Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that India’s fintech companies are playing a crucial role in expanding the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and empowering merchants as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Finance Minister visited the office of Pine Labs, a digital fintech company based in Noida, and interacted with its employees and staff members.
She acknowledged “India’s fintech firms’ contribution to expanding the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and in enabling seamless, secure, and inclusive financial services for merchants and MSMEs,” the Finance Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
B. Amrish Rau, CEO of Pine Labs, shared his excitement in a post on X, saying that it was “an exciting and unbelievable day… It was a full house and our FM was completely immersed in her interactions and tech discussions.”
Pine Labs is a merchant commerce omnichannel platform operating across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company focuses on simplifying digital payments and helping businesses scale their fintech solutions.
Meanwhile, UPI QR codes have shown the fastest growth in India’s digital payments infrastructure in the financial year 2024–25, registering a 91.5 percent increase over the previous year, reaching 657.9 million.
The number of banks going live on UPI continues to rise, reaching a total of 668 in April, which is expected to boost the value of transactions, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
UPI has emerged as the dominant method for digital transactions in India. Nearly four out of every five digital payments in the country during FY24 were conducted via UPI, according to the RBI’s annual report.
The RBI has also introduced greater flexibility in revising transaction limits for in-person UPI merchant payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) can now adjust limits based on user needs, with appropriate safeguards—making UPI even more convenient for users.
India’s digital payments ecosystem witnessed a significant surge in the second half of 2024, driven by the increased use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile payments, and cards, according to Worldline India’s Digital Payments Report.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 27 — China’s flood control authorities on Tuesday activated Level-IV emergency response measures in Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in response to heavy rainfall affecting the country’s southern regions.
The Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement that Guizhou, areas south of the Yangtze River, and much of southern China are expected to face torrential rains and rainstorms over the next three days, citing forecasts from meteorological authorities.
This round of rainfall will be the most intense since the beginning of the year, with some regions facing a high risk of disasters due to extreme downpours, according to the statement.
It added that China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched two work teams to guide local flood control efforts.
The flood control and emergency management authorities have also called for intensified efforts to monitor rainfall and flooding, issue timely alerts, assess risks and hidden dangers, and deploy flood control and emergency rescue supplies in key regions in advance.
China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the highest level.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today led a delegation to attend the seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Xi’an to promote Hong Kong’s international legal and dispute resolution services to the legal sector and enterprises in Shaanxi and the neighbouring regions.
Minister of Justice He Rong, CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and over 800 local lawyers and legal sector representatives were also at the forum.
With the theme of “Serving the Belt & Road Initiative: A New Chapter in Shaanxi-Hong Kong Co-operation”, the forum this year explored issues of interest to Shaanxi enterprises as they go global in handling trade, commerce and foreign investment under the Belt & Road Initiative.
It also introduced the international legal and dispute resolution services which Hong Kong can offer as a “super connector” for cross-border transactions and as a centre for dispute resolution services.
In his opening address, Mr Lam said Shaanxi and Hong Kong have maintained close exchanges and co-operation over the years. He mentioned that the governments of the two places signed the Strengthening Hong Kong/Shaanxi Co-operation Agreement last year, which covers legal and dispute resolution services.
The Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Department of Justice (DoJ) also signed the Framework Arrangement on Co-operation in Legal Services to Support the Belt & Road Initiative to strengthen the exchanges and co-operation in legal services and talent-nurturing between the two places to better facilitate legal services bodies in both places.
Mr Lam pointed out that the forum represented a significant concrete action in implementing the agreement. He added that he looked forward to strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Shaanxi to serve the country’s needs.
Yesterday, Mr Lam attended the graduation ceremony of the Hong Kong Common Law & Dispute Resolution Practical Training Course, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy with the assistance of the Shaanxi Province Lawyers Association.
The programme is the first foreign-related legal talent training programme held by the academy in a Mainland city.
A total of about 140 foreign-related lawyers, mainly from Shaanxi Province and the surrounding provinces, cities, autonomous regions and municipalities, participated.
Mr Lam and the delegation also visited the Belt & Road Demonstration Zone for International Commercial Legal Services in Xi’an, and toured the Xi’an Arbitration Commission, Xi’an China-Europe Railway Express Assembly Center and the three centres of the Ministry of Justice.
They learnt about Shaanxi’s efforts in fostering an international first-class business environment and the local demand for foreign-related legal services in the Belt & Road context, and discussed how Hong Kong’s international legal and dispute resolution services can provide relevant professional support.
The seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum was jointly organised by the DoJ, the Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the X’ian Municipal People’s Government as co-organisers.
Mr Lam’s delegation comprised more than 120 representatives from the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and other related sectors.
He will conclude his visit this afternoon and return to Hong Kong.
You’ve probably heard the terms “abs” and “core” used in social media videos, Pilates classes, or even by physiotherapists.
Given they seem to refer to the same general area of your body, you might have wondered what the difference is.
When people talk about “abs”, they’re often referring to the abdominal muscles you can see. Conversely, the term “core” is used to describe a broader group of muscles in the context of function, rather than aesthetics.
While abs and core are often spoken about separately, there’s a lot of overlap between them.
What are abs?
The term “abs” is short for abdominal muscles. These are the muscles that run along the front and side of your stomach.
When someone talks about getting a six-pack, they’re usually referring to toning the rectus abdominis, the long muscle that goes from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your pelvis.
Your abdominals also include your obliques, which sit on the side of your body, and your transverse abdominis, which sits underneath your other abdominal muscles and wraps around your waist like a belt.
The term “abs” has been around for a long time, and is perhaps most often used when discussing aesthetics.
For example, it’s common to see health and wellness publications offering advice on how to achieve “flat” or “six-pack” abs.
The long muscle that goes from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your pelvis is called the rectus abdominis. phoenix creation/Shutterstock
What about the core?
When people talk about the “core”, they are often referring to your abdominals, but also the muscles in your back (your spinal erectors), hips, glutes, pelvic floor, and your diaphragm.
These are the muscles that can stabilise your spine against movement, and aid in the transfer of force between the upper and lower limbs.
The term “core” wasn’t commonly used until the early 2000s, when it became synonymous with core training.
While the exact reason for its surge in popularity isn’t clear, it most likely followed a study published in 1998 that suggested people with lower back pain might have impaired function of their deep abdominal muscles.
From there, the concept of “core training” entered the mainstream, where it was proposed to reduce lower back pain and improve athletic performance.
Other research suggests there aren’t any differences in how people with and without lower back pain recruit and use their core muscles.
In a separate study, improvements in core strength and stability after a nine-week core stability training program were not significantly associated with improvements in pain and function, further questioning this relationship.
The link between core strength and athletic performance is also unclear.
A 2016 review found some very small associations between measures of core muscle strength and measures of whole body strength, power and balance. However, because of the design of the studies reviewed, we don’t know whether people who have better strength, power and balance simply have stronger core muscles, or whether stronger core muscles increase strength, power and balance.
An earlier review summarised the effect of core stability training on measures of athletic performance, including jumping, sprinting and throwing. It concluded this type of training is unlikely to provide substantial benefits to measures of general athletic performance such as jumping and sprinting.
However, this review also suggested that, given the important role of the abs in torso rotation, strengthening these muscles might have merit in improving performance in sports that involve swinging a bat or throwing a ball.
This is likely to apply to other sports that involve rapid torso movement as well, such as mixed martial arts and kayaking.
Stronger abdominal muscles could offer an advantage in sports that involve rotation. Lino Khim Medrina/Pexels
How can you exercise your abs and core?
