Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend and address the opening ceremony of the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors in Beijing on June 26, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday.
Source: Scottish Government
An Official Statistics Publication.
The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2024-25 provisional outturn and 2025-26 budget estimates for revenue and capital expenditure on services provided by local authorities.
In 2024-25, net revenue expenditure on local authority services was provisionally reported as £15,760 million in 2024-25 and budgeted as £16,239 million for 2025-26.
This is an increase of 6.8% (£1,002 million) in 2024-25, compared to the net revenue expenditure figure of £14,758 million seen in 2023-24. However, much of this increase can be attributed to the baselining of £950.9 million into the General Revenue Grant, which switched this funding away from the category of specific grants. As Net Revenue Expenditure measures general funding and the use of Council’s own reserves, funding more money via the General Revenue Grant leads to a corresponding rise in Net Revenue Expenditure.
General fund net revenue expenditure is estimated to increase by a further 3.0% (£479 million) in 2025-26.
Education and Social Work continue to be the services with highest net revenue expenditure in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. These services account for around 81% of general fund net revenue expenditure.
Local authorities reported provisional general funding of £16,394 million in 2024-25, and budgeted for £17,358 million of general funding in 2025-26.
General Fund reserves (including Harbour Accounts) at 31 March 2025 were provisionally reported as £2,771 million, and budgeted to be £2,625 million at 31 March 2026. For context, General Fund reserve balances (including Harbour Accounts) were £1,584 million on 31 March 2020. Therefore, whilst reserve balances remain above pre-pandemic levels for Scotland, these are being brought down.
Capital expenditure across local authorities was provisionally reported as £4,479 million in 2024-25, and budgeted as £5,035 million in 2025-26. An increase of 1.6% in capital expenditure for Education is expected from 2024-25 to 2025-26, reflecting the roll out of the Learning Estate Investment Programme.
The main sources of capital financing are grants & contributions and borrowing. Borrowing is expected to increase to £2,395 million in 2024-25, and then to £3,021 million in 2025-26. In 2024-25 and 2025-26, in-year borrowing is anticipated to remain as the primary source of capital financing.
Total external debt was provisionally reported as £22,916 million in 2024-25, and budgeted as £25,696 million in 2025-26, with local authorities continuing to remain under-borrowed.
Background
The Local Government 2024-25 Provisional Outturn and 2025-26 Budget Estimates publication summarises the 2024-25 provisional outturn and 2025-26 budget estimates for revenue and capital services provided by local authorities. This data is collected from local authorities annually via the Provisional Outturn and Budget Estimates (POBE) statistical return.
Further information on Local Government Finance statistics publications and data collections can be found on the Scottish Government website.
These statistics have been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LONDON, June 24 (Xinhua) — Yuan Jiajun, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, led a party delegation to the United Kingdom from June 22 to 23 at the invitation of the British government.
Yuan Jiajun met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, attended a roundtable meeting between leading Chinese (Chongqing) and British enterprises, and held talks with Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of the China-UK Business Council, among others.
Yuan Jiajun said that China is willing to work with the UK to maintain the positioning of the two countries as strategic partners, further strengthen dialogue and cooperation, consolidate strategic ties, deepen political mutual trust, jointly respond to challenges, and continuously expand practical cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, local affairs and other fields, so as to jointly promote stable and mutually beneficial China-UK relations.
Chongqing is willing to leverage its strengths of industrial base, comprehensive hub role and megacity status to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the UK in areas such as smart manufacturing, trade and logistics, financial services and urban governance, making contributions to the further development of China-UK relations, he said.
The British side said that UK-China relations are of strategic significance, and cooperation between the two sides is conducive to world peace and development. The UK is willing to expand exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, investment, education, and jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system. –0–
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University
After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.
Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.
If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.
As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.
The war marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.
This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.
Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.
Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Despite these gains, Israel did not accomplish all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.
Additionally, Israel did not fully eliminate Iran’s missile program, as Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire. And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.
Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.
While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
Iran demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.
Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under intense pressure, Iran realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations faced mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continued.
As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.
While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.
Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.
Iran faces even greater challenges as it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.
That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran did not use some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)
Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.
Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.
However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.
And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.
The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.
For Iran, the conflict reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.
As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.
At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.
Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.
In this context, the current ceasefire appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.
Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.
Ali Mamouri 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.
– ref. Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/iran-and-israel-agree-to-a-fragile-ceasefire-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A major international forum, Meet Global MICE Congress, will be held in the capital on December 17 and 18. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow. The event will bring together Russian and foreign experts in the field of business tourism, representatives of specialized companies and departments for the third time.
The congress will be dedicated to the MICE industry, related to the organization and holding of business events.
“15 business sessions are planned. They will cover key issues for the development of the industry – from interstate cooperation to the use of modern technologies and promotion in new markets,” noted Natalia Sergunina.
The main topic of the first day will be interaction with government institutions of different countries and cities, and the second day – business partnership and industry initiatives. Traditionally, a cultural program will be prepared for the participants. For example, they will get to know Moscow as one of the international tourist centers.
For the first time, the event will feature an exhibition space for Russian and foreign companies. Entrepreneurs will be able to present their proposals and hold business negotiations. Separate stands will be dedicated to the festival “Moscow Tea Party” and the project “Made in Moscow”.
The congress will feature intensive training sessions and expert presentations in an open microphone format. Specialists will share best practices and the most successful cases.
In 2024, the event brought together more than 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from Russia and 16 other countries, including Brazil, India and China.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
This year, from April to August, members of Moscow student brigades work at various sites across the country. Over 500 people remained to work in the capital. During the academic year, students and schoolchildren were selected for all-Russian and interregional work projects of Russian student brigades (RSB) – they completed tasks and participated in interviews.
“Thanks to the opportunities in the capital, young residents of the capital can realize themselves in various areas from volunteering to creativity. Moscow student brigades are an active community that works for the benefit of the entire country. More than 3.5 thousand participants of student brigades work at sites throughout Russia, master professions, gain experience and contribute to the development of the most important sectors – from education to industry,” said
Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.
Currently, the Moscow regional branch of the RSO has over 150 teams in eight areas. They unite over 3.5 thousand students from 80 capital universities, 30 colleges and 80 schools. In the spring, the children received free training in working specialties in order to begin their path to the profession in the summer, gain their first work experience and contribute to the development of key industries in the country.
“Moscow student brigades are professional growth and acquisition of flexible skills, experience, a team and, of course, youthful romance. Now students and schoolchildren begin their working summer at construction sites, the railway, in hospitals, hotels, children’s camps, agricultural complexes, on the fishing season and archaeological excavations. The guys work both in the capital and throughout Russia,” said Yulia Drozhzhina, chairperson of the board of Moscow student brigades, State Duma deputy.
More than a thousand participants in the pedagogical direction work as counselors, shift leaders and program organizers in children’s camps in the Central Federal District, Krasnodar Krai, the Republic of Crimea and Primorye.
Over 70 people represent Moscow in major RSO work projects as part of all-Russian student teaching teams. These are Gagarin in Anapa, Okean in Vladivostok, Delfin.ru in Krasnodar Krai, Orlyonok, Krasnaya Nit and Sputnik in Rostov Oblast. Muscovites also work at the International Children’s Center Artek in Yalta. In addition, the children will become counselors as part of the district student teaching team Solnechny. Their functions include holding leisure and developmental events and creating a comfortable environment for communication and socialization of children.
In student construction teams, the guys work at city, federal and international sites. They participate in ensuring the stable functioning of city systems – in servicing the heating stations of PJSC MOEK, the electric grid complexes of PJSC Rosseti and the Moscow Metro facilities. In addition, with the assistance of the administration of the capital’s universities, the guys build dormitories of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba and the innovative scientific and technological center of Moscow State University “Vorobyovy Gory”.
13 capital teams have been selected for five all-Russian labor projects of the RSO, including “Peaceful Atom — Leningrad NPP” in the city of Sosnovy Bor in the Leningrad Region, where they are taking part in the construction of the Leningrad NPP-2.
In addition, student team members perform general construction work at the all-Russian student construction sites “Peaceful Atom” in Ozersk, Chelyabinsk Region, “Peaceful Atom – Skif” in Novosibirsk, “Peaceful Atom – Breakthrough” in Seversk, Tomsk Region, “Alabuga Stroy” in Yelabuga (Republic of Tatarstan), “Siberia”, as well as in the work projects of Aeroterminal LLC in Krasnodar and “Kovykta” at the Kovykta gas condensate field in the Irkutsk Region.
25 students represent Moscow in international projects, ensuring the operation of power plants in the Arab Republic of Egypt, including the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), as well as in the Republic of Bangladesh at the Rooppur NPP.
Moscow student teams completed internships in more than 40 cities in RussiaSergei Sobyanin spoke about the work of Moscow student brigades
The number of participants in medical teams is growing every year. Students from the capital’s famous medical universities provide support to the country’s healthcare system during the summer – they look after patients, work as orderlies and nurses in institutions throughout Russia.
This year, in Moscow, they are working at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care, the private healthcare institution “RZhD-Medicine Clinical Hospital named after N.A. Semashko”. Nine medical teams have been selected for all-Russian projects. From July, they will work in healthcare institutions on Sakhalin Island, Novosibirsk, Novokuznetsk, Chelyabinsk, Barnaul, Perm, Irkutsk and Tomsk, as well as in the Valeo district project in the Voronezh Region.
