PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on May 13, 2025 .
Charles Fast Horse Jr., age 22, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 12, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in April 2024 within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On April 28, 2024, Fast Horse was riding in a vehicle with a group of individuals that included the victim. When the vehicle stopped at a residence in Mission, Fast Horse produced a knife and threatened the victim. The victim exited and fled the vehicle, but Fast Horse picked up an axe from the yard and chased after the victim. He then struck the victim multiple times with the axe, inflicting life-threatening injuries.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Fast Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 15, 2025.
Jamie Cavanaugh, age 41, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cavanaugh was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2023. She pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in January 2021 and continuing until December 2022. Cavanaugh was involved in a conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including in Pierre and within the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation. As part of the conspiracy, Cavanaugh was involved in distributing 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Pierre Police Department, and the FBI Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Cavanaugh was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Friday highlighted the transformative role of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in India’s energy landscape. He noted that PNG is now supplying clean fuel to over 1.47 crore households, approximately 45,000 commercial establishments, and more than 20,000 industries across the country.
In a post on social media platform X, Puri stated, “Over the last decade, commercial PNG connections have increased by 164%, while industrial connections have surged by a remarkable 308%.”
He described PNG as an eco-friendly and cost-effective energy solution, adding, “It helps industries cut down fuel expenses, thereby lowering production costs and improving profitability.”
The Minister also underlined the logistical benefits of PNG, saying the 24×7 pipeline supply ensures uninterrupted operations without the challenges of storage or fuel shortages.
Calling it a safer energy option, Puri pointed out that PNG reduces the risk of gas leaks and is particularly advantageous for commercial centres and industrial units.
He further noted that the expanding adoption of PNG is significantly benefiting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aiding in job creation and strengthening local economies. “The commercial adoption of PNG is playing a crucial role in supporting SMEs, which in turn contributes to employment generation and bolsters local economic development,” he said.
This growth comes on the back of a massive expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network over the past decade, driven by sustained government efforts. The CGD infrastructure now covers 100% of India’s population, marking a milestone in accessibility to clean energy.
According to official figures, commercial PNG connections have risen to 45,000, a 164% increase, while industrial connections have crossed the 20,000 mark, registering a 308% growth.
Earlier this month, on May 5, Puri also highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Sharing insights on X, he showcased how the scheme has brought transformative changes to underprivileged communities, expanding access to clean cooking fuel.
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
05.16.25
WASHINGTON—This week, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), incoming chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chair of the CECC, and John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act, which would hold officials of Hong Kong’s judiciary accountable for human rights violations and support Hong Kongers facing persecution from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its accomplices in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the senators this week introduced a resolution condemning the Chinese government for engaging in repression, coercion and intimidation beyond its own borders, targeting citizens of other nations, including in the United States.
The Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act requires the President to determine whether certain Hong Kong officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive repression of dissent and appalling human rights record extend far beyond China’s borders,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Even American citizens and others lawfully living in our country have found themselves victims of the CCP regime’s intimidation and coercion tactics. In Hong Kong, the CCP has completely corrupted the local judiciary and is turning it into a tool of intimidation and injustice, contrary to the promises made to the world, including in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. America must stand firmly against the CCP’s flagrant violation of the civil rights of the Chinese people and citizens of nations across the globe. Senator Merkley, Senator Curtis and I are introducing legislation to hold Hong Kong judiciary officials accountable for their actions, and a resolution condemning the Xi dictatorship’s outrageous attempts to threaten and intimidate citizens and others within our own country.”
“As Chinese officials continue to undermine the autonomy and freedoms of its peoples, the United States must continue to hold these officials accountable,” said Senator Merkley. “Republicans and Democrats are united in sending a clear message that we will not tolerate this brutal oppression, both within China and outside its borders. Our bipartisan resolution denounces these intimidation tactics, and our bill also imposes sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials for disregarding their treaty obligations and commitments to the people of Hong Kong.”
“The United States must hold accountable those responsible for the erosion of freedoms and the persecution of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong,” said Senator Curtis. “By directing the Administration to review sanctions, our bipartisan legislation reaffirms America’s commitment to ensuring consequences for those who seek to undermine human rights and freedom.”
The full text of the bill is available here. The full text of the resolution is available here.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
More Than 20 Violent Illegal Immigrants Arrested
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—A coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted from April 29 to May 1, resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals in the Evansville and Bloomington areas, as part of an ongoing initiative to combat criminal activity and enhance public safety.
The successful three-day operation was led by a coalition of federal partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO).
Of the 23 individuals taken into custody:
18 had prior criminal arrests or convictions, including:
10 individuals with one or more operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses
10 individuals involved in crimes that resulted in injury to others
3 individuals connected to drug possession and trafficking
Additionally, four individuals were arrested on federal warrants, including one subject previously convicted of cocaine trafficking.
Those included:
Martin Cortez-Lopez, 36, who was arrested as he left court in Bloomington, Indiana.
Criminal History: 2007 – Disorderly intoxication and resisting law enforcement with violence / 2010 – Possession of cocaine and failure to appear for resisting officer with violence / 2024 – Possession of cocaine x2 and operating while intoxicated/endangerment.
Previously removed 2011
Amin Reynosa-Diaz, 29, arrested in Evansville, Indiana. Reynosa-Diaz was located at a construction site and taken into custody.
Jaime Ortiz-Guzman, 46, arrested in Bloomington, Indiana.
Criminal History: 1999 – Federal Arrest, fraud, imposter, false documents / 2006 – Battery / 2008 – Operating while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license / 2024 – Operating while intoxicated and driving without a license.
Previously removed felon
Jonathan Regules-Hernandez, 44, arrested in Bloomington, Indiana, after a short foot pursuit.
Criminal History: 2000 – Larceny and possession of stolen goods / 2004 – Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place with controlled substances and trafficking in cocaine / 2005 – Breaking and entering with the intent to commit felony and larceny after breaking and entering / 2007 – Alien removal under section 212 and 237 / 2025 – Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.
Previously removed felon
This operation underscores the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing public safety threats. By combining investigative resources, intelligence sharing, and enforcement capabilities, federal agencies are better equipped to identify, locate, and apprehend individuals who pose risks to the community or have violated federal laws, including immigration statutes.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Friday put forth a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, while representing India at the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Nepal. The high-level global dialogue, themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity”, brought together ministers, climate leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
Speaking at the summit, Yadav reaffirmed India’s commitment to global climate action and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the Himalayas and other mountain regions. “It is a profound honour to represent India at this historic gathering. The name Sagarmatha, meaning ‘Head of the Sky,’ aptly captures the majesty and responsibility we share in protecting our mountain ecosystems,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged Nepal’s initiative in hosting the event and highlighted the deep ecological and cultural ties India shares with its Himalayan neighbours. He pointed out that despite South Asia comprising nearly 25% of the global population, it accounts for just 4% of historical global CO₂ emissions. However, he stressed that developing countries continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis while developed nations fall short on their climate finance and technology transfer commitments.
Underscoring the ecological richness of high-altitude regions, Yadav called for enhanced transboundary conservation and urged Himalayan nations to collaborate under the International Big Cats Alliance. This alliance, he said, can help conserve iconic species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards by fostering shared expertise, funding, and knowledge sharing.