There’s good evidence that simply getting stronger by lifting weights can help prevent injuries. Training your core to get stronger should have a similar impact, as long as it’s part of a broader training program.
We also know having weaker muscles makes you more likely to experience functional limitations and disability in older age. So alongside any other potential benefits, improving core strength with the rest of your body could help keep you fit and healthy as you get older.
There are plenty of exercises you can do to train your core and abs.
If you’re new to core training, you might want to start off with some lower-level isolation exercises that don’t involve any movement of the core. These include things like planks, bird dogs, and pallof presses. These are unlikely to cause too much muscle soreness, but will train your core muscles.
Once you feel like these are going well, you can start moving into some more dynamic exercises such as sit ups, Russian twists and leg raises, where you train your abdominals using a full range of motion.
Hunter Bennett 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.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
A fourth-year student at the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of Novosibirsk State University has won the All-Russian XV Youth Prize in Science and Innovation, proposing a method for directly delivering an oxygen mixture to the heart to maintain the organ’s viability even during long-term transportation. Yaroslav Smirnov won the main prize of 100 thousand rubles for his development. This year, 230 students from 95 universities and 80 schoolchildren from 65 schools across the country sent popular science videos about their projects to the competition. The total prize fund is 1.7 million rubles.
Yaroslav Smirnov told in his competition application that the shortage of donor hearts is due, among other things, to the impossibility of quickly delivering organs to transplant centers. In his project, he proposed a solution – a method of direct coronary persufflation, which allows the heart to work even outside the human body.
— Today, in most cases, the method of pharmaco-cold preservation is used, which allows preserving the heart for only 4 hours. But this method does not satisfy the myocardium’s need for oxygen, so there may not be enough time. If you supply the oxygen mixture directly to the coronary arteries of the heart, then you can extend the period to 8 hours, — Yaroslav explained.
Yaroslav and his team developed a special system that delivers a humidified oxygen mixture to the aorta under stable pressure. The heart is then placed in a plastic bag with a solution and ice. Experiments have shown that the organ’s pumping function is preserved and there is no significant tissue damage.
The MISiS University Youth Prize in Science and Innovation is an all-Russian competition of popular science videos. You can take part in the school, student and popular science nominations. Contestants must record a short video and talk about their own research, development or scientific phenomenon. Winners and prize winners receive from 10 to 100 thousand rubles, as well as additional points when entering the university.
The most popular nomination in 2025 was popular science — participants sent more than 100 videos. The most popular project areas were: chemistry and materials science (more than 30 projects), biology and life sciences, engineering sciences. The youngest participant in the award was 7-year-old Pseush Shumaf from Maikop.
Since its foundation, the Youth Prize has been supported by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Partners include: RSF, Rosatom State Corporation, Gazprombank, Decade of Science and Technology, and many others.
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: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) — A large passenger plane takes off smoothly against the backdrop of a cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine, heading for Moscow, the capital of Russia. Last month, Tianjin Airlines launched regular flights GS7941/42 to and from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays. The route has not only brought the people of China and Russia closer together, but also injected new impetus into the development of tourism, business and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
“2024-2025 have been declared the Cross Years of Culture between China and Russia, with hundreds of various events to be held. The peoples of our countries are becoming closer and closer to each other. Strengthening pragmatic cooperation in trade, education, sports and healthcare, as well as active mutual visits, are increasing demand for convenient air travel,” said Zhao Dingding, deputy chairman of the marketing committee of Tianjin Airlines, in an interview with the Tianjin Daily newspaper.
According to him, the opening of this “Chinese-Russian express”, which meets the needs of the population, has created an effective “air bridge of friendship” for travelers and business representatives of the two countries.
Before the launch of flights, the crews of Tianjin Airlines underwent special training: studying Russian culture, traditions and etiquette. There are stewards on board who speak Russian, and announcements are broadcast in two languages. In addition to traditional dishes such as beef with rice or chicken with noodles, the menu includes European cuisine: for example, cod with potatoes in Russian style.
This autumn, Tianjin will host the SCO summit. As a local carrier and the “first window” for visitors to the city, Tianjin Airlines is preparing for the event. “We will decorate the cabins of our aircraft on the Moscow route with traditional Chinese ink landscapes and Russian nesting dolls. Thematic events and acquaintance of passengers with the history of the SCO and the sights of Tianjin, such as the Wudao area, the Italian quarter and the popular prints of the Yangliuqing village, are also planned,” said Song Jingjing, head of the cabin service service of Tianjin Airlines.
“Interstate relations are built on mutual understanding between peoples, which in turn grows out of the convergence of aspirations of these peoples. Russia is a member of the SCO, and within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation between our countries continues to reach new heights,” said Li Rongkui, Chairman of the Board of Tianjin Airlines. He stressed that the airline, which is celebrating its 16th anniversary, will turn each flight into a “cultural living room in the sky”, strengthening Sino-Russian ties and contributing to the development of the SCO.
Regulatory planning framework: A prerequisite for comprehensive urban redevelopment is a functioning and responsive urban planning regulatory framework, complemented by an integrated urban governance system that enables close collaboration across institutions and levels of government. Together, these elements facilitate optimal land use, (including the effective application of floor area ratio (FAR)), infrastructure upgrades, and time-bound, context-specific intervention planning. Development control regulations and by-laws should also promote climate resilience, urban health and safety, gender equity, and social inclusion.
Area-based development: This fosters the holistic development of both existing and new areas while catalyzing further urban growth, contributing to a stronger overall city landscape. An area-based redevelopment planning framework offers a more comprehensive method that integrates amenities, infrastructure upgrades, street improvements, and economic growth. It can transform existing areas—including slums and urban poor neighborhoods—into well-planned, integrated spaces within the urban fabric, thereby enhancing the overall livability of the city.
Robust land records and property valuation systems: Periodic updates to land and property-related information (e.g., land use, ownership, FAR, development control regulations) are essential for effective urban planning and intervention. These updates ensure transparent data, facilitating the most informed and effective decision-making processes.
Cities empowered to access financing, absorb capital: Urban redevelopment projects require significant financing throughout various stages of implementation. States and larger cities should establish an apex urban redevelopment fund to lower finance costs, enable private sector access, and ensure sustained funding. Governments can leverage development partners for advisory services and financing facilitation through risk-sharing instruments.
State governments should empower larger cities to mobilize affordable and sustainable financing solutions, while smaller cities can benefit from state-level funds and bond markets to support urban redevelopment. A financially self-sustaining model, independent of public funds, is key to effective redevelopment. Utilizing land value capture mechanisms can enable governments to generate and redistribute public revenues – augmenting investment in essential infrastructure and supporting more equitable urban transformation.
Public-private-people partnerships: Private sector participation should be incorporated and incentivized through feasibility studies for urban redevelopment projects, easing the burden on the government while enhancing infrastructure development—not only for basic services but also for housing, office spaces, hotels, and other urban facilities (e.g., public open spaces, amenities). Such partnerships provide access to the technical expertise, experience, and efficiency of private entities. Moreover, engaging residents in the process fosters inclusive urban redevelopment strategies and helps mitigate resistance to redevelopment efforts.
Institutional capacity for coordination and cooperation: Holistic urban redevelopment requires extensive coordination across multiple fronts—spatial, economic, social, and financial. Institutions must establish mechanisms to foster cooperation while strengthening their capacities to harness the economic potential of urban areas. Urban local bodies need skilled human resources to effectively negotiate, coordinate, and collaborate with various stakeholders. Ultimately, coherent institutional, governance, and regulatory frameworks are essential for sustaining long-term coordination and cooperation.
