters to prevent prolonged parking and occupation of road space by vehicles, violate the principle of fair use of public resources, and adversely affect motorists’ convenience when going out. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the measures taken by the Government in the past three years to combat the illegal long-term occupation of on-street parking spaces, and the relevant enforcement situation;
(2) as there are views pointing out that the long-term occupation of on-street parking spaces or their blockage with objects by businesses has existed in various districts for many years, what specific measures the Government has in place to step up efforts in combatting such practices; and
(3) as it is learnt that at present, some Mainland cities have implemented number plate recognition systems by installing sensors to identify vehicles in parking spaces to assist with enforcement, whether the authorities will consider introducing similar systems or other innovative technological devices at on-street parking spaces to assist law enforcement agencies in combatting the illegal occupation of on-street parking spaces, including long-term occupation, blockage with objects and holding of commercial activities?
Reply:
President,
It is the Government’s policy to centre on public transport, and the Government encourages the public to make good use of the public transport services as far as possible, so as to avoid aggravating the burden on road traffic resulting from excessive private cars (PCs). In response to the parking demand for both PCs and commercial vehicles, over the past years, the Government has been actively pursuing a host of short-term and medium-to-long-term measures, to increase the supply of parking spaces where circumstances permit. Over the past three years, the number of metered parking spaces (metered spaces) has increased by more than 2 300. Having consulted the Transport Department (TD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), a consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee is as follows:
(1) and (2) The Government has all along been combatting the illegal occupation of metered spaces, deterring fare evasion and other forms of illegal use, to enhance turnover and ensure these spaces meet short-term parking needs. The HKPF conducts inspections and takes enforcement actions against unpaid parking, and maintains close co-ordination with relevant departments, such as the TD, at the district level for ongoing monitoring. Since 2021, the new-generation parking meter system, equipped with sensors, can detect real-time occupancy and enable the TD to identify unpaid metered spaces through its backend computer system. The TD shares this information with the HKPF via a dedicated application to facilitate enforcement. In terms of actual operation, the meter operator engaged by the TD provides information of unpaid but occupied metered spaces detected by the meters’ sensors to the HKPF for follow-up, and dispatches personnel to regularly patrol parking meters in various districts. If any unlawful occupation of metered spaces is observed, the contractor will report the situation to relevant departments (for example, the HKPF, the Lands Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department) for enforcement. Currently, the contractor conducts daily inspections, and refers an average of about 120 000 cases per year to the HKPF for non-payment of parking fees, and the number of referrals concerning parking spaces occupied by non-vehicle items to the HKPF and other relevant departments has risen over the past three years to over 200 cases. The TD also refers public complaints to the appropriate authorities for action. Additionally, the HKPF continues its public awareness and education efforts. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of metered spaces increased by over 10 per cent, while revenue from metered parking fees rose by more than 40 per cent, suggesting improved compliance with paid parking regulations.
Regarding enforcement against other forms of illegal occupation, section 4A of the Summary Offences Ordinance stipulates that anyone who leaves objects in a public place – such as pallets/shop goods to reserve spaces – without reasonable excuse, causing obstruction, inconvenience, or danger to others or vehicles, is liable to a Level 4 fine ($25,000) or three months’ imprisonment.
(3) As mentioned above, the new generation parking meter system is equipped with sensors to detect the usage status of parking spaces in real time. The purpose of collecting information is to provide motorists with locations of vacant on-street parking spaces in real time, and does not have the function of identifying number plate numbers.
Having said that, this information could assist the HKPF and the TD in identifying cases where metered spaces are occupied without payment, enabling targeted enforcement actions by the HKPF. The departments will continue to draw on experiences from other places and advancements in relevant technologies, actively exploring the adoption of new technologies to enhance the management and operational efficiency of metered spaces. The TD plans to conduct a two-month pilot scheme in the fourth quarter of 2025, adopting artificial intelligence sensors in targeted areas with greater demand for metered spaces and higher rates of illegal occupation of parking spaces. Depending on the success of the trial, we will expand the coverage of the scheme. Regarding number plate recognition systems, the TD remains open-minded and will assess their reliability alongside the cost-effectiveness of upgrading the meter system’s hardware and software holistically to determine their suitability for application in Hong Kong.
The Office of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa wishes to provide clarity regarding Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel expenses which has recently gained much attention in the media, with reports and commentary coming from News24, City Press, Sunday Times/Timeslive, SowetanLIVE, Independent Media/IOL, The Citizen, BusinessLive, ENCA and others. Categorically, the office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel.
This unprecedented matter which involves the international work of the Deputy President’s travel costs, was first raised by Action SA, a political party represented in Parliament, in a written question to the Deputy President. In light of such an expected phenomena, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details which include; correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President.
The Office of the Deputy President wishes to reiterate that Deputy President Mashatile undertakes all international working visits, not in his personal capacity but on behalf of the South African Government as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.
As part of South Africa’s global investment drive, and commitment to contribute to global peace and stability, South Africa, through the President and Deputy President as well as Ministers, have a role to play in advancing the global agenda, an aspect of which includes engagements with counterparts in other countries. For instance, the Deputy President co-chairs the SA-China BNC with Vice President Han Zheng and many other delegated countries including, but not limited to Vietnam and South Sudan.
In summary, in the comprehensive answer to the Parliamentary Question by Action SA, it was stated that since Deputy President Mashatile assumed office on 3 July 2024, he has undertaken the following International official visits:
• Ireland and United Kingdom Working Visits 26 September – 4 October 2024: Ireland 26 – 29 September 2024 and United Kingdom Working 30 September – 4 October 2024 • Standing for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa at the Inauguration of the President of Botswana, H.E Duma Boko on 8 November 2024 • Standing for President Ramaphosa and South Africa at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held on 20 November 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe • Japan Working Visit 16 – 19 March 2025 • France Working Visit 19 – 24 May 2025
The Working Visit to Japan in particular, being the one raised by most media, was of strategic importance to South Africa, as it focussed on strengthening political, economic and social areas of cooperation between the two countries. The Working Visit came at the back of the two nations celebrating 115 years of strong diplomatic relations. The Deputy President was accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina.