Referring to India’s efforts under Project Snow Leopard, Yadav cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the 13th COP of the Convention on Migratory Species in 2020, where the significance of preserving snow leopard habitats was emphasized. He shared findings from India’s first Snow Leopard Population Assessment, conducted between 2019 and 2023, which recorded 718 snow leopards—representing 10–15% of the global population.
During his address, the Union Minister outlined a five-point call for global action:
Enhanced Scientific Cooperation – Strengthening research and monitoring of cryospheric changes, hydrology, and biodiversity.
Building Climate Resilience – Investing in adaptation measures, disaster early warning systems such as for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Empowering Mountain Communities – Placing local communities at the heart of policy-making and promoting green livelihoods, sustainable tourism, and the integration of traditional knowledge.
Providing Green Finance – Ensuring adequate and predictable climate finance in line with the Paris Agreement to support mountain nations in adaptation and mitigation.
Recognizing Mountain Perspectives – Ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of mountain ecosystems are reflected in global climate negotiations and development agendas.
“India stands ready to partner with Nepal and all mountain nations to protect our shared ecological heritage. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—we must ensure our sacred mountains continue to stand tall as symbols of hope and sustainability,” Yadav concluded.
The event was attended by several global dignitaries, including Nepal’s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Xiao Jie, and COP29 President and Azerbaijan’s Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, are currently on duty visit to Hungary to promote the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Mr Tsang arrived in Budapest, Hungary on May 15 (Hungary time) and called on the Chinese Ambassador to Hungary, Mr Gong Tao. Today (May 16) he met with the State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Ms Boglárka Illés, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Dr Lajos Oláh, to share views on issues relating to the promotion of exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Hungary.
Mr Tsang also attended today the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference jointly organised by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to promote the business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the European business community, and Hong Kong’s position as a GBA’s international entry point and roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. Speaking at the conference, he encouraged enterprises and talents to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages of having staunch support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world by establishing foothold in the city and tapping into the huge market of the GBA, and to turn challenges into endless opportunities under the current international situation.
Mr Tsang emphasised that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong would continue to maintain its status as a free port, implement a free trade policy, maintain the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, and firmly support a rules-based multilateral trading system.
Mr Tsang will depart for Cairo, Egypt, on May 17 to attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference to be held there. He will return to Hong Kong on May 19.
ew York Governor Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca announced today plans for Governor Hochul to visit Seneca Nation Territory to apologize on behalf of New York State’s role in the Thomas Indian School atrocities. The Seneca Nation is set to welcome Governor Hochul to its Cattaraugus Territory on Tuesday, May 20, when Governor Hochul will issue a long-awaited official apology to the Seneca people, as well as all former students and their descendants from various Indigenous Nations, for the State of New York’s role in the operation of the Thomas Indian School. Governor Hochul’s visit is believed to be the first time a sitting Governor has officially visited Seneca Nation Territory.
“No words or actions will ever be able to undo the pain and suffering of the Seneca people and other Indigenous peoples across the State, but by visiting the Seneca Nation and the site of the Thomas Indian School we will mark a new day in our relations,” Governor Hochul said. “As we prepare to officially recognize the horrifying shortcomings of our past, I thank President Seneca for his advocacy on behalf of the Seneca people and his invitation to the Cattaraugus Territory, and I look forward to further strengthening the relationship between the Seneca people and the State of New York.”
Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca said, “The severity of the wounds inflicted on our children warrants the historical significance of our Nation welcoming Governor Hochul to the Cattaraugus Territory. The atrocities that our children suffered at the Thomas Indian School have remained hidden in the shadows for far too long. At long last, our people will hear, directly from the Governor, the words we have waited lifetimes for the State of New York to say — ‘We’re sorry.’”
Originally established by Presbyterian missionaries on the Cattaraugus Territory in 1855, Thomas Indian School was owned and operated by the State of New York from 1875 until it closed in 1957. Thomas Indian School, and other residential boarding schools across the United States and Canada, operated under the government’s policy of forced assimilation of Native children. Thousands of children from various Indigenous Nations were separated from their families and forced to attend the school. They were stripped of the traditional language and culture, and suffered abuse, violence, hatred, and sometimes death, at the hands of school officials. Thousands of children are known to have died at the residential boarding schools. It is believed that the deaths of hundreds — if not thousands — more were never documented.
The devastating impacts the boarding schools had on Native American families and communities, including the decimation of family structures and traditional language, are still keenly felt today.
“I know the pain and the trauma because I have seen it and felt it in my own family, just as countless families have borne that pain and carried it every day for generations,” Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca — whose father attended Thomas Indian School, and whose grandmother was removed from her family at age 11 and forced to attend Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania — said. “The Governor’s visit will be an important moment on our road to healing. In coming to our territory and apologizing to our people, the Governor can give voice to the children whose youth and innocence were stolen from them.”
Governor Hochul’s planned visit will fulfill a pledge she made to President Seneca during a visit Nation leaders made to Albany earlier this year. It is also another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting and strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples across the state. As part of this commitment, Governor Hochul has:
Convened leaders from the Indigenous Nations across New York State for a historic summit at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
Appointed Elizabeth Rule as the State’s First Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Nations.
Proposed to strengthen the stability of Indigenous Families by directing Deputy Secretary Rule to advance, in consultation with Nation leadership and stakeholders, strategies to strengthen the objectives of the Indian Child Welfare Act, underscoring New York’s commitment to redressing injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities.
Ensured dental care access for Indigenous Nations including $2.5 million in funding for Indigenous Nations dental health care, with the aim of addressing gaps in access.
Responded to offensive representations by commencing a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples in the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations to ensure that all New Yorkers are welcomed in the State Capitol.
The announced visit and apology comes as the New York State Senate unanimously approved a resolution earlier this week acknowledging the State’s role in the operation of Thomas Indian School and the horrors that occurred there. President Seneca and other Nation officials and citizens were present when the resolution was read on the Senate floor and approved.
This visit will be open to invited guests of the Seneca Nation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
First Foreign Secretary visit to Pakistan since 2021 as UK pushes for fragile ceasefire to become durable peace
Visit underscores need to maintain peace and regional security
David Lammy visits Pakistan to welcome ceasefire and make clear that further conflict is in nobody’s interest
Visit used to reassert that peace and security are the cornerstones of the UK’s relationship with Pakistan that will protect growth and prosperity for Brits, Pakistanis and the wider region
Foreign Secretary meets and thanks consular staff who provided support and advice to Brits during peak of tensions
The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan today (Friday 16 May).
The Foreign Secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:
The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism.
It’s positive that India and Pakistan – both great friends to the UK – have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding.
Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace.
The UK and Pakistan have an important history of working closely together on ensuring regional security and stability. This relationship is key to the Government’s mission to deliver the Plan for Change and unlock growth and prosperity for Brits and Pakistanis alike.
The Foreign Secretary has also been in frequent contact with the Government of India, having engaged with his counterpart yesterday (15th May), and will look to travel to New Delhi soon to build upon the strength of the UK-India relationship.
While in Islamabad the Foreign Secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK’s High Commission who helped British nationals in Pakistan during the tensions, to ensure they had access to accurate, up to date information and advice.
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to renowned Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital.
In her address, the President congratulated Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature. She also extended her wishes to noted poet and lyricist Gulzar, who could not attend the function due to health reasons, and hoped for his speedy recovery and continued contributions to literature, art, and society.