Green infrastructure and preservation of cultural heritage: Cities can transition toward a more climate-responsive built environment by mandating green infrastructure provisions in plans and development control regulations, incentivizing their implementation, and fostering convergence across various government schemes. Where applicable, redevelopment plans can also integrate strategies for heritage and cultural preservation through adaptive reuse while maintaining existing built forms. Additionally, promoting pedestrianization and natural cooling mechanisms through sustainable building materials can further revitalize urban areas.
Community engagement and inclusivity: Engaging citizens in a highly technocratic urban redevelopment planning process has traditionally been ineffective. To address this, these processes must be simplified, and dedicated citizen engagement models developed. Platforms that encourage citizen participation in planning and implementation can help mitigate adverse impacts. A strong civil society presence, and partnerships with civil society organizations can enhance citizen engagement, particularly among economically weaker and vulnerable communities.
Databases on urban redevelopment projects: As redevelopment policies and regulatory frameworks evolve, institutional capacities strengthen, and redevelopment gains momentum, cities will need to gather, process, and access relevant information to guide the design, planning, and implementation of redevelopment initiatives across the region. Establishing a database of critical information on ongoing and completed urban redevelopment projects could provide valuable insights and benefits sooner rather than later.
Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel, who is on a three-day visit to India, will lead the Maldivian delegation at 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting will oversee progress in the implementation of India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s India visit in October 2024.
Khaleel will also hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
On Sunday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome to Khaleel on his arrival in New Delhi.
Jaiswal shared a post on X, “Implementing the India – Maldives Joint Vision of a ‘Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership’. Warm welcome to FM @abkhaleel of Maldives to India. FM Dr. Khaleel will lead the Maldivian delegation at the 2nd High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting which oversees implementation of the Joint Vision.”
This will be Khaleel’s third visit to India in 2025, following his earlier visits in January and March, and is in continuation of intensified high level political exchanges between the two nations. Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, i.e., Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICATO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR UNITED STATES PERSONS
CALGARY, Alberta, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questerre Energy Corporation (“Questerre” or the “Company”) (TSX,OSE:QEC) reported on the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal of Quebec related to Bill 21, An Act ending exploration for petroleum and underground reservoirs and production of petroleum and brine (“Bill 21”). A copy of the ruling in French is available online: https://courdappelduquebec.ca/fileadmin/jugements/200-09-010731-245_Arret_2025-05-22.pdf.
Michael Binnion, President and Chief Executive Officer of Questerre, commented, “In its ruling, the Court of Appeal recognized the existence of a serious issue with respect to the constitutionality of Bill 21 and reinstated certain provisions of Bill 21. We will request leave to appeal this ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada. In the interim, we will ask the Court of Appeal to suspend this ruling until such time. This means that subject to our appeal, the Government of Quebec could move to enforce the specific provisions related to the abandonment and reclamation of existing wells.”
He added, “This ruling by the Court of Appeal has no impact on the main trial on the merits of the case. We are following the legal process for this case and have a hearing this week on the Government representatives to be questioned prior to setting a trial date.”
The ruling by the Court of Appeal relates to the appeal by the Attorney General of Quebec of a judgement rendered in January 2024 by the Quebec Superior Court suspending key provisions of Bill 21. A copy of the original ruling is available online: https://www.questerre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-25-Decision-English.pdf. The appeal concerns the analysis of the criteria applicable to the suspension of a law. The Court of Appeal dismissed the joint motion by the Company and other license holders for the review and annulment of the judgement granting the appeal and allowed the appeal.
The Court of Appeal noted in its decision that the Justice did not err in law or exercise his discretion in an unjudicial or unreasonable manner in concluding there was a serious question to be decided. The Court of Appeal noted that the Justice erred in law on the balance of convenience test and did not presume that the suspension of Bill 21 would cause irreparable harm to the public interest. The ruling noted that in view of the importance of the public interest and the failure to demonstrate the benefits to the public of suspending key provisions of Bill 21 it allowed the appeal and overturned the Justice’s original decision.
Questerre is an energy technology and innovation company. It is leveraging its expertise gained through early exposure to low permeability reservoirs to acquire significant high-quality resources. We believe we can successfully transition our energy portfolio. With new clean technologies and innovation to responsibly produce and use energy, we can sustain both human progress and our natural environment.
Questerre is a believer that the future success of the oil and gas industry depends on the balance of economics, environment, and society. We are committed to being transparent and are respectful that the public must be part of making the important choices for our energy future.
Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”) including the Company’s plans to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, its plans to ask the Court of Appeal to suspend the ruling and the impact of this ruling on the main case.
Forward-looking statements are based on several material factors, expectations, or assumptions of Questerre which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Questerre believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Questerre can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further, events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation: the implementation of Bill 21 by the Government of Quebec and certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in Questerre’s public disclosure documents. Additional information regarding some of these risks, expectations or assumptions and other factors may be found in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents available on the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Questerre undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Australia in 2025 is living up to Dorothy McKellar’s poetic vision of a country stricken by “drought and flooding rains”.
The clean up is underway from the deadly floods in the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of New South Wales. At the same time, large swathes of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are severely drought affected due to some of the lowest rainfall on record.
Do we have the right support arrangements in place to help farmers and communities survive the current dry period?
Or is there a better way to help primary producers through the tough times, which are predicted to become more frequent and severe under climate change?
The decision was made for several reasons, including the high level of expenditure on drought relief in Queensland. The federal finance minister at the time, Peter Walsh, suggested the Queensland government was using the arrangements as a “sort of National Party slush fund to be distributed to National Party toadies and apparatchiks”.
The more considered reason was that our scientific understanding of the drivers of Australia’s climate, such as El Niño, suggested drought was a normal part of our environment. Since then, climate modelling points to droughts becoming an even more familiar sight in Australia as a result of global warming.
So the focus of drought relief shifted from disaster response to risk management.
Building resilience
The National Drought Policy announced in 1992 stated drought should be managed like any other business risk.
Since then, the language of resilience has been added to the mix and the government lists three objectives for drought policy:
to build the drought resilience of farming businesses by enabling preparedness, risk management and financial self-reliance
to ensure an appropriate safety net is always available to those experiencing hardship
to encourage stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of drought.
Since 1992, various governments have introduced, and tweaked, different programs aimed at supporting drought-affected farmers.
The most successful program is the Farm Management Deposits Scheme. This has accumulated a whisker under A$6 billion in farmer savings, which are available to be drawn down during drought to support farm businesses.
In 2025, the federal government is using the Future Drought Fund to invest $100 million per year to promote resilience. It also offers support through the Farm Household Allowance and concessional loans for farms and related small businesses.
Apart from the Farm Management Deposit Scheme and the Farm Household Allowance, these programs do not offer immediate financial assistance to the increasing number of farmers across southern Australia being impacted by drought. If the drought worsens, it is likely there will be increasing calls for greater support.
This provides the government with a dilemma: it is already investing significantly in the risk and resilience approach to drought, but politically, it is hard to resist cries for help from farmers who are a highly valued group in our community.
A better way?
There is a solution available to government to improve support. It can be done through the provision of “revenue contingent loans” for drought-affected farmers. Financial support would be available to farmers when they need it, consistent with the risk management principles underpinning the national drought policy.
Our detailed modelling, extending now over 25 years, shows compellingly that revenue-based loans would mean taxpayers spending less on drought arrangements. But the assistance compared with other forms of public sector help would be greater.
Capacity to repay would be the defining feature of the scheme. A revenue contingent loan is only paid down in periods when the farm is experiencing healthy cash flow. If a farm’s annual financial situation is difficult, no repayments are required.
