An opening ceremony was held on Saturday for the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japanese city of Osaka, a day before the global event opens its doors to the public.
Dignitaries, including Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, attended the ceremony at the expo venue on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the expo will run for six months, with more than 160 countries, regions and international organizations taking part.
Addressing the ceremony, Ishiba said the expo “offers a platform for the people of the world to come together and exchange dialogue,” noting “the world, having overcome the coronavirus pandemic, now faces a crisis over many different divisions.”
In his speech during the ceremony, Dimitri Kerkentzes, secretary-general of the Bureau International des Expositions, regarded Expo 2025 as a unique opportunity to reimagine a future society where lives are protected through advancements in public health and disaster readiness.
Kerkentzes said human potential is empowered through education and technology, where connections between people and ideas foster a more inclusive and more prosperous world.
The expo will open to the public at 9 a.m. local time on Sunday and run for 184 days until Oct. 13. The organizer is expecting a total of 28.2 million visitors, including more than 140,000 on the first day.
The China Pavilion is also set to officially open on Sunday.
A delegation led by President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanming visited Laos from Wednesday to Saturday.
Yang met with Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, president of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) and a politburo member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, and other senior officials.
He also attended a seminar on poverty reduction and common development and delivered a speech, and met with people from all walks of life in Laos.
During the visit, consensus was reached on promoting the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future, and strengthening people-to-people friendship, pragmatic cooperation and exchanges between youth.
The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar confirmed that as of 17:00 Beijing time (0300 GMT) on Saturday, the powerful earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in the deaths of eight Chinese citizens and injuries to 13 others.
The 7.9-magnitude earthquake, which jolted Myanmar on March 28, has claimed 3,689 lives and left 5,020 people injured, with 139 others remaining unaccounted for, according to Myanmar’s State Administration Council Information Team on Friday.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (C, front) cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the National Road 71C in Tbong Khmum province, Cambodia, April 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Cambodia on Saturday inaugurated the China-funded National Road 71C, connecting the eastern Tbong Khmum province with the southeastern Kampong Cham province, for economic boom in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the 114.9-km road is crucial to facilitating travel and goods transportation and will play an important role in helping boost the local economy and tourism development.
“The National Road 71C is expected to help boost the efficiency of the exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products, particularly rubber,” he said. “It will also help attract more tourists and investors to areas along the road.”
Hun Manet said China is an “indispensable friend” of Cambodia for socio-economic development.
“China is recognized as No. 1 partner, who has been providing a great amount of concessional loans and grants for the development of infrastructure, including roads and bridges in Cambodia,” he said.
He said that alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy has provided “win-win results”.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin said to date, China has helped construct national roads in a total length of over 4,000 km and more than 10 large-scale bridges.
“Roads and bridges across the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers have not only facilitated the daily travel of the Cambodian people, but also injected vigorous energy into the development of Cambodia,” he said.
“This is a vivid example of alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy,” he added.
Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the road was built by the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) in 42 months.
“The road will facilitate travel, trade, and tourism in both countries and nearby provinces,” he said. “It will also facilitate the transportation of crop seeds and agricultural and agro-industrial products, reducing costs and travel time.”
Taing Sim, a 52-year-old resident in Kampong Cham province, said that when the road had not been constructed, travel was quite difficult and it took a long time because of mud and bumpy conditions.
“Now, the road is nice, which will facilitate the fast transportation of goods such as tapioca, cashew nuts, and rubber latex,” she told Xinhua while attending the inauguration ceremony.
“I would like to thank China for helping develop Cambodia, and the Cambodian people are pleased to see good roads and bridges,” she added.
Cambodia has a proverb saying, “Where there is a road, there is hope,” Sim said, adding that China has built roads for Cambodia, which means that China has built hope for the Cambodian people.
Heng Sivleng, a 53-year-old resident in Kampong Cham province, said in the past, traveling on road from Tbong Khmum to Kampong Cham by motorcycle, it took up to three hours because of bad-conditioned road during the rainy season.
“Now, the road is good and convenient to travel, reducing costs on fuel and shortening travel time,” she told Xinhua.
An aerial drone photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows the National Road 71C in Tbong Khmum province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 13, 2025.
‘Trump fatigue’ is putting Kiwis off the news, with trust in media still low – new report Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Merja Myllylahti, Senior Lecturer, Co-Director Research Centre for Journalism, Media & Democracy, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images The news media is doing its best to keep everyone up to speed with the pace of Donald Trump’s radical changes to the world order. But in Aotearoa New
Health workers call for NZ government to join global demands for ambulance massacre inquiry Asia Pacific Report Health workers spoke out at a rally condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the latest atrocity against Palestinian aid workers today, calling on the New Zealand government to join global demands for an independent investigation. They were protesting over last month’s massacre of 15 Palestinian rescue workers and the destruction of their
Albanese pitches to aspiring home buyers with $10 billion plan and removal of means test on deposit guarantee Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese will promise a $10 billion scheme to facilitate the building of up to 100,000 homes that would be earmarked for sale to first home buyers. To be unveiled at Labor’s formal campaign launch in Perth on Sunday, the
Dutton to offer targeted income tax offset of up to $1,200 Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Peter Dutton at his party launch on Sunday will offer a “cost of living tax offset” of up to $1,200 to more than 10 million taxpayers. The one-off offset would go to taxpayers earning up to $144,000 when they lodged
Caitlin Johnstone: Israel’s innocent oopsie-poopsie medical massacre mistake Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The Israeli military changed its story many times about why its forces killed 15 medical workers and then buried them and their vehicles to hide the evidence. After their initial claim that the medical vehicles were approaching “suspiciously” without their emergency lights
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TBONG KHMUM, Cambodia, April 12 — Cambodia on Saturday inaugurated the China-funded National Road 71C, connecting the eastern Tbong Khmum province with the southeastern Kampong Cham province.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin attended the event.
Hun Manet said the 114.9-km road is crucial to facilitating travel and goods transportation and will play an important role in helping boost the local economy and tourism development.