The President underlined the unifying and transformative power of literature. Referring to the role of writers and poets in the 19th-century social awakening and the 20th-century freedom movement, she said their work has played a pivotal role in inspiring the nation. Citing examples such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Vande Mataram and the literary legacy of Valmiki, Vyas, Kalidas, and Rabindranath Tagore, she said their voices continue to reflect the spirit of Indianness.
Praising the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, the President commended its efforts in recognising literary excellence in Indian languages since 1965. She said the institution has preserved the prestige of the award by honouring deserving and outstanding litterateurs over the decades.
Highlighting the contributions of past women recipients of the Jnanpith Award, including Ashapurna Devi, Amrita Pritam, Mahadevi Verma, Qurratul-Ain-Haider, Mahasweta Devi, Indira Goswami, Krishna Sobti, and Pratibha Ray, the President said they have offered unique insights into Indian traditions and social realities. She encouraged women and young girls to actively engage in literary pursuits, drawing inspiration from these iconic writers.
Speaking about Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji, the President said he has set an exemplary standard of excellence through his scholarly and social contributions. Despite being visually impaired, he has enriched Indian literature and society through his work and spiritual vision. She expressed confidence that his life and achievements will continue to inspire generations in the fields of literature, social reform, and nation-building.
The Jnanpith Award, instituted by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, is one of the highest literary honours in the country, awarded annually to authors for their outstanding contribution to literature in Indian languages.
In a significant milestone for India’s digital infrastructure, Aadhaar authentication transactions have crossed the 150 billion mark, according to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This cumulative figure of over 15,011 crore authentications, achieved by the end of April 2025, marks a new chapter in the country’s expanding digital ecosystem.
The UIDAI said that Aadhaar-based authentication continues to play a crucial role in enabling the ease of living, strengthening welfare delivery mechanisms, and facilitating access to a wide range of voluntary services. In April 2025 alone, nearly 210 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions were recorded, marking an increase of approximately 8% compared to the same month last year.
Alongside authentication, Aadhaar’s e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) service has also shown remarkable growth, becoming an integral component in streamlining customer onboarding and improving the ease of doing business. In April 2025, the number of e-KYC transactions stood at 37.3 crore, reflecting a 39.7% surge from April 2024. As of April-end, the total number of e-KYC transactions has exceeded 2,393 crore.
The growing adoption of UIDAI’s AI-driven face authentication solution is further enhancing service delivery. Developed in-house using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, this authentication method recorded approximately 14 crore transactions in April. Over 100 government and private sector entities are currently leveraging face authentication to ensure seamless and contactless service experiences for Aadhaar number holders.
SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin prices soar past the historic $100,000 mark and global tariff tensions ease, market sentiment has turned decisively bullish. Analysts now predict a period of heightened volatility, where massive price swings are expected. For traders seeking to amplify their returns during this phase, high-leverage derivatives have become the preferred tool — and BexBack is leading the way.
What Is 100x Leverage and Why It Matters Now?
In simple terms, 100x leverage means a trader can control $100,000 worth of crypto with just $1,000 in capital. During periods of volatility, even a 1% price move can result in 100% profit or loss — providing a powerful tool for seasoned traders to maximize upside with minimal capital.
Example: If BTC moves from $100,000 to $101,000 (a 1% increase)
With $1,000 and 100x leverage, you control 1 BTC → Profit = $1,000
With $1,000 spot investment, you hold 0.01 BTC → Profit = $10
However, with higher potential rewards come higher risks, so proper risk management is essential.
Double Your Capital with BexBack’s 100% Deposit Bonus
To help traders unlock the full potential of leveraged trading, BexBack is offering a 100% deposit bonus:
Deposit 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT or more
Submit a bonus request
Instantly receive the same amount in bonus funds, usable as trading margin
Bonus funds cannot be withdrawn, but profits generated from them can be fully withdrawn
This gives traders a bigger buffer against liquidation and the ability to open larger positions with the same capital.
Why Trade Futures on BexBack?
BexBack has rapidly gained popularity among crypto traders due to its innovative features and user-friendly approach:
100x leverage on 50+ crypto contracts including BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, ADA, and more
Zero spread & no slippage — execute trades at the price you see
No KYC required — register instantly with just an email
$50 Welcome Bonus for new users who deposit（Deposit greater than 0.001 BTC） and complete their first trade
Demo account with 10 BTC or 1M USDT virtual funds
Global access, 24/7 multilingual support, and mobile/web compatibility
Who Is BexBack?
BexBack is a next-generation cryptocurrency derivatives exchange headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the U.S., and the U.K. It currently serves over 500,000 users worldwide. With its focus on speed, security, simplicity, and trader empowerment, BexBack is becoming the platform of choice for traders looking to profit in both bull and bear markets.
Don’t Miss the Moment — Trade the Bull Run with Power
If you’ve been waiting to enter the market or scale your trading, now is the time. With Bitcoin surpassing $100K and volatility on the rise, BexBack gives you the tools to trade fast, trade smart, and trade big — all with unmatched flexibility.
Register today, claim your 100% deposit bonus and $50 welcome bonus, and experience the adrenaline of high-leverage crypto futures trading.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
US trade policy has seen notable changes recently, particularly with regard to import tariffs on countries such as China. Though these policies are usually justified by economic and geopolitical considerations, they also impact other areas, including the medical device industry and, more specifically, medical tourism. One growing outcome is how these tariffs are affecting medical tourism—the practice of traveling to another country to receive healthcare services. As medical expenses continue to climb in the US, a growing number of patients are looking overseas for more cost-effective treatment options, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The US has imposed steep tariffs on a range of medical products imported from China, including syringes and needles, rubber medical and surgical gloves, and facemasks. These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US.
In response to these rising costs, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica, which offer competitive pricing and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement surgery in the US can exceed $50,000, but the same procedure in India or Mexico can be performed for $8000-$12,000. As US healthcare providers face increased operational costs due to tariffs – especially on imported surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear – the price gap between domestic and international care continues to widen, creating a financial incentive for patients to consider treatment overseas.
Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behavior. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.”
US tariffs on medical imports are reshaping not only international trade relationships but also domestic healthcare economics. The direct result is an increase in the cost of medical care, which disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured populations. One of the most notable responses to these price pressures has been a rise in outbound medical tourism. Patients are seeking high-quality, affordable care in countries that are not impacted by these tariffs — a trend that is likely to continue if current trade and healthcare cost trajectories remain unchanged.
Murdoch concludes: “This dynamic highlights a deeper connection between global trade policy and patient access to care. As the US continues to adjust its economic strategy, it will be important for policymakers and healthcare leaders to consider the downstream impacts on medical accessibility, affordability, and patient behavior.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced the re-introduction of theHumane Accountability Actalongside key New Mexican groups including El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe, Center for Civic Policy, and New Mexico Immigration Law Center.
WATCH: VASQUEZ UNVEILS BILL TO HOLD DHS ACCOUNTABLE
“Today, I’m proud to announce the updated Humane Accountability Act because due process, transparency, and accountability are not optional in a democracy,” said Vasquez. “This bill is about making sure that every person is treated humanely, that Congress is informed, and that our constitutional values are upheld no matter who’s in power.”
