Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 2 (Xinhua) — The 24/7 customs clearance regime officially began trial operation at the Irkeshtam border checkpoint on the China-Kyrgyzstan border in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday, the local border control agency said.
Thus, Irkeshtam, which is the westernmost land border crossing of China, became the second such checkpoint in Xinjiang, where it was possible to ensure continuous operation in the field of customs clearance of goods, following the Khorgos checkpoint. This will further contribute to the uninterrupted trade and logistics channels between China and Central Asia.
There has been a steady increase in the number of people and vehicles entering and leaving China through the Irkeshtam checkpoint in recent years, indicating high demand for cross-border transportation.
According to Jiang Zhidong, chairman of a local international trade company, 24/7 customs clearance of goods will significantly improve the efficiency of cargo transit through Irkeshtam and reduce logistics costs.
According to data as of June 1, the number of people and vehicles that passed through the Irkeshtam checkpoint after inspection amounted to more than 105,800 person-times and more than 98,500 units, respectively, which is 80 percent and 79 percent more in annual terms.
Since the trial launch of the 24/7 customs clearance regime for cargo at 10:00 on Sunday, as of 08:00 on Monday, a total of 966 incoming and outgoing trucks have been checked and cleared at the Irkeshtam checkpoint. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 2 (Xinhua) — Chinese researchers have released data on river runoff in the Tianshan Mountains watershed, an important region where Central Asian rivers flow.
The study, conducted by scientists from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Scientific Data.
The dataset collected daily runoff data from 56 river basins and monthly data from 89 river basins in the Tianshan Mountains. The researchers reconstructed runoff observations by combining data from both local and international monitoring stations.
The study found a general trend of increasing water runoff in the Tianshan Mountains watersheds, which was particularly noticeable between 1990 and 2019. Spatially, it showed increasing runoff in the west and south and decreasing runoff in the east and north.
According to the first author of this study, Li Shuai, due to data shortage and complex hydrological conditions in the Tianshan region, there is still no consistent and systematic data on river runoff.
“This is the first comprehensive and long-term study on streamflow modeling and data reconstruction at the watershed scale in the Tianshan Mountains,” Li Shuai said.
According to the results, the study helped to obtain comprehensive data on river runoff from small basins in the Tianshan Mountains and provides necessary data for water resources management and impact assessment of extreme weather events in the region. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, June 2 /Xinhua/ — Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom have completed bilateral negotiations on joining the WTO, the UzDaily.uz news portal reported on Sunday, citing the words of Uzbekistan’s chief negotiator Azizbek Urunov.
“At the end of last month, we were in London to hold bilateral talks with the British side. Now I am happy to announce their completion,” A. Urunov noted. According to him, after returning to Tashkent, the Uzbek delegation carried out all the necessary internal procedures.
It is noted that the UK has become the 24th country with which Uzbekistan has completed bilateral negotiations on market access.
According to him, negotiations still need to be held with several WTO member countries to complete the entire process of bilateral agreements. The agreement reached with the UK is considered a significant step forward in the overall process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the international trading system. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 2 (Xinhua) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a telephone conversation on Sunday. The parties discussed the situation related to the crisis around Ukraine. The corresponding information was published by the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry on the same day.
US Secretary of State M. Rubio expressed his sincere condolences over the civilian casualties resulting from the bombings of railway infrastructure in the Bryansk and Kursk regions on June 1.
The Russian side emphasized that the competent authorities are conducting the most thorough investigation and the results will be published in the nearest future. The guilty parties will definitely be identified and will inevitably suffer the punishment they deserve.
S. Lavrov and M. Rubio also exchanged views on various initiatives concerning the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, including plans to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul on June 2. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Kyiv/Moscow, June 2 (Xinhua) — The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said Sunday that 34 percent of strategic cruise missile carriers at Russia’s main airfields were hit in an attack carried out on Sunday. The Russian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said several aircraft caught fire.
According to a message published by the SBU on Facebook, the estimated cost of the damaged strategic aviation is about 7 billion US dollars.
The Interfax-Ukraine news agency, citing its sources, reported that drones struck four military airfields on Russian territory: Belaya in the Irkutsk region, Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, Olenya in the Murmansk region, and Ivanovo in the Ivanovo region.
According to the agency, more than forty A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 aircraft, which Russia used to strike Ukrainian territory, were hit as a result of the attack.