More than 200 participants in the conductor program ensure safe and comfortable passenger transportation on long-distance trains in the structural divisions of JSC Federal Passenger Company (Moscow-Kyiv and Nikolaevka). During trips, students control the placement of passengers according to tickets and serve them along the way, supervise safe boarding and disembarking on platforms, and monitor the technical condition of the carriage.
This year, three student conductors became leaders of the all-Russian labor projects “Moscow” and “Adler”. Miron Ganichev from the student conductor team “Sinoger” based at the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev took the position of instructor at the passenger car depot “Moscow-Kyiv”. Before each trip, he instructs students on labor protection and fire safety while working on the train.
Participants in the service direction work as waiters, maids, lifeguards, bartenders, administrators and animators in hotels and sanatoriums on the Black Sea coast as part of the All-Russian student service teams “Sochi Park Hotel” in the city of Sochi, “Gelendzhik” in the city of the same name, “More” in Crimea.
The “Runway” project in St. Petersburg allowed the children to become escorts for passengers with limited mobility, call center operators, inform passengers about airport services, clean aircraft cabins – raise seat backs, armrests and lay out blankets.
For the first time this year, students began working at passenger check-in desks and became baggage handlers at Vnukovo Airport. On the Sapsan and Lastochka trains on the Moscow-St. Petersburg route, they hold the positions of waiter-stewards and serve passengers on high-speed trains. In addition, the guys work as waiters in the business lounges of Paveletsky and Kazansky railway stations in the center of the capital.
Another area of activity of service teams is administrative work at Moscow universities. Thus, students work in admissions committees of universities. They receive documents from applicants, form lists of applicants, draw up schedules for conducting entrance examinations and participate in summing up the results of the admissions campaign.
Agricultural sector participants are involved in harvesting crops, working with cattle and poultry as veterinarians, livestock technicians, laboratory technicians, and much more.
For example, this year students are participating in a large all-Russian project to harvest apples on the territory of OOO Agronom-Sad in Lipetsk Oblast and are being employed as winegrowers at AO Divnomorye in Krasnodar Krai.
Students majoring in animal husbandry — veterinarians, zootechnicians, technologists and biologists — will try themselves at subsidiaries of the EkoNiva group of companies in the Voronezh region, at enterprises of the Damate group of companies in the Rostov region and at branches of Stavropolsky Broiler LLC.
From July 1, members of the fishing teams will go to student fishing seasons in the Kamchatka and Khabarovsk regions as fish processors, caviar fishermen and short-distance fishing sailors.
Moscow to open 65th summer work season of student teams
This year, schoolchildren aged 14 to 17 years old, as part of the adolescent work teams, will work as hall attendants at the stations of the Moscow Central Circle, Moscow Central Diameters, and as attendants at the capital’s railway stations.
For the first time this year, Moscow teenagers’ work teams were selected for the all-Russian work project “Alabuga TOP” in Yelabuga (Republic of Tatarstan). There they will become office managers for receiving and processing incoming calls in the office, and will clean residential premises and public places.
More detailed information about the activities of Moscow student teams can be found in the community VKontakte or intelegram channel. You can learn more about the opportunities for young residents of the capital on the portal “Youth of Moscow” and in social networks project.
Moscow is a city of youth. The capital offers wide opportunities for its development, creative self-expression, comfortable life and interesting leisure. It has a developed infrastructure, thousands of events of different scale and focus are held here.
In honor of Youth Day, themed events will be held at more than 250 city venues. The flagship event will be the festival, which will take place on June 28 and 29 at Bolotnaya Square.
You can find more detailed information and a map with all city events on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.
Moscow student teams took part in the action “Snow landing of the RSO. Victory landing”From a conductor to a counselor: who can work in Moscow student groups
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
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Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of first reading for a Bill to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.
The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament today.
“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive foreign investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that,” says Mr Seymour.
“In 2023, New Zealand’s stock of foreign direct investment sat at just 39% of GDP, far below the OECD average of 52%. Investors are looking elsewhere, so we’re showing them why New Zealand is the best place to bring their ideas and capital.
“International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.
“New Zealand’s productivity growth has closely tracked the amount of capital workers have had to work with. Our capital-to-labour ratio has seen very little growth in the last 10 years, averaging approximately 0.7 per cent in measured sectors annually. That’s compared to growth in the capital-to-labour ratio in measured sectors of around 2.2 percent in the previous 10 years. Unsurprisingly, productivity growth averaged 1.4 percent a year between 1993 and 2013, but only 0.2 percent between 2013 and 2023.
“The Bill will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction.”
The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.
“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.
“High-value investments, such as significant business assets, existing forestry and non-farmland, account for around $14 billion of gross investment each year. We’re removing the barriers for these investments so that number can grow.
“The Ministerial Directive Letter will be updated to provide guidance on which assets should undergo further scrutiny and which risks may be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. This guidance will provide a degree of certainty to investors and support a flexible regime which is responsive to new and emerging risks.
“The updated system brings New Zealand up to speed with other advanced economies. They benefit from the flow of money and the ideas that come with overseas investment. If we are going to raise wages, we can’t afford to ignore the simple fact that our competitors gain money and know-how from outside their borders.
“These reforms cut compliance costs, reduce processing times, and restore confidence that New Zealand is open for business. The Bill will be passed by the end of the year and the new regime implemented by early 2026. A new Ministerial Directive Letter will come into force at the same time.”
The Bill can be read here: Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 171-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company is partnering with Saturnia Design, an acclaimed product design studio, to host Bitget Elite Day—a high-impact event bringing together key voices from Europe’s blockchain and crypto space. The event will take place at one of Budapest’s most iconic historical landmarks – Fisherman’s Bastion, on June 27, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving market,the event will explore a bold and timely question: “Will crypto still exist in 10 years – and can blockchain survive without it?” The event aims to spark high-level dialogue on the future of blockchain technology beyond the price charts—examining how regulation, innovation, and product design can shape the next chapter of the Web3 movement.
The panel, moderated by Mike Vitez, Co-Founder of Saturnia Design, will feature respected figures from the European blockchain space, including policy experts, founders, technologists, and Bitget’s own leadership. This diverse lineup reflects the growing maturity of Europe’s blockchain ecosystem.The conversation will focus on blockchain’s long-term value, how it can evolve beyond speculation, and what builders must do to ensure lasting adoption.
“User experience is at the heart of meaningful adoption,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. “Bitget is built to scale, but we’re also built to be understood. As crypto reaches a wider audience, clarity and usability become essential. Bitget Elite Day is our way of contributing to that evolution—bringing together the voices and minds shaping Web3 in Europe,” he added.
Bitget’s collaboration with Saturnia Design reflects this shared commitment to human-centered innovation. Known for translating complex blockchain products into intuitive, accessible interfaces, Saturnia has supported over 50 projects globally and is deeply rooted in Hungary’s fast-growing Web3 ecosystem.
“The future of crypto depends on trust, and trust begins with clarity,” said Mike Vitez, Co-Founder of Saturnia Design. “By co-hosting this event with Bitget, we want to open up space for thoughtful, honest discussion—and help shape an industry where product design plays a key role in how value is created and sustained,” added Vitez.
Bitget Elite Day reinforces Bitget’s broader strategy of expanding its presence across Europe, not just through growth, but by investing in dialogue, community, and product quality. The event is set to be a landmark moment for bringing product thinking, policy insight, and user experience into one room—where the future of blockchain can be discussed on its own terms. It is a rare opportunity to engage with Europe’s leading crypto minds in an elegant rooftop setting—where sharp insights, refined conversation, and complimentary drinks come together to shape the future of Web3.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
About Saturnia Design
Saturnia Design is an independent design studio working closely with Web3 teams to build clear, functional, and thoughtful digital products. Founded by Reka Szijj and Mike Vitez, the studio has shaped over 50 products across three continents, always focusing on strong foundations, real user needs, and close collaboration. In a space often defined by speed and noise, Saturnia offers structure and clarity — helping founders translate complex ideas into interfaces that feel simple, even when simple and natural. Their work spans early-stage validation, UX/UI design, and iterative product refinement across DeFi, crypto tooling, and infrastructure — supporting the teams building what comes next.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44df31cf-8d08-446f-a2c3-3ae5c3b327bf
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
This year, more than 10 percent of industrial facilities planned for construction within the city program to stimulate the creation of employment sites (EPS) will be put into operation in the capital. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.
“The formation of modern industrial infrastructure is the key to sustainable economic growth and technological development of the capital. On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, a program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities is being implemented in the city. In total, the construction of over 880 thousand square meters of new production space has been approved within the framework of the program,” said Maxim Liksutov.
Thanks to the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities, more than 18 thousand specialists from various industries will be able to find work close to home. More than a thousand vacancies will appear at new enterprises, the construction of which will be completed this year.
“As part of the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities, investors will invest more than 260 billion rubles in the creation of a ready-made modern industrial infrastructure for the localization of high-tech production. According to the agreements on the creation of MPT, in 2025, six production facilities with a total area of about 93 thousand square meters will appear in the capital. New enterprises will be built in the Savelki, Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye and Vnukovo districts,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy
The program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities has been in effect in Moscow since 2020. During this time, it has proven its effectiveness as a tool for attracting private investment and developing a balanced urban environment.