The bill, which was previously introduced in the 118th Congress, has been updated to address new immigration enforcement concerns. U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) have co-sponsored the legislation.
“Every single person in this country has the right to due process and should be treated with dignity and humanity. That includes migrants in detention centers. As Trump continues to ramp up his attacks on immigrants and the rule of law, it’s on all of us to stand up for our constitutional rights and this nation’s values,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “We need the Humane Accountability Act to help increase oversight, hold immigration detention centers accountable, and protect due process for all.”
“Reforming our broken immigration system while securing our borders has long been one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “But the Trump administration’s recent actions, including the unlawful detention of U.S. Citizens, has proven that Congress must strengthen oversight and demand greater transparency from ICE. The Humane Accountability Act seek to do just that—establishing clear accountability measures to ensure detainees are treated fairly and humanely, and that the administration is following the rule of law.”
The legislation includes three key provisions:
Transparency on Detention and Removal: DHS would be required to provide Congress with specific data on all encounters, detentions, and removals that have occurred since January, including the legal authority for removals and any transfers to detention centers located outside the territorial U.S.
Oversight of Detention Conditions: The bill mandates comprehensive reporting on abuses, deaths, injuries, lack of legal access, enforcement in sensitive locations, and the whereabouts of individuals in custody.
Notification for Non-Traditional Detention Sites: DHS would be required to notify Congress before using any non-traditional site, such as military installations, Tribal lands, or locations outside the territorial lands, for immigrant detention.
Multiple key organizations in New Mexico have endorsed the bill.
“My parents fled a war-torn nation to the United States, knowing that they would be guaranteed freedom and constitutional rights. Now, our community is facing dire threats as they are being detained without due process, not receiving proper notification or information in their own languages, and potentially being sent to countries they have never lived in. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, the Humane Accountability Act speaks to the needs of transparency and language access as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Representative Gabe Vasquez’s leadership on this issue is crucial, as it shines a light on the darkest corners of our immigration system and demands accountability from those in power.” Lan Sena, MHA Policy Director, Center for Civic Policy
“As the Trump administration pursues its terrifying vision of mass deportation—including the removal of essential workers who haven’t been convicted of any crime, sometimes to countries where they aren’t even citizens—and even considers suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention, it is more urgent than ever to passthe Humane Accountability Act,” said Fabiola Landeros, immigrants’ rights organizer with El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “This legislation would strengthen oversight, ensure due process, and mandate humane conditions in detention centers. These are New Mexico values—values our country should aspire and fight to uphold, no matter our political affiliation.”
“TheHumane Accountability Actis a bold step toward shining a light on unchecked abuses and bringing transparency and oversight to the Department of Homeland Security — whose agencies ICE and CBP have blatantly violated the due process and human rights of immigrants, asylum seekers and even U.S. citizens — including a citizen from New Mexico,” said NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe. “We applaud Rep. Vasquez for defending the civil liberties of our people and for demanding that our federal government follows the Constitution and the rule of law. This bill, if passed, would expose the deplorable conditions in New Mexico’s private immigrant detention centers and help prevent unlawful deportations of immigrants like Kilmar Obrego Garcia. It’s not just necessary — it’s the moral imperative.”
India’s foreign exchange reserves jumped by $4.5 billion to reach $690.62 billion for the week ended May 9, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
Foreign currency assets, the largest component of the reserves, rose by $196 million to $581.37 billion. These assets, expressed in US dollar terms, reflect the impact of appreciation or depreciation in other currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen that are part of the reserves.
Gold reserves also saw a modest increase, rising by $4.5 million to $86.33 billion during the reporting week.
However, special drawing rights (SDRs) declined by $26 million to $18.53 billion, while India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) fell by $134 million to $4.37 billion, the RBI data showed.
A strengthening foreign exchange reserve position bolsters the rupee against the US dollar and reflects the strong fundamentals of the Indian economy. It also provides the RBI with greater flexibility to manage volatility in the currency markets.
A robust forex kitty allows the central bank to intervene in the spot and forward markets by releasing dollars to curb excessive depreciation of the rupee. On the other hand, a declining reserve base limits the RBI’s ability to defend the currency during turbulent periods.
Meanwhile, India’s external sector continues to gain momentum, with total exports of goods and services registering a strong 12.7% growth in April, reaching $73.80 billion, compared to $65.48 billion in the same month last year. This growth comes despite global economic uncertainties triggered by US tariff hikes, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Thursday.
Merchandise exports alone grew by 9.03% to $38.49 billion, driven largely by high-value electronics and engineering goods, underscoring the expansion of India’s manufacturing sector.
Electronic goods exports rose sharply by 39.51% to $3.69 billion in April, up from $2.65 billion a year ago. Engineering goods exports climbed by 11.28% to $9.51 billion, compared to $8.55 billion last April. Exports of gems and jewellery also increased by 10.74% to $2.5 billion, up from $2.26 billion in the corresponding period last year.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Ombudsman attends Board Meeting of International Ombudsman Institute The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, led a delegation on a visit to Morocco early this week, and the visit concluded today (May 16).
During his stay in Morocco, Mr Chan attended the annual Board Meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) as Chairman of the IOI’s Standing By-laws Committee and member of the United Nations and International Cooperation Working Group and exchanged views and ideas with representatives of other countries and regions. The Board Meeting of IOI involved participation from around 20 countries and regions among which were the United States of America, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, South Africa, Korea and Thailand.
The Office’s delegation also met with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr Hassan Tariq, and the President of the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, and visited the Mediator’s regional office.
Throughout the visit, Mr Chan also shared with IOI Board Members and his many international counterparts the latest developments and opportunities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as presenting Hong Kong’s important position of having strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world. Issued at HKT 21:47
Trade ministers from the 21 APEC member economies met in Jeju, Republic of Korea, for the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, chaired by Korean Minister of Trade Cheong Inkyo.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of a joint statement, reaffirming the commitment to addressing economic challenges facing the region and to creating a more resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific through strengthened economic cooperation.
The joint statement underscores APEC’s recognition of the importance of the World Trade Organization (WTO), commitment to advancing digital transformation and promotion of the prosperity through sustainable trade.
Ministers emphasized the importance of APEC as the premier forum for regional economic cooperation and recognized its role in bringing economies together to address the economic challenges facing the region. They also recognized the importance of the WTO and the need for meaningful, necessary and comprehensive reform to improve all its functions.
Ministers also discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in trade facilitation, opportunities for deeper economic integration including through the work on Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda and the importance of sustainable supply chains.
The meeting in Jeju reflects APEC’s ongoing efforts to respond to global uncertainties with practical cooperation and forward-looking policy coordination.
The Port Community System (PCS) project has been launched to drive smart port development, the Transport & Logistics Bureau announced today.
The system aims to promote digitalisation within Hong Kong’s port community, enhance cross-sector information interconnectivity, and advance smart port development, in order to consolidate and enhance the Hong Kong Port’s competitiveness and the city’s status as an international maritime centre, the bureau explained.
The PCS’ pilot data sharing platform began phased testing of specific cargo clearance processes in early 2023. After rigorous testing and optimisation, the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) will assist the bureau in the full development of the system, with installation to be completed by the end of 2025, and implementation for industry use starting in early 2026.
The system will provide round-the-clock, real-time cargo tracking, integrate sea, land and air transport data, and offer value-added electronic services such as the One-Data-Multiple-Declarations function.