These loans would also remove foreclosure risk associated with an inability to repay when times are tough. Loan defaults simply can’t happen, a feature which also takes away the psychological trauma associated with the fear of losing the property due to unforeseen financial difficulties.
Good policy
These benefits would address governments’ main motivation with drought policy, which is risk management. That is because repayment concerns and default prospects would be eliminated. With farming, in which there is great uncertainty, these are very significant pluses for policy.
Revenue contingent loans are a proper risk management financial instrument that requires low or no subsidies from government. They would complement the Farm Management Deposit Scheme and be an effective replacement for the concessional loans currently on offer.
A win-win for farmer and taxpayer, alike.
Linda Botterill has in the past received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (now Agrifutures).
Bruce Chapman has received funding from the Australian Research Council in various years, and was a consultant to the Federal Government’s Department of Education University Accord Enquiry in 2023/24.
This means machetes will be added to the list of things – such as swords, crossbows, slingshots, pepper spray and about 40 other items – that are essentially banned.
Possession of a prohibited item can result in penalties of two years imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.
Victoria is the first state in Australia to outright ban machetes. In other jurisdictions, machetes (like knives) may be used for lawful purposes, and are “controlled” or “restricted” – meaning you need a reasonable excuse or valid reason for possessing one.
Most jurisdictions (except Tasmania and the Northern Territory) prohibit sales to minors.
Will there be exemptions?
Allan said the sales ban will have no exceptions, meaning nobody will be able to purchase a machete.
However, machetes are a useful tool, particularly for agricultural purposes, and outdoor uses such as camping.
When the new laws come into effect in September, people will be able to apply for a special “commissioner’s approval” to possess a machete. The exact details of who may be granted an exemption, and under what circumstances, are not yet clear.
Nor is it clear whether people will have to, for example, pay for a permit to own a machete, or what measures people may have to take to prevent unauthorised access or theft.
How much of a problem is knife crime in Australia?
Despite alarming headlines and political rhetoric about a knife crime epidemic, it is hard to say exactly how much of a problem knife crime is.
Statistics about weapon use and unlawful possession are not always disaggregated by type of weapon.
Crime statistics are notoriously slippery, and what looks like a “crisis” can often be the result of changes in policing practices. For instance, when police run an intensive operation searching for knives in public places, they are more likely to find knives in public places. This does not necessarily mean there are more people out there carrying knives.
The one crime where statistics are fairly clear is homicide: knives or other sharp instruments have long been the most common weapon used in Australia.
The actual number of homicides involving knives or sharp instruments has stayed relatively stable over time. When you take into account the increase in how many people live in Australia, the rate per head of population has fallen.
It is tempting to think a machete ban would reduce these figures even more. Unfortunately, violence prevention is not that simple.
Homicides that involve people using their hands and feet have declined markedly over time. Why has this “method”, which is available to anybody, fallen so much? The answer is: nobody really knows.
This tells us we need to look beyond types of weapons.
Will the ban achieve anything?
Violence is complex and simple “solutions” may make people feel safe (at least temporarily) but seldom deliver real results over the longer term.
It’s easy for governments to ban things, which is why they do it so often. But we should pay close attention to what Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbine said in March:
This is Australia’s first machete ban, and we agree with police that it must be done once and done right. It took the UK (United Kingdom) 18 months – we can do it in six.
Lawmaking should never be a race. Nor should politicians be mere mouthpieces doing what police tell them.
Police are the ones we turn to for protection when violence breaks out, but this does not mean they are the only ones we should go to when we are looking for the most effective ways to deal with problems.
Tackling violence takes serious commitment to complex and intensive programs that focus on the root causes, particularly among at-risk families and disadvantaged, marginalised youth.
This is hard work that takes a long time, includes many different stakeholders, and seldom sways votes. Focusing on the choice of weapon is simply a distraction.
There is no question the sight of machete-wielding youths storming through a busy shopping centre is terrifying. People should be able to go about their business without fearing they will be attacked.
But reducing violence takes a lot more than banning one particular weapon, as Victoria will likely find out.
Dr Samara McPhedran does not does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that might benefit from this article.
The Indian stock market opened on a strong note Monday, buoyed by positive investor sentiment following India’s ascent to the fourth spot in the global economy rankings.
By 9:32 a.m., the BSE Sensex had rallied 640.3 points, or 0.78%, to trade at 82,361.46. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty was up 187.39 points, or 0.75%, at 25,040.45.
The broader market also saw an upward trend. The Nifty Bank index gained 408.25 points, or 0.74%, reaching 55,806.50. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose 426.60 points to 57,114.35, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 145.90 points to 17,789.25, registering a 0.83% gain.
Analysts attributed the early rally to the news of India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, calling it a morale booster for markets in the short term. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India’s record dividend payout to the central government—exceeding budget estimates—is expected to aid in containing the fiscal deficit at 4.4% for FY26.
“This, in turn, can help sustain the current low inflation trend and a declining interest rate environment, both of which are supportive of equity markets. While foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were strong buyers earlier in May, the trend has turned erratic recently, suggesting profit booking at higher levels,” said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.
In the Sensex basket, top gainers included M&M, PowerGrid, NTPC, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, SBI, Tech Mahindra, L&T, Asian Paints, and Axis Bank. Eternal was the only notable loser in early trade.
In Asia, markets traded mixed. Indices in Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo were in the green, while markets in China, Hong Kong, and Jakarta saw declines.
Globally, the last trading session in the U.S. ended lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 41,603.07, down 256.02 points or 0.61%. The S&P 500 dropped 39.19 points (0.67%) to 5,802.82, and the Nasdaq declined 188.53 points (1.00%) to settle at 18,737.21.
On the institutional investment front, FIIs were net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,794.59 crore on May 23. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also bought stocks worth ₹299.78 crore.
Looking ahead, key economic data such as India’s GDP figures, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, and U.S. inflation numbers are expected to influence market sentiment this week.
“Geopolitical uncertainties, the ongoing corporate earnings season, institutional capital flows, and the upcoming derivatives expiry are currently driving volatility in Indian equity markets,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 26 May 2025Source: Department of Conservation and Auckland Council
Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.
Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.
“Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.
DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.
“They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.
“We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”
John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.
“Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.
Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.
“This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.
An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.
The council’s Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger, Matt Maitland, says the support from volunteers through the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) has helped to ensure the birds can flourish.
“It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”
SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says volunteers will provide nest boxes, ongoing monitoring and supplementary food to help the birds settle into their new home.
All hihi whakapapa to Hauturu o Toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear.
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.
“It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of USD1, adding it to spot trading. World Liberty Financial’s USD1 is a fiat-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 with US Dollars. Trading for USD1/USDT and USD1/USDC trading pair will begin on 26 May 2025, 10:00 (UTC), with withdrawals available on 27 May 2025, 11:00 (UTC).
The USD1, issued by the Trump family-affiliated World Liberty Financial, is designed to streamline digital transactions by enabling seamless conversion between fiat currency and digital assets. Its recent integration and growing popularity marks a major step toward broader adoption, allowing the stablecoin to operate across multiple blockchains. Through strategic partnerships, USD1 is accelerating its integration within the decentralized finance ecosystem.
As Bitget continues to curate unique and influential assets within its innovation zone, the listing of USD1 signifies growing demand for stablecoin ecosystems.
Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON.
The addition of USD1 into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem by embracing niche communities and fostering innovation in decentralized economies, further strengthening its role as a gateway to diverse Web3 projects.
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 markets, 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.