Hun Manet said China is an “indispensable friend” of Cambodia for socio-economic development.
China is recognized as No. 1 partner, who has been providing a great amount of concessional loans and grants for the development of infrastructure, including roads and bridges in Cambodia, he said.
He said that alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy has provided “win-win results”.
Speaking at the event, Wang said to date, China has helped construct national roads in a total length of over 4,000 km and more than 10 large-scale bridges.
“Roads and bridges across the Mekong and Tonle Sap River have not only facilitated the daily travel of the Cambodian people, but also injected vigorous energy into the development of Cambodia,” he said.
“This is a vivid example of alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy,” he added.
Last month, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, or HKSTP, transformed its InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a GreenTech Hub, with the aim of supercharging Hong Kong’s drive to be an international hub for green technology and green finance.
Kevin To, the head of a green tech company focused on developing electric motorcycles, batteries and smart battery replacement systems, believes the hub can be a catalyst for advancing green technology in Hong Kong.
“We can combine all these green tech companies together,” he said. “We have more opportunities to communicate, to interact with other green tech companies.
“For example, we are an electric vehicle company – we have a battery, and we need a battery management system. There is a green tech company in this building, they even do the battery management system, so it is very convenient for us to work together with this kind of company.”
Carbon goals
Mr To added: “We did a lot of events and have met a lot of companies within the Greentech Hub. It is a really good ecosystem.”
Explaining that his firm’s operations are primarily focused on the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets for the time being, Mr To highlighted that it also plans to partner with a food delivery platform in Hong Kong, enabling delivery workers to use electric motorcycles.
He believes this initiative will help the city to achieve its carbon neutrality goals.
Flourishing ecosystem
It is expected that the GreenTech Hub ecosystem will accommodate more than 200 green tech companies. HKSTP Associate Director (GreenTech) Howard Lee said it will unite green innovation from various sectors, including new energy, smart city solutions, green building and green fintech.
“The hub will also feature a dedicated Green Space to showcase these innovative and sustainable green solutions,” he added.
Moreover, to support companies in the hub, HKSTP has enlisted 16 GreenTech Hub Partners, including financial and business institutions, as well as universities, to support green tech innovation at the site.
Mr Lee said that focusing resources and expertise at the hub can have synergistic effects.
“It brings together different green tech companies, contributing to the clustering effect,” he stressed. “It also allows our industry partners to come and look for different green tech solutions.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Washington, D.C. — Today, House Democrats continued their efforts to push back against President Donald Trump’s unlawful executive directives by filing an amicus brief in defense of the essential constitutional principle of birthright citizenship in the matter of State of Washington, et al. v. Trump, et al. The brief was signed by 208 members of the Democratic Caucus, including leads and Litigation Task Force Co-Chairs Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Representatives Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, and Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement.
Also at the forefront of the endeavor are Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Yvette Clarke, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Adriano Espaillat, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng, and Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) Co-Chairs Jerry Nadler and Brad Schneider.
In their argument, the amici curiae (or friends of the court) presented overwhelming evidence that Trump’s day-one order to nullify birthright citizenship violates not just the Constitution and over a century of Supreme Court rulings, but also laws passed by Congress that have repeatedly guaranteed citizenship to children born in America.
“An Executive Order is a Memo from the President to his staff. It does not trump federal law, much less the Constitution. Trump cannot end the Constitutional right to birthright citizenship with the stroke of his pen. That’s laughable. The order would strip children born in America of their rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, which violates the plain language of the Constitution, as repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, as well as decades-old federal laws that codify this constitutional right,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “Trump not only believes he is above the law, he believes he has the power to strip the people of the United States of their fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms. The president does not get to decide who gets to be an American. That’s why I am proudly joining the fight to defend the Constitution, 150 years of legislative and judicial precedent, and the birthright of all children born in America.”
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk will stop at nothing to enact their far-right agenda, including attacking the United States Constitution with an unprecedented assault on birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment. Their blatant and unlawful disregard for the rule of law in the form of this illegal executive order shocks the conscience and House Democrats will continue to push back against it. I am grateful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Jayapal, Rep. Thompson, Rep. Clarke, Rep. Espaillat, Rep. Meng, Rep. Nadler, Rep. Schneider and Assistant Leader Neguse of the Litigation Working Group and Rapid Response Task Force for leading House Democrats as we stand up against this unconstitutional attack on the American way of life,” said Leader Jeffries.
“President Trump cannot overturn the 14th Amendment by way of executive fiat,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “And as both the son of immigrants and a defender of the democratic values that form the foundation of our nation, I will push back against this blatantly unconstitutional effort.”
“Under the Constitution, people born here are United States citizens, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where their families came from. It’s just that simple. We will not allow this administration to redefine what it is to be an American just to fit their outrageous anti-immigrant beliefs. Americans reject what Trump is trying to do and the courts should too,” said Ranking Member Thompson.
“Birthright citizenship is a core piece of our Constitution. Ending it through executive order is simply unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of executive power,” said Ranking Member Jayapal. “All persons born on U.S. soil are U.S. citizens, that is what our Constitution dictates and is something President Trump cannot undo by waving a pen. As the first immigrant to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, I am proud to be co-leading on this amicus brief to stand up for the immigration laws of this country.”
“President Trump’s unlawful executive order to revoke birthright citizenship is a flagrant violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and the President’s oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to sow division and stoke xenophobic sentiment for political gain. We are a nation of laws, not one ruled by a king, and the courts must step in to uphold the Constitution from those who seek to undermine it. I am proud to join my colleagues to fight against this unlawful action and protect the principles that have made our country into what it is today,” said Chair Meng.
“For more than a century, a cornerstone of our law is that those born on U.S. soil are American citizens. President Trump’s executive order to nullify birthright citizenship is in clear violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and is further evidence that extremist Republicans more concerned with dividing our country, not lower the cost of living, or improving economic conditions for hardworking Americans. President Trump has absolutely no authority to unilaterally write American citizens out of the Constitution, and any challenge to that notion is utterly fanciful. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in making clear that we will not stand down against President Trump and extremist Republicans’ lawless and xenophobic attacks,” said Chair Clarke.