The program plans to build more than 230 facilities with a total area of over six million square meters. The total investment volume will exceed 2.3 trillion rubles, and the number of new jobs will be more than 311 thousand.
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Source: International Chamber of Commerce
Headline: ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2024
+29000
arbitrations since 1923
2392
parties
136
jurisdictions
US$354billion
in total caseload value, marking the highest ever total value of cases pending at year end.
831
new arbitration cases under ICC Arbitration Rules, with 1,789 arbitration cases pending at year end
577
draft awards approved in 11 languages
The full 2024 statistical report reflects ICC’s standing as the preferred institution for international commercial and investment dispute resolution.
The amount in dispute in cases registered in 2024 varied from just below US$10,000 to US$53 billion, with over a third of the cases not exceeding US$3 million.
Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and Director of ICC Dispute Resolution services said:
“ICC Arbitration remains a preferred dispute resolution method globally, attracting high-value, high-impact disputes as well as lower-value disputes. The 2024 statistical report reflects the trust placed in our services, from businesses and states in need of fair, efficient and forward-looking dispute resolution.”
Place of arbitration
ICC arbitrations were seated in 107 cities across 62 countries or independent territories.
In addition to a wide geographic reach, diversity and inclusion are at the core of our service.
In 2024, 577 draft awards were approved in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Arabic, Italian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Turkish. and bilingually in Chinese/English, demonstrating the adaptability of ICC Dispute Resolution Services in tailoring arbitration services to assist businesses and state entities worldwide.
Cases filed in 2024 covered a wide range of sectors. Top 10 sectors included construction/ engineering; energy; transportation; financing and insurance; telecoms and specialised technologies; health, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; business services; general trade and distribution; leisure and entertainment and industrial equipment and services.
The ICC International Centre for ADR administered 61 new cases in 2024 across its range of services which include mediation, expert proceedings, dispute boards and DOCDEX cases relating to trade finance instruments.
37
requests for mediation
93
parties
33
countries
Expert proceedings accounted for 20 new filings, with the majority of proceedings from the construction and energy sectors. Parties and neutrals represented a broad geographic span including Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, reflecting the continuing adoption globally of ICC’s ADR services.
For an ICC DRS data overview, download our one-pager in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
Access statistical reports from previous years via the ICC Dispute Resolution Library.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has introduced WhatsApp into its growing distribution ecosystem. By leveraging Africa’s most widely used messaging app, APO Group is enhancing the speed, reach, and accessibility of reliable news. The newly launched Africa Newsroom WhatsApp channels provide a streamlined way for media practitioners to browse, share, and publish press releases. APO Group’s WhatsApp distribution now operates similarly to the company’s Telegram channels, offering news in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate Africa’s diverse languages and regional needs.
With an estimated 200 million users across Africa—including 90–100 million in Nigeria, 28–29 million in South Africa, and 20–21 million in Ghana—WhatsApp stands as a vital communication tool. APO Group’s strategic move bridges the gap between PR professionals, journalists, and digital content creators, responding to the continent’s evolving media consumption habits.
Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, commented: “At APO Group, we don’t just share Africa’s stories—we power them with purpose and precision. Integrating WhatsApp into our distribution network is more than innovation; it’s a commitment to making African voices more immediate, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before. This is how we honour the continent we serve—by meeting its people where they are, and delivering news that matters, faster and farther.”
Following the success of its Telegram rollout, APO Group continues to adapt its PR services to meet the demands of a fast-paced, digital-first media environment. “This is more than distribution—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and real-time storytelling,” Wijne added.
By equipping clients and news professionals with the tools to communicate more effectively, APO Group is helping close the media gap and strengthen African narratives. With the Africa Newsroom platform, Telegram integration, and now WhatsApp, the company is reshaping the future of public relations across the continent and ensuring Africa’s voice resonates globally.
– on behalf of APO Group.
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The final of the international Olympiad “IT-Planet” was held in Moscow. This is one of the largest technology competitions for young people in Russia and the CIS countries. The program of this year’s Olympiad included 15 innovation competitions. Awards were received by 81 winners from 24 regions of our country, as well as from Belarus. Among the winners were also polytechnicians. All of them represented the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
The final of the Olympiad brought together about 600 participants, including college and university students, young professionals, teachers and representatives of leading Russian IT companies. The total prize fund was over two million rubles. The winners received not only cash prizes and diplomas, but also a chance for career growth: the opportunity to undergo industrial training in leading Russian companies and get into the database of promising IT specialists.
A team headed by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence Technologies of the Institute of Computer Science and Engineering Oleg Sabinin did a great job of preparing SPbPU students for the Olympiad. Master’s students of the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence Technologies of the Institute of Computer Science and Engineering A. Gubeeva and D. Amelchenko prepared tests and consulted the students. A great contribution to the team’s preparation was made by IKNC postgraduate student R. Turusov, who composed excellent training problems.
In the finals, the Polytechnicians performed brilliantly in the “Postgres PRO DBMS” competition.
First place — Ivan Maksimov, 3rd year student of VShTII. Second place — Vladimir Plakhotnikov, 2nd year student of VShPI. Third place — Evgeny Zhabko, 4th year student of VShTII.
Polytechnic graduates Artem Sukhov and Alexey Sankov, as well as 3rd year student of the Institute of Culture and Science Kristina Marchenko, took high places in the Olympiad.
“At the IT Planet Olympiad in Moscow, I competed in the database competition (PostgreSQL). It was a great experience! Not only because I was able to test my skills in writing complex SQL queries and win prizes, but also because I had the opportunity to listen to IT experts. They shared current trends and real cases,” said Ivan Maksimov. “I especially remember the tasks where it was necessary to solve algorithmic problems, trying to fit into the minimum amount of code – this required both an understanding of PostgreSQL and an unconventional approach. It was also great to communicate with other participants who were also interested in databases. In between stages, I managed to walk around the capital, which made the trip both useful and enjoyable.”
“The Olympiad program included tasks on optimizing SQL queries, which allowed me to test and deepen my knowledge in the field of information processing. I was able to communicate with participants from other educational institutions and experts, which contributed to the exchange of professional experience,” Vladimir Plakhotnikov shared his impressions. “I took second place – for me, this was a significant achievement. Participation in the Olympiad fully met expectations and gave a lot of useful knowledge.”
“We visited Moscow once again and took part in the Olympiad. I really like feeling like part of such a large-scale event. Many thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to prove myself,” commented Evgeny Zhabko. “Special thanks, of course, go to my mentor and teacher, Oleg Yuryevich Sabinin. It is difficult to overestimate the contribution he makes to the development of the Polytechnic University. The results speak for themselves: the top 5 in the “Postgres Pro DBMS” competition are students and graduates of our university. Special thanks to my friend Vu Hoai Nam for his help and support.”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: NATO
At their meeting in February 2025, NATO Defence Ministers approved NATO’s Updated Defence Production Action Plan. They approved NATO’s first Commercial Space Strategy and Rapid Adoption Action Plan at their meeting in June 2025.
On Tuesday (24 June), NATO released public versions of these documents.
The Updated Defence Production Action Plan responds to the need for Allies to produce more and faster, in a rapidly-evolving security environment. The plan aims to improve Allies’ ability to aggregate demand, deliver cutting edge capabilities, and accelerate the growth of defence industrial capacity and production, including by providing long-term orders and clear demand signals to industry.
Developed in consultation with industry, NATO’s first Commercial Space Strategy will allow the Alliance to integrate commercial solutions more flexibly and at pace, and ensure continuous access during peacetime, crisis and conflict. The strategy aims to create more business opportunities and cut red tape in NATO’s procurement processes, simplifying how space companies engage with the Alliance, helping to increase commercial diversity, and strengthening partnerships across the Alliance.
NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan substantially accelerates the adoption and integration of new technological products for defence, across all military domains. Allies commit to expedite adoption procedures, including fast-track procurement, and to allocate adequate resources to that end. Allies will embrace more acquisition risk in the early stages of development and are set to improve communication of Alliance-wide demand signals. The plan provides for new testing and experimentation opportunities in operationally-realistic, real world environments by launching the NATO Innovation Ranges and scaling the NATO Task Force X Model.
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
Ravenna, Italy – As Italy and much of Europe are entering the heatwave season with scorching temperatures already being recorded, 12 activists from seven countries are taking action with Greenpeace Italy against climate-wrecking fossil gas at the new liquefied gas import terminal of Ravenna. At sea, activists reached the infrastructure and attached large banners on it reading “Burn, baby, burn” referencing President Trump’s mantra “Drill, baby, drill” alongside an image of a burning Earth flanked by the faces of US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.
At the same time, activists are protesting in kayaks holding a road sign depicting the choice EU leaders need to take between climate hell and a fossil-free future. The action targets Italy’s recent pledge to increase imports of liquefied fossil gas from the US. An alliance that deepens Europe’s fossil fuel dependence and vulnerability to political blackmail from Trump.[1]
Federico Spadini, climate and energy campaigner at Greenpeace Italy said: “While the country scorches under record heat, Meloni chooses to side with Trump and sabotage Italy’s climate action. This toxic alliance puts Italy’s energy future in the hands of Trump and locks the country further into a dangerous gas dependency that fuels the climate crisis, drives up our energy bills and turns our homes into ovens.”