The Russian Defense Ministry, in turn, reported that the Ukrainian side committed a terrorist attack using FPV drones against airfields in the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur regions. All terrorist attacks at military airfields in the Ivanovo, Ryazan and Amur regions were repelled.
According to the Russian military department, several aircraft units caught fire in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions as a result of FPV drones being launched from the territory located in the immediate vicinity of airfields. The fires have been extinguished. There are no casualties among military personnel or civilian personnel. Some of the participants in the terrorist attacks have been detained.
Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev reported on his Telegram channel that the first drone attack in Siberia took place in the region on a military unit in the village of Sredniy. “At the moment, it is known that this was a drone attack on a military unit in the village of Sredniy. The first in Siberia. One drop was on an old building in Novomaltinsk. The exact number of UAVs has not yet been counted. Operational and security services have been deployed to the scene: FSB officers, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and Russian National Guard fighters. They set up an operational headquarters. I also went to the Usolsky District,” I. Kobzev wrote. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 2 (Xinhua) — By the end of May 2025, Mongolia’s breeding stock of cattle, or 17.7 million heads, counted at the beginning of the year, had produced offspring, local media reported on Monday, citing data from the country’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.
“Thus, since the beginning of 2025, the number of young animals has increased by 17.5 million heads compared to the same period of the previous year,” the official statement says.
Livestock farming is one of the main levers of the Mongolian economy, as almost 40 percent of the country’s nomadic population depends on it.
However, due to the harsh and long winter, most of the Mongolian nomadic herders lose their livestock every year, which reduces their livelihood.
According to the National Statistical Committee of Mongolia, by the end of 2024, the total livestock population in the country decreased by 10.9 percent, amounting to 57.6 million heads. –0–
The Department of Commerce Office of Space Commerce and NIST welcomes Dr. Antonino Salmeri, Director, Lunar Policy Platform, for a seminar and discussion on Lunar Policy for a Thriving Lunar Economy.
This seminar will focus on the role of lunar policy for a thriving lunar economy. The seminar will begin with an overview of the legal and policy framework, present priorities and policies for peaceful, safe, and sustainable lunar activities, and conclude with a case study on lunar information sharing. The seminar will be delivered by Dr. Antonino Salmeri, space lawyer specialized in the governance of space resources and lunar activities and Director of the Lunar Policy Platform.
Participants and attendees can expect the following outcomes:
gain a foundational understanding of the main legal framework and key policy developments applicable to lunar activities;
discover policy priorities and policy deliverables for peace, safety and sustainability on the Moon, supported by over 35 stakeholders;
learn about ongoing multilateral and multi-stakeholder efforts to streamline lunar information sharing, and how to participate.
Dr. Antonino Salmeri is a space lawyer specialized in the governance of lunar and space resource activities. He holds four advanced degrees in law and currently works as Director of the Lunar Policy Platform (LPP). Dr. Salmeri regularly advises governments and companies on international space law, policy, and diplomacy. In this capacity, he recently served as special advisor on lunar governance to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, contributing to the organization of the first UN Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities and to the establishment of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultations (ATLAC) within the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Dr. Salmeri is the author of leading publications shaping the evolution of international space law and policy, including a book on the Multi Level Governance of Space Mining, the Lunar Policy Priorities Report, the Lunar Policy Handbook, the EAGLE Report, and The Hague Building Blocks. Dr. Salmeri’s contributions to the advancement of space law and astronautics have been recognized through several prestigious awards, such as the Young Space Leader Award of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Diederiks-Verschoor Award of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).
Dr. Salmeri possess an extensive network in the space sector through his voluntary roles at major entities, such as Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC, period 2023 – 2025), Governing Member of the International Space University (ISU), member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), member of several technical and administrative committees of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and regular speaker at high level multilateral gatherings and major international events.
overnor Tina Kotek, in coordination with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), has formally requested Presidential Disaster Declarations to provide federal support for communities across Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties devastated by the 2025 floods.
From mid-March to mid-April, Oregon experienced a historic combination of severe storms, rapid snowmelt, and record-level rainfall. The resulting floods caused landslides, infrastructure failure, and widespread displacement, especially in isolated, rural areas. Homes, businesses, bridges, and utility systems were damaged or destroyed, and many residents are still unable to return home.