“Nearly 200 members of Congress banded together behind this critical amicus brief to defend birthright citizenship—one of the most fundamental promises enshrined in the 14th Amendment. For over 150 years, it has guaranteed that every person born on U.S. soil is equal under the law, no matter their background. Any attempt to dismantle this right by executive order is not only unconstitutional—it’s an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. For the Latino community, this fight is deeply personal. Our families are workers, business owners, taxpayers, and proud Americans who contribute to the strength and prosperity of this country every single day. Stripping their children of citizenship would create a dangerous underclass and tear at the fabric of our workforce and economy. We will not allow this nation to return to a dark chapter in its history—we will fight to protect the 14th Amendment and the future it promises all our communities,“ said Chair Espaillat.
“Since the founding of our country 249 years ago, we’ve recognized that every person born in the United States is a citizen. Turning against this founding principle goes against everything we believe in and hold sacred as a country. We should learn from history where this kind of dismantling of civil liberties leads. President Trump is tearing down our institutions and undermining the values that make America the greatest country in the world,” said Congressman Schneider.
“Donald Trump’s divisive and xenophobic policies seek to divide and distract us,” said Congressman Nadler. “We are dealing with a President who believes he is not just above the law, but above the U.S. Constitution. The 14th Amendment is clear that persons born in the United States are U.S. citizens. And yet, President Trump feels compelled to single-handedly change what has been universally understood about the law since the Amendment was adopted in 1868. All Americans should be disturbed by Trump’s assertion that he can unilaterally change the Constitution at will to suit his purposes. This represents an assault on our democracy, and we cannot stand idly by and allow the President to disregard fundamental pillars of the Constitution. That is why I am proud as the Congressional Jewish Caucus Co-chair to join my colleagues in leading this effort.”
The full amicus brief is available HERE.
House Democrats add this to the growing list of court cases filed against the Trump Administration in which they have become involved, including successfully urging a federal judge to block efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
In booth games and a thematic exhibition, the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development showcased the technology it uses in its counter-terrorism work, detention centre management and identification of suspicious documents. Visitors were given the chance to try out facilities such as a mock immigration clearance hall and court room.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, accompanied by Immigration Department directorate officers, toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the open day participants.
The CSD’s open day activities were staged at the Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre. Interactive games and multimedia exhibits at the centre conveyed messages on offender rehabilitation and in support of law-abiding and drug-free lifestyles.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan and security chief Tang Ping-keung were accompanied by Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing and Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development) Leung Ka-lun in attending the event.
At its headquarters, the CAS staged an exhibition and displayed the winning entries from a patriotic essay competition. Service members also presented a mountain search-and-rescue demonstration and a bicycle show.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
Former CEO of Nate, Inc. Charged with Making False Claims About His Company’s Artificial Intelligence Technology
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today an Indictment charging ALBERT SANIGER, the former Chief Executive Officer of Nate, Inc. (“nate”), with engaging in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors of nate by making false and misleading statements about nate’s use of proprietary AI technology and its operational capabilities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Albert Saniger misled investors by exploiting the promise and allure of AI technology to build a false narrative about innovation that never existed. This type of deception not only victimizes innocent investors, it diverts capital from legitimate startups, makes investors skeptical of real breakthroughs, and ultimately impedes the progress of AI development. This Office and our partners at the FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to harm investors by touting false innovation.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Albert Saniger allegedly defrauded investors with fabrications of his company’s purported artificial intelligence capabilities while covertly employing personnel to satisfy the illusion of technological automation. Saniger allegedly abused the integrity associated with his former position as the CEO to perpetuate a scheme filled with smoke and mirrors. The FBI will continue to investigate any business owner who withholds material information to encourage additional investments.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]
In or about 2018, SANIGER founded nate, an e-commerce company that launched the nate app. SANIGER marketed the nate app as a universal shopping cart app that simplified online shopping by enabling users to “skip the checkout” on retail website by reducing the checkout process to a “single tap.” For example, if a consumer found a pair of sneakers that they wanted to purchase on a particular e-commerce site, the user could buy the sneakers by opening the nate app and clicking “buy.” The nate app purported to take care of the remainder of the checkout process through AI: selecting the appropriate size, entering billing and shipping information, and confirming the purchase.
Nate distinguished itself from other e-commerce companies and apps through a single defining feature: the ability to intelligently and quickly complete retail transactions across all e-commerce sites through the use of AI technology. SANIGER repeatedly told investors and the public that the company’s app used proprietary AI technology to autonomously complete online purchases on behalf of users.
Based on representations about nate’s use of AI, SANIGER solicited investments from venture capital firms. In pitch materials transmitted to investors, SANIGER touted the company’s use of AI and represented that nate was “able to transact online without human intervention.” As prospective investors conducted due diligence, SANIGER repeatedly represented that—except for certain “edge cases” in which the AI failed to complete a customer transaction—the nate app was fully automated based on AI.
In reality, nate did not use AI to autonomously navigate the checkout process of e-commerce websites and complete purchases on behalf of users. While SANIGER had acquired AI technology from a third party and hired a team of data scientists to develop it, nate’s AI never achieved the ability to consistently complete e-commerce purchases. As SANIGER knew, at the time nate was claiming to use AI to automate online purchases, the app’s actual automation rate was effectively zero percent. SANIGER concealed that reality from investors and most nate employees: he told employees to keep nate’s automation rate secret; he restricted access to nate’s “automation rate dashboard,” which displayed automation metrics; and he provided false explanations for his secrecy, such as the automation data was a “trade secret.”
In truth, nate relied heavily on teams of human workers—primarily located overseas—to manually process transactions in secret, mimicking what users believed was being done by automation. SANIGER used hundreds of contractors, or “purchasing assistants,” in a call center located in the Philippines to manually complete purchases occurring over the nate app. In or about the fall of 2021, with the busy holiday shopping approaching, and despite his numerous prior representations that nate did not use bots (or “dumb bots”, as he referred to them), SANIGER directed nate’s engineering team to develop “bots” to automate some transactions on the nate app. After creating the bots, nate used bots in addition to the manual teams to complete purchases that were purportedly being completed by AI technology.