In addition, the Japan Working Visit achieved several key objectives including representing the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in the last 10 years; signalling an acknowledgement and appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the two countries based on a wide area of cooperation not limited to trade and investment. This visit was beneficial in terms of South Africa’s African Agenda, the current confluence of South Africa’s G20 Chairship and Japan’s hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August, presenting a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan and the expected support and role that Japan could to play in this regard.
Finally, in our response to Parliament, the office has provided a breakdown of the cost to Government of all individual members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President. Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by Timeslive as the “most expensive supporting official”, is said to have cost R580, 582 for Japan alone, when in fact the total cost for that official is less than R66 000 including flights and accommodation.
While the cost of international travel is generally very high, these figures must always be seen in the context of their original currency in relation to the Rand Dollar exchange, as well as the going rate of such travel expenses, including ground transport, accommodation and flights.
In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State. Accommodation and incidental expenses of the President and Deputy President whilst on all official journeys abroad is arranged through, and paid for, by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The logistics and choice of accommodation is not the responsibility or competency of the Office of the Deputy President or Presidency. In fact, DIRCO plays an integral role in reviewing, advising and endorsing Government Delegation compositions, ensuring that participation aligns with formal policy guidelines that emphasise relevance, necessity, and cost-effectiveness. These guidelines reflect government directives aimed at optimising resource allocation while maintaining operational effectiveness during international engagements.
Regarding the financial aspects of the visits, responsibility for travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses is generally shared among DIRCO and other participating departments, depending on the officials’ affiliations and roles. Prior to the visit, DIRCO oversees the processing of budget submissions or cost estimates to ensure compliance with approved spending frameworks. This includes strict adherence to National Treasury guidelines on international travel, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other precepts governing public expenditure.
In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations, and has therefore not misused nor extravagantly used State funds as alluded.
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 065 195 8840
Indian equity markets opened nearly flat on Wednesday, continuing their consolidation trend as sectoral performance remained mixed. The Sensex rose by 59 points to 82,451 and the Nifty 50 was up 18.55 points at 25,122 in early trade.
Gains were led by sectors such as oil and gas and metals, while FMCG and PSU banks traded lower. On the National Stock Exchange, out of 15 sectoral indices, 11 were in the green, two were down, and two remained flat as of 9:25 am. The Nifty Media index led the gains.
Stocks such as JSW Steel, Cipla, NTPC and Tech Mahindra were among the top gainers on the Nifty, while Grasim Industries, Shriram Finance, Asian Paints, L&T, and Titan Company recorded losses. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were up by 0.3 percent each.
According to analysts, the market is likely to stay within a consolidation range with a slight upward bias. A decisive move above the 25,100 mark on the Nifty will require sustained institutional buying, potentially triggered by developments in global trade talks.
“In the near-term the market will respond to news regarding the trade negotiations. If there is a clear agreement, the market will respond positively and there is a high probability of Nifty breaking above 25,100 and remaining above this level,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.
He added that while liquidity could support a mild rally, a stronger uptrend would require support from corporate earnings, which have yet to show signs of significant recovery.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for a third straight session, with net purchases of ₹2,301 crore on June 10. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) maintained a positive outlook for the 16th consecutive session, investing ₹1,113 crore.
This steady institutional inflow reflects ongoing confidence in the domestic market, providing support amid global uncertainties.
In the US, markets traded sideways for much of Tuesday but ended higher, with the S&P 500 rising 0.6 percent, bringing it within 1.7 percent of its record close from February 2020. Reports also suggest that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may be under consideration to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review the country’s flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon. The meeting focused on long-term flood mitigation strategies, the status of measures taken since last year’s review, and the use of technology for effective flood management.
The Home Minister reviewed the adoption of new technologies by various agencies involved in flood management and called for their expanded use. He stressed the need for wider application of space technology by central agencies for flood control and water management.
Shah reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, disaster management in India is being driven with a zero-casualty approach. He directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate with State and District Disaster Management Authorities for effective dissemination of early warning alerts. He urged all States and Union Territories to implement NDMA advisories in a timely manner and asked NDMA and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure close coordination with the states for efficient flood response.
The Home Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) in extending the time window for issuing flood forecasts and advisories. He called for further improvements in forecast accuracy and underlined the need for flood monitoring centres of the CWC to align with national requirements and international standards. He asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti, NDMA, and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to monitor glacial lakes and take timely action in case of any outburst.
The Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) in extending the flood forecasting window from 3 to 7 days. He said, “The flood monitoring centres of the CWC must be aligned with our national requirements and developed to meet international standards.” He asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti, NDMA, and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to closely monitor glacial lakes and act swiftly in case of any breach or outburst.
He stressed the importance of road infrastructure in flood-prone areas and asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to work with state authorities. “Drainage systems should be an integral part of highway designs to prevent waterlogging and road damage during heavy rains,” he said.
On ecological measures, the Home Minister called for increasing forest cover along the Narmada River basin. He said, “If successful, this model can be implemented in other river basins as well. It will help revive river ecosystems, reduce soil erosion, and address declining rainfall.”
The meeting also discussed the recurring problem of urban flooding. Shah directed central agencies to take proactive steps for flood control in cities and prepare comprehensive flood management plans for large urban areas. He noted the role of wetlands and said, “Rejuvenation of wetlands and afforestation are essential to deal with heavy rainfall in short durations during monsoon.” He also asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti to improve the condition of wetlands in the Brahmaputra basin, which he said would also support economic and tourism activities.
