Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, July 14 (Xinhua) — The SCO Think Tank Forum 2025, themed “Promoting Sustainable Development Guided by the Shanghai Spirit,” was held from Saturday to Sunday at the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China) based at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.
Nearly 100 experts and scholars from leading universities and think tanks in China and abroad attended the forum. They held in-depth exchanges of views on the issues of “SCO and the Transformation of the Global Governance System,” “SCO’s Own Construction and Reform,” “Striving for Sustainable Common Security,” “Inclusiveness, Win-Win, Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, and Striving for Common Prosperity,” “Searching for Universal Values in the Diversity of Civilizations,” and “Development Prospects for the SCO.”
Rector of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Director of the Office of the Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation of the SCO /China/ Liu Xiaohong noted that over the past 20 years, guided by the “Shanghai Spirit”, the SCO has achieved significant success in regional security, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges and serves as an important example of a new type of regional cooperation mechanism. She also expressed hope that the forum will give new impetus to regional cooperation.
According to Sun Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the launch of the “SCO Year of Sustainable Development” within the framework of China’s rotating chairmanship of the SCO will contribute to the development of global governance in a more just and rational direction and will make the SCO’s contribution to promoting peace and development throughout the world.
Speaking at the event, former SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov suggested that SCO think tanks focus on priority tasks, including aligning national strategies for transport infrastructure development, developing a unified mechanism for monitoring carbon emissions with the involvement of national environmental agencies, and expanding research into SCO humanitarian diplomacy, which, he said, not only reflect the realities of the current geopolitical and economic context, but also outline a concrete agenda that can transform the SCO from a platform of declarations into a mechanism for practical solutions.
The forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China), the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the China Center for SCO Studies. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Journalists from China and abroad have been invited to cover events in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
The online registration system will be available at http://kzjn80reg.zgjx.cn from July 15 to July 29, 2025.
Overseas journalists, as well as journalists from the Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan, can apply for accreditation through the system.
For the convenience of journalists, a press center will be operating in Beijing during the events, providing services such as holding press conferences and briefings, coordinating interviews, and distributing updated news through the official website and its Wechat account. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JAKARTA, July 14 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 jolted waters southwest of Southeast Maluku Regency in Indonesia’s Maluku Province at 12:49 p.m. Monday local time, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said.
The epicentre was located approximately 170 km southwest of Southeast Maluku, with the hypocentre at a depth of 108 km, BMKG reported on its website.
Due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is often subject to seismic activity. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Samsung Ads, in collaboration with Kantar, released a groundbreaking white paper titled ‘Beyond Awareness’, which aims to establish the role of Connected TV (CTV) advertising ecosystem in driving critical brand KPIs. This study is among the first from an OEM Connected TV player to deliver robust, data-driven insights into mid-to-lower funnel metrics, offering advertisers clear evidence of how Connected TV drives brand favourability and purchase intent.
The study analyzed over 100 brand lift studies conducted by Kantar for campaigns on Samsung Smart TVs across various industries and demographics. With independent validation from Kantar, the research brings unprecedented clarity and confidence to advertisers investing in Connected TV. Campaigns were assessed using brand lift metrics including brand favourability, message association, online Ad awareness, and purchase intent, providing a clear picture of the power of Connected TVs in influencing real consumer behaviour.
Sharing her insights Bhavna Saincher, Head, Insights and Client Solutions, Samsung Ads India, said, “The ‘Beyond Awareness’ study emphaises the growing importance of Connected TVs as a pivotal touch point for driving awareness and consideration, all while amplifying visibility and generating positive outcomes for brands engaging with their audience on the big screen. I am confident that the high engagement of the Gen Z signals a major opportunity for brands seeking impact with a digitally-native, decision-ready audience.”
The research further highlights that among audiences exposed to advertisements on Samsung Smart TVs, the Gen Z (18–24 Y.O.) showed the highest uplift across key metrics like 9.1% in brand favourability and 8.5% in purchase intent. This demonstrates their strong engagement and responsiveness, making them a pivotal audience segment in the Connected TV ecosystem. The other key findings from them include:
7.9% Uplift in Consideration: Analysis of over 100 brand lift studies shows that Connected TV campaigns on Samsung Smart TVs deliver a significant 7.9% uplift in consumer consideration, with Gen Z audiences experiencing up to an 8.5% increase in purchase behaviour
Doubled Impact with Optimized Frequency: Campaigns that reach audiences four or more times see up to double the impact across all key performance indicators (KPIs), underscoring the strategic importance of optimal ad frequency in driving results
Broad Industry Success & Demographic Versatility: Connected TV advertising delivers substantial uplifts across diverse sectors including consumer products, technology, automotive, apparel, and home solutions and proves highly effective among both the Gen Z and the 35+ age groups
Ebu Isaac, Vice President, Insights Division, Kantar, said, “As Connected TV matures into a full-funnel marketing channel, this study provides compelling evidence of its strategic value—particularly in driving favourability and purchase intent among younger audiences. Connected TV emerges as a critical platform that combines precision, scale, and measurable impact, as advertisers seek to build meaningful connections with the Gen Z.”
Aditya Babbar, VP, MX Business, handing over the trophy to Delhi AI Legends, the winners of the #PlayGalaxy Cup Season 4
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the fourth season of #PlayGalaxy Cup – with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. Top gamers from across the country participated in the nailbiting contest, with Delhi AI Legends (featuring Techno Gamerz) being crowned as the coveted champion.
The #PlayGalaxy Cup 4.0 was livestreamed on Samsung India’s YouTube channel and select Samsung exclusive stores across the country – and reached over 350 million+ users. The #PlayGalaxy Cup has grown into one of India’s most anticipated esports events, with the fourth edition witnessing participation from 48 top gamers and creators. The event witnessed head-to-head participation between the gamers for around four and a half hours.
The winning team – Delhi AI Legends – featured top gamers and creators from the country such as Techno Gamerz, iPreet, Mayur Gaming and Tahir Feugo FF
“At Samsung, we’re proud to empower India’s vibrant esports community with Galaxy devices designed for high-performance gaming. It’s a remarkable achievement that within a span of two years, we’ve brought so many people together under one platform – #PlayGalaxy Cup – which has now entered its fourth edition. More than just a gaming tournament, the #PlayGalaxy Cup has become a celebration of skill, passion and innovation, and this season we’ve taken it to the next level with even bigger battles and exclusive experiences – thanks to the most powerful foldable from Samsung – the Galaxy ZFold7. The stellar performance, the reduced thickness and lighter weight of the device provide an immersive experience like no other,” said Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.
The winning team – Delhi AI Legends – featured top gamers and creators from the country such as Techno Gamerz, iPreet, Mayur Gaming and Tahir Feugo FF. Finishing as the first runners up were Guwahati Galaxy Guardians (Soneeta, Desi Chora, Wariya Gaming and GW Manish) while Ahmedabad AI Avengers (Regaltos, Trevo Gaming, OP Chiku & Ashi is Live) were the second runners up for the tournament conducted in New Delhi.
The fourth season of #PlayGalaxy Cup 4.0 witnessed intense game play, thanks to the thinner, lighter and more powerful Galaxy Fold7, powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Samsung is committed to transforming the experience for every gamer, with a dedicated line-up of smartphones that offer premium, gaming-optimized features to ensure smooth visuals and precise gameplay.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A 59-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on July 10 for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
On July 5, 2024, Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and Police intercepted an inbound private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of 123 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the driver’s seat, front and rear passenger seats and the boot of the vehicle. The 59-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $550,000, and the duty potential was about $410,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A 59-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on July 10 for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
On July 5, 2024, Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and Police intercepted an inbound private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of 123 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the driver’s seat, front and rear passenger seats and the boot of the vehicle. The 59-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $550,000, and the duty potential was about $410,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
H.E. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe will pay a visit to Japan from July 14 to 18.