SANIGER raised more than $40 million from multiple investors based in part on his representations to investors about nate’s development and deployment of AI.
* * *
SANIGER, 35, of Barcelona, Spain, is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of wire fraud, which also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents from the FBI. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force and the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo, Alexandra Messiter, and Sarah Mortazavi are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening joined the reception celebrating the Opening of World Expo 2025, along with other local and international dignitaries from Japan and from around the globe. The reception was presided over by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess as well the Prime Minister of Japan. Themed ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ the event is set to be a significant occasion that encourages global innovation and collaboration.
The post Secretary-General attends Reception celebrating World Expo 2025 in Osaka appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Simla and Chandigarh, India, presented by Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas.The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, until now rector of the Holy Trinity Major Seminary in Jullundur, as bishop of the diocese of Simla and Chandigarh, India.Msgr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas was born on 6 November 1971 in Chinnavilai, in the diocese of Kottar, Tamil Nadu. After his formation at Saint Paul’s Minor Seminary, Lucknow, he studied philosophy and theology at the Holy Trinity Major Seminary in Jullundur. He obtained a licentiate in theology and a doctorate in sacred scripture at the Universität Wien, Austria. He was also awarded a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Punjab, in Patiala, and a master’s degree in human rights from the Indian Institute of Human RIghts in New Delhi.He was ordained a priest on 13 May 2001.He has held the following offices: parish assistant of Little Flower, in Panchkula (2001-2004), vice rector of the diocesan major seminary in Kauli (2004-2009), director of the Diocesan Commission for the Media and the Diocesan Bible Enquiry Centre (2004-2009), deputy parish priest in Schwechat, Austria (2010-2013), deputy parish priest in Retz in the metropolitan archdiocese of Vienna (2013-2016), and parish priest of Little Flower in Sangrur, Punjab (2017-2019). Since 2019 he has served as rector of the Holy Trinity Major Seminary in Jullundur. (Agenzia Fides, 12/4/2025)
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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Sonatan Kisku, until now vicar general of the diocese of Dumka and parish priest of Saint Mary’s, as auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Dumka, India, assigning him the titular see of Zarna.Msgr. Sonatan Kisku was born on 15 May 1969 in Kaudia, in the diocese of Dumka. He was ordained a priest for the same diocese on 15 April 2002. After attending Saint Paul’s Minor Seminary in Lucknow, he carried out his studies in philosophy at the Morning Star College in Calcutta, and in theology at the Papal Seminary in Pune. He was awarded a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome.He has held the following offices: deputy parish priest of Torai (2002-2004), director of the Diocesan Vocation Centre (2007-2008), diocesan bursar (2008-2013), diocesan chancellor (2008-2021), chargé for legal affairs (since 2008), chargé for the pastoral care of the Christian communities of Gopikandar (2012-2014), chargé for young priests (since 2013), chargé for elderly and sick priests (since 2014), vicar general (since 2015), director of the Social Development Centre (2015-2023), secretary of Saint Joseph’s English Medium School (since 2015), regional director of the Basic Ecclesial Communities of the region of Jharkhand and the Andaman Islands (since 2021). Since 2023 he has served as parish priest of Saint Mary’s in Dumka. (Agenzia Fides, 12/4/2025)
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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has erected the ecclesiastical province of Calicut, India, elevating the see of Calicut to a metropolitan Church and assigning to it as suffragans the diocese of Kannur and Sultanpet, until now belonging to the ecclesiastical province of Verapoly.The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, until now bishop of Calicut, as metropolitan archbishop of the same See. (Agenzia Fides, 12/4/2025)
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Secretary for Labour ＆ Welfare Chris Sun today attended the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Development Showcase” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Mr Sun outlined at a symposium that the city is uniquely positioned in the Greater Bay Area to serve a dual role as Mainland China’s gateway to Southeast Asia and as a springboard for companies in countries such as Malaysia to tap the Mainland’s vast domestic market.
He added that the multilingual nature of both Hong Kong and Malaysia facilitates the smooth integration of Malaysian talent in Hong Kong.
Mr Sun outlined that Hong Kong’s Committee on Education, Technology & Talents, chaired by the Chief Secretary, seeks to build on the city’s standing as an international hub for high-calibre talent across various sectors, in line with the “eight centres” concept.
After attending the symposium, Mr Sun toured a career fair being staged as part of the showcase to learn about companies’ demand for international talent. Featuring almost 40 leading bay area enterprises from a variety of industries, it was well-attended both by local professionals and students from Malaysian universities.
Running today and tomorrow, the showcase is organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and is expected to attract more than 4,000 attendees.
Mr Sun said: “Hosting the showcase in Malaysia, a dynamic emerging economy with strategic development potential, the bureau and HKTE aimed at implementing (a) strategy to attract international high-calibre talent under the memorandum of understanding on promoting talent services co-operation in the GBA signed last year by nine municipalities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.”
Yesterday, Mr Sun visited Universiti Malaya, an eligible university under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires Zheng Xuefang and called on Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources YB Steven Sim.
Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, the labour chief also met representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. He invited them to visit Hong Kong to explore opportunities.
Mr Sun concluded his three-day visit this afternoon and returned to Hong Kong this evening.
Health workers spoke out at a rally condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the latest atrocity against Palestinian aid workers today, calling on the New Zealand government to join global demands for an independent investigation.
They were protesting over last month’s massacre of 15 Palestinian rescue workers and the destruction of their ambulances in Gaza’s Rafah district under heavy fire.
One PRCS paramedic, Assaad al-Nassasra, was reported to be still missing.
Among the speakers in the rally in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Te Komititanga Square, Amnesty International’s Audrey Van Ryn said: “These killings must be independently and impartially investigated and the perpetrators held to account.