Risk Warning:Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to ourTerms of Use.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Walker, Associate Professor, School of Historical and Classical Studies, University of Adelaide
La Religieuse Tenant La Sainte Croix (The Nun Holds the Cross), Jacques Callot, French,1621–35.The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Is loneliness a modern epidemic as we are so often told? Did people in the past suffer similar feelings of isolation?
The word “loneliness” was not common before the 19th century. Cultural historian Fay Bound Alberti argues it was rarely used before 1800.
This does not mean people didn’t feel alone. They just had different names for it – and they didn’t always think it was bad. Modern people living hectic lives in bustling cities often yearn for peace and tranquillity; so did our forebears.
From the hermits of the early Christian church escaping society for lives of solitary prayer, to medieval anchorites in secluded cells, isolation was a prerequisite for spiritual success.
But were isolated monks, nuns and hermits also lonely, as we would understand the word today? And do early modern nuns offer solutions for our own loneliness epidemic?
Searching for solitude
Early Christian religious thinkers and medieval churchmen viewed voluntary loneliness positively, with successful practitioners becoming saints. But religious solitude was not without its problems.
Holy recluses, far from escaping society, were pursued for spiritual advice. Some, like Simeon Stylites (390–459), went to extraordinary measures, living atop a pillar near Aleppo for 30-odd years to achieve solitude.
Monasticism provided an alternative. Monastic rules, like that of Benedict of Nursia (480–547), institutionalised isolation. In Benedictine monasteries, solitude was created through seclusion from society, strict silence, and prohibition of close friendships.
Yet, like hermits, monks and nuns couldn’t escape the world completely. Monasteries constituted vital spiritual resources, providing multiple services and conducting business for wider society.
Nuns at Work, Follower of Alessandro Magnasco (Italian, Milanese, first half 18th century). The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Over the centuries, reforming bishops believed there was too much interaction between monasteries and the wider community. This led to repeated church reforms from the 10th century onwards to secure separation.
Male members of the clergy were particularly worried about nuns who were considered “less capable” of maintaining holy solitude. As a result, women had to observe strict enclosure behind convent walls, limiting their economic and spiritual capacity. Reforms in the 16th century upheld nuns’ incarceration.
Many women resisted, but others embraced isolation as spiritually liberating.
Isolation in exile
Early modern English convents, exiled in Europe after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, shed light on nuns’ experiences of loneliness.
The convents were subject to traditional rules of enclosure and silence. To become nuns, women left their homeland, family and friends. They joined English houses, so they were not alone among strangers, but they had to remain emotionally distant from one another, despite living in a community where they did everything together.
Women wanting spiritual fulfilment often sought additional solitude.
Benedictine mystic Gertrude More (1606–33) praised prescribed periods of silence because in them she might hear her Lord’s whispers.
Carmelite prioress Teresa of Jesus Maria Worsley (1601–42) took time from her busy administrative role and hid from the other nuns to pray in solitude.
The Nun in Count Burckhardt, from the periodical Once a Week. After James McNeill Whistler, American. Associated with Dalziel Brothers, British. September 27 1862. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Not all women found seclusion and silence so fulfilling, however, with some experiencing bouts of spiritual doubt and poor mental health. Many missed their family and homeland.
This was particularly common among young sisters and those in convent schools. In the 1660s, Catherine Aston returned to England to recover after suffering poor health and depression.
Alone in a crowd
Nuns’ diverse experiences of monastic solitude reflect modern urban loneliness.
In 1812 Lord Byron expressed the contradictory nature of loneliness in the poem Childe Harold, juxtaposing the positive solitary contemplation of nature with its negative counterpart – aloneness “midst the crowd”.
In the present day many people feel alone in cities, even domestic households, as Olivia Laing and Keith Snell have shown.
How might this be countered? Do early modern nuns offer solutions?
A study of 21st century Spanish monks and nuns found monastic training, prayer and silence create feelings of spiritual satisfaction and purpose which lessens loneliness.
Prayer is not the answer for everyone because modern isolation is caused by multiple factors in a largely secular society. There are alternative paths to meditation, however, through yoga or mindfulness which can provide feelings akin to monks’ and nuns’ “spiritual satisfaction”.
Similarly, the nuns’ sense of “purpose” might be achieved through nostalgia. Nostalgia is the longing for an idealised and unobtainable past – a time when life was better. Research by psychologists suggests nostalgia can be beneficial in counteracting loneliness, even enabling forward-looking and proactive behaviours.
This was certainly true for the nuns exiled in Europe following Henry VIII’s abolition of monasticism in England. They dreamt of a future when their convents would return to England, family and friends. All nuns prayed both communally and in private for this outcome.
Some went further, engaging in missionary work and political intrigue to achieve their goal.
We cannot know whether this stifled loneliness, but by combining the benefits of meditation and activism it likely fostered a shared sense of purpose.
Just as Gertrude More and Teresa of Jesus Maria Worsley found solitude essential for spiritual satisfaction, activist nuns believed they might reverse the English reformation from their exiled convents. Solitude, prayer and political engagement gave them a sense of purpose.
Everyone’s situation is unique. There is no single solution for resolving isolation in the contemporary world. But the knowledge that it can be positive is perhaps a step towards countering the modern epidemic.
Claire Walker has received funding from the Australian Research Council.
A man is appearing in court today following an aggravated robbery at a Northcote liquor shop on Saturday night.
Police were called to the Pearn Crescent store just before 6pm on 24 May.
“A man allegedly entered the store and initially made demands and presented a weapon making further threats when the victim refused,” Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams says.
“The victim managed to flee to safety and locked the offender inside the store, calling 111.”
Police arrived on scene and attempted to engage with the man inside.
“After a period of time negotiating with this man, he emerged outside and was taken into custody without incident.”
The 42-year-old man has been charged with assault with intent to rob and wilful damage, acting Inspector Williams says.
“It’s pleasing that Police can bring this matter before the court and we will also be opposing this man’s bail.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced legislation to reauthorize critical reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008 to support reentry efforts including housing, career training and job placement, and substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize critical programs to reduce recidivism, invest in communities, and promote public safety.
Over 95% of the prison population will eventually be released, with more than 600,000 individuals returning to their communities from prison each year and an even higher number entering and exiting local jails. To address this need and to improve reentry services and lower recidivism rates, the Second Chance Act was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Bush in April 2008. The Act was last reauthorized by President Trump in 2018.
Senators Capito (R-WV) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, formerly incarcerated West Virginians reentering our communities have received the vital services and support they needed to return home successfully,” said Rep. Miller. “We have seen the benefits of the Second Chance Act in West Virginia and across the country. When we put in place strong reentry programming, we are creating safer communities where individuals feel supported and empowered to break the cycle of recidivism.”
“Second Chance reentry programs and services have reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the country, creating healthier families and safer communities,” said Rep. Davis. “Continuing to invest in these evidenced-based interventions is a commonsense approach to strengthen individuals, re-build families, and grow our economy.”
Joining Representatives Miller and Davis are Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nydia Velásquez (D-NY), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Mike Turner (R-OH), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Andre Carson (D-IN).
“As a former federal prosecutor, I understand the importance of accountability to the law, but I also believe that individuals deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Second Chance Act to invest in rehabilitation programs to strengthen services provided in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District to reduce recidivism rates and provide substance abuse treatment for those who need it most.”
“Last month, I was honored to work with colleagues across the aisle to declare April as Second Chance Month, and today’s introduction of the Second Chance Act builds on our bipartisan efforts to break down barriers for formerly incarcerated Americans,” said Rep. McBath. “The goal of our justice system is to reduce and prevent recidivism, which is why we must make smart federal investments to support programs and organizations that assist individuals with reentry. We in Congress can and must be leaders in breaking the stigma and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals to once again make vital contributions to their communities. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.”