During his stay in Japan, President Mnangagwa will participate in the Zimbabwean National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, on July 16, as the official guest of the Government of Japan, as well as the Japan-Zimbabwe Business Forum.
The visit of President Mnangagwa is expected to further develop the bilateral relations between Japan and Zimbabwe.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Africa is gearing up to attract a wave of investment in exploration blocks, with a surge in oil and gas licensing rounds being launched during the 2024/2025 period. According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report (https://EnergyChamber.org/), these efforts are part of a broader strategy to unlock the continent’s untapped energy potential, attract international investment and stimulate long-term economic growth. This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will spotlight Africa’s licensing rounds, connecting operators to emerging blocks opportunities across the continent.
North Africa
Libya launched its latest licensing round in March 2025, offering 22 onshore and offshore exploration blocks across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins. The licensing round has already drawn interest from 37 prospective companies, with contracts with successful bidders expected to be signed by the end of the year. Representing the country’s first licensing round since 2011, the initiative comes as Libya seeks to increase production to two million barrels per day. Algeria awarded five licenses in June 2025 as part of its latest oil and gas bid round. Launched in November 2024, the bid round featured sic onshore blocks for competitive bidding and falls part of a broader multi-year licensing strategy aimed at attracting global investment in exploration opportunities. The blocks span five basins and represents a core component of the country’s strategy to invest up to $50 billion into hydrocarbon projects over the next four years. Egypt launched a new bid round in March 2025, comprising 12 investment opportunities. The bid round includes 10 offshore blocks in the Mediterranean Sea and two onshore blocks in the Nile Delta region and comes as the country intensifies exploration across undeveloped acreage.
West Africa
Sierra Leone is preparing to launch a new licensing round in 2025 as part of its drive to fast-track exploration and become an oil-producing nation. The country currently has around 50 offshore blocks available for direct negotiation, spanning 63,000 km² and backed by a proven petroleum system. The upcoming licensing round will further entice spending. Nigeria is set to launch a new oil and gas licensing round in 2025, focusing on undeveloped fields. The upcoming round follows the successful conclusion of a 2024 tender, whereby 25 companies were awarded Petroleum Prospecting Licenses. Liberia also initiated a Direct Negotiation Licensing Round in 2024, with 29 offshore blocks available for investment in the Liberia and Harper basins. The licensing round seeks to drive new investment in the country’s frontier basins and is supported by an extensive library of multi-client subsurface data, including over 24,000 kilometers of 2D seismic data and more than 26,000 km² of 3D seismic data.
East Africa
Tanzania is preparing to offer new oil and gas exploration opportunities with a licensing round launching in 2025. A total of 26 blocks will be made available, including three blocks in Lake Tanganyika and 23 in the Indian Ocean. The country’s upstream regulator the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority has already identified the blocks and compiled the necessary data for the process. Following government approval for the Model Production Sharing Agreement, the licensing round will be launched. The round represents the first in more than ten years. Additionally, Kenya is expected to launch its inaugural oil and gas licensing round in September 2025, offering ten blocks for exploration. The blocks were selected using geoscientific data to ensure a transparent allocation process. The licensing round is supported by comprehensive seismic surveys and geological reports, thereby supporting future exploration activities. Primary targets include the Lamu and Anza basins, both of which are known for their hydrocarbon potential. Uganda is also set to launch a licensing round during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, offering new areas for oil and gas exploration.
Southern Africa
Part of its six-year licensing strategy, Angola is expected to launch its next licensing round in 2025, offering ten blocks for exploration in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. The bid round follows the successful conclusion of a 2023 tender, whereby nine companies qualified as operators and five qualified as non-operators. Namibia rolled out an open-door licensing system in 2024 to address its backlog of applications and streamline procedures. The system comes as the country experiences a surge in exploration interest following major discoveries made since 2022.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
About African Energy Week: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The sequel to acclaimed Chinese animated film “The Legend of Hei” transformed its Beijing premiere into an outdoor carnival experience on July 11, reigniting fan enthusiasm six years after the original movie’s release.
A giant installation of the animated cat character Luo Xiaohei is displayed during the premiere of “The Legend of Hei 2” at Chaoyang Park, Beijing, July 11, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Rui/China.org.cn]
The event at Beijing’s Chaoyang Park delivered an immersive experience featuring an advanced open-air screening, a themed pop-up store selling exclusive merchandise, and interactive games that drew massive fan engagement. The creative team participated in a post-screening Q&A session with the film’s first audience.
Set in a world where humans, goblins and deities coexist, “The Legend of Hei 2” follows cat spirit Luo Xiaohei as he lives peacefully in human form alongside Master Wuxian. When the Monster Hall assigns him a mission after a branch hall comes under attack, Luo partners with senior disciple Luye to investigate a series of mysterious events.
“Watching this made me recall all our efforts over these six years,” said co-director Gu Jie, adding that the sequel’s greater complexity required more extensive production work than the 2019 original.
“The Legend of Hei 2” features significantly enhanced visual effects, intense action sequences and deeper character development. As a result, the producers expressed confidence that the film would deliver a fresh cinematic experience and described themselves as “exhilarated” with the final result.
The cast and crew participate in a Q&A during the premiere of “The Legend of Hei 2” at Chaoyang Park, Beijing, July 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Wishart Media]
“The Legend of Hei” originated as a web cartoon series launched in March 2011, building a substantial fanbase among animation fans.
The theatrical release of the first film in 2019 proved commercially successful, grossing 315 million yuan ($44 million) in China, with its popularity extending internationally, particularly in Japan, a country renowned for anime.
“The Legend of Hei 2” opens in Chinese theaters nationwide on July 18.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the sea southwest of Indonesia’s Southeast Maluku in Maluku Province at 12:49 p.m. local time on Monday, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
The epicenter was located approximately 170 km southwest of Southeast Maluku, at a depth of 108 km, the BMKG said on its official website.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is prone to frequent earthquakes.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s Wang Chuqin swept Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto in the men’s singles final, while university teacher and former World Cup winner Zhu Yuling returned to the top by defeating Chen Yi in a clash of female giant-killers at the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Wang, who became China’s first left-handed men’s singles world champion earlier this year, gave little chance to the third-seeded Harimoto, who has a reputation for struggling against left-handed opponents.
Displaying confidence and control, the second-seeded Wang dominated with wide-angled shots and steady rallies, securing an 11-3, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8 victory.
“I kept level-headed either in lead or trailing,” said Wang. “I felt so relieved when the tournament was over. I need a short break and come back again.”
Zhu, once a key player on the Chinese national team and now representing Macao, China, used her experience, strong backhands and unpredictable rhythm changes to overcome a two-set deficit and defeat Chen 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 in 56 minutes.
Zhu had previously stepped away from the sport to recover from cancer, pursue academic studies, become a professor at Tianjin University, and manage her family business. She returned to competitive play last year and upset world No. 2 Wang Manyu on her way to the final. Chen, 20, had earlier eliminated several top seeds, including reigning world champion Sun Yingsha.
“This isn’t a typical clash of speed and power,” said Zhu. “We battled against each other in terms of patience, tenacity, spin, offense and defense.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China claimed another come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the United States on Sunday, closing the women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminaries with four consecutive wins.
Wu Mengjie led China with 27 points on 26 kills and an ace, while Zhuang Yushan and Gong Xiangyu contributed 18 and 14 points, respectively. The Chinese team rallied past the hosts 18-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-16, 18-16 for their third five-set win in Arlington.
Earlier in the week, China had also defeated the Dominican Republic and Germany in five sets, and Canada 3-1.
“I am pleased with the resilience demonstrated by our players,” said China head coach Zhao Yong.
Trailing 5-4 in the tiebreak, China went on a 5-1 run to level the score at 9-9. After Wang Yuanyuan delivered a key block to give China a 14-13 lead, the Americans fended off three match points before Wu’s smash and a final point from Zhuang sealed the win.