“Medical personnel carrying out their humanitarian duties most be respected and protected in all circumstances.”
Health worker Jason Brooke read out a message from the secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, in response to the killing of the Palestinian first-responders.
‘Their ambulances were clearly marked’ “I am heartbroken. These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians. They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked,” said Chapagain.
“They should have returned to their families; they did not.”
Fourteen of the Palestinian aid workers killed by Israel last month. The 15th is still missing. Graphic: Al Jazeera/Creative Commons
Their bodies were discovered a week later by fellow workers. A video from one of the slain Palestinian Red Crescent medics contradicting the lies propagated by Israel’s military that the vehicles were “advancing suspiciously toward IDF troops without headlights or emergency signals”
These first responders were not mistakenly misidentified. They were travelling, clearly visible in red crescent marked ambulances with their lights on. They posed no threat.
“Whether it’s first-responders and medics, health workers or reporters, not only are these workers being targeted with impunity by the IOF, but their deaths seem to barely cause a ripple,” said Brooke, who was greeted with cries of shame.
“Where is the condemnation of our politicians? Our media?”
‘Dehumanisation of Palestinian life’ “As the Palestinian poet and author Mohammed El-Kurd suggests, what we are witnessing is the dehumanisation of Palestinian life.
“Israel only has to mention the word ‘Hamas’ and the indoctrinated look-away. As if resistance to genocide itself were a crime — the punishment a life predetermined for death.
“Genocide does not distinguish between civilian, aid worker, health worker, reporter and militant. All are condemned.”
Medical personnel, medical transport, hospitals and other medical facilities, the injured and sick are all specifically protected under international humanitarian law.
The devastating Gaza massacre represents the single most deadly attack on Red Cross or Red Crescent workers anywhere in the world since 2017.
Secretary-general Chapagain said: “The number of Palestine Red Crescent volunteers and staff killed since the start of this conflict is now 30.
“We stand with Palestine Red Crescent and the loved ones of those killed on this darkest of days.”
PSNA advocate Janfrie Wakim . . . “We mourn those thousands of innocent people . . . who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.” Image: Asia Pacific Report
‘Palestine wants freedom to live’ Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) advocate Janfrie Wakim called on the crowd to give each other “high fives” in recognition of their solidarity in turning up for the protest in the 79th week since the war began.
“I like the sign in front of me: ‘Palestine wants the freedom to live while Israel has the freedom to kill!’ she said.
“We mourn those thousands of innocent people — some with families here and in Gaza and the West Bank — who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, and the thousands unaccounted for in rubble and over 100,000 injured.
“Palestine wants the freedom to live while Israel has the freedom to kill!” . . . a placard at today’s Auckland solidarity rally. Image: Asia Pacific Report
“Mostly women and children.
“The humanitarian workers who have been murdered serving humanity.”
Wakim said the genocide had been enabled by the wealthiest countries in the world and Western media — “including our own with few exceptions”.
“Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel would not have been able to commit its atrocities.”
All fatalities women and children Meanwhile, the United Nations reports Palestinian women and children were the only fatalities in at least three dozen Israeli air strikes on Gaza since mid-March, as it warned that Israel’s military offensive threatened Palestinians’ “continued existence as a group”.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Friday that the office had documented 224 Israeli strikes on residential buildings and tents for displaced people in the Gaza Strip between March 18 and April 9.
“In some 36 strikes about which the UN Human Rights Office corroborated information, the fatalities recorded so far were only women and children,” she said.
The findings come as Israel’s attacks on Gaza have killed more than 1500 Palestinians since the Israeli military broke a ceasefire in March, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reports Al Jazeera.
A German official was the latest to call for an independent probe over Israel’s killing of the 15 medical aid workers.
An investigation into Israel’s killing of paramedics must be carried out independently, said German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance Luise Amtsberg.
“This alleged violation of international law must not go unpunished,” Amtsberg said in a message on social media platform Bluesky.
Israel’s ‘distortion’ straining ties “The investigation must be carried out quickly and independently, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice as soon as possible. The Israeli government and judiciary have a duty here,” she said.
Israel’s distortion of the event was “once again” straining ties between Germany and Israel, she added.
Myriam Laaroussi, an emergency coordinator with Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, told Al Jazeera from al-Mawasi, an area west of Khan Younis that houses thousands of displaced Gaza families, that the health system had been destroyed.
Due to the Israeli blockade, the supplies needed to treat patients were lacking and had left children in Gaza vulnerable to disease, she said.
The desalination unit was not functioning any more due to Israel’s decision to cut electricity, which had decreased the capacity to retain good hygiene and was leading to outbreaks of polio and scabies.
“We see that it’s a ‘slow death’ for many Palestinians, with shortages of food and water leading to a loss of weight and medical issues,” she said.
The ceasefire had been an opportunity to scale up the capacity of the different health facilities, but it had been too short to have enough effect, and now health facilities were being attacked again.
A “Free free Palestine” placard at today’s Auckland solidarity rally. Image: Asia Pacific Report
LONDON, April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caddington Limited welcomed the continued expansion of the fintech sector, highlighting new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and customer-driven solutions.
“The fintech landscape is evolving rapidly, and Caddington is proud to be at the forefront of this change,” said a company spokesperson. “We’re investing in smart technology and strategic partnerships to better serve the modern financial needs of our clients.”
The company remains committed to driving forward-thinking solutions that enhance efficiency and accessibility in financial services.
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Caddington Limited. 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. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.Neither the media platform nor the publishershall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the Cambodia Pavilion launch this late afternoon, at the Osaka, Kansai, Japan – World Expo 2025.
Themed ‘Saving Lives,’ in reflection of its location in the Expo site, the pavilion was officiated by H.E. Samheng Bora, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, and H.E. Tuy Ry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cambodia to Japan, was also in attendance.