The Home Minister suggested that agencies such as the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), IMD, NRSC and others organise a conference bringing together experts to discuss floods and related technologies. “In 2014, India was far behind in the field of meteorology. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are on par with developed countries. Now we must aim to be number one,” he added.
Departments including IMD and CWC presented detailed updates on the measures taken since last year’s flood review. Ministries and departments briefed the Home Minister on their preparedness for the current monsoon and their future plans. Shah expressed satisfaction with the preparations and called for collaborative development of software systems to manage extreme weather conditions.
He said, “All departments must work together to build systems that can respond effectively to climate-related challenges and protect lives and infrastructure.”
Rangatahi across New Zealand are gearing up to tackle a range of unique tasks for the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge this weekend (13-15 June).
The nation’s largest youth fundraising event kicks off this weekend and is encouraging participants to go offline for 40 hours to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands.
A rite of passage for young New Zealanders, the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, givesrangatahia platform to champion important causes and raise funds for those in need, while putting themselves to the test with a unique or difficult challenge.
There is no shortage of creativity in the challenges that will be undertaken for 40 hours this weekend, including:
Living in a cramped dinghy
Speaking only Shakespearian English
Making 400 paper cranes
Cooking 500 meals
Running 100 kilometres
Kayaking 40kms
Going fully off-grid tramping
Completing 40 acts of kindness
Planting thousands of trees
This year ’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is calling on youth togive up technology and go “offline for 40 Hours” to unplug, disconnect, and get together with their fri
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting today (June 11):
Professor Greco (President of the ISSCR, Professor Valentina Greco), Mr Alm (Chief Executive Officer of the ISSCR, Mr Keith Alm), Professor Kathryn Cheah (2025 Annual Meeting Program Committee Co-Chair of the ISSCR), Professor Rocky Tuan (Lee Quo Wei and Lee Yick Hoi Lun Professor of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong), Professor Nancy Ip (President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions in America’s second largest city, as California’s governor warned “democracy is under assault.”
Trump’s extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests, which broke out in response to his immigration raids, fueled demonstrations for a fifth day in Los Angeles, and sparked protests in several other cities.
As Trump and Newsom traded fulminations, the city’s mayor said the protests were limited to about five downtown streets, but declared a curfew for parts of the downtown area due to violence and looting.
Police arrested another 197 people on Tuesday – more than double the total number of arrests to date.
Democratic leaders have raised concerns over a national crisis in what has become the most intense flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally, and then crack down on opponents who take to the streets in protest.
“This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk. That’s when the downward spiral began,” Newsom said in an a video address.
“He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. … Democracy is under assault.”
Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a presidential run in 2028, has called the deployments an illegal waste of resources. He and the state sued Trump and the Defense Department on Monday, seeking to block the deployment of federal troops. Trump in turn has suggested Newsom should be arrested.
Trump, voted back into office last year largely for his promise to deport undocumented immigrants, used a speech honoring soldiers on Tuesday to defend his decision.
He told troops at the Army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina: “Generations of Army heroes did not shed their blood on distant shores only to watch our country be destroyed by invasion and third-world lawlessness.”
“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and on national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags,” Trump said, adding his administration would “liberate Los Angeles.”
Demonstrators have waved the flags of Mexico and other countries in solidarity for the migrants rounded in a series of intensifying raids.
Homeland Security said Monday its Immigration and Customs Enforcement division had arrested 2,000 immigration offenders per day recently, far above the 311 daily average in fiscal year 2024 under former President Joe Biden.
UNREST IN THE STREETS
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday announced a curfew for one square mile (2.5 square km) of downtown Los Angeles that will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. locally (0300 to 1300 GMT) for several days.
With five minutes until the curfew took effect, hundreds of protesters faced police with their hands raised, chanting “”peaceful protest.”
Even so, state and local officials have called Trump’s response an extreme overreaction to mostly peaceful demonstrations.
Bass emphasized at a press conference the distinction between the majority of demonstrators protesting peacefully and a smaller number of agitators she blamed for violence and looting.
A curfew had been considered for several days but Bass said she decided to impose one after 23 business were looted on Monday night.
“When these peaceful rallies end, and the protesters head home, another element moves in: opportunists, who come in under the cover of a peaceful protest to ravage and destroy,” Council member Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, told reporters.
As the mayor and the council member spoke, police and protesters were engaged in skirmishes outside.
In what has become a daily ritual, police forced demonstrators away from the streets outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where many detained migrants are held. Multiple groups of protesters snaked through downtown Los Angeles, monitored or followed by police armed with less lethal munitions.
Protests also took place in other cities including New York, Atlanta and Chicago, where demonstrators shouted at and scuffled with officers. Some protesters climbed onto the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, while others chanted that ICE should be abolished.
Christina Berger, 39, said it was heartbreaking to hear about children who are afraid of being separated from their families due to immigration raids, adding, “I just want to give some hope to my friends and neighbors.”
MARINES AT THE READY
About 700 Marines were in a staging area in the Seal Beach area about 30 miles (50 km) south of Los Angeles, awaiting deployment to specific locations, a U.S. official said.
A U.S. official said there were 2,100 National Guard troops in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday, more than half the 4,000 to be activated. The Marines and National Guard troops lack the authority to makes arrests and will be charged only with protecting federal property and personnel.
Even so, California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Reuters the state was concerned about allowing federal troops to protect personnel, saying there was a risk that could violate an 1878 law that generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.
“Protecting personnel likely means accompanying ICE agents into communities and neighborhoods, and protecting functions could mean protecting the ICE function of enforcing the immigration law,” Bonta said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday posted photos on X of National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers on an immigration raid. Trump administration officials have vowed to redouble the immigration raids in response to the street protests.
Ahead of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, over 50,000 organisations from across the nation have registered to host Yoga Sangam, setting a new benchmark for collective participation, said the Ministry of Ayush on Tuesday.