China finished fifth among the 18 teams in the preliminary round, with nine wins, three losses, and 24 points. They will face Poland, the fourth-place finisher and host of the Finals, in the quarterfinals.
The United States, led by Sarah Franklin’s 32 points, ended eighth with a 7-5 record. They will take on top-seeded Italy for a spot in the semifinals.
Brazil, Japan, Turkey, and Germany also advanced to the Finals, which will be held in Lodz, Poland, from July 23 to 27.
On the occasion of the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), large numbers of devotees thronged Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to participate in the sacred ’84 Mahadev Yatra’. July 14 marked the first Monday (Somwar) of this year’s Shravan month.
Each Shravan Monday holds special spiritual significance for devotees and is considered auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva, while Tuesdays (Mangalwar) are devoted to Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s divine consort.
Devotees observe fasts, chant Shiva mantras, sing devotional bhajans, and perform Rudrabhishek – the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, curd etc.
When Lord Shiva vanquished the demon named Dushan in Ujjain, drops of the demon’s blood fell at 84 different spots. At each of these locations, Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested in 84 distinct forms. These places later became known as the 84 Mahadev temples.
According to the Skanda Purana, after wandering through 84 lakh life forms (yonis), a soul is born as a human. It is believed that to be freed from the sins of past lives, one must undertake the pilgrimage (yatra) of the 84 Mahadev temples.
It is said that performing this sacred pilgrimage grants liberation (moksha) to the devotee and frees them from the cycle of 84 lakh life forms.
Earlier on Friday, devotees also gathered at Ujjain’s revered Mahakaleshwar Temple to mark the beginning of Sawan. The sacred Bhasma Aarti – a ceremonial offering of sacred ash – was performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, on the first day of the month.
This year, Sawan began on July 11 and will conclude on August 9.
TAINAN, Taiwan and HSINCHU, Taiwan, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, and Rabboni Co., Ltd. (“Rabboni”), a Taiwan-based company integrating next-generation semiconductor sensing and edge computing to enable smart living, smart sensing and wearable devices, today jointly announced the unveiling of bboni Ai, the world’s first multi-scenario endpoint AI sensing system. bboni Ai integrates Rabboni’s high-precision IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) motion sensors with Himax’s ultralow power WiseEye2 AI processor, opening a new chapter for real-time endpoint AI inference for wearable devices and accelerating the transition of AI from concept to real-world implementation.
WiseEye2 AI processor features a high-performance architecture built on Cortex-M55 cores and is equipped with the Ethos-U55 AI inference engine. It supports always-on sensing, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), and a multi-level power management structure. The design empowers dynamic adjustments in core voltage and frequency based on the scenarios of wearable devices, enabling data collection, event triggering, and endpoint AI inference at ultralow power consumption of just a few milliwatts. This architecture significantly reduces reliance on cloud transmission, effectively lowering latency and power consumption. It also enhances real-time responsiveness and data privacy, delivering a commercially viable endpoint AI solution for devices requiring long-hour operation. Notably, WiseEye™ AI can also collaborate with cloud-based large language models (LLMs), further enhancing the device’s ability to perceive, understand, and interact with complex real -world scenarios.
bboni Ai Brings AI to the Endpoint: On-Device AI Processing. No Cloud Needed
Featuring integrated motion sensing capability and ultralow power AI powered by Himax’s WiseEye2 AI processor, the bboni Ai system enables real-time motion analysis, posture recognition, and behavior interpretation directly on the endpoint device, eliminating the need for cloud computing. With low-latency, high-efficiency, and privacy-preserving on-device AI, bboni Ai delivers a truly scalable and deployable endpoint AI solution. bboni Ai not only enhances system stability but also meets the stringent requirements for data immediacy and security in applications such as healthcare and education.
bboni Ai Transforms Everyday Life Across Diverse Wearable Applications: Demonstrates broad real-world readiness across multiple use cases
Smart Healthcare: Supports WHO’s ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older People) framework, facilitating seniors to monitor physical function and rehabilitation progress at home, reducing the cost of care
Sports Technology: Real-time detection of user movements and behavior, providing instant motion feedback, optimizing training postures through AI analysis, improving training efficiency and reducing the risk of injury
Education and Interaction: Enables hands-on STEM and AI education by leveraging motion sensing and behavior analysis to foster interdisciplinary learning and innovation, cultivating the next generation of talent
Powered by Taiwan–Based Team with bboni Ai Developer Program to Launch in July 2025
To accelerate the development of innovative AI applications, Himax will officially launch the bboni Ai Developer Program in late-July 2025. This initiative will provide a complete set of APIs and SDKs, inviting developers, academic institutions, and corporate partners jointly to create a robust and commercial-ready endpoint AI ecosystem, advancing Taiwan’s AI technology around the globe.
“The bboni Ai system was entirely developed by a Taiwanese team, integrating key technologies such as semiconductor design, sensor technology, AI algorithms, and software-hardware integration, showcasing Taiwan’s technical strength in smart sensing and endpoint AI,” said Richard Chiang, Chairman of Rabboni.
“WiseEye’s ultralow power and always-on sensing capabilities make it a perfect fit for power-constrained endpoint devices, especially wearable applications in smart care, interactive education, and health monitoring that require long-hour operation,” said Mark Chen, Vice President of Smart Sensing Business at Himax. “Himax is excited to collaborate with Rabboni to integrate our respective technological strengths and bring AI out of the conceptual stage and into everyday life, enabling truly meaningful smart applications.”
About Rabboni Co., Ltd.
Rabboni Co., Ltd., originating from Silicon Instruments Co., Ltd. founded in 2009, is dedicated to integrating next-generation semiconductor sensing and edge computing to build the foundation of smart living. The company empowers professionals across various service domains to achieve digital and AI transformation, thereby enhancing their value-added services. For years, Rabboni has supported National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in university social responsibility (USR) programs and MIT-collaborated science outreach projects, as well as medical research initiatives. Through these efforts, Rabboni has developed interdisciplinary platform technologies and established a comprehensive industry chain for smart sensing and wearable technologies.
Rabboni also introduced the TEA Innovation Service Platform, inspired by the concept: “Technology x Experts x Aids = Brew better futures.” In collaboration with Himax’s engineering team, Rabboni successfully completed the development of the bboni Ai platform. An Endpoint AI Startup Competition will soon be co-hosted by Himax, Rabboni, and NYCU, featuring the world’s tiniest and ultralow power bboni Ai system.
About Himax Technologies, Inc.
Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,609 patents granted and 370 patents pending approval worldwide as of June 30, 2025.
Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.
Company Contacts:
Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR Himax Technologies, Inc. Tel: +886-2-2370-3999 Fax: +886-2-2314-0877 Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw www.himax.com.tw
Mark Schwalenberg, Director Investor Relations – US Representative MZ North America Tel: +1-312-261-6430 Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us
Cameron Green’s unbeaten 42 kept Australia in the driver’s seat of the day-night third and final test against West Indies after 15 wickets tumbled on a frenetic second day of the pink-ball contest in Kingston on Sunday.
Having posted a modest 225 in the first innings, Australia bundled out West Indies for 143 after the hosts had resumed on 16-1 at the Sabina Park.
Batting under lights on a lively track, Australia then suffered a collapse of their own and finished day two on 99-6 for an overall lead of 181 as they look to complete a series sweep.
Green had skipper Pat Cummins on five at the other end.
Earlier, West Indies struggled against Australia’s all-pace attack with Scott Boland (3-34) justifying his selection at the expense of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.
For the hosts, John Campbell (36) and Shai Hope (23) offered some resistance with the bat before they caved in to concede a lead of 82 in the low-scoring contest.
Australia’s top order struggled under the lights once again with Alzarri Joseph (3-19) and Shamar Joseph (2-26) leading the home side’s fight back.
Opener Sam Konstas ended his miserable tour with a duck, while his opening partner Usman Khawaja dragged a Shamar Joseph delivery onto his stumps.