The pavilion showcases Cambodia’s economic potentials and cultural heritage, accentuated by the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park. 2025 marks Cambodia’s fifth participation in the World Expo.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN participates in Cambodia Pavilion launch at World Expo 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, had a meeting with the Advisory Board of the ASEAN-Australia Centre at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today. Both sides exchanged views on the role and activities of the Centre in strengthening business, education, cultural and community connections between ASEAN and Australia in support of advancing the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this afternoon joined dignitaries around the globe in Osaka for the Opening Ceremony of the World Expo 2025. The event was officially declared open by Mr. TOKURA Masakazu, Chairman of the Japan Association of the World Exposition 2025, and was broadcasted live nationwide by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan, and the Prime Minister of Japan were also in attendance and gave congratulatory remarks.
Japan is a founding member of the Bureau International des Expositions, the organising body of this quinquennial event, and has hosted three World Expos to date. The Expo runs from 13 April to 13 October 2025.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends Opening Ceremony of the World Expo 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, April 12 — The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) will be held in south China’s island province of Hainan from April 13 to 18.
As China’s only national-level exhibition focused on consumer goods, this year’s edition emphasizes innovation and global collaboration.
One of the most noticeable highlights of the expo is its global participation and record scale. An estimated 71 countries and regions are set to participate, showcasing over 4,100 brands, including 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.
Slovakia will make its debut with a national pavilion, while Brazil’s Sao Paulo State, along with several others, will launch regional pavilions for the first time.
Britain, this year’s guest country of honor, will occupy over 1,300 square meters to display 53 brands spanning fashion, beauty, and home goods. Beijing, participating as a guest city for the first time, will feature a 400-square-meter themed exhibition zone.
Some exhibition zones spotlighting cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends are set to become another major highlight of the expo.
The tech innovation zone in Hall No. 1 features artificial intelligence (AI), smart homes, and low-altitude economy applications. Brands like Huawei, Tesla, and Unitree will demonstrate products such as their latest smartphones, humanoid robots, and AR glasses.
Live displays of low-altitude tech, such as Xpeng AeroHT’s “flying car” and EHang’s drones for cross-sea transport and tourism, will take center stage.
In the global lifestyle zone in Hall No. 4, luxury watches, cosmetics, and premium foods will offer visitors an immersive cross-border shopping experience.
This year’s CICPE will also offer visitors tech-driven experiences, with debut showcases of brain-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, and sleep assistance tech designed for elderly care.
Chinese provinces and municipalities will showcase their unique cultural heritage through innovative products. Meanwhile, international brands and Chinese time-honored names will unveil flagship products and heritage collections.
China’s Ministry of Commerce, one of the organizers of the expo, will launch the “Shop in China” campaign, a nationwide initiative promoting shopping, dining, and tourism.
The eco-friendly theme of the expo will be prominently featured throughout the event. The mascots, “Yuanyuan” and “Xiaoxiao,” inspired by Hainan gibbons, symbolize rainforest conservation. Expo branding seamlessly blends tropical elements with green concepts.
The “message-in-a-bottle” sculpture at Haikou’s iconic Cloudscape library symbolizes global cultural exchange. Similarly, the 2025 CICPE aims to become Asia-Pacific’s largest consumer goods expo, bridging global brands with China’s market and highlighting Hainan’s role as a key free trade hub.
WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, grilled U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a Ways & Means Committee hearing on the Trump Administration’s 2025 trade policy agenda.
“Amb. Greer, yes or no: didn’t Israel zero out all tariffs on US products before President Trump announced his across the board tariffs on April 2nd? [Greer Responds]
Yet the President still imposed 17% tariffs on Israel.
Amb. Greer, what’s our trade balance with the elephant and fur seals, petrels, albatrosses and penguins living on Heard and McDonald Islands?[Greer Responds]
Yet the president has imposed specific tariffs on the Heard and McDonald Islands, while not taking any action against Russia, Belarus, North Korea or Cuba.
I don’t want to disappoint my mom and my wife and have them yell and me but Mr. Greer, I am going to say what I think almost everyone is thinking…WTF?
What’s the president thinking?
What did he, and you, think was going to happen after unilaterally declaring a global trade war?
Did you expect the so called “Liberation Day” to become “Liquidation Week,” destroying more than $10 trillion of value and moving us from an extended Bull Market to a self-induced Bear?
Did you intentionally plan to decimate Americans’ retirement accounts and 529 accounts for their kids’ education?
Did you and the President anticipate raising prices for American families already struggling to make ends meet?
Did you mean to make American businesses less, not more competitive in global markets?
Was the intention, with the largest tax increase in U.S. history, to put the United States, and maybe the entire global economy into a recession because of what the Wall Street Journal editorial board, let me repeat that, the Wall Street Journal editorial board, said is “the dumbest trade war in history.”
Already Diane Swonk, the chief economist of KPMG, is saying that her baseline forecast is a recession starting this quarter.
Jamie Dimon and JP Morgan, raised their probability of recession to 79%
WSJ reports that betting markets have it a 70%
Goldman Sachs recently raised their likelihood the second increase since last Wednesday to 45%. Expect them to raise it again.
Indeed, by the time you finish talking today we may already be in a recession.
Less than a week after President Trump’s declaration of the largest sales tax in U.S. history, global markets continue roil as a result of tariff-based recession fears. The President’s newly imposed tariffs have real world impacts for every one of my constituents, who will see higher prices at the grocery store, shortages of critical products, and less money in their retirement accounts and their accounts for their kids’ education.
American families deserve relief. But instead, thanks to President Trump, they’re heading to the store to panic-buy essentials before retailers raise prices.
I’ve heard from literally thousands of constituents about the pain that President Trump has said the country will suffer as a result of these tariffs.
They have written to me sharing that they have lost as much as 20% of their 401K and 529 accounts in the last week alone due to market fluctuations that are responding in real time, to the President’s announcement of arbitrary and capricious tariffs.
Seniors who recently retired are worried about having to return to work to make sure they can make ends meet and today and wonder if they will now outlive their retirement savings.