Creating a historic milestone in promoting holistic health and well-being, Yoga Sangam will be hosted on June 21 from 6:30 am to 7:45 am.
This year’s theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ echoes a universal call for unity and wellness. Premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and Central Universities, along with many corporates and private players, are actively registering and showcasing their commitment to global wellness.
Rajasthan has emerged as the frontrunner with an impressive 11,000+ organisations registered for Yoga Sangam 2025, the highest among all states. It is followed by Telangana with over 7,000+ registrations, and Madhya Pradesh with close to 5,000 registrations.
The IDY events will be held across the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh to the sunlit beaches of Kerala, from school playgrounds and office lawns to railway stations and historic temple courtyards.
“With over one lakh locations expected to host the IDY event, Yoga Sangam 2025 the Ministry of Ayush invites citizens, institutions, and communities to come together in this global celebration of India’s timeless wisdom. Let us move together, breathe together, and thrive together – for a healthier, more harmonious world,” the Ayush ministry said.
This year’s IDY celebrations build on the successful decentralised model of previous editions, with the Ministry of Ayush enhancing public engagement through the Yoga Sangam portal: Yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam.
To participate in Yoga Sangam, groups/organisations can register themselves through Yoga Sangam portal. After conducting the Yoga Sangam event on June 21, they can receive the official Certificate of Appreciation by uploading participation details.
The highly anticipated Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled to launch on June 11 after a series of earlier delays, has been postponed once again due to a leak detected in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch test, SpaceX said on Wednesday.
“Standing down from tomorrow’s (June 11) Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the ISS to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOX leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete—and pending Range availability—we will share a new launch date”, SpaceX said in a post on X.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan also took to X, saying, “The Axiom 04 mission, slated for launch on 11th June 2025 to send the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS, has been postponed. As part of launch vehicle preparations to validate the performance of the booster stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, a seven-second hot test was carried out on the launch pad. During the test, a LOX (liquid oxygen) leak was detected in the propulsion bay.”
“Following discussions between ISRO, Axiom, and SpaceX experts, it has been decided to correct the leak and conduct the necessary validation tests before clearing the mission for launch. Hence, the launch of Axiom 04 has been postponed,” he added.
The mission, operated by the US-based Axiom Space, was set to carry Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with three international crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch was scheduled to take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:30 p.m. IST. The Axiom 04 mission has faced multiple delays, having been rescheduled from its original target of May 29 to June 8, then June 10, and most recently to June 11.
The mission is of major significance for India, as Shukla is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, and only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight aboard the Soviet space station Salyut 7 in 1984.
Shukla will serve as the pilot of the Axiom 04 mission, with Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States leading the crew. The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.
Once aboard the ISS, Shukla is expected to carry out experiments related to food and nutrition. The scientific mission is a collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with additional support from NASA.
These experiments aim to advance the understanding of space nutrition and help develop self-sustaining life support systems critical for long-duration space exploration.
The research will focus on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—a nutrient-rich, high-potential food source for future space missions.
The experiment will evaluate key growth parameters and examine transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in different algal species in space compared to their behaviour on Earth.
Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia and Josh Hazlewood has been selected in the bowling line-up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, captain Pat Cummins said on the eve of the game on Tuesday.
Labuschagne has been moved up the order to accommodate the return of Cameron Green, who underwent back surgery in October and was ruled out of the home season, while Hazlewood is fit again after a calf injury to replace of Scott Boland.
“Cam Green has been coming back in great form in the last few weeks and we thought he deserved a spot in the batting lineup. We thought three probably suits him best,” Cummins told a press conference.
“For Marnus moving one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three. He’s done well here in England in the past.”
Leaving out Boland, who had been one of the heroes of Australia’s 3-1 test series win over India this year, had been a difficult decision.
“There are some guys where you genuinely say, you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t change a thing and that’s Scotty. He is just really unfortunate to miss out.
“The message to Scotty is there’s a lot of test cricket coming up in the next couple of years and just because your mid-30s doesn’t mean that’s the end of your career.
“By having a squad of fast bowlers, hopefully we can extend all our care for an extra couple of years.”
An element of selection criteria was to reward those who had contributed to defending champions Australia winning 13 of 19 tests in the two-year WTC cycle and reaching yet another final.
“I think our selectors have probably shown you that they’re happy and they’d rather give someone an extra little run than pull the pin too early. I think it’s partly rewarding those guys that got us here.”
Cummings said defending the title was high on the Australian priority list, even after all their success in the limited-overs formats.
“It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. “Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”
Australia team: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan is spearheading the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a national campaign launched on May 29 from Puri, Odisha. The 15-day initiative, which concludes on June 12, aims to connect scientific research with agricultural practice on the ground, targeting over 1.5 crore farmers across more than 700 districts. The effort is supported by 16,000 agricultural scientists and 2,170 interdisciplinary teams.
At the launch event in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the campaign would focus on modern technologies, soil health, natural farming, and crop diversification to ensure food security and adequate reserves. He announced the deployment of expert teams to assist farmers with seed varieties, fertiliser use, crop selection, and sustainable practices.
During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 30, Chouhan referred to farmers living in border areas as the second line of defence, acknowledging their continued efforts in agriculture despite adverse conditions. “VKSA is bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Lab to Land’ into action,” he said, adding that the campaign is contributing to the broader goal of developing Indian agriculture.
On May 31, in Panipat, Haryana, Chouhan reiterated the importance of direct farmer interaction. “I try to live the life of a farmer. I am a farmer’s son. I drive a tractor and also do the sowing myself,” he said, describing agriculture as central to the Indian economy. He added that even a small increase in productivity per hectare could lead to substantial gains at the national level.
In Dabthuwa village of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Chouhan interacted with farmers directly and later addressed a media gathering in Jangethi village. He said that the goal of VKSA is to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair pricing for produce, and prevent post-harvest losses.