Alzarri Joseph dismissed Steve Smith for five after the batter had been spilled in the slip when on one.
Green survived a potential run out to remain unbeaten after a stellar knock, which included six fours.
“It was good fun … We wanted seven wickets and got six. I’m pleased with the performance,” said Shamar Joseph.
“Anything around or less than 200, I’m confident we’ll chase it down.”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, July 14 (Xinhua) — A 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands at 05:49 GMT on Monday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.
According to preliminary data, the epicenter was located at a point with coordinates of 6.35 degrees south latitude and 131.35 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Over the weekend, the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released a preliminary report on last month’s crash of Air India flight 171, which killed 260 people, 19 of them on the ground.
The aim of a preliminary report is to present factual information gathered so far and to inform further lines of inquiry. However, the 15-page document has also led to unfounded speculation and theories that are currently not supported by the evidence.
Here’s what the report actually says, why we don’t yet know what caused the crash, and why it’s important not to speculate.
What the preliminary report does say
What we know for certain is that the aircraft lost power in both engines just after takeoff.
According to the report, this is supported by video footage showing the deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT), and the examination of the air inlet door of the auxiliary power unit (APU).
The RAT is deployed when both engines fail, all hydraulic systems are lost, or there is a total electrical power loss. The APU air inlet door opens when the system attempts to start automatically due to dual engine failure.
The preliminary investigation suggests both engines shut down because the fuel flow stopped. Attention has now shifted to the fuel control switches, located on the throttle lever panel between the pilots.
Data from the enhanced airborne flight recorder suggests these switches may have been moved from “run” to “cutoff” three seconds after liftoff. Ten seconds later, the switches were moved back to “run”.
The report also suggests the pilots were aware the engines had shut down and attempted to restart them. Despite their effort, the engines couldn’t restart in time.
We don’t know what the pilots did
Flight data recorders don’t capture pilot actions. They record system responses and sensor data, which can sometimes lead to the belief they’re an accurate representation of the pilot’s actions in the cockpit.
While this is true most of the time, this is not always the case.
In my own work investigating safety incidents, I’ve seen cases in which automated systems misinterpreted inputs. In one case, a system recorded a pilot pressing the same button six times in two seconds, something humanly impossible. On further investigation, it turned out to be a faulty system, not a real action.
We cannot yet rule out the possibility that system damage or sensor error led to false data being recorded. We also don’t know whether the pilots unintentionally flicked the switches to “cutoff”. And we may never know.
As we also don’t have a camera in the cockpit, any interpretation of pilots’ actions will be made indirectly, usually through the data sensed by the aircraft and the conversation, sound and noise captured by the environmental microphone available in the cockpit.
We don’t have the full conversation between the pilots
Perhaps the most confusing clue in the report was an excerpt of a conversation between the pilots. It says:
In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.
This short exchange is entirely without context. First, we don’t know who says what. Second, we don’t know when the question was asked – after takeoff, or after the engine started to lose power? Third, we don’t know the exact words used, because the excerpt in the report is paraphrased.
Finally, we don’t know whether the exchange referred to the engine status or the switch position. Again, we may never know.
What’s crucial here is that the current available evidence doesn’t support any theory about intentional fuel cutoff by either of the pilots. To say otherwise is unfounded speculation.
We don’t know if there was a mechanical failure
The preliminary report indicates that, for now, there are no actions required by Boeing, General Electric or any company that operates the Boeing 787-8 and/or GEnx-1B engine.
This has led some to speculate that a mechanical failure has been ruled out. Again, it is far too early to conclude that.
What the preliminary report shows is that the investigation team has not found any evidence to suggest the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure that requires immediate attention or suspension of operations around the world.
This could be because there was no catastrophic failure. It could also be because the physical evidence has been so badly damaged that investigators will need more time and other sources of evidence to learn what happened.
Why we must resist premature conclusions
In the aftermath of an accident, there is much at stake for many people: the manufacturer of the aircraft, the airline, the airport, civil aviation authority and others. The families of the victims understandably demand answers.
It’s also tempting to latch onto a convenient explanation. But the preliminary report is not the full story. It’s based on very limited data, analysed under immense pressure, and without access to every subsystem or mechanical trace.
The final report is still to come. Until then, the responsible position for regulators, experts and the public is to withhold judgement.
This tragedy reminds us that aviation safety depends on patient and thorough investigation – not media soundbites or unqualified expert commentary. We owe it to the victims and their families to get the facts right, not just fast.
Guido Carim Junior has received funding from Boeing R&D Australia to conduct research projects in the past five years.
Over the weekend, the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released a preliminary report on last month’s crash of Air India flight 171, which killed 260 people, 19 of them on the ground.
The aim of a preliminary report is to present factual information gathered so far and to inform further lines of inquiry. However, the 15-page document has also led to unfounded speculation and theories that are currently not supported by the evidence.
Here’s what the report actually says, why we don’t yet know what caused the crash, and why it’s important not to speculate.
What the preliminary report does say
What we know for certain is that the aircraft lost power in both engines just after takeoff.
According to the report, this is supported by video footage showing the deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT), and the examination of the air inlet door of the auxiliary power unit (APU).
The RAT is deployed when both engines fail, all hydraulic systems are lost, or there is a total electrical power loss. The APU air inlet door opens when the system attempts to start automatically due to dual engine failure.
The preliminary investigation suggests both engines shut down because the fuel flow stopped. Attention has now shifted to the fuel control switches, located on the throttle lever panel between the pilots.
Data from the enhanced airborne flight recorder suggests these switches may have been moved from “run” to “cutoff” three seconds after liftoff. Ten seconds later, the switches were moved back to “run”.
The report also suggests the pilots were aware the engines had shut down and attempted to restart them. Despite their effort, the engines couldn’t restart in time.
We don’t know what the pilots did
Flight data recorders don’t capture pilot actions. They record system responses and sensor data, which can sometimes lead to the belief they’re an accurate representation of the pilot’s actions in the cockpit.
While this is true most of the time, this is not always the case.
In my own work investigating safety incidents, I’ve seen cases in which automated systems misinterpreted inputs. In one case, a system recorded a pilot pressing the same button six times in two seconds, something humanly impossible. On further investigation, it turned out to be a faulty system, not a real action.
We cannot yet rule out the possibility that system damage or sensor error led to false data being recorded. We also don’t know whether the pilots unintentionally flicked the switches to “cutoff”. And we may never know.
As we also don’t have a camera in the cockpit, any interpretation of pilots’ actions will be made indirectly, usually through the data sensed by the aircraft and the conversation, sound and noise captured by the environmental microphone available in the cockpit.
We don’t have the full conversation between the pilots
Perhaps the most confusing clue in the report was an excerpt of a conversation between the pilots. It says:
In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.
This short exchange is entirely without context. First, we don’t know who says what. Second, we don’t know when the question was asked – after takeoff, or after the engine started to lose power? Third, we don’t know the exact words used, because the excerpt in the report is paraphrased.
Finally, we don’t know whether the exchange referred to the engine status or the switch position. Again, we may never know.
What’s crucial here is that the current available evidence doesn’t support any theory about intentional fuel cutoff by either of the pilots. To say otherwise is unfounded speculation.
We don’t know if there was a mechanical failure
The preliminary report indicates that, for now, there are no actions required by Boeing, General Electric or any company that operates the Boeing 787-8 and/or GEnx-1B engine.
This has led some to speculate that a mechanical failure has been ruled out. Again, it is far too early to conclude that.
What the preliminary report shows is that the investigation team has not found any evidence to suggest the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure that requires immediate attention or suspension of operations around the world.
This could be because there was no catastrophic failure. It could also be because the physical evidence has been so badly damaged that investigators will need more time and other sources of evidence to learn what happened.