Officiating at the PCS project’s launch ceremony, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said the PCS is a critical infrastructure for the future development of Hong Kong’s port and maritime sectors.
“Led by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and widely supported by the industry, the PCS digitally connects Hong Kong, the Mainland and the international maritime community.
“It will also help facilitate trade and capital flows, enhance Hong Kong’s resilience and influence as an international maritime centre to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex international environment, and serve our country’s strategic goal of becoming a maritime powerhouse.”
The bureau supplemented that it will also initiate a new phase of trial in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to explore leveraging cargo status data within the PCS to facilitate trade finance processes, with a view to helping financial institutions and small and medium enterprises reduce credit costs and processing time. To ensure that the system aligns with industry needs, the bureau has established a Strategic Advisory Panel and an Industry Expert Liaison Group, bringing together industry leaders to provide insights on the PCS’ development.
Additionally, during today’s launch ceremony, the Transport & Logistics Bureau signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the LSCM and Guangdong e-Port Management Company. Areas of collaboration include exploring the use of the PCS to provide a pre-filling and pre-submission function for ocean manifests for vessels entering the Mainland, so as to provide further convenience for system users.
New York, NY, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (NASDAQ: MFH), a digital fintech group, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chaince Securities, Inc. (“Chaince Securities”), has secured a new engagement to serve as corporate advisor for a prominent Asia-Pacific healthcare company seeking strategic access to U.S. capital markets.
Growing Cross-Border Advisory Practice
Chaince Securities leverages its expertise in executing complex cross-border transactions for international companies seeking to access the U.S. capital market. This corporate advisory engagement reflects Chaince Securities’ commitment to cross-border advisory mandates.
Cross-Border Business Advisory Service Capabilities
Chaince Securities offers comprehensive cross-border business advisory services, such as:
Strategic planning and execution support for the listing process
U.S. regulatory and exchange compliance coordination
Capital market positioning and investor outreach
Coordination with legal, auditing, and underwriting teams to support a seamless listing process
“We are honored to serve as a trusted cross-border advisor in this important transaction,” said Shi Qiu, CEO of Mercurity Fintech Holding. “This mandate demonstrates the strength of our advisory platform and validates our commitment to supporting innovative companies as they expand their footprint into U.S. capital markets. Our growing track record establishes Chaince Securities as the go-to partner for Asian companies seeking strategic access to U.S. investors and capital.”
About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.
Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MFH) is a fintech group powered by blockchain infrastructure, offering technology and financial services. Through its subsidiaries including Chaince Securities, LLC, MFH aims to bridge traditional finance and digital innovation, offering services spanning digital assets, financial advisory, and capital markets solutions.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.
Solve for Tomorrow 2025: Nudging young minds to see problems as opportunities and innovation as a way of life
A quiet revolution is underway. With Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Season 4 in full swing, India’s youth is rising to the challenge with ideas that aim to transform lives, communities, and the country.
After a successful launch earlier this year, the programme has now entered a dynamic phase: Design Thinking Workshops for school students and Open House sessions for college innovators. These events are not just about learning, they are about sparking a mindset shift, nudging young minds to see problems as opportunities and innovation as a way of life.
With roadshows already underway in nine cities – New Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ranchi and Sonepat, the excitement is palpable. Thousands of students from 20 schools and colleges have participated so far. And this is just the beginning. Samsung plans to take this initiative to every corner of India, including the North East.
“Solve for Tomorrow is important because it gives students the tools and mindset to identify real problems around them and create practical, innovative solutions, something traditional classrooms often miss,” said Dr. Ashish Dwivedi, a faculty member at O.P. Jindal Global University, which recently hosted a Design Thinking Open House.
At the university, curious students spent the day immersed in the design thinking process. The energy in the room was electric. Ideas were born, problems dissected, and visions shared. The students emerged inspired, transformed, and ready to take on the world.
“It helped turn a vague idea into a clearer, actionable solution,” said Aditya Naresh, a student at O.P. Jindal Global University.
Similarly, another student, Riddhima Sharma said that she learnt how to work in a team and listen to different perspectives while solving a problem.
In schools, the Design Thinking Workshops from Samsung left an equally indelible mark.
Young minds at work during a Design Thinking Workshop at a school
“The workshop conducted by Samsung and FITT-IIT Delhi has been really insightful,” said Surbhi, a teacher at ITL Public School, Delhi. “Many students from the first batch have already approached me for help with the application process.”
At Mother’s Mary School in Delhi, the girls of Classes 9 and 10 are dreaming big.
Aanya, for instance, wants to build an AI-powered app to help design sustainable homes, while Kritika is working on an eco-friendly Kindle to replace school textbooks. Interestingly, Kriti, a Class 12 student, is exploring safer menstrual products to prevent cervical cancer, all under Solve for Tomorrow’s key themes.
The passion to solve and lead, is just about as fierce among college students.
“There are many problems in the world but very few solvers,” said R. Deepika, a Business Analytics student at University of Hyderabad. “This workshop made me want to be one of them.”
“It’s helped me figure out how to build a startup and chalk out my ideas better,” said Sawan Kesari from the BA programme at University of Hyderabad. “I want to improve diagnostic services in rural India through telemedicine.”
With roadshows already underway in nine cities, the excitement is palpable as students queue up to apply for Solve for Tomorrow 2025
The clarity and purpose with which these students are identifying community problems is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s Aditya’s mission to make clean drinking water accessible in rural areas, Riddhima’s drive to tackle plastic waste, Prerna’s dream of assistive devices for visually impaired students, every idea echoes the larger purpose of Solve for Tomorrow, to empower the next generation of changemakers.
“Our students are eager to connect with mentors and experts through Solve for Tomorrow to bring their ideas to life.” said Poonam Verma, Principal of Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies.
The application window for the initiative will be open till June 30, 2025.
After the initial application phase, the top 100 teams will be chosen, with 25 teams selected from each of the themes. At this stage, participants will undergo online training led by thematic experts, followed by a video pitch round where 40 teams will be shortlisted – 10 teams from each theme.
With thousands of students now engaged and more joining each week, Solve for Tomorrow is no longer just a competition, it’s a national innovation movement.
So far in 2025, lunar exploration has surged forward. Several notable missions have launched toward or landed on the Moon. Each has navigated the long journey through space and the even trickier descent to the Moon’s surface or into orbit with varying degrees of success. Together, these missions reflect both the promise and difficulty of returning to the Moon in this new space race defined by innovation, competition and collaboration.
Lunar exploration remains one of the most technically demanding frontiers in modern spaceflight. Choosing a landing site involves complex trade-offs between scientific interest, terrain safety and Sun exposure.
They also need to carefully plan the spacecraft’s path so that it arrives at the right angle and speed for a safe approach. Even small miscalculations early on can lead to major errors in landing location – or a missed opportunity entirely.
Once on the surface, the landers need to survive extreme swings in temperature – from highs over 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) in daylight down to lows of -208 F (-133 C) at night – as well as dust, radiation and delayed communication with Earth. The spacecraft’s power systems, heat control, landing legs and communication links must all function perfectly. Meanwhile, these landers must avoid hazardous terrain and rely on sunlight to power their instruments and recharge their batteries.