In Bihar’s Motihari, the Minister announced ₹6 crore worth of upcoming agricultural projects at the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and emphasized the role of scientists in promoting advanced techniques to improve productivity.
In Pune, Maharashtra, Chouhan met farmers at the Narayangaon KVK and visited local farm markets and cold storage facilities. Speaking about inputs, he said, “The government is moving towards enacting a strict law for taking action against any company or person making fake fertilizers or pesticides and supplying those to farmers.” He also underlined the role of scientists in providing on-ground guidance tailored to regional agricultural needs.
During a Kisan Chaupal held in Patiala, Punjab, the Minister supported farmer-led policy feedback and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices such as direct-seeded rice. “Policies will now be shaped by inputs from farmers—not by bureaucrats,” he said. He also addressed concerns about excessive pesticide use, noting its impact on costs and crop quality.
In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Chouhan spoke about the export potential of the region’s agricultural produce. He called for a renewed focus on natural farming, water conservation, and technological innovation. “The sacred land of Uttarakhand brings renewed energy to the mind, intellect, and spirit,” he said, citing the importance of direct farmer engagement in evaluating the effectiveness of government schemes.
At the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Chouhan held a review meeting and urged scientists to focus on export-quality seed development and value addition. “Technology-driven, farmer-centric solutions are essential for increasing incomes in citriculture,” he said.
In Bhopal on June 7, Chouhan described the campaign’s intent as scientific, not political. “The government is working with the spirit of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’,” he said. He credited record production of major crops to collaborative efforts between scientists and farmers.
On June 8, during his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru, Chouhan addressed 500 farmers and advocated for demand-driven research informed by farmer feedback. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices and a robust advisory system.
In Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district on June 9, the Minister held multiple interactions with farmers, many of whom shared positive outcomes from diversification and integrated farming. Speaking at a gathering in Ibrahimpatnam, he said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made for agricultural advancement.” He also noted that tomato, potato, and onion farmers will benefit from the Market Intervention Scheme.
According to official data, the campaign has reached approximately 87.8 lakh farmers across 85,480 villages through 46,181 field visits made by 2,170 dedicated teams between May 29 and June 8.
During his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, Chouhan laid the foundation for a Global Centre of Excellence on Millets.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Your Highness the Amir – may God protect him,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. Doha has grown into a prominent center for international dialogue and active diplomacy, and a global platform where leaders, policymakers, and thinkers come together to exchange ideas and promote cooperation.
This year’s Qatar Economic Forum takes place amidst major political and economic transformations, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue platforms that bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to chart future investment opportunities and formulate a collective stance on the challenges we face, most notably international stability and sustainable growth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza remains, despite the tireless efforts of the State of Qatar—working in close coordination with our partners in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America—to bring this tragic war to an end, yet unfortunately we continue to witness repeated setbacks to achieving a ceasefire.
When the Israeli-American soldier, Idan Alexander, was released, we hoped it would mark a turning point—an opportunity to halt the violence and begin the path toward peace. Instead, that moment was met with an intensified campaign of bombardment, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians.
This aggressive and irresponsible behavior continues to undermine every opportunity for peace. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to pursuing our diplomatic efforts, alongside our partners, until this war is brought to an end—until all hostages and detainees are released, and the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza is alleviated, and the region is no longer held hostage by constant and imminent threats.
Regarding Syria, the recent decision to lift U.S. sanctions on this brotherly nation marks a significant step in the right direction. We hope to see similar measures to follow. This sends a clear and vital message to the region and the world: that our collective priority must be to offer people emerging from conflict a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives and shape a better future.
Distinguished Guests,
Political stability and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected—neither can be achieved in isolation from the other.
From this standpoint, the State of Qatar pursues an active and principled diplomatic approach, grounded in impartial mediation and constructive engagement to help resolve conflicts peacefully, recognizing that lasting peace is the foundation for any sustainable development.
We regard every diplomatic effort we undertake as an investment in a more secure and prosperous future. When a young student in Gaza completes their education, or a Syrian family returns home after years of displacement, we see the tangible and meaningful impact that stability has—not only on individual lives, but on entire economies and societies.
Distinguished Guests,
In the State of Qatar, we aspire to build a diversified and prosperous economy —one driven by knowledge, innovation, and aligned with the pace of the global technological revolution, characterized by flexibility and adaptability. We aspire for Qatar to be a beacon of technological advancement and a global center for investment and business, built on trust, and for Qatar to always remain a reliable partner, whether in energy or investment, as well as in diplomacy.
In line with this vision, we are actively working to translate our aspirations into reality by diversifying our foreign investments to enhance our strategic balance and contribute to the development of a long-term, sustainable economy. The Qatar Investment Authority continues to play a central role in this effort, pursuing long-term strategic partnerships across the globe. Over the past year, it has made significant investments spanning the United States, Africa, and China.
These initiatives reflect our strong confidence in the resilience and potential of global markets—especially emerging markets—and their role in shaping the future.
Domestically, Qatar’s economy maintained positive momentum, achieving real GDP growth of 2.4% in 2024, with total output reaching QAR 713 billion.
This growth has been driven largely by significant progress in Qatar’s non-oil sectors, which expanded by 3.4% annually—an encouraging sign of steady advancement toward the objectives outlined in our Third National Development Strategy.
By the end of 2024, new foreign direct investment (FDI) had reached QAR 9.9 billion, reflecting the growing confidence of international investors in the strength and resilience of the Qatari economy.
To sustain this momentum, the State of Qatar continues to enhance its legislative and administrative frameworks, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.
In this spirit, we are pleased to announce today the launch of the first package of incentives for all investors, focusing on strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern technology, and logistics. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering growth across key sectors that will serve as the foundation of our national economy’s future.
In addition to industrial growth, this year marked the launch of the Simaisma tourism project—one of the largest entertainment developments in the region. This project serves as a major catalyst for the real estate and tourism sectors, and a powerful driver of integrated economic development.