“Although this disaster hit some of the most remote and economically vulnerable communities of our state, these folks have each other’s backs – they helped their neighbors to get through the initial emergency. They are resilient and resourceful, but they can’t do recovery alone,” Governor Kotek said. “These communities urgently need federal support to help them recover.”
The state’s request includes:
Public Assistance for Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties to repair roads, public buildings, and utilities.
Individual Assistance for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, and separately for Harney County and the Burns Paiute Tribe, to support individuals and families affected by the flooding.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding statewide to invest in long-term resilience and flood protection.
In Harney County, the situation was especially severe. Unseasonably warm temperatures rapidly melted snowpack which was more than double the seasonal average. This overwhelmed the Silvies River, breached levees, and led to the failure of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. Sewage-contaminated floodwaters caused serious public health hazards, damaged more than 100 homes, and forced extended evacuations.
“This is the second major disaster Harney County has faced in a year, following wildfires in 2024,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “With limited local capacity, federal resources are essential to help these communities recover and to prevent future devastation.”
The requested declarations would open access to federal resources to help eligible individuals and households with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs, support economically and physically impacted small businesses, and support public infrastructure repairs and long-term rebuilding. They would also support hazard mitigation projects like reinforced levees, improved floodplain management, and more resilient infrastructure. For updates and information on available recovery resources, visit www.Oregon.gov/OEM.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE continues to promote green mobility through VI Cycling Marathon in Djizak
The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) organized the VI Cycling Marathon for preschool children on 30 May 2025 in Djizak, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness, sustainable mobility and healthy lifestyles.
This annual initiative brought together 100 children and their families, highlighting the importance of early environmental education and active living.
“The Cycling Marathon takes place on the eve of International Children’s Day. This reminds us that we have to work against climate change now. We must not steal the right to a clean and safe environment from our children,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of Office of PCUz.
Earlier this year, the PCUz donated 500 balance bicycles to preschool educational institutions in the Djizak region. In addition, instructors and educators were coached to provide cycling training in accordance with international practices, ensuring children develop essential motor and co-ordination skills through fun and safe eco-friendly activities.
By encouraging the use of green transport and raising awareness about environmental protection, the PCUz supports Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy and promotes sustainable development values from an early age. This sixth edition of the cycling marathon follows successful events held in Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, Nukus and Namangan.
The marathon was opened jointly by Ambassador Karttunen; Sherzod Karimov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education; and Akmal Savurbaev, Deputy Governor of the Djizak region.
Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.
While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.
A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.
Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.
Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.
Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.
LONDON, U.K. – June 02, 2025: Samsung is today encouraging smartphone users across the UK to enable and update the latest anti-theft features available on Samsung Galaxy devices. This activity supports the UK Home Office’s ongoing work to drive new nationwide action to tackle mobile phone thefts.
Samsung issued a public safety security message alert today, which will reach all over 40m Samsung Account holders in the UK this week, through customer communication channels and the Samsung Members platform.
This outreach will be reinforced through UK social channels and Samsung has also committed significant marketing spend this week, launching an awareness campaign around the privacy features available on the Samsung Knox Security Platform. The privacy campaign will feature at Samsung’s Piccadilly Lights space, through OOH adverts in tube stations and train stations in central London and content across OLV, CTV and BVOD channels.
Samsung recently started rolling out One UI 7 with security updates to existing features, including additional theft-protection and security delay anti-robbery features. These features will now also be available to even more devices, having starting with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series in February, and now rolling out to further Galaxy series smartphones throughout this year.
Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing, UK&I at Samsung, spoke on the issue of phone theft: “Samsung is deeply committed to working closely with the Home Office on the issue of mobile phone theft and related crimes and we’re in constant collaboration with our partners across the industry, to look at new and existing solutions to help combat this complex issue and ultimately help improve the safety of mobile phone users.
“Our recent One UI 7 update built further on existing protections with new anti-theft features such as identity check, biometric authentication and security delay, all featured in our latest Galaxy S25 series. These features have now also been rolled out into a range of models across our devices and further updates will follow. We must do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of our customers when they are using their mobile devices and we will continue to work hard to ensure our customers are aware of the wide range of security features available to them.”
Samsung is introducing new security updates to better protect users in the event of phone theft. One critical update is Theft Protection – a multi-layered suite of features developed to safeguard personal data, even in high-risk situations such as robbery.