Italy is reportedly Europe’s fourth largest importer of liquefied fossil gas with Qatar and the US being the primary suppliers. Despite the fact that liquefied gas (LNG) imports fell by 12% in 2024 according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), the Italian government has pushed for additional LNG import capacity with the new gas import terminal (FSRU) in Ravenna which started operations earlier this year.[2] The protest also comes in the middle of the Greenpeace campaign against oil and gas giants like the Italian ENI, the same company that launched a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) targeting Greenpeace Italy, Greenpeace Netherlands and Italian NGO ReCommon.[3]
“While Meloni is making dirty deals with Trump, ENI threatens to silence those who dare to speak out and advocate for a renewable energy future—putting profit before people, and deepening a toxic pattern of repression and fossil fuel dependence,” added Spadini.
Accelerating the transition to renewable energy is not only an environmental imperative; it is a matter of security, said campaigner Lisa Göldner, who is currently on board the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise on an expedition across Europe to expose the risks of fossil gas and to mobilise for a fossil-free energy future.[4]
Lisa Göldner, Greenpeace Germany campaigner with the European Fossil-Free Future campaign said: “Every new gas import terminal, every new fossil gas purchase agreement is locking Europe further into a gas trap that threatens Europe’s security and independence. Fossil gas fuels the climate crisis and geopolitical conflict and makes Europe vulnerable to political blackmail. The EU must break free from its fossil fuel dependency and take control of its future by investing in a renewable, secure and peaceful energy system.”
“Rather than weakening methane regulations and handing a ‘free pass’ to US gas, as is currently being considered, EU leaders have to up their game: agree on a full phase-out of fossil gas by 2035 at the latest and ban all new fossil fuel projects in the EU.”[5]
Greenpeace is calling for a phase-out of fossil gas through a transition to renewable energy that allows everyone to meet their energy needs at a decent price, without harming people, the planet or the environment.
ENDS
Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.
Notes
[1] United States – Italy joint leader’s statement, 17 April 2025.
[2] IEEFA: European LNG Tracker, “Italy’s incentive scheme for gas investment must confront falling demand”
[3] ENI Strikes Again: A Textbook Environmental SLAPP | CASE
[4] Last weekend the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise was anchored in Venice where 650 people visited the ship and took action to stop fossil gas. On Monday, activists from the UK action group Everyone hates Elon and Greenpeace Italy took action in Venice just days before the high-profile wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos. Greenpeace Italy’s protests this week are denouncing billionaire and corporate greed, as well as toxic political alliances and fossil fuel expansion – all of which are driving humanity deeper into climate chaos.
Today’s protest took place as Greenpeace’s Fossil-Free Future campaign carries out its ‘Stop Fossil Gas’ expedition across Europe. This year, the campaign is visiting several European countries aboard the iconic Arctic Sunrise to spark debate about Europe’s energy system; question its dependence on fossil gas; and promote a just and fair phase-out of fossil gas through a transition to renewable energy that allows everyone to meet their energy needs at a decent price, without harming people, the planet or the environment. Greenpeace is gathering support for a ban on all new fossil gas -and fossil fuel- infrastructure projects in the EU. The Fossil-Free Future campaign’s Open Letter to the EU and national governments has already gathered 80.000 signatures.
[5] Scientists urge EU to resist methane lobbying | Sustainable Views
Contacts
Manon Laudy, Press Officer, Fossil-Free Future Campaign, Greenpeace Netherlands, +336 49 15 69 83, [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Moscow schoolgirl Nadezhda Yashmolkina scored the maximum 400 points on the Unified State Exam. Sergei Sobyanin reported this in his telegram channel.
“The girl plans to make a career in IT. Now she is choosing between HSE, Moscow State University and Baumanka. I am sure that every university will be happy to have such a student, and in the future – any Moscow company. I sincerely congratulate Nadya, her teachers and parents, I wish her good luck!” – wrote the Mayor of Moscow.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin.
The graduate of school #1514 received the highest score in each of four subjects: Russian language, specialized mathematics, computer science and physics. During the year, she also won six specialized Olympiads and participated in the final stages of the All-Russian School Olympiad in Mathematics and Computer Science.
The main period of the Unified State Exam will end in early July, and then the final results will be announced. But right now, only Nadezhda has such an outstanding result in the country – 100 points in all subjects.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12992050/
Source: Republic of Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will pay a visit to the Netherlands on June 24-25, 2025 to attend the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit to be held in The Hague.
Strategic views on threats and risks to the Europe-Atlantic geography will be addressed at the Summit, whose main agenda will be a new Defense Investment Pledge aimed at increasing the allies’ defense spending to a level required by the current security environment. The Alliance’s efforts in the areas of defense of deterrence in the face of the fundamental threats determined by NATO will be discussed at the Summit as well.
President Erdoğan is expected to hold bilateral meetings with some of the participating heads of state and government on the sidelines of the Summit.
Respectfully announced to the public.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The capital will host a unique career guidance program for teenagers for the seventh time “Summer in a new format” city employment service. 3.5 thousand schoolchildren will join it. This was reported by the head of the Moscow employment service and the center “Professions of the Future” Andrey Tarasov.
“Moscow is developing various mechanisms for career guidance. The city’s employment service is holding the first stage of a comprehensive career guidance program for ninth-graders at the Professions of the Future center. Another important project is summer employment for our schoolchildren. This is a unique opportunity for children to spend time productively and earn their first money. We pay special attention to teenagers from large, foster and single-parent families, from families in difficult life situations, as well as children of participants in a special military operation. This year, 3.5 thousand young Muscovites will take part in the events. They will attend about 200 lectures, master classes, trainings and excursions. More than 500 major enterprises, as well as leading colleges and universities of the capital are partners of the Summer in a New Format program. Over the entire period of the program’s existence, more than 16.5 thousand people have joined it,” said Andrei Tarasov.
The Summer in a New Format program includes three projects: Summer of My Career, PROHeroes, and Internships.
The Summer of My Career project begins on July 10. All teenagers in the capital can take part in it. The kids will be offered to choose one of the specialized schools in 30 areas. This year, new specialties have appeared: fashion designer-stylist, barista, pastry chef and logistician.
The training will be held in two shifts every day, except Saturday and Sunday. To become a participant in the project, you must sign up for website.
Project “PROHeroes” will introduce young Muscovites from family centers to heroic professions in the areas of “Rescuers”, “Aviation” and “Motorsport”. Teenagers will visit the State Budgetary Institution “System 112”, fire and rescue teams, try themselves in the roles of air traffic controllers, pilots and aircraft designers, and will be able to practice on flight simulators.
This year’s new direction is “Moscow Transport”. The children will be told about the professions in demand in this area, introduced to the specifics of working in the urban passenger transport system and taught driving techniques on simulators of a metro electric train, tram, bus and electric bus at the corporate university of the transport complex.
The events of the PROHeroes project will be held in two streams: from June 23 to July 16 and from July 28 to August 22.
Summer project “Internships” will allow the pupils of family centers, teenagers from single-parent, large and low-income families, children of participants in a special military operation to earn their first money. They will be able to undergo practical training in state institutions and leading companies in Moscow, acquire basic skills in in-demand professions.
The recruitment is carried out by the capital’s family centers and the Unified Center for Support of SVO Participants and Their Family Members. The institutions’ specialists will support future interns at all stages – from preparing a package of documents to signing contracts.
The internships will be held in three streams from June 16 to August 8. Upon successful completion, the students will receive a cash stipend.
Sports, entertainment, recreation and new friends: how children can spend their holidays in MoscowDuring the holidays, Moscow schoolchildren will master the basics of sailing
The Moscow City Employment Service is the largest state personnel operator that helps residents of the capital find work. Its structure includes employment offices, many of which are located in the My Documents government service centers. The flagship centers are open at the following addresses: Kuusinen Street, Building 2, Building 1, and Shabolovka Street, Building 48. The specialized employment center My Career is located on Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street (Building 1, Building 1).
At the Professions of the Future center (38 Shchepkina Street, Building 1), you can master one of 75 in-demand professions in various sectors of the economy in a maximum of three and a half months. Career mentors will help you find a job after completing your training. The center’s partners include more than three thousand employers. In addition, a comprehensive career guidance program is being implemented here for ninth-grade students.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155740073/
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DENVER, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA Miner is a game-changing service that renders traditional cloud mining models obsolete. Their technology uses an AI optimization protocol that intelligently allocates resources worldwide. The company has also secured the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) MSB license. Effectively, this has created the industry’s first intelligent, yield-optimized, and federally regulated cloud crypto mining ecosystem.
Certified and Regulated by the US Government
As a U.S.-based company holding a FinCEN Money Services Business (MSB) license, AIXA Miner operates under the stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and transparency standards of the U.S. federal government. This distinction positions AIXA Miner as the only institutional-grade cloud mining platform for retail investors. In a sector flooded with scams and fake promises, this creates a trust level unparalleled in this vertical.