Why we must resist premature conclusions
In the aftermath of an accident, there is much at stake for many people: the manufacturer of the aircraft, the airline, the airport, civil aviation authority and others. The families of the victims understandably demand answers.
It’s also tempting to latch onto a convenient explanation. But the preliminary report is not the full story. It’s based on very limited data, analysed under immense pressure, and without access to every subsystem or mechanical trace.
The final report is still to come. Until then, the responsible position for regulators, experts and the public is to withhold judgement.
This tragedy reminds us that aviation safety depends on patient and thorough investigation – not media soundbites or unqualified expert commentary. We owe it to the victims and their families to get the facts right, not just fast.
Guido Carim Junior has received funding from Boeing R&D Australia to conduct research projects in the past five years.
A series of atrocity sites of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia have been formally entered onto the World Heritage list, as part of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee.
This is not only important for Cambodia, but also raises important questions for atrocity sites in Australia.
Before this, the World Heritage list only recognised seven “sites of memory” associated with recent conflicts, which UNESCO defines as “events having occurred from the turn of the 20th century” under its criterion vi. These sat within a broader list of more than 950 cultural sites.
In recent years, experts have intensely debated the question of whether a site associated with recent conflict could, or should, be nominated and evaluated for World Heritage status. Some argue such listings would contradict the objectives of UNESCO and its spirit of peace, which was part of the specialised agency’s mandate after the destruction of two world wars.
Sites associated with recent conflicts can be divisive. For instance, when Japan nominated the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, both China and the United States objected and eventually disassociated from the decision. The US argued the nomination lacked “historical perspective” on the events that led to the bomb’s use. Meanwhile, China argued listing the property would not be conducive for peace as other Asian countries and peoples had suffered at the hands of the Japanese during WWII.
Heritage inscriptions risk reinforcing societal divisions if they conserve a particular memory in a one-sided way.
Nonetheless, the World Heritage Committee decided in 2023 to no longer preclude such sites for inscription. This was done partly in recognition of how these sites may “serve the peace-building mission of UNESCO”.
Shortly after, three listing were added: the ESMA Museum and Site of Memory, a former clandestine centre for detention, torture and extermination in Argentina; memorial sites of the Rwandan genocide at Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero; and funerary and memory sites of the first world war in Belgium and France.
A number of legacy sites associated with Nelson Mandela’s human rights struggle in South Africa were also added last year.
Atrocities of the Khmer Rouge
The recently inscribed Cambodian Memorial Sites include prisons S-21 (now known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) and M-13, as well as the execution site Choeung Ek.
These sites were nominated for their value in showing the development of extreme mass violence in relation to the security system of the Khmer Rouge in 1975–79. They also have value as places of memorialisation, peace and learning.
The Khmer Rouge developed its methods of disappearance, incarceration and torture of suspected “enemies” during the civil conflict of 1970–75. It established a system of local-level security centres in so-called “liberated” areas.
One of these centres was known as M-13, a small, well-hidden prison in the country’s rural southwest. A man named Kaing Guek Eav – also called Duch – was responsible for prisoners at M-13.
Shortly after the entire country fell to the Khmer Rouge in April 1975, Duch was assigned to lead the headquarters of the regime’s security system: a large detention and torture centre known as S-21.
Under his instruction, tens of thousands of people were detained in inhumane conditions, tortured and interrogated. Many detainees were later taken to the outskirts of the city to be brutally killed and buried in pits at a place called Choeung Ek.
The sites operated until early 1979, when the Khmer Rouge was forced from power.
The S-21 facility and the mass graves at Choeung Ek have long been memorialised as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre.
However, the former M-13 site shows few visual clues to its prior use, and has only recently been investigated by an international team led by Cambodian archaeologist and museum director Hang Nisay. The site is on an island in a small river that forms the boundary between the Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces.
Further research, site protection and memorialisation activities will now be supported, with help from locals.
From repression to reflection
The Cambodian memorial sites have been recognised as holding “outstanding universal value” for the way they evidence one of the 20th century’s worst atrocities, and are now places of memory.
In its nomination dossier for these sites, Cambodia drew on findings from the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to verify and link the conflict and the sites.
In 2010, the tribunal found Duch guilty of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. Duch was sentenced to 30 years in prison (which eventually turned into life imprisonment). He died in 2020.
While courts such as the International Criminal Court have previously examined the destruction of heritage as an international crime, drawing on legal findings to assert heritage status is an unusual inverse. It raises important questions about the legacies of former UN-supported tribunals and the ongoing implications of their findings.
The recent listings also raise questions for Australia, which has many sites of documented mass killing associated with colonisation and the frontier wars that lasted into the 20th century.
Might Australia nominate any of these atrocity sites in the future? And could other processes such as truth-telling, reparation and redress support (or be supported by) such nominations?
Rachel Hughes has consulted to UNESCO Cambodia.
Maria Elander does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands region on Monday, the country’s geophysics agency said, adding there was no tsunami potential.
The quake was at a depth of 98 km (60.89 miles), the agency said.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the quake was of 6.8 magnitude and at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).
Tremors were felt in several small towns in eastern Indonesia, the agency said.
There was no immediate reports of damage, said Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency.
Indonesia straddles the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly seismically active zone, where different plates on the Earth’s crust meet and create a large number of earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, July 14 (Xinhua) — Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday stressed the need to ensure security in West Asia through the participation of all regional states, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.
During a telephone conversation, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional issues, bilateral ties and Israeli-American “aggression” against Iran, the report said.
A.A. Ahmadian praised the UAE’s condemnation of Israel’s military “aggression” against Iran, stressing that the security of the region’s countries is “interrelated” and requires the participation of all states in the region.
“If the security of any country in the region is threatened by external risks, then this will challenge the entire region,” he added.
A.A. Ahmadian also emphasized Iran’s principled policy of expanding relations with its neighbors.
The UAE National Security Adviser also noted that all states in the region must guarantee the security of the region.
“If the security of one regional state is threatened, it will negatively affect all other countries in the region,” he said.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas of Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran responded with multiple missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing casualties and destruction.
After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire was reached between Iran and Israel on June 24. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa’s most populous country from 2015 to 2023 and was the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box, died in London on Sunday, a presidential spokesperson said.
“President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m. (1530 GMT), following a prolonged illness,” President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and his chief of staff to travel to London to collect and accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria for burial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Buhari’s demise.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari. I fondly recall our meetings and conversations on various occasions. His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out. I join the 1.4 billion people of India in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people and the government of Nigeria.
A Muslim, Buhari was expected to be buried according to Muslim rites in his home state of northwestern Katsina, government officials said.
Buhari, 82, first led the country as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s. He earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics.
He referred to himself as a “converted democrat” and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps.
“I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody,” was a constant refrain Buhari told supporters and critics alike.
Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 in what was judged to be Nigeria’s fairest election to date. Many hoped the retired major general would crack down on armed groups, just as he had as the country’s military head of state.
Instead, violence that had mostly been confined to the northeast spread. That left swathes of Nigeria outside the control of its security forces as gunmen in the northwest, armed separatists and gangs in the southeast roamed unchecked.
Much of his appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda both as a military and civilian ruler. He said endemic corruption in Nigeria’s political culture was holding people back.
‘BABA GO SLOW’
But Buhari quickly disappointed after his 2015 win.
He took power as Nigeria was reeling from jihadist group Boko Haram’s kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolgirls from the northeastern town of Chibok.
He took six months to name his cabinet. During that time, the oil-dependent economy was hobbled by low crude prices, prompting people to call him “Baba Go Slow”.
He retained his popularity in poor, largely Muslim northern Nigeria, where voters propelled him to his second victory in 2019, despite his first term being blighted by Nigeria’s first recession in a generation, militant attacks on oilfields, and repeated hospital stays for an undisclosed illness.
On the economy, Buhari applied the same approach that failed when he was in power in the 1980s – keeping the currency artificially high, as a matter of national pride. Just as in his first stint in power, the president ignored the IMF’s advice to devalue the naira.