Small business owners in my district are anticipating having to lay off employees. Large companies in my district who are preparing their next earnings reports for investors are telling me that the impacts of these tariffs are “material.” That’s business speak for the tariffs are going to have a real, adverse effect on their operations and likely adverse affect their cash flows.
Make no mistake — President Trump’s trade agenda is slowing economic growth and job creation, weakening U.S. global leadership, and increasing the cost of doing business in the United States. These tariffs make life for Americans more expensive, make us our nation less secure, and our citizens less prosperous.
Congress must take back its constitutional authority to stop the chaos and the pain President Trump is inflicting on American families and dig us out of what could be a self-inflicted recession.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
WASHINGTON – Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Craig Goldman (TX-12), co-chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, introduced a resolution encouraging the U.S. Department of State and civil society to advance the goals of the Abraham Accords through education rooted in peace and tolerance.
The resolution recognizes the critical role that national curricula play in shaping the attitudes of future generations and commends countries like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia for taking meaningful steps to promote respect and understanding in their educational systems. It urges the State Department to prioritize curriculum reform in bilateral dialogues and encourages continued engagement from civil society and international organizations in the region. The resolution also emphasizes the objectives of the bipartisan Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021.
“The Abraham Accords are not just about diplomacy between governments—they are about building a shared future with stability, security and peace between peoples,” saidRep. Schneider. “The Accords offer the region a chance to break free from the gravity of history, to move beyond conflict and toward connection. That future depends on education rooted in peace, tolerance, and mutual recognition.”
“I am beyond proud of the work the Abraham Accords Caucus has accomplished in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to deepen and expand the relationships between Israel and its Arab neighbors,” said Rep. Wagner. “Violent extremist organizations, many of which are funded and promoted by Iran, must be addressed by fostering a coalition of like-minded nations pursuing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. This resolution encourages the State Department to proactively engage with regional countries to build new and stronger relationships that will enhance and entrench the Abraham Accords for years to come.”
“If we nourish civility and cooperation in schools, children are more likely to grow up in a world that treasures peace and acceptance,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Encouraging and investing in those principles in classrooms throughout Abraham Accords countries is one critical way to do that. As co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I’m proud to support these goals which can lead to a positive change throughout the region and lead to a safer world for all our children.”
“Continuing the important work of the Abraham Accords, this resolution highlights the critical need for educational reform across Middle Eastern nations,” said Rep. Goldman. “If left unaddressed, extreme, antisemitic, and hateful curricula will continue to fuel instability and violence in the region. Both Israel and its neighboring Arab states stand to benefit from fostering mutual respect and tolerance among the next generation of leaders.”
“Education rooted in peace and tolerance is essential for lasting regional stability,” added Marcus Sheff, CEO of IMPACT-se. “Textbooks that reflect positive values are not only something today’s children deserve—they craft the open and tolerant societies of the future that we all desire, shaping attitudes and beliefs of future generations. We commend the countries that have taken meaningful steps toward curriculum reform and urge others to follow. IMPACT-se is gratified that our research has helped highlight the critical link between education and normalization. We applaud the Abraham Accords Caucus co-chairs for advancing this important resolution and working toward our shared vision of strengthening the Abraham Accords by ensuring peace and tolerance education for all children.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), along with all Ways and Means Committee Democrats, today introduced the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill to end the constant chaos created by President Trump’s trade wars and reclaim Congress’s authority over tariffs.
Video of today’s bill introduction press conference is available HERE.
“President Trump’s reckless abuse of tariffs has sparked nothing but chaos,” said Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Sánchez. “American families have been anxiously bracing for rising costs and small businesses are worried they won’t survive the economic strain – all while the president flip-flops on tariffs at a whim, doing backroom deals and keeping negotiations out of the public eye. It’s time to end this madness. Congress must step in and take the trade keys away from our rogue president and protect the American people.”
“Over the years, Congress has entrusted more and more authority over trade to the Executive Branch, and recent events have made it clear we must reclaim that authority,” said Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.). “This president is willing to call anything an emergency to justify his every chaotic whim. The American people deserve better—they deserve stability and forethought. That’s why I’m proud to support Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Sánchez’s legislation that will deliver just that.”
TheStopping a Rogue President on Trade Actwould:
Turn off the global tariffs imposed on April 2: The bill would permanently turn off the new baseline tariffs of 10 percent for all countries as well as the massive increases in tariffs for 60 trading partners, such as Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Kenya. This would return most rates to the levels they were before the president’s tariff spree.
Turn off the tariffs imposed by executive order for Mexico and Canada: The president should not be able to use congressional trade authorities to extort our closest allies. If there are trade issues with those two countries, then there is a process in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that President Trump negotiated and Congress authorized.
Require congressional approval for all new tariffs: The Constitution gives Congress the authority over trade. Getting a vote on tariff actions should not be held hostage to political whim; votes would be treated as privileged measures that ensures that the American people get to have their say. Apolitical tariff actions – like trade remedies, safeguards and trade agreement dispute settlement – are already insulated from partisan abuse and would not require a congressional vote under the bill.
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Adam Gray (D-Calif.).
China on Friday completed and shipped the final set of Correction Coil In-Cryostat Feeder components to the site of ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in southern France, signifying that all the super-large components needed for ITER’s magnet feeder system have now been successfully developed, its developer said. The ITER magnet feeder system was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP), and it is known as the “lifeline” of the ITER magnet system. Its largest component, the Correction Coil In-Cryostat Feeder, comprises 9 sets built as half-ring structures measuring 16 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height. The ITER, one of the largest and most important international scientific research projects in the world, is popularly known as “Artificial Sun.” This nickname stems from its ability to generate clean, carbon-free energy in a way similar to the sun, by emitting light and heat through fusion reactions. The ITER is jointly funded by the European Union, China, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India and Russia. According to Lu Kun, deputy director of ASIPP, the magnet feeder system is crucial to ITER. It provides energy and cooling media to the fusion reactor magnets, sends back critical control signals, and also acts as a discharge channel to safely release stored magnet energy. Independently manufactured and tested by ASIPP, the system is the most complex of China’s ITER procurement packages, consisting of a total of 31 sets, with a total weight of about 1,600 tonnes, Lu added. Song Yuntao, vice president of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and director of ASIPP, noted that over the past 20 years, ASIPP has built stable collaborative relationships with more than 140 research institutions across over 50 countries, assisting many emerging countries in developing their own fusion research programs and facilities.