Theft Protection builds on standard Android safeguards, which are effective in typical theft scenarios where the thief doesn’t know the PIN. With One UI 7, Samsung goes further by introducing additional protections that anticipate more serious threats, including cases where access credentials may have been exposed.
Galaxy users can now enable a range of new security measures, including Identity Check, designed to offer stronger protection in complex theft scenarios. These features respond automatically and intelligently to suspicious activity, helping ensure that personal data remains secure and under the user’s control in these critical moments.
Existing and updated features in Theft Protection include:
Theft Detection Lock: Uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft such as snatching, and instantly locks the screen to stop unauthorised access.
Offline Device Lock: Automatically locks the screen if the device is disconnected from the network for an extended period, ensuring protection even when the device is offline.
Remote Lock: If the device has already been stolen, users can lock it remotely using their phone number and a quick verification step. Remote Lock also allows users to regain control of their account and explore additional recovery options.
New Anti-Robbery Features released on One UI 7 include:
Identity Check: In unfamiliar locations, the ‘Safe Places’ feature requires biometric authentication for any changes to sensitive security settings, adding an additional layer of protection when a PIN may have been compromised.
Security Delay: If a robber attempts to reset biometric data, a one-hour delay immediately gets activated before any changes take effect. This crucial buffer gives Samsung customers time to lock the stolen phone from a connected device, such as a PC or tablet, before unauthorised access can occur.
These updated theft features are now becoming available on previous flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23 and S22 series currently, with future updates planned for even more Galaxy smartphones.
To set up the latest anti-theft features, users in the UK can contact Samsung here:
Visit: samsung.com/uk/support/contact
Call us: 0333 000 0333
Live Chat: samsung.com/uk/support/chat-members
For guidance on setting up a Galaxy device with the latest anti-theft features, please visit:
How to use security settings on your phone | Samsung UK
Further steps to take if your Samsung Galaxy device is lost or stolen
How to remotely lock your Samsung Galaxy device:
Sign into Samsung Find using your Samsung account
Select your phone on the left-hand side of the page, then choose Lost Mode in the device details section
Create a PIN to unlock your phone if recovered, and enter it twice to confirm
You will have the option to add an emergency contact and a custom message that will display on the locked screen (It’s recommended to skip this step to avoid sharing personal contact details)
When you are ready, select the Lock button and verify your Samsung account to activate Lost mode
If your device is recovered, you can unlock it using the PIN that was created when setting lost mode on your device
How to remotely delete data on your Samsung Galaxy device:
Visit the Samsung Find website
Select the phone you want to erase and choose Erase Data
Verify your Samsung account credentials
Review the information provided and tap Erase to confirm
All the data on your mobile, including Samsung Pay information, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered
This will also reset your phone, meaning you won’t be able to locate and control it via Samsung Find
Make sure to regularly back up your data to the cloud so you can restore it to a new device if needed
How to remotely change your Samsung and/or Google account passwords:
It is recommended to change the passwords for your Samsung and Google accounts (or whichever accounts are linked to your device) by signing in through their respective websites
Once changed, you will be signed out of all connected devices, except the one you’re using
This prevents unauthorised access to account-linked features and protects your personal information
How to track your Galaxy device:
If your device is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, its last known location will appear on a map
Visit the Samsung Find website
Sign in with the Samsung account associated with your device (or a guardian’s account)
If multiple devices are linked to your account, they will all appear – select the one you want to locate
You’ll see its current or last known location
Other remote features available:
Ring: Make your device ring even if it’s set to silent or vibrate
Extend battery life: Activate power-saving settings to keep your device on longer and improve the chances of recovery
Track location: Enable real-time location tracking and your phone’s location will update every 15 minutes until tracking is stopped
Other ways to locate Galaxy devices
Find your phone using your Galaxy watch (WearOS 5 or higher):
Swipe down from the top of your Galaxy Watch to open Quick settings
Tap the Find My Phone icon
Tap Start to begin the search – your phone’s ringtone will sound
Once found, tap Stop on your watch or the X icon on your phone
Find your Galaxy Watch:
Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone
Tap Find My Watch (or Find My Band / Find My Gear, depending on your device)
If connected via Bluetooth, tap Start
Your watch will vibrate and play a sound (depending on model)
Once found, tap the X icon on your watch or Stop on your phone
Find your Galaxy Buds:
Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet
Tap Find My Earbuds
Tap Start – your earbuds will begin beeping and gradually increase in volume for three minutes
Once found, tap Stop
Using Google’s Find My Device:
Google’s Find My Device is built into Android via Google Play Services
You will need a Google account to use it
With this tool, you can set a new password, make your device ring, display a message, lock and wipe your device, and more
Contact the authorities and your mobile network provider:
Once taken the steps above, report your lost or stolen device to the police and record a crime incident report
Contact your mobile network provider to freeze your contract and prevent unauthorized usage
For additional device protection, it is recommended to have insurance that covers accidental damage, loss, or theft. Samsung offers a variety of protection plans – visit Samsung.com to explore coverage options that best suit your needs.