In the field of innovation and digital transformation, Qatar has further solidified its position as an emerging technology hub. In February 2025, we hosted the second edition of Web Summit, which brought together over 25,000 participants from 124 countries.
The summit successfully fostered meaningful connections between emerging tech ecosystems in Asia and Africa and leading global corporations and sovereign wealth funds—further enhancing Qatar’s role as a digital gateway between regions.
Reinforcing this momentum, Qatar recently secured the hosting rights for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for the next five years, with the inaugural edition set for November. This achievement firmly establishes Qatar as a key player in the global digital economy.
To build on this progress, Qatar will soon launch a new, globally ambitious project, to be unveiled later this year.
Together, these milestones highlight Qatar’s determination to strengthen its position as a global economic and investment hub, and to chart a future grounded in diversity, innovation, and sustainability.
Distinguished Guests,
The State of Qatar is committed to playing a leading role in shaping a more balanced global economy—one that fosters genuine partnership and places human beings at the center of development. We envision Qatar as a platform where ideas converge, interests align, and progress is nurtured in an environment grounded in peace, stability, and investment.
In this spirit, we call for a holistic approach—one that integrates security with development, diplomacy with economic growth, and ensures that human dignity remains at the heart of any plans for prosperity.
Thank you for your kind presence. I wish you a productive forum and meaningful discussions. I look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue during the sessions ahead, and to the emergence of new economic partnerships that will help drive sustainable development—both in our region and around the world.
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ13: Disposal of yard waste Question:
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) set up Y·PARK, a yard waste recycling centre, in 2021, with the purpose of converting recycled yard waste into useful materials to reduce disposal at landfills and associated carbon emissions. Y·PARK has a target handling capacity of about 11 000 tonnes in the first year, which would gradually increase to an annual average of around 22 000 tonnes. However, information from the Government shows that Y·PARK’s throughput last year was 6 876 tonnes. Besides, earlier on some trucks were reportedly driven from Y·PARK carrying yard waste to landfills in the New Territories West for disposal, and the EPD subsequently explained that the yard waste in question was not acceptable as it contained a large amount of impurities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of Y·PARK’s criteria for the recovery of yard waste, whether it has studied the reasons for the gradual decline in the amount of yard waste handled by Y·PARK in recent years, including whether this is affected by Y·PARK’s recovery criteria or the fact that yard waste producers recycle their own waste;
(2) as it is learnt that Y·PARK’s major sources of yard waste are (i) construction works and (ii) clearance work arising from regular vegetation maintenance, whether there is a statistical breakdown of the amount of yard waste respectively from (i) and (ii) handled by Y·PARK from 2021 to date; of the amount of yard waste that was sent to but not accepted at Y·PARK over the past three years, and whether it has looked into how such yard waste was subsequently disposed of (such as conversion into biochar and being sent to landfills);
(3) given that according to a paper submitted by the Government to the Subcommittee to Study Policy Issues Relating to Municipal Solid Waste Charging, Recovery and Recycling of this Council in January 2023, a pilot biochar plant in EcoPark, which will further convert recyclable products of Y·PARK into biochar, has an estimated capability of converting about 6 000 tonnes of local woody waste into some 1 200 tonnes of biochar annually, of the amounts of waste handled and biochar produced since the plant came into operation, and whether such amounts could meet the targets; if not, when they are expected to meet the targets; and
(4) given that according to the report on Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong, the amounts of yard waste recovered and disposed in Hong Kong in 2023 were 10 400 tonnes and some 83 000 tonnes respectively, while the amount of yard waste handled by Y·PARK in the same year was 8 609 tonnes, whether it has assessed if there is room for improvement in Y·PARK’s handling capacity; whether the Government has further strategies in place to enhance the recovery rate of yard waste?
Reply:
President,
After the onslaught of Super Typhoon Mangkhut, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) set up a temporary yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK, in 2021 to collect and process yard waste generated from regular vegetation maintenance and public construction works on one hand, and to assist in treating large quantities of yard waste generated after emergency incidents such as super typhoons on the other. The service fees paid by the EPD to the contractor are not based on the amount of yard waste received, but on the quantity of recyclable products produced by the contractor, which reflects Y·PARK’s performance more accurately.
The reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:
(1)To ensure the smooth operation of Y·PARK and the quality of the recyclable products, Y·PARK has established appropriate standards for yard waste recycling, including not accepting infected or infested wood, yard waste which is difficult to process such as tree stumps, pure twigs, leaves, grass clippings, or yard waste containing large amount of impurities. If yard waste is mixed with large amount of impurities, the chipping operations may be severely affected. For instance, Y·PARK’s wood chipper experienced mechanical failures due to metal rods hidden in the wood. Time and manpower were required to remove the rods, replace parts and repair the equipment. Such incidents could even halt the production line. Meanwhile, the quality of the recyclable products produced may be affected by impurities. For instance, plastics mixed into the recyclable products would limit their use in gardening. In this regard, the contractor of Y·PARK maintains communication with yard waste producers to explain how to properly separate waste at source to reduce instances where Y·PARK has to reject yard waste. (2) Since its commencement of operation in 2021 up to April this year, Y·PARK has received a total of approximately 31 540 tonnes of yard waste, of which more than 50 per cent from construction works and about 40 per cent from routine vegetation maintenance. The EPD does not have the quantity of rejected yard waste and information on its final disposal means.