A Cloud Crypto Mining Revolution with Complete Transparency
Crypto mining used to be costly, expensive, and high-maintenance. But with the emergence of cloud crypto mining, all you need is an online account. AIXA Miner is making crypto mining more profitable, transparent, certified, and accessible to all with its advanced AI protocol and completely green energy technology centers that the company itself operates. Based on numerous factors like transaction fees and energy prices in 120+ data centers worldwide, the AI protocol shifts computing power to the most profitable crypto mining strategy in real-time.
100% Green Energy, Worldwide User Base, and Daily Automated Withdrawals to User Bank Accounts
Utilizing self-sustaining green energy sources provides AIXA Miner with a significant competitive advantage in terms of costs. Crypto mining is 100% automated in the cloud and used by over 1 million users from more than 200 countries. It is possible to start today – all that is required is access to the Internet. USDT payouts are withdrawn automatically every day into the user’s bank account.
How AIXA Miner Works: 2 Simple Steps to Earn Passive Income Daily
That’s all – you are good to go!
The mining contracts and possible returns on investment are transparent (given below).
Game-Changing Features for Cloud Crypto Mining
For more, see https://aixaminer.com/
Get Started Today
Even without investment, with just an email account confirmation, 20 USD is credited to an AIXA Miner account, with a potential profit in a single day! Don’t get left behind – join the AIXA Miner cloud crypto mining revolution today and start creating passive income 24/7/365!
About AIXA Miner
AIXA Miner is a leading provider of cloud mining services. Utilizing the latest technology and renewable energy sources, we offer our clients the opportunity to engage in cryptocurrency mining without the need for personal hardware. Our services are designed to ensure compliance with the highest security standards, including FinCEN Certification. For more information on how we can help you achieve your crypto mining goals, visit our website at aixaminer.com.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3a3ee32-2ed3-4be0-bf1f-85773c9ab333
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99953d7e-5ecc-491c-bdb9-de4aeae03848
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DENVER, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA Miner is a game-changing service that renders traditional cloud mining models obsolete. Their technology uses an AI optimization protocol that intelligently allocates resources worldwide. The company has also secured the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) MSB license. Effectively, this has created the industry’s first intelligent, yield-optimized, and federally regulated cloud crypto mining ecosystem.
Certified and Regulated by the US Government
As a U.S.-based company holding a FinCEN Money Services Business (MSB) license, AIXA Miner operates under the stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and transparency standards of the U.S. federal government. This distinction positions AIXA Miner as the only institutional-grade cloud mining platform for retail investors. In a sector flooded with scams and fake promises, this creates a trust level unparalleled in this vertical.
A Cloud Crypto Mining Revolution with Complete Transparency
Crypto mining used to be costly, expensive, and high-maintenance. But with the emergence of cloud crypto mining, all you need is an online account. AIXA Miner is making crypto mining more profitable, transparent, certified, and accessible to all with its advanced AI protocol and completely green energy technology centers that the company itself operates. Based on numerous factors like transaction fees and energy prices in 120+ data centers worldwide, the AI protocol shifts computing power to the most profitable crypto mining strategy in real-time.
100% Green Energy, Worldwide User Base, and Daily Automated Withdrawals to User Bank Accounts
Utilizing self-sustaining green energy sources provides AIXA Miner with a significant competitive advantage in terms of costs. Crypto mining is 100% automated in the cloud and used by over 1 million users from more than 200 countries. It is possible to start today – all that is required is access to the Internet. USDT payouts are withdrawn automatically every day into the user’s bank account.
How AIXA Miner Works: 2 Simple Steps to Earn Passive Income Daily
That’s all – you are good to go!
The mining contracts and possible returns on investment are transparent (given below).
Game-Changing Features for Cloud Crypto Mining
For more, see https://aixaminer.com/
Get Started Today
Even without investment, with just an email account confirmation, 20 USD is credited to an AIXA Miner account, with a potential profit in a single day! Don’t get left behind – join the AIXA Miner cloud crypto mining revolution today and start creating passive income 24/7/365!
About AIXA Miner
AIXA Miner is a leading provider of cloud mining services. Utilizing the latest technology and renewable energy sources, we offer our clients the opportunity to engage in cryptocurrency mining without the need for personal hardware. Our services are designed to ensure compliance with the highest security standards, including FinCEN Certification. For more information on how we can help you achieve your crypto mining goals, visit our website at aixaminer.com.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3a3ee32-2ed3-4be0-bf1f-85773c9ab333
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99953d7e-5ecc-491c-bdb9-de4aeae03848
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs is excited to introduce a new suite of first mover single-stock leveraged and inverse ETFs. Defiance’s single-stock leveraged ETFs empower retail investors by providing access to leverage without the need for a margin account, offering leverage within an ETF wrapper. IONZ aims to deliver -200% short daily targeted exposure to IonQ, while OKLL and SOUX seek to provide 200% long daily targeted exposure to Oklo and SoundHound AI, respectively.
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short IONQ ETF (Ticker: IONZ)
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long OKLO ETF (Ticker: OKLL)
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOUN ETF (Ticker: SOUX)
For more information, please visit https://defianceetfs.com/.
An investment in IONZ, OKLL, or SOUX is not an investment in IonQ Inc., Oklo Inc., or SoundHound AI, Inc., respectively.
The Funds are not intended to be used by, and are not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Funds pursue daily leveraged or inverse leveraged investment objectives, which means that they are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage or short strategies because the Funds magnify the performance (or inverse performance) of the Underlying Securities. The Funds are not suitable for all investors. The Funds are designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged or inverse leveraged (±2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and short exposure, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Funds will lose money if the Underlying Securities’ performance is flat, and it is possible that the Funds will lose money even if the Underlying Securities’ performance moves in the expected direction over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of their investment within a single day.
About Defiance ETFs
Founded in 2018, Defiance ETFs is a leader in ETF innovation, focusing on thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our pioneering leveraged single-stock ETFs allow investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies without a margin account.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus and / or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Hard copies can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.
There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.
Indirect Investment & Issuer Affiliation Risk
The Funds invest in swap contracts and options that are based on the share prices of IonQ Inc. (IONQ), Oklo Inc. (OKLO), and SoundHound AI, Inc. (SOUN). This subjects each Fund to certain of the same risks as if it held or shorted shares of the underlying company, even though it does not. IONQ, OKLO, and SOUN are not affiliated with the Trust, the Funds, or the Adviser, and are not involved with these offerings in any way.
Trading & Volatility Risk
The trading prices of IONQ, OKLO, and SOUN may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations due to market conditions, investor sentiment, company-specific developments, or external factors such as regulatory announcements or industry changes.
Performance Risk
Each underlying company may fail to meet—or in IONQ’s case, exceed—publicly announced expectations or performance guidelines.
Industry and Business Model Risks
Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally.
Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is likely to differ from ±200% of the Underlying Security’s performance, before fees and expenses.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9fddda4-b1ee-41e6-bfb6-dd66c8da2e35
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
ECB Research Bulletin by Andrea Caggese, Andrea Chiavari, Sampreet Goraya and Carolina Villegas Sanchez.
Read more: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/research-publications/resbull/2025/html/ecb.rb250429~6f9636652d.en.html
The Research Bulletin features a selection of recent work on policy-relevant topics by ECB economists. Published on a monthly basis, the articles in the Research Bulletin are intended for a general audience.
The views expressed in each article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the European Central Bank and the Eurosystem.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Prime Minister welcomes a £40bn investment plan by Amazon over the next three years in show of confidence following Industrial Strategy launch.
Thousands of new jobs are set to be created across the UK, as Amazon today (Tuesday 24 June) announces a landmark £40 billion investment over the next three years.
This investment – announced the same week as the Government’s transformational Industrial Strategy – includes building four new fulfilment centres and new delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades and expansions to its existing network of over 100 operations buildings across the country.
The investment will create thousands of new permanent, full-time jobs in the UK, with the vast majority outside of London and the South East.
These include 2,000 jobs at the previously announced state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Hull and 2,000 jobs at another in Northampton, plus additional positions at new sites in the East Midlands and at delivery stations across the country.
The investment also includes part of the £8 billion previously announced in September 2024 for building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This will support the UK’s ambition to increase AI compute capacity and meet the growing demand for cloud and AI technologies, while creating thousands of skilled jobs in the tech supply chain.
Alongside the planned creation of the new operations facilities, the investment will also go towards the redevelopment of the historic Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, continued investment in multimillion-pound skills and training programmes, and landmark original TV and film productions.
This announcement is the latest sign that the government’s Plan for Change is working – making Britain the best place to do business, creating jobs, and putting more money in working people’s pockets.
It follows the publication of the modern Industrial Strategy, which marks a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries slashing energy bills for industry, increasing skills, and boosting investment to unlock the UK’s economic potential.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met Amazon’s CEO last week ahead of the announcement, said:
Amazon’s £40 billion investment adds another major win to Britain’s basket and is a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.
It means thousands of new jobs—real opportunities for people in every corner of the country to build careers, learn new skills, and support their families.
Whether it’s cutting-edge AI or same-day delivery, this deal shows that our Plan for Change is working—bringing in investment, driving growth, and putting more money in people’s pockets.
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:
This investment is a powerful endorsement of Britain’s economic strengths.