In 2022 the production of oil – by far Nigeria’s greatest export – fell to its lowest level in more than two decades due to crude theft in the Niger Delta.
His anti-corruption crackdown also ran into criticism and failed to yield high-profile convictions.
Rights groups said Buhari never let go of his autocratic tendencies. In a major flashpoint, unarmed demonstrators protesting against police brutality were gunned down in 2020. Nationwide street violence followed, marking some of the most widespread civil unrest since military rule ended in 1999.
KIDNAP PLOT
Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari enrolled in the army at 19. He would eventually rise to the rank of major-general.
He seized power in 1983 as a military ruler, promising to revitalise a mismanaged country. He took a tough line on everything from the conditions sought by the International Monetary Fund to unruliness in bus queues.
In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain. The plot failed when London airport officials opened the crate containing the abducted politician.
His first stint in power was short-lived. He was removed after only 18 months by another military officer, Ibrahim Babangida.
Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.
Buhari said he aimed to improve the lives of Nigerians through social welfare programmes, the construction of train lines, roads, dams, airports and power infrastructure.
The infrastructure projects laid the foundation for a strong Nigerian economy, he said.
India is currently in the midst of an active monsoon phase, with widespread rainfall and dynamic weather conditions affecting large parts of the northern and central regions on Monday.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in New Delhi, the past 24 hours witnessed significant precipitation across several states, notably Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Isolated pockets in Uttar Pradesh recorded very heavy rainfall, with Mahroni in Lalitpur receiving 163 mm, Lalitpur 147 mm, and Fatehpur Tehsil (Banki) 140 mm.
Additional heavy showers were reported in Banda, Bijnor, and Varanasi, with Beberu in Banda district recording 110 mm of rainfall.
In Rajasthan, Manoharthana in Jhalawar received 115 mm, Sallopat in Banswara 95 mm, and Jaswantpura in Jalour 78 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, Murari Devi registered 126 mm, while Manethi in Haryana saw 82.3 mm. Thunderstorms and lightning were reported across eastern Uttar Pradesh and various parts of Northwest India, except Haryana.
Isolated hailstorms were observed in Jammu and Kashmir, while gusty winds swept through Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The seven-day forecast indicates sustained rainfall across the region. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience fairly widespread to widespread showers through July 19.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are likely to see scattered to fairly widespread rainfall, while Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi may witness scattered showers, which are expected to taper off to isolated activity later in the week.
Rajasthan is likely to receive moderate rainfall, with eastern Rajasthan likely to see more consistent precipitation compared to the western parts.
Maximum temperatures across the plains of northwest India are expected to remain stable over the next five days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) advises residents to stay updated via the MAUSAM app for location-specific forecasts, the Meghdoot app for agricultural advisories, and the Damini app for lightning alerts.
The ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route is drawing widespread praise from pilgrims and officials alike, with many describing the journey as both spiritually uplifting and exceptionally well-managed. Pilgrims returning from the sacred pilgrimage have expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements made by Indian authorities, particularly the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).
Rajendra Chettri, Chief Executive Officer of STDC, lauded the success of this year’s Yatra, noting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. According to Chettri, the fourth batch of pilgrims has successfully completed the Yatra and is currently en route to Lhasa, while the fifth batch is stationed at Sherathang, preparing to cross into Tibet. Chettri is scheduled to visit Nathu La on Monday to personally oversee arrangements for the group’s movement into the Tibetan region.
“The Yatris are extremely happy with the facilities provided by STDC,” he said. “At any given time, two batches are in the Tibetan region—one entering and one returning.” Most of the batches comprise 45 to 48 pilgrims and are accompanied by two Liaison Officers deputed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The final batch is expected to depart on August 7, cross into Tibet by August 12, and return by August 23. All pilgrims are scheduled to head home by August 24.
Chettri highlighted the improvements made since the last Yatra in 2019, especially in hygiene and accommodation. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Chinese authorities, calling their support “welcoming and encouraging.”
Pilgrims have described the Yatra as deeply emotional and spiritually fulfilling. A female pilgrim, who undertook the journey with her husband, called it a divine experience. “It is by the grace of God that we were chosen for this Yatra. Everything was managed so well that we never felt any discomfort. The welcome was overwhelming—Yogi ji himself greeted us and offered gifts, marking a spiritual start to our journey.”
Reflecting on her visit to Mount Kailash, she added, “Even now, I get goosebumps recalling the moment. Our journey was not only smooth but truly divine. I am grateful to everyone—the Indian and Chinese authorities and the countless people working behind the scenes.”
Ravi Verma, a pilgrim from Pune, described the experience as both physically and spiritually uplifting. “Despite the long trek and high altitude, I didn’t feel any of my usual knee or muscle pains. That itself felt miraculous.” He recounted his trek through Yamadwar, Deraphuk, and Dolma Pass—one of the most physically demanding segments of the Yatra. “Even Dolma Pass, with its low oxygen and steep climb, felt safe and manageable. Collecting water from Gaurikund was a special moment.”
Verma also shared a personal connection to the Yatra, revealing that his parents had completed the journey on foot in 1997, covering nearly 500 kilometres. “Their dedication inspired me. Though I walked only 40 kilometres, the experience was equally divine. I believe all my success in life is a blessing from Mount Kailash.”
Devendra Tiwari, a pilgrim from Bhopal, echoed similar sentiments. He praised the discipline among fellow pilgrims and credited the Government of India, MEA, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and STDC for their seamless coordination. “Not even rain or clouds came in our way. We completed darshan and puja peacefully. I truly feel blessed.”
A journalist who was on the Rainbow Warrior voyage to Rongelap last night condemned France for its “callous” attack of an environmental ship, saying “we haven’t forgotten, or forgiven this outrage”.
David Robie, the author of Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, said at the launch that the consequences of almost 300 US and French nuclear tests – many of them “dirty bombs” — were still impacting on indigenous Pacific peoples 40 years after the bombing of the ship.
French saboteurs had killed “our shipmate Fernando Pereira” on 10 July 1985 in what the New Zealand prime minister at the time, David Lange, called a “sordid act of international state-backed terrorism”.
Although relations with France had perhaps mellowed over time, four decades ago there was a lot of hostility towards the country, Dr Robie said.
“And that act of mindless sabotage still rankles very deeply in our psyche,” he said at the launch in Auckland Central’s Ellen Melville Centre on the anniversary of July 10.
About 100 people gathered in the centre’s Pioneer Women’s Hall for the book launch as Dr Robie reflected on the case of state terrorism after Greenpeace earlier in the day held a memorial ceremony on board Rainbow Warrior III.
“One of the celebrated French newspapers, Le Monde, played a critical role in the investigation into the Rainbow Warrior affair — what I brand as ‘Blundergate’, in view of all the follies of the bumbling DGSE spy team,” he said.
Plantu cartoon “And one of the cartoons in that newspaper, by Plantu, who is a sort of French equivalent to Michael Leunig, caught my eye.
“You will notice it in the background slide show behind me. It shows François Mitterrand, the president of the French republic at the time, dressed in a frogman’s wetsuit lecturing to school children during a history lesson.
“President Mitterrand says, in French, ‘At that time, only presidents had the right to carry out terrorism!’
Tahitian advocate Ena Manurevia . . . the background Plantu cartoon is the one mentioned by the author. Image: Asia Pacific Report
He noticed that in the Mitterrand cartoon there was a “classmate” sitting in the back of the room with a moustache. This was none other than Edwy Plenel, the police reporter for Le Monde at the time, who scooped the world with hard evidence of Mitterrand and the French government’s role at the highest level in the Rainbow Warrior sabotage.
Dr Robie said that Plenel now published the investigative website Mediapart, which had played a key role in 2015 revealing the identity of the bomber that night, “the man who had planted the limpet mines on the Rainbow Warrior — sinking a peace and environmental ship, and killing Fernando Pereira.”