“It is incredibly important to create pathways for incarcerated Arkansans and Americans who have paid their debt to society and are now experiencing the arduous barriers to re-enter their communities. Congress must work towards reducing recidivism rates and breaking the cycle of crime,” said Rep. Westerman. “There is no doubt that each of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect among their peers. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act which will promote second chances and in turn, create safer communities and brighter futures.
“Thousands of citizens return from incarceration to our communities every year,” said Rep. Johnson. “I know how difficult it is for people to get back up on their feet after getting out of the system. We need to fund programs that can remove barriers for returning citizens. That’s what Second Chance Act is all about, and I’m proud to support this critical, bipartisan legislation.”
“Stabilizing services and employment opportunities are critical for recently incarcerated individuals. We know these programs get people back on the right track and facilitate successful reentry,” said Rep. Scott. “The Second Chance Act reduces recidivism and provides critical support for those returning to society and I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort with me.”
“I am pleased to support the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which demonstrates our commitment to the power of forgiveness and rehabilitation,” said Rep. Bacon. “Second Chance programs have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.”
“Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life after incarceration, and that means real support, not roadblocks. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act invests in the housing, job training, and mental health services that make successful reentry possible,” said Rep. Velázquez. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to break cycles of incarceration and uplift communities across the country, and I thank Representatives Danny Davis and Carol Miller for their leadership on this important legislation.”
“America is the land of opportunity and second chances. Previously incarcerated individuals who take accountability for their actions and improve their lives should be able to count on our support,” said Rep. Smucker. “By passing the Second Chance Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, we can help more Americans successfully reenter and become productive members of their communities.”
“I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization of 2025. In Northeast Ohio we know first-hand how the cycles of incarceration can negatively impact families and communities,” said Rep. Brown. “By investing in reentry programs and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, the Second Chance Act has reduced recidivism, strengthened families, and invested in communities that are far too often left behind. We need to build on that progress and ensure more people have a real path to opportunity and stability.”
“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 represents a principled and measured approach to criminal justice reform, one that reaffirms our commitment to accountability while acknowledging the vital role of rehabilitation and successful reintegration,” said Rep. Turner. “When we invest in programs that prepare individuals to return to society with purpose and responsibility, we not only restore lives, but strengthen the foundations of our communities.”
“For many incarcerated Alabamians and Americans, paying their debt to society after committing a crime is just the start of a long, burdensome process toward re-entering society,” said Rep. Moore. “The Lord shows each of us grace daily, and that same grace should be shown to those who are committed to breaking the cycle of crime and reintegrating into communities. We must do all we can to help reduce recidivism rates and provide pathways to opportunities that will help incarcerated individuals see a brighter future. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act and look forward to seeing the positive impacts it makes on incarcerated individuals and their communities.”
“I’m honored to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization. These programs have a proven track record of reducing recidivism and helping returning citizens come back home to become productive members of our communities,” said Rep. Carson. “Over half of all Second Chance participants enrolled in re-entry programs for employment, housing and education services. My home state of Indiana has seen a 21% drop in re-incarceration rates since the bill was first enacted, and if we continue to boldly invest in Second Chances, our families and communities will grow stronger with opportunities for everyone.
“For too long, our country’s criminal justice system has focused on punitive measures that do nothing to reduce recidivism or actually make our communities safer. We need to invest in initiatives that center rehabilitation and reentry – which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Second Chance Reauthorization Act,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This legislation will continue giving formerly incarcerated individuals the tools and support they need to come back to their homes and communities and successfully rebuild their lives.”
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
Background: The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:
Reauthorize key grant programs that provide vital services, supports, and resources for people reentering their communities after incarceration;
Expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individuals reentering the community from prison and jail; and
Enhance addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention.
Since its passage 16 years ago, Second Chance has supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism. To date, Second Chance grants have reached more than 442,000 justice-involved individuals who participated in reentry services or parole and probation programs. From 2009 to 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded over 1,300 Second Chance Act grants to states, local, and tribal governments, as well as reentry-focused community organizations. Second Chance grants have been administered to 871 agencies across 49 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
The legislation is supported by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Correctional Leaders Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Conservative Political Action Conference, American Correctional Association, American Jail Association, Prison Fellowship, National District Attorneys Association, American Parole and Probation Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National League of Cities, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities,Unify.US, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – Last week, after an 18-hour markup session, the Ways and Means Committee voted to build upon the 2017 Trump tax cuts, averting a 22 percent tax hike on American families. The Republican-led bill will deliver meaningful tax relief for average working families, including an additional $1,300 tax cut, increasing annual take-home pay by $4,000 to $5,000, and raising annual real wages by roughly $3,000. This One, Big, Beautiful Bill keeps President Trump’s promises of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, no tax on auto loan interest, and tax relief for seniors.
This bill will also bolster small businesses throughout the country by increasing the 199A small business deduction to 23 percent and making the deduction permanent, provide relief to gig workers by ending the $600 1099-K reporting threshold imposed by Democrats, and encourages domestic manufacturing by allowing 100% expensing for new factories and improvements to existing factories. The legislation also ensures taxpayer benefits are going to legal American citizens by requiring a Social Security number for individuals claiming tax credits and deductions.
“Ways and Means Committee Republicans are committed to ensuring that American families are once again put at the forefront of our country’s economic policies, rather than foreign governments and illegal immigrants. By passing this tax package through our committee, we are one step closer to securing President Trump’s promises and ushering in a golden age of American manufacturing and economic success. I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this bill so that we can continue to work toward getting it to President Trump’s desk,” said Congresswoman Miller.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – This morning, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Congresswoman Miller voted in favor of the legislation, and spoke in support of the bill’s passage on the House floor. Her speech can be viewed here and is transcribed below:
“Thank you for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
Ways and Means Republicans have worked tirelessly for two years, traveling across America and hearing from real people about the impact that the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts had on them.
Working families got more money back in their pay checks from a simplified tax code, Main Street America was able to utilize the small business deduction to weather the storm of high inflation during the Biden years, and larger businesses were able to invest more of their money domestically because of a globally competitive corporate rate.
This One, Big, Beautiful Bill builds on all of that successful tax policy – and then some.
This bill gives the average working family a $1,300 tax cut. It delivers on President Trump’s promises of no tax on tips and no tax on overtime pay. It makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to keep our economy humming.
It also provides relief to gig workers by ending the Democrats’ ridiculous $600 1099-K reporting threshold and reverting back to the time-tested standard of $20,000 and 200 transactions.
I have worked tirelessly to fix this problem since Democrats created it – and I am glad to see it included in this bill.
This legislation will undoubtedly make the life of the Average American better, and I am proud to support it on the House floor and help get it to President Trump’s desk. I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed deep unhappiness at Russia’s weekend bombing of Ukraine, saying of Russian President Vladimir Putin, “I’m not happy with Putin.”
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? Right? He’s killing a lot of people. I’m not happy about that,” Trump told reporters at the airport in Morristown, New Jersey, as he prepared to return to Washington.
Trump spoke in reaction to a Russian barrage of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities overnight on Sunday, including the capital Kyiv, in the largest aerial attack of the war so far, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more.
Trump has been trying to get both sides to agree to a ceasefire in the three-year-old war in Ukraine and he spoke for more than two hours with Putin last week.
He raised the possibility of imposing more sanctions on Russia in response to the ongoing attacks.