(3) The first Pilot Biochar Production Plant (PBPP) in Hong Kong established by the EPD was originally scheduled to commence production in November 2023, with an estimated handling capacity of processing about 6 000 tonnes of local wood materials and producing about 1 200 tonnes of biochar annually. The PBPP commenced its testing in May 2023, during which many technical issues were overcome and various operational conditions (including processing temperatures, duration, and different types of wood-based raw materials) were adjusted and tested, in order to identify the optimal operating conditions and ensure high-quality biochar can be produced with less energy consumption. The PBPP finally commenced production in October 2024. From the start of the PBPP’s testing stage to the end of April 2025, the PBPP has processed over 1 200 tonnes of local wood materials from yard waste, converting them into more than 270 tonnes of biochar. The purposes of setting up the PBPP are to explore the technical feasibility of converting local wood materials from yard waste into biochar, as well as to study the quality of the biochar produced and its practical applications in the local market. As such, the actual processing quantity of the PBPP is adjusted based on testing needs and is also affected by the supply of wood materials and local market demand for biochar applications. With the PBPP entering production stage for only about six months, the EPD will consolidate operational experiences with a view to gradually increasing its processing quantity upon establishing technical requirements and market applications.
(4) In order to further enhance the yard waste processing quantity of Y·PARK, the EPD are adopting a multi-pronged approach to increase the yard waste recycling rate. Measures include: (i) the EPD will continue to liaise with relevant government departments and other yard waste producers, encouraging them to adhere to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, and treat and reuse yard waste on-site as far as possible, while yard waste that cannot be treated or reused on-site could be delivered to Y·PARK or other suitable recycling facilities for treatment; (ii) to encourage the Y·PARK contractor to recycle collected yard waste as far as possible to increase its recycling rate. The current contract stipulates that the service fees paid by the EPD to the contractor are based on the quantity of recyclable products produced, providing a financial incentive to the contractor; and (iii) in the long run, the Government reserves land in the New Territories North New Town to establish a larger-scale yard waste recycling facility to enhance yard waste handling capacity. Issued at HKT 12:08
U.S. President Donald Trump warned people on Tuesday against protesting at the weekend military parade in Washington marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
“For those people that want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force,” Trump told reporters in the White House’s Oval Office.
Law enforcement agencies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to attend Saturday’s parade, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool said on Monday.
McCool said thousands of agents, officers and specialists will be deployed from law enforcement agencies from across the country. The FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department have said there are no credible threats to the event.
At least nine permits have been issued for protests on that day, a U.S. Secret Service spokesperson said on Tuesday.
In unscheduled Oval Office remarks, Trump discussed his decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles after protests erupted in response to federal immigration raids at workplaces there.
Trump defended his decision to take that rare step and said troops were necessary to contain the unrest, despite objections from local and state officials that they were needed.
Saturday’s event, which will coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday, includes an Army birthday festival on the National Mall and will culminate with a parade through the capital and an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony presided over by the president.
Nationwide protests on that day were being organized by a group called No Kings.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights and slashed our services,” the group says on its website. “The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”
U.S. and Chinese officials said on Tuesday they had agreed on a framework to put their trade truce back on track and remove China’s export restrictions on rare earths while offering little sign of a durable resolution to longstanding trade differences.
At the end of two days of intense negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the framework deal puts “meat on the bones” of an agreement reached last month in Geneva to ease bilateral retaliatory tariffs that had reached crushing triple-digit levels.
But the Geneva deal had faltered over China’s continued curbs on critical minerals exports, prompting the Trump administration to respond with export controls of its own preventing shipments of semiconductor design software, aircraft and other goods to China.
Lutnick said the agreement reached in London would remove some of the recent U.S. export restrictions, but did not provide details after the talks concluded around midnight London time (2300 GMT).
“We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and the call between the two presidents,” Lutnick said. “The idea is we’re going to go back and speak to President Trump and make sure he approves it. They’re going to go back and speak to President Xi and make sure he approves it, and if that is approved, we will then implement the framework.”
In a separate briefing, China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang also said a trade framework had been reached in principle that would be taken back to U.S. and Chinese leaders.
The dispute may keep the Geneva agreement from unravelling over duelling export controls, but does little to resolve deep differences over Trump’s unilateral tariffs and longstanding U.S. complaints about China’s state-led, export-driven economic model.
The two sides left Geneva with fundamentally different views of the terms of that agreement and needed to be more specific on required actions, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center in Washington.
“They are back to square one but that’s much better than square zero,” Lipsky added.
The two sides have until August 10 to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement to ease trade tensions, or tariff rates will snap back from about 30% to 145% on the U.S. side and from 10% to 125% on the Chinese side.
Investors, who have been badly burned by trade turmoil before, offered a cautious response and MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.57%.
“The devil will be in the details, but the lack of reaction suggests this outcome was fully expected,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone in Melbourne.
“The details matter, especially around the degree of rare earths bound for the U.S., and the subsequent freedom for U.S.-produced chips to head east, but for now as long as the headlines of talks between the two parties remain constructive, risk assets should remain supported.”
RESOLVING RESTRICTIONS
Lutnick said China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S. will be resolved as a “fundamental” part of the framework agreement.
“Also, there were a number of measures the United States of America put on when those rare earths were not coming,” Lutnick said. “You should expect those to come off … in a balanced way.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting tariff policies have roiled global markets, sparked congestion and confusion in major ports, and cost companies tens of billions of dollars in lost sales and higher costs. The World Bank on Tuesday slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by four-tenths of a percentage point to 2.3%, saying higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.
A resolution to the trade war may require policy adjustments from all countries to treat financial imbalances or otherwise greatly risk mutual economic damage, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on a rare visit to Beijing on Wednesday.
PHONE CALL HELPED
The second round of U.S.-China talks was given a major boost by a rare phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, which Lutnick said provided directives that were merged with Geneva truce agreement.
Customs data published on Monday showed that China’s exports to the U.S. plunged 34.5% in May, the sharpest drop since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.
While the impact on U.S. inflation and its jobs market has so far been muted, tariffs have hammered U.S. business and household confidence and the dollar remains under pressure.
Lutnick was joined by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the London talks. Bessent departed hours before their conclusion to return to Washington to testify before Congress on Wednesday.