The world is changing, but this Government is working hand in hand with businesses to navigate that change to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of the country.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit Amazon’s HQ in London to mark the announcement. There he will meet apprentices to talk about the importance of backing British skills just days after the Government announced a £275 million skills package to boost training and build a skilled workforce of the future.
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:
Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, and seeing massive international firms like Amazon bank on Britain shows we are on the right track.
This investment will create highly-skilled jobs and boost living standards across the country, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.
Amazon are offering 1,000 new full-time apprenticeship roles this year, and already employs more than 75,000 people in over 100 sites across the UK. This new investment will supercharge its impact on local economies. The data centre investment alone is expected to contribute £14 billion to the UK economy over 5 years (2024-2028) and support 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs each year – many of them in small and medium-sized businesses.
Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, said:
Amazon has been proud to serve our customers in the UK for the past 27 years. Thanks to their support, we’ve grown to be part of over 100 communities nationwide, from developing drone technology in Darlington to producing world-class entertainment at our studios in Bray. We now employ over 75,000 people and have become one of the UK’s largest private sector employers and taxpayers.
When Amazon invests, it’s not only in London and the South East – we’re bringing innovation and job creation to communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, strengthening the UK’s economy and delivering better experiences for customers wherever they live.
The announcement comes as UK business confidence hits a nine-month high, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, with optimism boosted by falling interest rates and new trade deals with the EU, US and India – cutting costs for businesses and protecting jobs.
Since the government was elected, interest rates have fallen four times, and the UK started the year as the fastest-growing economy in the G7. The government has also secured three major trade deals with the EU, US and India, which will cut costs for businesses, protect jobs and attract further investment.
Notes to editors
A release from Amazon will be available separately. A full media pack including a photo of the Prime Minister with Amazon’s CEO can be found here.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Jim Chalmers:
I’ve got a number of issues that I wanted to cover today, but to begin by acknowledging the statements that the Prime Minister has just made, and obviously we’ve seen statements by the Americans and the Iranians as well. This remains a perilous time in the Middle East and for the global economy and that’s why we have consistently been advocating for stabilisation and de‑escalation. We urge the parties to implement the ceasefire which was announced by President Trump today. We need to see an enduring ceasefire in the Middle East. We need this ceasefire to stick. That is in the interests of the region and it’s in the interests of the global economy as well, and the Prime Minister has made all of that clear in the last few minutes.
Regardless of what happens in the next day or 2 in the Middle East, it remains the case that there is a great deal of global economic uncertainty. We are seeing a global economy which is defined by unpredictability and volatility and uncertainty, and these will be the primary influences on the government and on our country and its economy as we make important decisions about how we manage the economy in uncertain times.
In this context, I welcome the opportunity to speak once again with my American counterpart, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tomorrow morning our time. This will be an opportunity to engage once again on issues which are central to this very important economic relationship between the United States and Australia. I expect the conversation to traverse issues like critical minerals, legislation before the US Congress, obviously trade and tariffs, but also this global economic uncertainty that we’re seeing around the world in the Middle East but also in Eastern Europe, also closer to home.
We do have very substantial concerns about the global economy, whether it’s the impact on oil prices of what we’re seeing in the Middle East, whether it’s the ongoing implications of Russian aggression in Ukraine, whether it’s the potential impact on global demand of these escalating trade tensions. The global economy is a dangerous place right now and that’s why one of our overriding economic goals is to make the Australian economy more resilient.
When it comes to oil prices, we’ve seen oil prices come up quite substantially over the course of this month. Remember the barrel price was about $82 at the start of the year, it got down to $62 at the start of this month, it got up to $79 at the start of this week and now it’s trading at around $69. This gives you a sense of the quite extraordinary volatility in the oil price and that obviously has implications for the global economy, for our own economy and also for the prices that Australians pay at the petrol bowser.
I have written today to the Chair of the ACCC to make sure that Australians are treated fairly at the bowser. We don’t want to see service stations do the wrong thing by Australian motorists. We want to make sure that the market is operating effectively when it comes to the petrol price and what’s happening with this volatility in the global oil price but we call on the service stations to do the right thing by their customers. We’ve empowered and asked the ACCC to use its monitoring powers to make sure that the servos are doing the right thing by Australian motorists. We don’t want to see this volatility in global oil prices lead to more than justifiable changes in the price that Australian motorists pay at the bowser, I’ve made that very clear with my instructions to the ACCC today.
Tomorrow we will get the monthly inflation data for May. That monthly figure is notoriously volatile and hard to predict but the very strong expectation is that we will see monthly inflation in the Reserve Bank’s target band once again. This will be a very substantial indication that we have got inflation down substantially and sustainably in our economy. This monthly inflation data is not as reliable as the quarterly figures but it’s an important indication of the progress that Australians have made together when it comes to the fight against inflation.
The monthly figure bounces around a bit. We may see that in the numbers tomorrow but regardless, we expect to see another month where inflation is within the Reserve Bank’s target band, that’s a good thing given the very high and rising inflation that we inherited 3 years ago when we came to office.
We’ve made a lot of progress together on inflation but I wanted to run through today the very substantial additional help that we will be providing Australians from the 1st of July. More help is on the way a week from today when it comes to cost‑of‑living help. We’ve made this progress on inflation together, though we know that the job is not done because people are still under pressure and that’s why there is more help on the way a week from today when 8 new measures come into effect from the 1st of July which is a week away now.
I wanted to briefly run through the 8 changes that will come into effect from next Tuesday. First of all, the national minimum wage and award wages will go up by 3 and a half per cent. That will benefit 2.9 million Australians on low and award wages.
Secondly, superannuation goes up to 12 per cent. We’re very proud to see the superannuation guarantee rise to 12 per cent. That will benefit 14 and a half million Australian employees, and it means tens of thousands of dollars extra in people’s super at retirement.
We’re also increasing the duration of paid parental leave from 22 to 24 weeks and we’ll be paying super on government‑paid parental leave. That is a very substantial change and we’re very proud of that as well. That’s the third big change that comes into effect from the 1st of July.
The fourth one is that we’ve extended the energy bill rebates from the 1st of July for another 6 months. That means another $150 of help for 10 million households and one million small businesses as well.
The fifth change from the 1st of July is that our $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices to top up their wages in housing construction will come into place as well, and that will help us build the homes that we need, recognising that we need the tradies, the builders, to build those 1.2 million homes.
The sixth change is our cheaper home batteries program kicks in from the 1st of July. That means that households and businesses could be eligible for around 30 per cent of the up‑front cost of installing a battery.
The seventh one is that we are increasing the amount people can earn before they have to start paying back their student debt. Subject to the passage of that legislation, that change will be effective in the middle of this year.
The eighth change is that we’re seeing an increase to the social security payments with the indexation and lifting the asset limits for payments like family payments. And this will benefit more than 2.4 million people.
So there are 8 different ways that we are helping Australians with the cost of living. We’re getting inflation down, we’re getting on top of inflation in welcome and encouraging ways, we’re still helping with the cost of living, but because we’re making progress on inflation and because we’re helping with the cost of living, that also allows for an even bigger focus on our 3 priority areas this term which are productivity, budget sustainability and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty and that’s what the roundtable is all about that I’ll be convening next month in Canberra.
I’ve had some very productive conversations with businesses and unions already. Today at their invitation I briefed and then had a good conversation with the Transurban board, meeting here in Brisbane. I’ll be meeting with the Business Council of Australia again today after this press conference. I’ve had good engagement with the unions and others to see what progress we can make together when it comes to reforming our economy, making it more productive, making our budget more sustainable and making our economy more resilient at the same time as well.
I’m in the process of finalising the invitation list for the Economic Reform Roundtable in August. But the guidance is already very clear – we want people to come with an eye to the national interest. We want people to understand and engage and propose trade‑offs, and we want people to come with specific ideas, not just problem identification. If people do that, I’m confident that we will make progress at the Economic Reform Roundtable in August. People will be in the room able to contribute, but also there’ll be opportunities for people outside the room to make a contribution as well. I’ve been really heartened and encouraged by the amount of interest that people have shown already in the Economic Reform Roundtable, and I think that augers well for the next steps in the already very substantial program of economic progress and reform that we have undertaken.
Journalist:
Just on that reform roundtable, will the Opposition have a place, given they’ve asked to be involved?
Chalmers:
I’ve made it clear to Ted O’Brien, the Shadow Treasurer, this morning that there is an invitation for him to the economic roundtable in August. I’ve provided that invitation in good faith. I think it would be a good thing for the country to have the Shadow Treasurer engaged at the Economic Reform Roundtable. I think it would give us a better chance of making the kind of progress that we desperately need to see on reform and in our economy more broadly. So I’ve issued an invitation to Ted O’Brien. I’ve had a brief exchange with him earlier this morning about that. I hope that he accepts that invitation. It’s certainly been offered in good faith.
This is a big chance for Australians either side of the parliament, for Australians in business, in unions, in the community sector, the community more broadly to engage where we can in a non‑partisan way in the interests of our people and their economy. And so I hope Ted O’Brien accepts that invitation. We are still finalising all of the other invitations, but I think there’s heightened public interest in whether the Opposition has been invited, and that’s why we’ve got the question from you, Kate and I want to make it clear today we have offered that invitation to the Shadow Treasurer, and we hope that he accepts it.