Jean-Luc Kister, a retired French colonel and DGSE secret agent, had confessed to his role and “apologised”, claiming the sabotage operation was “disproportionate and a mistake”.
“Was he sincere? Was it a genuine attempt to come to terms with his conscience. Who knows?” Dr Robie said, adding that he was unconvinced.
Hilari Anderson (right on stage), one of the speakers, with Del Abcede and MC Antony Phillips (obscured) . . . the background image shows Helen Clark meeting Fernando Pereira’s daughter Marelle in 2005. Image: Greenpeace
French perspective Dr Robie said he had asked Plenel for his reflections from a French perspective 40 years on. Plenel cited three main take ways.
“First, the vital necessity of independent journalism. Independent of all powers, whether state, economic or ideological. Journalism that serves the public interest, the right to know, and factual truths.
“Impactful journalism whose revelations restore confidence in democracy, in the possibility of improving it, and in the usefulness of counterbalancing powers, particularly journalism.”
Secondly, this attack had been carried out by France in an “allied country”, New Zealand, against a civil society organisation. This demonstrated that “the thirst for power is a downfall that leads nations astray when they succumb to it.
“Nuclear weapons epitomise this madness, this catastrophe of power.”
Finally, Plenel expressed the “infinite sadness” for a French citizen that after his revelations in Le Monde — which led to the resignations of the defence minister and the head of the secret services — nothing else happened.
“Nothing at all. No parliamentary inquiry, no questioning of François Mitterrand about his responsibility, no institutional reform of the absolute power of the president in a French republic that is, in reality, an elective monarchy.”
‘Elective monarchy’ trend Dr Robie compared the French outcome with the rapid trend in US today, “a president who thinks he is a monarch, a king – another elective monarchy.”
He also bemoaned that “catastrophe of power” that “reigns everywhere today – from the horrendous Israeli genocide in Gaza to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, from Trump to Putin to Netanyahu, and so many others.”
The continuous Gaza massacres were a shameful indictment of the West that had allowed it to happen for more than 21 months.
Dr Robie thanked many collaborators for their help and support, including drama teacher Hilari Anderson, an original crew member of the Rainbow Warrior, and photographer John Miller, “who have been with me all the way on this waka journey”.
He thanked his wife, Del, and family members for their unstinting “patience and support”, and also publisher Tony Murrow of Little Island Press.
Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior . . . published 10 July 2025. Image: David Robie/Little Island Press
Launching the book, Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn said one thing that had stood out for her was how the legacy of the Rainbow Warrior had continued despite the attempt by the French government to shut it down 40 years ago.
“We said then that ‘you can’t sink a rainbow’, and we went on to prove it.
“When the Rainbow Warrior was bombed in Auckland harbour, it was getting ready to set sail to Moruroa Atoll, to enter the test exclusion zone and confront French nuclear testing head-on.”
So threatened The French government had felt so threatened by that action that it had engaged in a state-sanctioned terror attack to prevent the mission from going ahead.
“But we rebuilt, and the Rainbow Warrior II carried on with that mission, travelling to Moruroa three times before the French finally stopped nuclear testing in the Pacific.
“That spirit and tenacity is what makes Greenpeace and what makes the Rainbow Warrior so special to everyone who has sailed on her,” she said.
“It was the final voyage of the Rainbow Warrior to Rongelap before the bombing that is the focus of David Robie’s book, and in many ways, it was an incredibly unique experience for Greenpeace — not just here in Aotearoa, but internationally.
“And of course David was a key part in that.”
O’Flynn said that as someone who had not even been born yet when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed, “I am so grateful that the generation of nuclear-free activists took the time to pass on their knowledge and to build our organisation into what it is today.
“Just as David has by writing down his story and leaving us with such a rich legacy.”
Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn . . . “That spirit and tenacity is what makes Greenpeace and what makes the Rainbow Warrior so special to everyone who has sailed on her.” Image: APR
Other speakers Among other speakers at the book launch were teacher Hilari Anderson, publisher Tony Murrow of Little Island Press, Ena Manuireva, a Mangarevian scholar and cultural adviser, and MC Antony Phillips of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
Anderson spoke of the Warrior’s early campaigns and acknowledged the crews of 1978 and 1985.
“I have been reflecting what these first and last crews of the original Rainbow Warrior had in common, realising that both gave their collective, mostly youthful energy — to transformation.
“This has involved the bonding of crews by working hands-on together. Touching surfaces, by hammer and paint, created a physical connection to this beloved boat.”
She paid special tribute to two powerful women, Denise Bell, who tracked down the marine research vessel in Aberdeen that became the Rainbow Warrior, and the indomitable Susi Newborn, who “contributed to naming the ship and mustering a crew”.
Manuireva spoke about his nuclear colonial experience and that of his family as natives of Mangareva atoll, about 400 km from Muroroa atoll, where France conducted most of its 30 years of tests ending in 1995.
He also spoke of Tahitian leader Oscar Temaru’s pioneering role in the Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement, and played haunting Tahitian songs on his guitar.
A journalist who was on the Rainbow Warrior voyage to Rongelap last night condemned France for its “callous” attack of an environmental ship, saying “we haven’t forgotten, or forgiven this outrage”.
David Robie, the author of Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, said at the launch that the consequences of almost 300 US and French nuclear tests – many of them “dirty bombs” — were still impacting on indigenous Pacific peoples 40 years after the bombing of the ship.
French saboteurs had killed “our shipmate Fernando Pereira” on 10 July 1985 in what the New Zealand prime minister at the time, David Lange, called a “sordid act of international state-backed terrorism”.
Although relations with France had perhaps mellowed over time, four decades ago there was a lot of hostility towards the country, Dr Robie said.
“And that act of mindless sabotage still rankles very deeply in our psyche,” he said at the launch in Auckland Central’s Ellen Melville Centre on the anniversary of July 10.
About 100 people gathered in the centre’s Pioneer Women’s Hall for the book launch as Dr Robie reflected on the case of state terrorism after Greenpeace earlier in the day held a memorial ceremony on board Rainbow Warrior III.
“One of the celebrated French newspapers, Le Monde, played a critical role in the investigation into the Rainbow Warrior affair — what I brand as ‘Blundergate’, in view of all the follies of the bumbling DGSE spy team,” he said.
Plantu cartoon “And one of the cartoons in that newspaper, by Plantu, who is a sort of French equivalent to Michael Leunig, caught my eye.
“You will notice it in the background slide show behind me. It shows François Mitterrand, the president of the French republic at the time, dressed in a frogman’s wetsuit lecturing to school children during a history lesson.
“President Mitterrand says, in French, ‘At that time, only presidents had the right to carry out terrorism!’
Tahitian advocate Ena Manurevia . . . the background Plantu cartoon is the one mentioned by the author. Image: Asia Pacific Report
He noticed that in the Mitterrand cartoon there was a “classmate” sitting in the back of the room with a moustache. This was none other than Edwy Plenel, the police reporter for Le Monde at the time, who scooped the world with hard evidence of Mitterrand and the French government’s role at the highest level in the Rainbow Warrior sabotage.
Dr Robie said that Plenel now published the investigative website Mediapart, which had played a key role in 2015 revealing the identity of the bomber that night, “the man who had planted the limpet mines on the Rainbow Warrior — sinking a peace and environmental ship, and killing Fernando Pereira.”
Jean-Luc Kister, a retired French colonel and DGSE secret agent, had confessed to his role and “apologised”, claiming the sabotage operation was “disproportionate and a mistake”.
“Was he sincere? Was it a genuine attempt to come to terms with his conscience. Who knows?” Dr Robie said, adding that he was unconvinced.
Hilari Anderson (right on stage), one of the speakers, with Del Abcede and MC Antony Phillips (obscured) . . . the background image shows Helen Clark meeting Fernando Pereira’s daughter Marelle in 2005. Image: Greenpeace
French perspective Dr Robie said he had asked Plenel for his reflections from a French perspective 40 years on. Plenel cited three main take ways.