Commercial companies face the same technical hurdles as government agencies but often with tighter budgets, smaller teams and less heritage hardware. Unlike government missions, which can draw on decades of institutional experience and infrastructure, many commercial lunar efforts are navigating these challenges for the first time.
Successful landings and hard lessons for CLPS
Several lunar missions launched this year belong to NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. CLPS is an initiative that contracts private companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the Moon. Its aim is to accelerate exploration while lowering costs and encouraging commercial innovation.
An artist’s rendering of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, which navigated and avoided hazards during its final descent to the surface. NASA/GSFC/Rani Gran/Wikimedia Commons
The lander survived the harsh lunar day and transmitted data for nearly two weeks before losing power during the freezing lunar night – a typical operational limit for most unheated lunar landers.
The second CLPS launch of the year, Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, launched in late February. It targeted a scientifically intriguing site near the Moon’s south pole region.
An artist’s rendering of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which is scheduled to land near the lunar south pole for in-situ resource utilization demonstration on the Moon. NASA/Intuitive Machines
While Athena’s tipped-over landing meant it couldn’t do all the scientific explorations it had planned, the data it returned is still valuable for understanding how future landers can avoid similar fates on the rugged polar terrain.
Not all lunar missions need to land. NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer, a small lunar orbiter launched in February alongside IM-2, was intended to orbit the Moon and map the form, abundance and distribution of water in the form of ice, especially in shadowed craters near the poles.
Shortly after launch, however, NASA lost contact with the spacecraft. Engineers suspect the spacecraft may have experienced a power issue, potentially leaving its batteries depleted.
NASA is continuing recovery efforts, hoping that the spacecraft’s solar panels may recharge in May and June.
An artist’s rendering of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft. If recovered, it will orbit the Moon to measure the form and distribution of water on the lunar surface. Lockheed Martin Space
The lander carried out a successful flyby of the Moon on Feb. 15, with an expected landing in early June. Although launched at the same time, Resilience took a longer trajectory than Blue Ghost to save energy. This maneuver also allowed the spacecraft to collect bonus science observations while looping around the Moon.
The Resilience lunar lander days before its launch in the payload processing facility at the U.S. Space Force station. The Resilience lander has completed its Earth orbit and a lunar flyby. It is now completing a low-energy transfer orbit and entering an orbit around the Moon. Business Wire
The rest of 2025 promises a busy lunar calendar. Intuitive Machines plans to launch IM-3 in late 2025 to test more advanced instruments and potentially deliver NASA scientific experiments to the Moon.
The European Space Agency’s Lunar Pathfinder will establish a dedicated lunar communications satellite, making it easier for future missions, especially those operating on the far side or poles, to stay in touch with Earth.
Together, these missions represent an increasingly international and commercial approach to lunar science and exploration.
As the world turns its attention to the Moon, every mission – whether triumph or setback – brings humanity closer to a permanent return to our closest celestial neighbor.
BISHKEK – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), will provide nutritious school meals to more than 100,000 children in the Kyrgyz Republic. This marks CIDCA’s first multilateral initiative in the country and in Central Asia through its Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund.
To launch this initiative, a handover ceremony was held yesterday at the #86 School in Osh province in the south of the country, with the Ambassador of China in the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Liu Jiangping, the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Osh region, Ilyas Tashbaev and the WFP Representative and Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic, Kojiro Nakai.
“As a strategic partner of the Kyrgyz Republic, China has been supporting the country through bilateral channels, improving infrastructure and other sectors,” said H.E. Liu Jiangping, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kyrgyz Republic. “The support from CIDCA aims to enhance the National School Meals Programme via multilateral channels, which will complement China’s existing large-scale assistance and set a good example for South-South cooperation initiative.”
In 2025, 1,700 metric tons of fortified wheat flour, vegetable oil, rice and lentils will be delivered to 300 schools across Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken provinces. WFP and the Ministry of Education and Science selected these schools based on poverty levels and nutritional needs.
“WFP is grateful for this new contribution from the Government of China. This support will help address the serious micronutrient deficiencies affecting primary school children in three provinces. WFP remains committed to strengthening the school meals programme and contributing to the growth of a healthy and successful young generation,” said Kojiro Nakai, WFP Representative and Country Director.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Science and supported by WFP, the National School Meals Programme has already introduced nutritious meals in 920 schools across the country, with support from various donors. Each year, WFP not only supplies food but also upgrades school kitchen infrastructure, provides catering equipment and trains cooks to ensure the safe and nutritious preparation of meals.
Together, the Ministry of Education and Science, WFP, and their partners remain committed to further improving the National School Meals Programme, nourishing children for a healthier and brighter future.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
The objective of this meeting is to build visibility for snakebite on the global health agenda
Sunday 18 May 2025 17:30−19:30
Restaurant Vieux-Bois, Avenue de la Paix 12
Shared progress: how collaborative philanthropy can accelerate country-led health goals
Host: Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity
Under the theme Shared Progress: How Collaborative Philanthropy Can Accelerate Country-led Health Goals, the reception will convene country representatives; global health leaders; philanthropic organizations; and multilaterals to discuss how countries and donors can work collaboratively to forge new pathways for global health progress.
Monday 19 May 2025 13:00−14:30
Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale (CAGI), La Pastorale, Route de Ferney 106
Protecting Progress: Integration for Infectious Disease Elimination in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
Host: Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE)
The global health landscape is undergoing tectonic shifts, driven largely by the recent significant changes in traditional donor priorities. This, compounded by ongoing challenges of climate change and humanitarian crises threatens to erode decades of progress in eliminating preventable infectious diseases such as malaria, polio, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Given this new reality, integration—both across disease programs and within broader health and development efforts—has never been more urgent.
Tuesday 20 May 2025 08:00−10:00
Hôtel Royal, Rue de Lausanne 41
Health financing : what now ? What next? Insights from malaria, dengue & NTDs
Hosts: Health Finance Coalition (HFC); Malaria No More; and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD)
The world is witnessing major shifts in the global health landscape. Among these, the decrease in donor funding for climate-sensitive infectious and tropical diseases on the one hand, and the explosive growth of health threats such as arboviruses including dengue, as well as the persistent threat of malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on communities worldwide are likely to be among the most defining factors of future health policy.
Tuesday 20 May 2025 17:00−19:00
Pavillon Gallatin, Domaine de Penthes, Route de Pregny 26
5 Billion Mectizan Treatments Donated and Counting
Hosts: Mectizan Donation Program, Task Force for Global Health
The event will celebrate the tremendous progress made towards the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, notably the 5 billion ivermectin (Mectizan) treatments that have been donated. Since 1987 MSD and the Mectizan Donation Program have provided Mectizan to eliminate onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis worldwide.