Journalist:
Treasurer, I want to ask you a question about GST. How serious do you think the states are about wanting to reform the GST?
Chalmers:
I think it remains to be seen. From time to time the states have made that proposal, not just the current batch of premiers and treasurers, but from time to time we’ve seen that idea pitched up. What I’ve tried to do, what I said at the National Press Club last week – I think everybody knows and understands the comments that I’ve made on the GST in the past. I’m not walking away from those comments but I’m not trying to artificially limit the contribution that people might want to make in and around the Economic Reform Roundtable in August.
I think inevitably there is, from time to time, tension between the Commonwealth and the states about Commonwealth funding. Every state and territory wants more funding from the Commonwealth. From time to time, they pitch up ideas like this one. I like to engage with the states and territories in good faith from both sides of the political equation and I hope that at the Economic Reform Roundtable, however we work out the best way to involve the states in this process – whether inside or outside the room – I hope that people come to this in a constructive way, and I suspect they will.
Journalist:
And what would be the prerequisites for you to seriously consider any reforms in this space?
Chalmers:
Well, I’ve made it clear that the major prerequisites for the reform roundtable are first of all to try and take a national view and not just a sectoral view or a state or territory view but to try and see the whole national economic interests, as governments are invited to do. I’ve asked people to make sure that where they are proposing a change, whether it’s in tax or productivity in or in other areas around resilience, that that’s done recognising the trade‑offs, particularly the fiscal trade‑offs. We’ve got to make the budget more sustainable, not less sustainable, so that’s an important guiding principle. And thirdly, to make sure that people come with specific and realistic ideas and that they try and build consensus around those ideas. And so that’s the guidance we’ve provided to business, to unions, to the community sector, to the states and territories, to everyone who’s shown an interest. And that will apply to everyone, not just the government.
Journalist:
Do you – and I know you made the opening statements about Israel and Iran, but do you have faith that Donald Trump’s declaration there will be a ceasefire will actually eventuate?
Chalmers:
Look, obviously I’ve seen the more recent comments from the Iranians – I think it was the Foreign Minister – in relation to the ceasefire. I think the region and the world desperately needs this ceasefire to be implemented and we need it to stick. The best way out of this perilous time in the Middle East is for people to come to the table to engage in dialogue and diplomacy as the Prime Minister said a few minutes ago and that’s what we want to see.
Journalist:
And do you – or are you able to update us at all on efforts to assist Australians leaving Iran or Israel or plans for broader updates to travel advice?
Chalmers:
Can I say that Penny Wong’s colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are outstanding people working around the clock to try and keep our people safe. There are thousands of Australians who have registered to come out of Iran or Israel and DFAT is working around the clock to make that possible. There have been some people that have been able to be extracted from this dangerous part of the world and the assurance that we give to everyone else – and I’ve been part of some of these but not all of these conversations and I’ve seen for myself the very hard and tireless work being done by DFAT to get people out – they will continue to do the very best they can. We understand that there’s a lot of concern, people in those dangerous places and their family members around the world, including here in Australia, and we’ll do everything that we can to keep them safe.
Journalist:
And can I just ask one more about the eSafety Commissioner’s found children are experiencing harm more often on YouTube than any other platform. Would it undermine the purpose of the ban to leave it out?
Chalmers:
I’ll leave some of those questions in the very capable hands of Anika Wells. Obviously our objective here is to keep young people safe online in particular. We’ll work through all of those issues to make sure that we’ve got the most effective regime. We know that people have got views about what’s included and what’s excluded. I think that’s natural when you’re proposing a change of this magnitude. We pay close attention to the sorts of data that you’re referring to and we will finalise the best regime that we can.
We shouldn’t lose sight of the major objective here. A lot of us – you don’t have to be a parent but certainly parents around Australia, including this one speaking right now – are very concerned about the safety of young Australians online. We’re doing what we can to help out. We’ll take into consideration all of those kinds of views and that kind of data like the one you’re asking me about.
Thanks very much.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology
Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you’re less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months.
The “winter blues” can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day.
However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious.
Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it’s a recognised psychiatric condition. Here’s what to look for and how to get help.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder “with seasonal pattern”.
In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in summer.
persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep
changes in appetite
weight gain or weight loss
difficulty concentrating
sleeping more or less than usual
feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to 10% of the global population.
Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in women, people aged between 18 and 30 years, and those living far from the equator, where winter daylight hours are especially limited.
A review of the Australian research on seasonal affective disorder showed the highest proportion of Australians with seasonal affective disorder was found in the most southern state, Tasmania (9% of the population).
Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood.
Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression.
As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is inconclusive.
Others suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, including depression.
Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches.
Bright light therapy is usually the first treatment recommended for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body’s internal clock.
Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to help people develop some flexibility around the negative thoughts that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, “I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter”).
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can all support recovery.
Antidepressants – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – may be prescribed when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked.
Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works?
Prioritise social connection
Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant activities with friends, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk.
Reframe winter
Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of “hygge” (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help.
Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live.
Maximise daylight
Taking a walk during lunchtime when the sun is out, even briefly, can make a difference.
If your “winter blues” last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help.
Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse.
Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong 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.
– ref. Trouble getting out of bed? Signs the ‘winter blues’ may be something more serious – https://theconversation.com/trouble-getting-out-of-bed-signs-the-winter-blues-may-be-something-more-serious-259375
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University
Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, today addressed the National Press Club to outline how her office will be driving the Social Media Minimum Age Bill when it comes into effect in December this year.
The bill, often referred to as a social media ban, prevents under-16s having social media accounts. But Inman Grant wants Australians to consider the bill a “social media delay” rather than a ban.
When the ban was legislated in November 2024, the federal government carved out an exemption for YouTube, citing the platform’s educational purpose.
Inman Grant has now advised the government to remove this exemption because of the harm young people can experience on YouTube. But as she has also pointed out, there are new risks for young people that the ban won’t address – especially from generative artificial intelligence (AI).
According to eSafety’s new research, 37% of young people have encountered harmful content on YouTube. This was the highest percentage of any platform.
In her speech, Inman Grant argued YouTube had “mastered persuasive design”, being adept at using algorithms and recommendations to keep young people scrolling, and that exempting YouTube from the ban simply makes no sense in her eyes.
Her advice to Communications Minister Anika Wells, which she delivered last week, is to not exempt YouTube, effectively including that platform in the ban’s remit.
Unsurprisingly, YouTube Australia and New Zealand has responded with vigour. In a statement published today, the Google-owned company argues that
eSafety’s advice goes against the government’s own commitment, its own research on community sentiment, independent research, and the view of key stakeholders in this debate.
YouTube denies it is a social media platform and claims the advice it should be included in the ban is “inconsistent and contradictory”.
But given YouTube’s Shorts looks and feels very similar to TikTok, with shorter vertical videos in an endlessly scrolling feed, exempting YouTube while banning TikTok and Instagram’s Reels never appeared logically consistent.
It also remains the case that any public YouTube video can be viewed without a YouTube account. The argument that including YouTube in the ban would stop educational uses, then, doesn’t carry a lot of weight.
Inman Grant took great care to emphasise that the responsibility for making the ban work lies with the technology giants and platforms.
Young people who get around the ban, or parents and carers who help them, will not be penalised.
A raft of different tools and technologies to infer the age of users have been explored by the platforms and by other age verification and assurance vendors.
Australia’s Age Assurance Technology Trial released preliminary findings last week. But these findings really amounted to no more than a press release.
No technical details were shared, only high-level statements that the trial revealed age-assurance technologies could work.
These early findings did reveal that the trial “did not find a single ubiquitous solution that would suit all use cases”. This suggests there isn’t a single age-assurance tool that’s completely reliable.
If these tools are going to be one of the main gatekeepers that do or don’t allow Australians to access online platforms, complete reliability would be desirable.
Quite rightly, Inman Grant opened her speech by flagging the emerging harms that will not actually be addressed by new legislation. Generative AI was at the top of the list.
Unregulated use of AI companions and bots was of particular concern, with young people forming deep attachments to these tools, sometimes in harmful ways.
Generative AI has also made the creation of deepfake images and videos much easier, making it far too easy for young people to be harmed, and to cause real harm to each other.
As a recent report I coauthored from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child highlights, there are many pressing issues in terms of how children and young people use and experience generative AI in their everyday lives.
For example, despite the tendency of these tools to glitch and fabricate information, they are increasingly being used in place of search engines for basic information gathering, life advice and even mental health support.
There are larger challenges around protecting young people’s privacy when using these tools, even when compared to the already privacy-averse social media platforms.
There are many new opportunities with AI, but also many new risks.
With generative AI being relatively new, and changing rapidly, more research is urgently needed to find the safest and most appropriate ways for AI to be part of young people’s lives.
Social media users under 16, and their parents and carers, need to prepare for changes in young people’s online experiences this December when the ban is due to begin.
The exact platforms included in the ban, and the exact mechanisms to gauge the age of Australia users, are still being discussed.
The eSafety Commissioner has made her case today to include more platforms, not fewer. Yet Wells has already acknowledged that
social media age-restrictions will not be the end-all be-all solution for harms experienced by young people online but they will make a significant impact.
Concerns remain about the ban cutting young people off from community and support, including mental health support. There is clearly work to be done on that front.