“First, the vital necessity of independent journalism. Independent of all powers, whether state, economic or ideological. Journalism that serves the public interest, the right to know, and factual truths.
“Impactful journalism whose revelations restore confidence in democracy, in the possibility of improving it, and in the usefulness of counterbalancing powers, particularly journalism.”
Secondly, this attack had been carried out by France in an “allied country”, New Zealand, against a civil society organisation. This demonstrated that “the thirst for power is a downfall that leads nations astray when they succumb to it.
“Nuclear weapons epitomise this madness, this catastrophe of power.”
Finally, Plenel expressed the “infinite sadness” for a French citizen that after his revelations in Le Monde — which led to the resignations of the defence minister and the head of the secret services — nothing else happened.
“Nothing at all. No parliamentary inquiry, no questioning of François Mitterrand about his responsibility, no institutional reform of the absolute power of the president in a French republic that is, in reality, an elective monarchy.”
‘Elective monarchy’ trend Dr Robie compared the French outcome with the rapid trend in US today, “a president who thinks he is a monarch, a king – another elective monarchy.”
He also bemoaned that “catastrophe of power” that “reigns everywhere today – from the horrendous Israeli genocide in Gaza to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, from Trump to Putin to Netanyahu, and so many others.”
The continuous Gaza massacres were a shameful indictment of the West that had allowed it to happen for more than 21 months.
Dr Robie thanked many collaborators for their help and support, including drama teacher Hilari Anderson, an original crew member of the Rainbow Warrior, and photographer John Miller, “who have been with me all the way on this waka journey”.
He thanked his wife, Del, and family members for their unstinting “patience and support”, and also publisher Tony Murrow of Little Island Press.
Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior . . . published 10 July 2025. Image: David Robie/Little Island Press
Launching the book, Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn said one thing that had stood out for her was how the legacy of the Rainbow Warrior had continued despite the attempt by the French government to shut it down 40 years ago.
“We said then that ‘you can’t sink a rainbow’, and we went on to prove it.
“When the Rainbow Warrior was bombed in Auckland harbour, it was getting ready to set sail to Moruroa Atoll, to enter the test exclusion zone and confront French nuclear testing head-on.”
So threatened The French government had felt so threatened by that action that it had engaged in a state-sanctioned terror attack to prevent the mission from going ahead.
“But we rebuilt, and the Rainbow Warrior II carried on with that mission, travelling to Moruroa three times before the French finally stopped nuclear testing in the Pacific.
“That spirit and tenacity is what makes Greenpeace and what makes the Rainbow Warrior so special to everyone who has sailed on her,” she said.
“It was the final voyage of the Rainbow Warrior to Rongelap before the bombing that is the focus of David Robie’s book, and in many ways, it was an incredibly unique experience for Greenpeace — not just here in Aotearoa, but internationally.
“And of course David was a key part in that.”
O’Flynn said that as someone who had not even been born yet when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed, “I am so grateful that the generation of nuclear-free activists took the time to pass on their knowledge and to build our organisation into what it is today.
“Just as David has by writing down his story and leaving us with such a rich legacy.”
Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn . . . “That spirit and tenacity is what makes Greenpeace and what makes the Rainbow Warrior so special to everyone who has sailed on her.” Image: APR
Other speakers Among other speakers at the book launch were teacher Hilari Anderson, publisher Tony Murrow of Little Island Press, Ena Manuireva, a Mangarevian scholar and cultural adviser, and MC Antony Phillips of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
Anderson spoke of the Warrior’s early campaigns and acknowledged the crews of 1978 and 1985.
“I have been reflecting what these first and last crews of the original Rainbow Warrior had in common, realising that both gave their collective, mostly youthful energy — to transformation.
“This has involved the bonding of crews by working hands-on together. Touching surfaces, by hammer and paint, created a physical connection to this beloved boat.”
She paid special tribute to two powerful women, Denise Bell, who tracked down the marine research vessel in Aberdeen that became the Rainbow Warrior, and the indomitable Susi Newborn, who “contributed to naming the ship and mustering a crew”.
Manuireva spoke about his nuclear colonial experience and that of his family as natives of Mangareva atoll, about 400 km from Muroroa atoll, where France conducted most of its 30 years of tests ending in 1995.
He also spoke of Tahitian leader Oscar Temaru’s pioneering role in the Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement, and played haunting Tahitian songs on his guitar.
The European Union has already prepared a list of tariffs worth 21 billion euros ($24.52 billion) on U.S. goods if the two countries fail to reach a trade deal, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a newspaper interview on Monday.
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting on Aug. 1, after weeks of negotiations with major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive deal.
Tajani also told daily Il Messaggero that to help the euro zone economy the European Central Bank should consider a new “quantitative easing” bond-buying-programme, and more interest rate cuts.
The European Union said on Sunday it would extend its suspension of countermeasures to U.S. tariffs until early August and continue to press for a negotiated settlement.
Tajani said the 21-billion-euro package of tariffs the EU has already prepared could be followed by a second set if a deal with the U.S proves impossible. He added, however, that he was confident that progress could be made in negotiations.
“Tariffs hurt every one, starting with the United States,” he said. “If stock markets fall that puts at risk the pensions and the savings of the Americans.”
He said the goal should be “zero tariffs” and an open market among Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he would work intensively with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade war with the United States.
The European Union has already prepared a list of tariffs worth 21 billion euros ($24.52 billion) on U.S. goods if the two countries fail to reach a trade deal, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a newspaper interview on Monday.
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU starting on Aug. 1, after weeks of negotiations with major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive deal.
Tajani also told daily Il Messaggero that to help the euro zone economy the European Central Bank should consider a new “quantitative easing” bond-buying-programme, and more interest rate cuts.
The European Union said on Sunday it would extend its suspension of countermeasures to U.S. tariffs until early August and continue to press for a negotiated settlement.
Tajani said the 21-billion-euro package of tariffs the EU has already prepared could be followed by a second set if a deal with the U.S proves impossible. He added, however, that he was confident that progress could be made in negotiations.
“Tariffs hurt every one, starting with the United States,” he said. “If stock markets fall that puts at risk the pensions and the savings of the Americans.”
He said the goal should be “zero tariffs” and an open market among Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday he would work intensively with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade war with the United States.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse inaugurated the final round of the “Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt Season 5” on Sunday at Jyothis Central School in Thiruvananthapuram.
Organised by the Global Givers Foundation in collaboration with Mera Yuva Bharat (MyBharat), Kerala, the talent hunt aims to inspire students by encouraging them to engage with the themes and messages shared in the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat. The initiative is designed to identify and nurture diverse talents, while also promoting national pride and youth-led development.
In her address, the minister highlighted the transformative role of the Mann Ki Baat Talent Hunt in empowering young minds. “This platform connects our youth with the nation’s heartbeat, cultivates critical thinking, and enhances communication skills. Through engaging with Mann Ki Baat, students not only learn about India but also grow into informed and responsible citizens ready to contribute to a developed India,” she said.
The competitions eatured participants from high schools, higher secondary schools, and colleges, showcasing their skills in formats such as radio jockeying, debates, reel creation, and project presentations. Each activity drew inspiration from themes and ideas discussed in Mann Ki Baat broadcasts.
The radio programme itself, aired on All India Radio, is among the world’s most widely broadcast and listened-to shows. It covers a broad range of topics including Indian traditions, culture, history, the freedom struggle, and citizen-led initiatives. The talent hunt leverages this content to motivate youth to engage with India’s rich heritage and ongoing progress.
As with previous seasons, winners of Season 5 will be given the opportunity to visit Delhi during the 2025 Independence Day celebrations, where they will witness national events and interact with leaders, gaining invaluable exposure and inspiration.