Tuesday 20 May 2025 18:00−20:00
Hôtel Président Wilson, Quai Wilson 47
Skin diseases as a global public health priority
Hosts: International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin), International League of Dermatology Societies (ILDS), Anesvad Foundation, Health Diplomacy Alliance
The event will discuss the importance of addressing skin diseases as a public health problem, and will provide critical discussions on the groundbreaking WHA resolution, “Skin Diseases as a Global Health Priority”.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 08:00−09:30
Restaurant Vieux-Bois, Avenue de la Paix 12
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships to fight VBDs, NTDs, and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Hosts: Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Assoc. (JPMA), Permanent Mission of Japan, IFPMA
As the field of global health undergoes significant transformation, we aim to raise global awareness of the challenges and solutions related to infectious diseases such as VBDs, NTDs, and emerging infectious diseases that have long affected LMICs. As part of this effort, we would like to overview the progress made and the challenges we face, as well as showcase strategic initiatives/contributions in this field by governments, private sector and international organizations
Wednesday 21 May 2025 09:00−13:30
Campus Biotech Innovation Park, Avenue de Sécheron 15
Economics of elimination and NTDs
Host: Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE)
The event will initiate an International Economics Working Group (IEWG) dialogue, share current work, and explore collaboration on the economics of elimination and neglected tropical diseases.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 12:00−15:00
Geneva Press Club, Domaine de Penthes, Chemin de l’Impératrice 18
Accelerating NTD elimination through country-driven efforts and cross-border collaboration
Hosts: Global Onchocerciasis Network for Elimination (GONE), African Union, END Fund, DNDi
Member State Leadership: Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
The purpose of the meeting is to share progress and celebrate successes of NTD elimination milestones, share cross-border collaboration examples, celebrate the endorsement of cross-border agreements and a Call for Action which will inspire and further enhance cross-border and multi-disease collaboration to accelerate progress towards global disease elimination targets. Ministers of Health of Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda will sign a MoU to End VL in Africa. The event will stress the importance of country ownership and strategies to reach NTD public health target and to mitigate the risk of losing the gains made over the past decades, highlighting the opportunity of the implementation of the proposed resolution on skin diseases at WHA78. A signature of an MoU for Visceral Leishmaniasis in East African countries will take place during the ceremony.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 18:00−20:00
Hõtel Royal, Rue de Lausanne 41
Roundtable dinner: The Future of Funding for NTDs
Hosts: The END Fund, DEVEX
The event will be hosted by Kate Warren EVP and Executive Editor, Devex and Dr Solomon Zewdu, CEO, The END Fund. The roundtable dinner will bring together a select group of 10–12 senior stakeholders from the private sector, philanthropy, global health, policy and international financing organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue , enabling key decision-makers to share insights, align priorities and identify actions to accelerate progress in combating NTDs. Roundtable dinner: The Future of Funding for NTDS
Reception for countries endemic for dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) and in pre-certification Guinea
Hosts: Ministry of Health, Chad and The Carter Center
The reception will be an occasion to celebrate the tremendous progress toward eradication, rally behind the WHA Resolution being voted on, reflect on commitments made in the Abu Dhabi Declaration and N’Djamena Commitment, and look ahead to what remains to achieve Guinea worm eradication by the year 2030.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 18:30−20:30
The International Red Cross & Red Crescent Museum, Geneva, Avenue de la Paix 17
“A seat at the table” – art installation
Hosts: Gilead Sciences, Harvard Medical School Center for Primary Care Program in Global Primary Health Care, International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO) and UNAIDS
Frontline AIDS in collaboration with the Female Genital Schistosomiasis Integration Group (FIG), Education as a Vaccine, Alliance for Public Health, and LVCT Health will contribute artwork to this important event. It will feature stories and an art installation that bring the importance of people-centered care into focus— addressing the imbalance of power in which people with lived experience of disease are too often left out of health system decision-making.
Wednesday 21 May 2025 18:30−21:00
Hôtel Mandarin Oriental, Quai Turrettini 1
Ministerial summit: REACH network
Hosts: Nigeria, REACH Network (Chairs: Minister Muhammad Ali Pate [Nigeria] and Professor Samba Sow [former Minister of Health, Mali])
The event is convened to reinforce ministerial commitment from existing REACH countries and expand the network’s impact by engaging potential new member countries. It will emphasize integrated, equitable and evidence-driven child survival strategies, particularly mass drug administration of azithromycin
Thursday 22 May 2025 08:00−10:00
Hôtel Président Wilson, Quai Wilson 47
Surveillance and innovation for dengue & arboviruses: international unity to avert future health emergencies
Host: the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases
The event will focus on updates on the progression of the arboviral threat worldwide (dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Oropouche fever), will provide a platform for Member States to make statements on arboviruses experiences and collaborative surveillance strategies, will enable discussions among participants, will serve as a forum for exchange of best practices and networking among participants
Thursday 22 May 2025 12:00−14:00
Hôtel Intercontinental, Chemin du Petit-Saconnex 7−9
Innovation Meets Unity: Advancing Global Health Solutions for Africa
Host: Merck KGaA, Circle Diplomatique Genève
Global health leadership discussion to discuss diminished engagement with multilateral institutions which has resulted in weakened health systems in Africa and diminished international support
Defendants sold thousands of counterfeit “Adderall” pills supplied by the Asian Boyz gang
BOSTON – Two members of the Asian Boyz gang have been sentenced in federal court in Boston for trafficking homemade imitations of the pharmaceutical drug, Adderall, containing methamphetamine.
Erickson Dao, a/k/a “Silent,” 32, of Lowell, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 85 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. . In January 2025, Dao pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine. Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez,” 37, also of Lowell, was sentenced by Judge Gorton to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Phim pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.
A long-term investigation proved that Asian Boyz gang members and associates allegedly had access to a plentiful supply of counterfeit methamphetamine pills marketed as “Adderall.” These pills were similar in shape, size and appearance to genuine Adderall. On 12 different dates in 2022, Phim sold these counterfeit “Adderall” pills to an undercover agent. In total, Phim sold the undercover agent over 10,000 pills for more than $36,000.
Dao was identified as one of Phim’s suppliers of the methamphetamine pills. Between February 2022 and April 2022, Dao delivered the counterfeit pills to Phim on at least five occasions. Phim then sold the pills to an undercover federal agent for more than $11,000. Chemical testing confirmed that the pills were a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine. When investigators searched Dao’s residence, they discovered thousands more counterfeit “Adderall” pills and large quantities of cocaine.