“Always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all,” Trump said.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Labour Department will hold a briefing on the abolition of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement on June 26 (Thursday) at 3.30pm at the Hall, North Point Community Hall, 123 Java Road, North Point. Participants may also join the briefing online in real time via Zoom. Employers, employees and human resources practitioners are welcome to attend.
The abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement took effect on May 1 to improve the retirement protection of employees. To tie in with the abolition, the Government on the same day launched the 25-year Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement (SSA) to share out the severance payment/long service payment expenses of employers after the abolition. The key features of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement, the calculation of severance payment/long service payment after the abolition, and the main points of the SSA will be introduced in the briefing.
The briefing will be conducted in Cantonese, and admission is free. Quotas will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the enrolment deadline is June 18 (Wednesday). The enrolment form can be downloaded from the thematic website of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement (www.op.labour.gov.hk/en/pdf/Enrolment Form_June_(e).pdf). For enquiries, please call 2852 3921.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Firing practice will take place at two military sites, namely the San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range and the Tsing Shan Firing Range, next month (June).
Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.
Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in June 2025:
San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range ————————————–
Date
Time
June 2 (Monday) June 3 (Tuesday) June 4 (Wednesday) June 5 (Thursday) June 6 (Friday) June 9 (Monday) June 10 (Tuesday) June 11 (Wednesday) June 12 (Thursday) June 13 (Friday) June 16 (Monday) June 17 (Tuesday) June 18 (Wednesday) June 19 (Thursday) June 20 (Friday) June 23 (Monday) June 24 (Tuesday) June 25 (Wednesday) June 26 (Thursday) June 27 (Friday) June 30 (Monday)
June 2 (Monday) June 3 (Tuesday) June 4 (Wednesday) June 5 (Thursday) June 6 (Friday) June 9 (Monday) June 10 (Tuesday) June 11 (Wednesday) June 12 (Thursday) June 13 (Friday) June 16 (Monday) June 17 (Tuesday) June 18 (Wednesday) June 19 (Thursday) June 20 (Friday) June 23 (Monday) June 24 (Tuesday) June 25 (Wednesday) June 26 (Thursday) June 27 (Friday) June 30 (Monday)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Asia Summit on Global Health today (May 26):
Honourable Vice-minister Cao Xuetao (Vice-minister of the National Health Commission), Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am delighted to join you all for this year’s Asia Summit on Global Health. Delighted to welcome our friends from around the world to Hong Kong.
Global health starts with unity. This spirit of collaboration is as important today as it was in 2021, when this Summit was first launched. It was launched under the cloud of the global pandemic. We don’t need any reminding of the dark days of the COVID-19 outbreak. But it is worth recalling that those difficult times also sparked a remarkable period of healthcare innovation and co-operation. These positive trends continue, here today, at this Summit.
I thank all who are attending the Summit – over 2 800 experts from some 40 countries and regions. You are medical professionals, policymakers, academics, heads of pharmaceutical and health tech enterprises, and experts in many other fields.
You are here to explore innovative solutions to chronic diseases, healthcare inequities and the challenges of an ageing population. To share knowledge and explore the promising opportunities in medicine, and medical technology, across Asia and beyond.
These topics, and more, will be under the microscope, during the next two days of high-level panel discussions, networking and deal-making sessions. From a global perspective, the Director-General of the World Health Organization will share with us his views by video in a few minutes.
Under the theme of “Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future”, this Summit reaffirms Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a leading health innovation hub in the region.
Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys unique connectivity with both Mainland China and the world. As the world’s freest economy and one of the top three international financial centres, we offer an efficient, open and fair business environment with robust intellectual property protection. We maintain free flows of information, capital, goods and talent. We are also emerging as a leading hub for scientific innovation, technological advancement and world-class education.
Hong Kong is the only city in Asia with as many as five universities ranked in the top 100 globally. We are home to two of the world’s top 40 medical schools, and eight State Key Laboratories in life and health disciplines. This, and more, provides fertile ground for world-class scientific research and medical technology innovation.
Under “one country, two systems”, we also enjoy strong support of national strategies, coupled with ever-closer connectivity with our country, China.
The connectivity is fully evident at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. Straddling our boundary with the neighbouring city of Shenzhen, the Co-operation Zone comprises the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park. It pools together the technological strengths of our two cities.
Our respective, and collective, strengths are recognised internationally, I’m pleased to add. In its annual Global Innovation Index, the World Intellectual Property Organization has ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster second, globally, for five consecutive years.
It helps that we are core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or the GBA, a cluster city development that brings together 11 cities in southern China. It has a population of some 87 million, and a GDP that closely rivals the world’s 10th-largest economy.
Riding on this synergy with other GBA cities, the Hong Kong Park of the Co-operation Zone is in good shape for its operational phase later this year. We will provide over US$250 million to support the InnoHK research clusters to set up there, and another US$25 million to assist start-ups engaging in life and health technology.
The InnoHK clusters, let me add, now count 29 research centres and laboratories focusing on health tech, artificial intelligence and robotics, each formed by partnering a Hong Kong institution with a Mainland or international institution.
In other news from the Co-operation Zone, the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute is now up and running in the Hong Kong Park.
And, just last week, the Institute started a collaboration initiative on clinical trial with our two medical schools. In more than 70 clinical trial projects expected to be launched in the coming year, the Institute will help to co-ordinate in cross-boundary clinical trials, connection with GBA institutions, and more. Well, that’s what I call a healthy outcome!
Another key healthcare collaboration is on the registration for drugs and medical devices. Under a special measure of the National Medical Products Administration, several healthcare institutions in Mainland cities of the GBA may now use drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong, but not yet registered on the Mainland. This accelerated pathway allows for the access of innovative medicines and devices into the Mainland market.
We are now working with Shenzhen to establish a Real-World Study and Application Centre, by year’s end, to promote co-operation on the sharing of health and medical data. It would speed up the approval and registration of new drugs in both places.
Hong Kong is committed to establishing its own internationally recognised authority for the registration of drugs and medical devices. We have implemented the “1+” mechanism for the registration of new drugs, vaccines and advanced therapy products. The mechanism allows for a drug to be registered in Hong Kong, once it has been registered with a reference drug regulatory authority, and supported by local clinical data.
These and other efforts will drive the development of Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. More importantly, they will expedite patients’ access to advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
To boost Hong Kong’s research prowess, we have launched a subsidy to support local universities in setting up health technology research institutes. With an allocation of some US$770 million, the programme will foster academic collaboration in life and health sciences research.
Beyond funding research, let me add, we are also investing into developing our research talent. As a result, publicly funded PhD places increased by about one-third to 7 200 over the past two academic years. Places under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme also saw a one-third rise.
We endeavour to ensure the timely, and efficient, commercial returns from Hong Kong’s excellent research outcomes, including healthcare innovations. For this, we have set aside over US$1.2 billion for the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, and another US$1.2 billion for the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme. These Schemes support enterprises to adopt new innovations, and set up smart productions facilities, respectively.
Ladies and gentlemen, in fighting a virus, isolation is vital – quarantining the infected to protect the healthy. But in tackling healthcare, trade, and other societal issues, isolation is not the answer. While walls may stem the spread of a disease, they stifle free and open exchange, which is the lifeblood of prosperity.
With unilateralism and protectionism sweeping the world like a contagion, we should remember a fundamental truth: Trade thrives on openness. Much as how a human body can only stay healthy when its interconnected systems work in harmony, our global economy can only prosper with an ecosystem of trust, collaboration and multilateralism. For in trade, as in health, resilience lies not in isolation, but in collaboration. And Hong Kong is here to build meaningful partnerships and innovative co-operations, with all of you.
My thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for jointly organising this Summit with the HKSAR Government. I encourage all of you to visit the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair, another key event of this International Healthcare Week, over the next three days.
As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine”. Therefore, while this Summit focuses on the serious topic of global health, I would like to see all of you rejoice here and participate in a happy mood. Find time, also, to relax and enjoy the colourful cultural experiences here in our world city.
I wish you all a very successful Summit, a delightful stay in Hong Kong and, of course, the best of health!
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Government today (May 26) announced that, as set out in the 2025-26 Budget, a one-off extra allowance equal to one half of the monthly payment or allowance will be provided to eligible recipients of social security payments, including recipients of the standard rate of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance and Disability Allowance. Similar arrangements will apply to households receiving the Working Family Allowance (WFA). The above recipients will receive the extra allowance starting from today (details in the Annex).
A Government spokesman said that recipients who were eligible for social security payments on April 30, 2025 (i.e. the date on which the Legislative Council approved the Appropriation Bill 2025), and the households for which WFA applications were made within the period from October 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, and approved would be eligible for the one-off extra allowance. It is estimated that about 1.71 million social security recipients and about 56 000 WFA households would benefit, involving a total of about $3,084 million in extra expenditure. The payment will be credited to the designated Hong Kong bank accounts of the eligible recipients/households and no separate application is required.
For enquiries, recipients of social security payments may call the hotline of the Social Welfare Department (2343 2255) or contact the respective Social Security Field Unit. As for enquiries from households in receipt of the WFA, please call the hotline of the Working Family Allowance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (2558 3000).
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart for Canada today to visit Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
During his visit, Mr Hui will attend the premier Web Summit Vancouver, a key event, where he will share the latest fintech developments and opportunities in Hong Kong with thousands of tech entrepreneurs, investors and leaders.
He will also join several business networking events organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Toronto) and Invest Hong Kong (Canada) to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages in areas such as the financial market, wealth management and fintech, along with the policy support and concessions offered to boost relevant developments and applications.
In addition to conferring with government financial officials of Canada, Mr Hui plans to meet representatives from trade associations and think tanks. He will also visit a number of banks and insurance companies.
Mr Hui is scheduled to return to Hong Kong on May 31. During his absence, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan will be Acting Secretary.
Heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai on Monday, marking the arrival of the monsoon season, with visuals from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) capturing the downpour. Several areas across the city recorded substantial rainfall, according to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
In the western suburbs, Supari Tank and Nariyalwadi Santacruz received the highest rainfall at 25 mm, followed by Khar Danda Pali Hill with 24 mm. Other notable readings included 18 mm at the HE Ward Office, 16 mm at the HW Ward Office, and 15 mm and 14 mm at the Vile Parle and Andheri Fire Stations, respectively. Chakal Municipal School and Malvani Fire Station reported 14 mm and 12 mm, while the Versova Pumping Station recorded 11 mm.
In the eastern suburbs, Collector Colony in Chembur logged 13 mm of rainfall. The Chembur Fire Station and MW Ward Office followed with 9 mm each. In central Mumbai, Britania SWD and Sewri Koliwada received 12 mm, while the Gokhale Road Municipal School recorded 11 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), via its official handle @Indiametdept, stated, “A moderate spell of rainfall is likely to continue over Kerala, coastal Maharashtra including Mumbai, south Jharkhand, north Uttar Pradesh, and Meghalaya during the next three hours.”
Sunday night’s heavy showers led to waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai. In response, the IMD issued orange to red alerts for the city and its surrounding suburban areas, warning of potential weather-related risks.
In a post on X, the IMD said, “Light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue over Mumbai and suburban areas during the next 3-4 hours.” The department further added, “Orange to red colour warnings for moderate to heavy spells of rainfall, with moderate thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds of 50–60 kmph, have been issued for Mumbai and suburban areas for the next three hours.”
Earlier, on May 23, Mumbai witnessed light showers with the IMD forecasting generally cloudy skies and heavy rainfall. “The city is likely to experience generally cloudy skies with heavy rain today,” the IMD had said.
Meanwhile, in Thane district, heavy rainfall late Wednesday night caused severe damage to the Bhiwandi-Wada road, resulting in massive traffic congestion on Thursday. Large potholes created by the downpour, combined with ongoing road construction, slowed traffic significantly. The jam extended for nearly 7 to 8 kilometres, leaving many commuters stranded for more than four hours.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday celebrated India’s ascent to becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, crediting the achievement to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
Speaking at a “Mann Ki Baat” listening event in Assam’s Dibrugarh, Sonowal praised the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address for inspiring millions with stories of courage, innovation, and national pride.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has consistently inspired the citizens of the nation through transformative ideas and stories of courage from across the country,” Sonowal said. “Listening to today’s address once again left me inspired. The Prime Minister has urged all citizens to dedicate themselves to building a developed and self-reliant India. Under his leadership, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy. We must commit ourselves to taking this journey of growth and prosperity to even greater heights and ultimately achieve Modi ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
The Dibrugarh MP also led a Tiranga Yatra in the city, organized to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent evacuation and rescue mission. He praised the bravery of the armed forces and reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to national security.
During the Yatra, Sonowal also paused to engage with rickshaw pullers and labourers along the route, expressing gratitude for their contributions to society.
“Shramiks are one of the key driving forces of our great nation. Meeting these hardworking individuals has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me. I thank them for their hard work towards the service of society. After interacting with them, I felt encouraged and grateful to this wonderful country where everyone is working towards building a better tomorrow under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji. The unshaken smiles of Shramiks, even in the face of hardship, are what keep us going. They always inspire me. The Modi government remains committed to its holistic welfare and development.”
Later in the day, Sonowal unveiled a full-sized statue of Matak monarch Swargadeo Sarbananda Singha Dev at Koilabari in Sadiya town. The unveiling ceremony drew widespread participation from community leaders, cultural figures, and local residents who came to pay homage to one of Assam’s most iconic rulers.
Reflecting on the monarch’s legacy, Sonowal said: “The life and legacy of Swargadeo Sarbananda Singha Dev reflect a profound commitment to public service, justice, and the welfare of his people. His unwavering dedication to his motherland continues to inspire our national spirit. As we unveil this full-sized statue at Koilabari in Sadiya, I urge everyone – especially the younger generation – to draw strength from his ideals and dedicate themselves with sincerity and responsibility to the cause of nation-building. Let his example guide us in our collective journey toward a more just, united, and prosperous India.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) — A themed event titled “Anti-Fascist War in Artworks” was held in Shanghai recently to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Zhongxinwang reported.
The event, organized by the Shanghai Association of Chinese Studied in Europe and America, was attended by Chinese and foreign guests, including representatives of the Russian Consulate General in Shanghai and the Belarusian Consulate General in Shanghai, as well as students from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states studying in Shanghai.
In honor of the great victory in the anti-fascist war, the event included talks and artistic performances, and an exhibition dedicated to the theme of victory, peace and friendship was opened.
The exhibition featured sculptures and oil paintings created by graduates of the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and the V. I. Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute at the Russian Academy of Arts.
Xiong Jian, executive vice-chairman of the Shanghai Association of Chinese Studied in Europe and America, said that holding this event is of great significance. It promotes cultural exchange and mutual learning, and emphasizes the importance of remembering history and preserving peace.
According to him, the victory in the world anti-fascist war is the result of international cooperation. This event is designed to help people realize that in the face of global challenges, only through joint efforts can countries overcome difficulties.
As reported, in August this year, the Shanghai Association of Chinese Studied in Europe and America, together with the Shanghai Artists Association and other organizations, will also hold an art exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. -0-