Nor does the ban explicitly address concerns about cyberbullying, which Inman Grant said has recently “intensified”, with messaging applications at this stage still not likely to be included in the list of banned services.
It’s also clear some young people will find ways to circumvent the ban. For parents and carers, keeping the door open so young people can discuss their online experiences will be vital to supporting young Australians and keeping them safe.
Tama Leaver receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is a chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.
– ref. eSafety boss wants YouTube included in the social media ban. But AI raises even more concerns for kids – https://theconversation.com/esafety-boss-wants-youtube-included-in-the-social-media-ban-but-ai-raises-even-more-concerns-for-kids-259561
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A new way for Londoners to receive updates directly from local officers is being rolled out as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.
Officers will use Met Engage to provide their communities with crime prevention advice, information about local events and meetings, updates on ongoing incidents and investigations, and information about successful outcomes and operations.
Neighbourhood policing is at the forefront of the Met’s work to deliver more trust, less crime and high standards.
Communities have told the Met they want to be more connected to their local policing teams and the Met is asking people to sign-up for Met Engage here.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:
“Every day, officers and staff across the Met are out tackling the crimes that really affect people – things like shoplifting, phone theft and burglary. Their crime-fighting is making a difference and we’re seeing large reductions in these types of offences in London.
“But real progress means more than just numbers going in the right direction – it means working with communities, not just policing them.
“Met Engage is about having a two-way conversation. It’s a way for people to stay informed with precise local updates, to tell us what is most important to them and to challenge misinformation. It’s about shaping policing together and I would encourage everyone to sign-up.”
People who sign up to the email service will be asked to complete a survey, where they’ll be able to select where they live and choose the type of alerts they’d like to be informed about. This means the messages they receive will be specifically tailored to them.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said:
“I am pleased to see the launch of Met Engage. Both the Mayor and I have been clear that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of safer communities. By providing an easy way for Londoners to stay in touch with their local neighbourhood police teams, the Met are able to better respond to the needs of our communities.”
“Communication and partnership with communities is essential to the Met’s efforts to cut crime and increase public confidence. I am proud to say that City Hall has part funded Met Engage to bolster neighbourhood policing and drive down crime across the capital, building a safer London for everyone.
“Met Engage is a key part of the Met’s community-first approach, by providing a platform for people to raise concerns, while also being kept updated on the issues that matter most in their local area.
The Met is placing communities at the heart of everything it does by putting more officers into neighbourhood policing to focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners.
Our new neighbourhood policing model means that every borough now has an additional 500 staff ranging from Superintendent to PCSOs, working closer than ever with communities to understand their concerns and act upon them.
Local officers are using intelligence from residents and businesses to help shape policing priorities and reduce crime including shoplifting or anti-social behaviour.
By relentlessly targeting the right areas and the right people, we can bring relief to communities blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour.
Met Engage is provided by VISAV Limited, a company that has produced similar products for other police forces across the UK.
While Met Engage will provide opportunities for the public to highlight issues, it is not a crime reporting tool and will not replace all the existing methods of reporting crime including the Met website, calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A new way for Londoners to receive updates directly from local officers is being rolled out as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.
Officers will use Met Engage to provide their communities with crime prevention advice, information about local events and meetings, updates on ongoing incidents and investigations, and information about successful outcomes and operations.
Neighbourhood policing is at the forefront of the Met’s work to deliver more trust, less crime and high standards.
Communities have told the Met they want to be more connected to their local policing teams and the Met is asking people to sign-up for Met Engage here.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:
“Every day, officers and staff across the Met are out tackling the crimes that really affect people – things like shoplifting, phone theft and burglary. Their crime-fighting is making a difference and we’re seeing large reductions in these types of offences in London.
“But real progress means more than just numbers going in the right direction – it means working with communities, not just policing them.
“Met Engage is about having a two-way conversation. It’s a way for people to stay informed with precise local updates, to tell us what is most important to them and to challenge misinformation. It’s about shaping policing together and I would encourage everyone to sign-up.”
People who sign up to the email service will be asked to complete a survey, where they’ll be able to select where they live and choose the type of alerts they’d like to be informed about. This means the messages they receive will be specifically tailored to them.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said:
“I am pleased to see the launch of Met Engage. Both the Mayor and I have been clear that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of safer communities. By providing an easy way for Londoners to stay in touch with their local neighbourhood police teams, the Met are able to better respond to the needs of our communities.”
“Communication and partnership with communities is essential to the Met’s efforts to cut crime and increase public confidence. I am proud to say that City Hall has part funded Met Engage to bolster neighbourhood policing and drive down crime across the capital, building a safer London for everyone.
“Met Engage is a key part of the Met’s community-first approach, by providing a platform for people to raise concerns, while also being kept updated on the issues that matter most in their local area.
The Met is placing communities at the heart of everything it does by putting more officers into neighbourhood policing to focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners.
Our new neighbourhood policing model means that every borough now has an additional 500 staff ranging from Superintendent to PCSOs, working closer than ever with communities to understand their concerns and act upon them.
Local officers are using intelligence from residents and businesses to help shape policing priorities and reduce crime including shoplifting or anti-social behaviour.
By relentlessly targeting the right areas and the right people, we can bring relief to communities blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour.
Met Engage is provided by VISAV Limited, a company that has produced similar products for other police forces across the UK.
While Met Engage will provide opportunities for the public to highlight issues, it is not a crime reporting tool and will not replace all the existing methods of reporting crime including the Met website, calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal year (FY26), driven by strong domestic demand, a normal monsoon, and expected monetary easing, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings released on Tuesday.
The report, which covers Asia-Pacific economies, noted that India’s domestic demand resilience is especially crucial in limiting economic slowdowns in economies less reliant on goods exports.
“We see India’s GDP growth holding up at 6.5 per cent in fiscal 2026 (year ending March 31, 2026). That forecast assumes a normal monsoon, lower crude oil prices, income-tax concessions, and monetary easing,” the report stated.
Falling food inflation has also contributed to easing overall inflation pressures in the country.
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation dropped to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May, down from 0.85 per cent in April and 2.05 per cent in March. Meanwhile, Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation declined to 2.82 per cent in May—its lowest level since February 2019—compared to the same month a year ago.
Food inflation specifically fell to 0.99 per cent in May, the lowest since October 2021. This marks the seventh consecutive month of declining food inflation, supported by rising agricultural output.
In response to the continued disinflationary trend, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward, from 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a 50 basis points cut in the repo rate—from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent—during the recent monetary policy review to support economic growth.
The S&P report also observed that many Asia-Pacific economies began 2025 with strong domestic demand. Several economies temporarily benefited from front-loaded exports to the United States ahead of anticipated tariff changes. In India, economic activity picked up after a period of slower growth.
For comparison, S&P projects GDP growth of 4.3 per cent for China in 2025 and 4.0 per cent in 2026. While these figures fall short of China’s official growth targets, the report described them as “solid results” given the current external challenges.
Chinese imports are expected to remain subdued this year and next, though not as weak as exports.
The report noted that Asia-Pacific economies continue to face external pressures, particularly from uncertain U.S. trade policy and sluggish Chinese imports.
“We expect domestic demand to broadly remain healthy, in part because of policy easing. But what this means for the resilience of regional economies varies sharply, with export-dependent ones less well placed,” the report added.
(IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal year (FY26), driven by strong domestic demand, a normal monsoon, and expected monetary easing, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings released on Tuesday.
The report, which covers Asia-Pacific economies, noted that India’s domestic demand resilience is especially crucial in limiting economic slowdowns in economies less reliant on goods exports.
“We see India’s GDP growth holding up at 6.5 per cent in fiscal 2026 (year ending March 31, 2026). That forecast assumes a normal monsoon, lower crude oil prices, income-tax concessions, and monetary easing,” the report stated.
Falling food inflation has also contributed to easing overall inflation pressures in the country.
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation dropped to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May, down from 0.85 per cent in April and 2.05 per cent in March. Meanwhile, Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation declined to 2.82 per cent in May—its lowest level since February 2019—compared to the same month a year ago.
Food inflation specifically fell to 0.99 per cent in May, the lowest since October 2021. This marks the seventh consecutive month of declining food inflation, supported by rising agricultural output.
In response to the continued disinflationary trend, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward, from 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a 50 basis points cut in the repo rate—from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent—during the recent monetary policy review to support economic growth.
The S&P report also observed that many Asia-Pacific economies began 2025 with strong domestic demand. Several economies temporarily benefited from front-loaded exports to the United States ahead of anticipated tariff changes. In India, economic activity picked up after a period of slower growth.
For comparison, S&P projects GDP growth of 4.3 per cent for China in 2025 and 4.0 per cent in 2026. While these figures fall short of China’s official growth targets, the report described them as “solid results” given the current external challenges.
Chinese imports are expected to remain subdued this year and next, though not as weak as exports.
The report noted that Asia-Pacific economies continue to face external pressures, particularly from uncertain U.S. trade policy and sluggish Chinese imports.
“We expect domestic demand to broadly remain healthy, in part because of policy easing. But what this means for the resilience of regional economies varies sharply, with export-dependent ones less well placed,” the report added.
(IANS)