China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in electric vehicle motors, and its decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets upended global supply chains.
In May, the U.S. responded by halting shipments of semiconductor design software and chemicals and aviation equipment, revoking export licences that had been previously issued.
China, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, Canada and many airlines and aerospace companies worldwide urged the Trump administration not to impose new national security tariffs on imported commercial planes and parts, according to documents released Tuesday.
Just after the framework deal was announced, a U.S. appeals court allowed Trump’s most sweeping tariffs to stay in effect while it reviews a lower court decision blocking them on grounds that they exceeded Trump’s legal authority by imposing them.
The decision keeps alive a key pressure point on China, Trump’s currently suspended 34% “reciprocal” duties that had prompted swift tariff escalation.
Tesla tentatively plans to begin offering rides on its self-driving robotaxis to the public on June 22, CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday, as investors and fans of the electric vehicle maker eagerly await rollout of the long-promised service.
Musk has staked Tesla’s future on self-driving vehicles, pivoting away from plans to build a cheaper EV platform, and much of the company’s valuation hangs on that vision.
But commercializing autonomous vehicles (AV) has been challenging with safety concerns, tight regulations and soaring investments, and many have been skeptical of Musk’s plans.
“We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift,” Musk said in a post on X in response to a question from a user about public robotaxi rides that the EV maker plans to first offer in Austin, Texas.
Musk also said starting June 28, Tesla vehicles will drive themselves to a customer’s house from the end of the factory line.
A successful robotaxi launch is crucial for Tesla as sales of its EVs have softened due to rising competition and a backlash against Musk’s embrace of far-right political views in Europe, and his recent work for U.S. President Donald Trump before their public falling out.
Musk has promised a paid robotaxi service in Austin starting with about 10-20 of its Model Y SUVs that will operate in a limited area and under remote human supervision.
The company then plans to expand operations to other U.S. states later in the year, including California which has stringent AV regulations.
“Austin >> LA for robotaxi launch lol,” Musk said on X, in an apparent reference to the southern Californian city of Los Angeles.
Tesla has been testing its self-driving vehicles on public streets in Austin, Musk said last month. Earlier on Tuesday, Musk re-posted a video on X that showed a Model Y making a turn at an Austin intersection with no human driver and the word “Robotaxi” written on it, and followed closely by another Model Y.
The vehicles were using a new version of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance software, called Full Self-Driving (FSD), Musk said in a separate X post.
Little else is known about Tesla’s robotaxi service, including where it will operate, the extent of remote supervision and how the public can use the service.
Brazil secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, taking the second of South America’s six automatic qualifying berths after champions Argentina booked their ticket in March.
A goal from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. on the stroke of halftime in Sao Paulo made it a winning home debut for Brazil’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil extended their record as the only team to play in every edition of the World Cup, with the five-times winners set to make their 23rd appearance in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ecuador can also secure a World Cup spot if they are able to avoid defeat in Peru.
Earlier on Tuesday, Uruguay took a step closer to securing a spot with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario, a victory which also snapped a four-match winless run in South American qualifiers.
Uruguay dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence until Rodrigo Aguirre put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute, heading in at the far post from a Maxi Araujo corner.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just two minutes into the second half, firing a superb shot into the top-left corner to seal a win that secures Marcelo Bielsa’s side of at least an inter-confederation playoff berth.
Argentina needed an 81st-minute equaliser from Thiago Almada to cancel out Luis Diaz’s goal and secure a draw with Colombia, avoiding a second straight defeat to Nestor Lorenzo’s side.
Chile’s hopes of reaching the finals ended with a 2-0 loss in Bolivia. Chile coach Ricardo Gareca resigned after the match.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an Orange Alert for several regions, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph over the next two to three hours.
The alert covers large parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, with the IMD urging residents to remain cautious and follow official weather advisories.
In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat are likely to experience intense weather conditions. Chhattisgarh is also expected to be significantly impacted, with warnings issued for Mungeli, Kabirdham, Bemetara, Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Balod, Kanker, and Narayanpur.
Parts of eastern Maharashtra, particularly Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Wardha, and Nanded, are under similar warnings. In Karnataka, the alert applies to Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, and Ramnagar districts, where adverse weather is anticipated.
The forecast also suggests intensified rainfall and storm activity in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakkurichi, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and Theni. In Kerala, residents of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram have been advised to remain alert. Assam’s Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sibsagar districts are also expected to witness thunderstorm activity.
Authorities have urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees or near unstable structures, and refrain from unnecessary travel. Commuters are advised to check road and traffic conditions before heading out, as sudden heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging or hazardous driving situations.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, June 10 (Xinhua) — China’s envoy said Tuesday that China opposes the politicization of human rights issues in Myanmar.
Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at an informal meeting of the General Assembly on Myanmar.
The meeting was organized in accordance with General Assembly resolution 79/182. China, he said, had distanced itself from the consensus on the resolution. “We oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of the human rights issue and reject the practice of exerting public pressure on such issues.”
As a friendly neighbor, China supports Myanmar in choosing a development path suited to its national conditions and in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national stability while steadily advancing its domestic political agenda, he said.
The international community should focus its efforts on overcoming differences and resolving problems, rather than raising tensions and further complicating the situation, Sun Lei said.
According to him, the Myanmar people are currently in dire need of an end to the fighting and humanitarian aid. China has actively participated in promoting peace talks and achieved positive results. “We will continue to play a constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve stability and reconciliation. And we hope that the international community will work in the same direction.”
The issue of the return of refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State from Bangladesh should ultimately be resolved through dialogue and consultation between the two countries. China has long made active diplomatic efforts in this regard and has provided numerous batches of humanitarian aid to both sides. The international community should support Myanmar and Bangladesh in strengthening communication and determination to accumulate favorable conditions and create a favorable environment for the repatriation process, Sun Lei said. -0-