A growing number of Chinese students are choosing Asian universities over traditional destinations in Europe and North America as their destinations for overseas study, signaling a shift in international education trends, according to experts and a blue paper released on Friday. A range of factors contributed to the shift, including geographic proximity, affordability and safety, experts said. “An increased number of Chinese students choosing Malaysia as the preferred higher education option has been observed,” said Noor Azuan, President of Universiti Malaya. “This reflects the continued upward trend of Chinese students attracted to Malaysia’s educational offerings, especially at the postgraduate level.” Asian universities are also benefiting from China’s regional development strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative, while the improving global reputation of Asian institutions has made them more appealing to students seeking both education quality and job opportunity, Azuan said. Safety concerns in the United States and Europe, especially regarding gun violence and geopolitical tensions, have further contributed to the shift, he added. The 2024 Blue Paper for Chinese Overseas Students Returning to China for Employment, published by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education, highlights a steady rise in the proportion of Chinese students returning from Asian universities. From 2020 to 2023, the share of returnees with overseas degrees from Asia increased from 21.61 percent to 31.35 percent. In contrast, those returning from North America declined from 25.62 percent to 18.73 percent over the same period, the paper said. The trend is even more pronounced among high-level talent with postgraduate degrees. In 2023, a record 21,574 Chinese students with doctoral degrees returned to China, a 51 percent increase from 2020. Among them, 53.07 percent had obtained their PhDs from Asian universities, up 7 percentage points from 2022. Meanwhile, the share of PhDs from North America dropped to 16.3 percent, down nearly 11 percentage points from 2020. In terms of master’s degrees, 31.7 percent of returnees in 2023 had studied in Asia, while only 13.73 percent had studied in North America, marking a decrease of 6 percentage points compared to 2021. On Friday afternoon, Wang Sheng was seeking postgraduate study opportunities for his son at the 2025 China International Education Exhibition Tour in Beijing. Currently a student at the University of Queensland in Australia, his son aims to pursue further education at the National University of Singapore’s business school, Wang said. “We value the school’s academic quality and job prospects after graduation … We never considered Europe or the US. They don’t feel safe, and we’re worried about racial discrimination,” the father said. According to the blue paper, South Korea has emerged as a key destination for Chinese students, ranking second in terms of doctoral returnees since 2021, with over 11 percent of returning PhDs having studied there. “Chinese students are increasingly interested in studying in South Korea,” said Zhang Ying, director of China admissions at Daegu Catholic University. “South Korea offers a safe, culturally similar and cost-effective alternative for students with average academic performance,” she said, adding that the university enrolled over 1,000 Chinese students last year.
The sixth batch of emergency humanitarian aid dispatched by the Chinese government arrives at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on April 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
The sixth batch of emergency humanitarian aid dispatched by the Chinese government arrived at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on Friday.
The aid supplies include 26 tents, 2,000 sets of single-person outdoor cooking equipment, 10,000 solar lamps, 38,880 bars of soap, 38,880 bottles of shower gel, 38,880 bottles of shampoo, 38,880 tubes of toothpaste, 38,880 sets of toothbrushes, and 38,880 bags of laundry detergent, with a total weight of over 91 tons.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Kai’s design has been a way of connecting with his Japanese heritage.
In brief:
Kai McKenzie changed careers from electrician to international fashion designer.
Despite early success, he is keen to take his business to the next level.
Advice from Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS) has helped him plan his next steps.
Kai McKenzie had just finished his final exam to become a qualified electrician, after four years as an apprentice. But, after being let go from his full-time electrician role late last year due to company downsizing, he decided to follow his love for fashion and create a Japanese-inspired fashion label which sold out its first public release in just five days.
Connecting with heritage through fashion
Born in Australia to a Japanese mother and Australian father, Kai said his fashion label, Minami Studios is an homage to his mother’s heritage and her maiden name.
“I don’t know if it’s a common feeling that Australians born into two different cultures experience, but I felt a void and a lack of connection to my Japanese heritage,” he said. “This has been my way of connecting with it.”
With a trip planned to Japan late last year, he started out by creating five Japanese-inspired pieces of clothing for the trip. He documented the process on his Instagram account and has now amassed 74,000 followers, both English and Japanese speaking.
“I started posting in Japanese and now 10-15 per cent of my audience is based in Japan,” he said. “I posted really consistently until something resonated,” he said.
Free CBASS business support
Although Kai has found a great way forward with Instagram and socials, he said he was totally lost when it came to running a business.
That’s when he turned to the Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS), an ACT Government-funded program that supports Canberra businesses of all sizes and stages.
The service is delivered by Anna and Candice at Lighthouse Innovation who have over 30 years of business experience. They provide advice from setting up to closing a business and everything in between.
Kai heard about CBASS from a family friend. He called that day to make an appointment and met with Anna and Candice two days later.
“It was so reassuring to meet with them,” he said. “There is so much you need to do to set-up a business, and honestly I was lost.”
“They really helped me streamline things and map out timelines for all my plans. It felt really overwhelming, but they gave me some things to focus on, which I have, and they’ve worked out really well.”
CBASS offers up to four hours of free advice to business owners, tailored to their business needs.
Looking to the future
When asked what was next, Kai said he’s working on getting some more training to improve his technical skills and launching his first full collection.
“I had my first public release of a piece just this August,” he said. “It was the Tome (pronounced Tohmeh) pant in black and Khaki. I sold out in five days, and it blew me away! I’m working on making all of those now for my customers, and progressing with the launch of my first full collection, which should be ready for release in early 2025.”
Kai said he recommends anyone thinking of starting a business head to see Candice and Anna at CBASS.
“Go and see them,” he said, “It’s been such a reassuring process.”