In other drug transactions with the undercover officer, Phim admitted that he coordinated the supply of methamphetamine pills with other Asian Boyz gang members and associates, including Brian Gingras, a/k/a “Cheech.” Between May 2022 and September 2022, Gingras met Phim prior to the planned deals to personally deliver the pills. Gringas pleaded guilty in January 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant in the case is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wabag (Agenzia Fides) – “Tribal conflicts are deeply rooted in the remote province of Enga, Papua New Guinea. In the past, fighting was the final word in resolving conflicts, mainly territorial ones,” Father Giorgio Licini, a missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and Caritas collaborator of the Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, told Fides.The missionary recounts a situation that the Catholic community is trying to contain: “The roots of tribal conflicts are still emotional. What is done to one member of the tribe is done to all. It is the result of an ‘excess of solidarity’ and the individual’s identification with the group,” explains the missionary. “This is even more dangerous today, as injustice is often caused by widespread alcohol and drug abuse. A trivial fight can result in multiple deaths and the loss of property, regardless of the reasons for the dispute. The clan supports its members regardless of the propriety of their actions. Traditional conflicts over land have now given way to disputes over property in general and, related to it, over elections and political power. The world is changing, but traditional attitudes remain. Defending the tribe’s honor is considered fundamental,” Father Licini notes.The impact on politics is clear: “When a candidate wins a seat in the provincial or national parliament or a ministerial post, it brings immense benefits to the tribe or clan of origin.In Enga province, politics and the concurrent elections are accompanied by fraud, violence, and bloodshed, not least because of the proliferation of heavy firearms, likely smuggled from the neighboring Indonesian province of West Papua.”The missionary recounts one example: “The suburb of Paiam in Porgera is practically a ghost town after tribal fighting erupted in 2020. This year, only forty believers were able to attend Easter celebrations at the local Catholic parish of Blessed Peter To Rot, once a thriving community center. In the past, it was the wealth of land and livestock that determined a tribe’s pride. Today, it is business and political prestige. When I first traveled to the Enga region in 2019, there were few areas where tribal conflicts began. Now it is a dangerous war zone. Homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and churches have been lost.” In this context, as Justin Ain, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Wabag in Enga Province, notes, the local Church is actively committed to preventing and combating all forms of violence, with the goal of “disarming hearts and hands.” Not only by “simply helping the victims,” but above all “with education and awareness.” The bishop explains that “especially with the resources and teams of the diocesan Caritas, they organize meetings with the village population, especially with young people, who are often completely uneducated or illiterate, and make them aware of the consequences of their violent acts for themselves and their families, as well as the damage caused by alcohol and drug addiction, thus discouraging them from expressing their frustration through violence.” The local church is also working long-term, also in view of the national parliamentary elections in May 2027. Enga has six representatives elected in five districts. Elections in Papua New Guinea, and particularly in the Highlands region, are notorious for being marred by intimidation, vote-buying, and fraud during the voting process. “Recently,” the bishop reports, “we invited leaders from all walks of life to a three-day political training course on leadership, representation, and accountability to voters. Because it is from them, whom we consider leaders, that disarmament and non-violence must emanate.” Enga Province in Papua New Guinea has seen repeated outbreaks of political violence in recent years. Although the tensions are often linked to disputes over access to and use of natural resources, they also reflect ethnic and cultural conflicts, often related to competition for resources, land ownership, and access to government services. In 2024, approximately 30 people were killed in tribal clashes in Porgera, Enga Province, involving 17 tribes.The recurring conflicts, characterized by brutal violence and cyclical reprisals, reflect deeper, systemic problems. One conflict was resolved by a ceasefire, the so-called “Hilton Peace Accord,” signed last year in Port Moresby. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 16/5/2025)
Share:
Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin visited Seoul National University (SNU) on the last day of her Korea trip today.
She exchanged views with the university’s president Ryu Hong Lim on deepening higher education collaboration between Korea and Hong Kong, and promoted the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
Ms Choi said Hong Kong boasts a highly internationalised and diverse post-secondary education sector, adding that a number of measures have been put in place by the Government to enhance the city’s status as an international education hub.
Apart from striving to host international education conferences and exhibitions, the Government also encourages local post-secondary institutions to enhance collaboration and exchanges with their counterparts around the world in promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand on a global scale. It also attracts more overseas students to study in Hong Kong through the provision of scholarships.
In addition, the Government is developing the Northern Metropolis University Town to encourage local post-secondary institutions to introduce more branded programmes, research collaborations and exchange projects with renowned Mainland and overseas institutions in a flexible and innovative manner.
At the meeting, Ms Choi introduced to the SNU the various large-scale education mega events to be held in Hong Kong, such as the Learning & Teaching Expo to be held during Digital Education Week in July this year, as well as the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference & Exhibition to be held in February 2026.
The education chief welcomed representatives from universities in Korea to come to Hong Kong to take part in the events and forge collaborations and exchanges with institutions worldwide.
Ms Choi also welcomed students from Korea and other places to study in Hong Kong or participate in short-term student exchange programmes, and said that she looked forward to further strengthening education ties between Korea and Hong Kong.
Ms Choi also met Hong Kong students studying at SNU to learn about their school life and encouraged them to return to Hong Kong to develop their careers after completing their studies.
Today and yesterday, Ms Choi paid courtesy calls on the Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing and the Consul General of China in Jeju Chen Jianjun, respectively to introduce Hong Kong’s latest education policy.
Yesterday, she also joined a side event of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Education Ministerial Meeting to visit an elementary school in Jeju to learn about its experiences in promoting artificial intelligence and digital innovation education.
Ms Choi will depart for a visit to the UK tomorrow.
SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a global technology company, today announced that it plans to release its first quarter 2025 financial results after the U.S. market closes on May 26, 2025.
The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Monday, May 26, 2025 (9:00 AM Singapore/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, May 27, 2025). Details for the conference call are as follows:
Event Title:
JOYY Inc. First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call
Conference ID:
#10047454
All participants may use the link provided below to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registration, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers, the Direct Event passcode, and a unique PIN by email.
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.joyy.com.
The replay will be accessible through June 3, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:
United States:
1-855-883-1031
Singapore: Hong Kong:
800-101-3223 800-930-639
Conference ID:
#10047454
About JOYY Inc. JOYY is a leading global technology company with a mission to enrich lives through technology. With a diversified product portfolio spanning live streaming, short-form videos, casual games, instant messaging, and emerging initiatives like advertising, JOYY has evolved beyond social entertainment into a multifaceted ecosystem powered by AI and data-driven technologies. Headquartered in Singapore and operating across the globe, JOYY has fostered a vibrant user community through its localized strategies. JOYY’s ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ since November 2012.
Investor Relations Contact JOYY Inc. Investor Relations Email: joyy-ir@joyy.com
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 13, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50 lakh (Rupees Fifty Lakh only) on Deutsche Bank AG, India (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Creation of a Central Repository of Large Common Exposures-Across Banks’ read with ‘Central Repository of lnformation on Large Credits (CRlLC) – Revision in Reporting’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.
After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank did not report credit information of certain borrowers to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).
The action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 16, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹29,60,000 (Rupees Twenty-Nine Lakh Sixty Thousand only) on Yes Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Financial Statements Presentation and Disclosures’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.
After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank did not disclose correct and complete information about customer complaints in its Annual Financial Statements for the financial year 2023-24.
The action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
Sadly, this highlights RNZ’s failure to report the genocide from the perspective of the very real victims — more journalists killed in Gaza than the whole of World War Two, aid workers murdered and buried, 17,000 children, including babies, who will never ever grow.
I respect so many RNZ journalists and have always supported this important national broadcaster but it is time for it to pull up its pants, ditch the propaganda and report from the field of truth.
I carry my Jewish ancestors in standing against genocide and calling for reports that show the truth of the travesty.
For reporting on protests I have been pepper sprayed by thugged-up police donning US-style gloves and glasses (illegally carrying pepper spray and tasers).
I was banned from my own town hall when I tried — with my E Tu press card — to attend the deputy leader Winston Peters’ media conference.
This government does not want the truth reported, it seems.
I have reported from the fields of invasion and conflict. I’ve taught journalism and communications. Good journalists remember journalism ethics. Reports from the point of view of the oppressor support the oppressor.
Humanitarianism means not reporting from the perspective of a mercenary army — an army that has been enforcing apartheid for decades, and which is invoking a policy of extermination for expansion.
Please read this media review and think of how you would feel if someone demanded that you leave your home. Palestinians have faced oppression and apartheid and “unhoming” for decades.
Think of the intolerable weight of grief you would carry if a sniper put a bullet between the eyes of a child you love and know.
Report on the victims. And stop subscribing to propaganda.
Saige England is a journalist and author, and a member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA). She is a frequent contributor to Asia Pacific Report. This was first published as a social media post.