Headline: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Change of Leadership Team Members
The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.
According to Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the latest emissions data show “we are on track to reach our 2030 targets” under the Paris Agreement. In 2024, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions were “27% below 2005 levels”. That’s great news, right?
Well, yes and no. Australia continues to rely on changes in land use to compensate for emissions released into the atmosphere.
In other words, Australia’s plants are considered to be taking more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere now than in 2005. Their efforts are captured in the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which is the single largest reason for the significant reduction in Australian emissions.
Without accounting for land use, Australia’s emissions have only decreased 3% since 2005, not 27%.
If Australia is serious about reducing emissions and tracking towards net zero by 2050, we need to tackle a series of inconvenient truths about fossil fuels. Fossil fuels feed into almost every aspect of our lives, not just cars and power plants. There are substitutes, but they are not easy to source – and they don’t come cheap.
How fossil fuel exports drive up emissions here and overseas
Australia is one of the world’s biggest fossil fuel exporters. The coal, oil and natural gas we export is either burnt or combined with our sizeable iron ore exports to produce iron. But the greenhouse gases are released overseas, so they don’t count in Australia’s emissions data.
This is in line with our international commitments under the Paris agreement. But there is an argument to be made that even though Australia doesn’t burn those exports, we should acknowledge our central role in contributing to global emissions. We may need to account for these in future reporting.
Australia’s export emissions are likely to be triple that of our domestic emissions. These emissions have been increasing consistently over the last decade.
But the process of extracting fossil fuels and preparing them for export does show up in Australia’s domestic emission figures, through what’s called “fugitive emissions”. These fugitive emissions are the unavoidable leaks that occur when we pull fossil fuels out of the ground, store, transport and process them.
In the year to 2024, fugitive emissions accounted for 10.6% of our emissions, which is far greater than emissions from industrial processes (6.8%).
Disturbingly, recent analysis suggests fugitive emissions could be drastically underreported. Because these emissions are tricky to measure, they are often estimated on an average basis. This means reported values do not accurately reflect true releases.
When it comes to fugitive and export emissions, Australia is not on track to meet 2030 targets. Recent export-focused fossil project approvals such as the North West Shelf gas project suggest we might even be backtracking.
Chris Bowen on Insiders, Sunday June 1, 2025 (ABC News)
The transition to renewables
Closing dirty old coal-fired power stations and replacing them with renewable energy such as solar and wind power does cut emissions. The reduction in emissions from the electricity sector, down 23.7% on 2005 levels, is good news. But the difference is still small enough that seasonal variations from Tasmania’s hydro power plants can distort the annual figures.
At least there is a plan in place for the energy transition. Big, slow wheels are in motion.
Unfortunately the reality is we will need much, much more renewable energy in the future. Up to three times the current capacity of the National Electricity Market will be needed to cover future domestic energy requirements across electricity and other sectors out to 2050.
Significantly more would be required to generate enough additional green energy to also produce green value-added commodities.
Australia’s clean energy challenge
Discussions around transitioning from fossil fuels typically overlook how deeply they are embedded in our everyday lives.
Not just the fuel we use in our cars, but the roads we drive on. Not just the electricity we use to power our hospitals, but the steel used to build them and the pharmaceuticals we rely on.
Electricity can be used to make hydrogen from water through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then replace fossil fuels in manufacturing – making products such as green steel and ammonia for fertiliser.
When combined with non-fossil sources of carbon, hydrogen can also be turned into renewable fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel. It can be used to synthesise green versions of petrochemicals used in industrial processes such as ethanol, propylene and ethylene, which are currently sourced from fossil fuels.
This takes energy. Lots of it. Fortunately Australia has all the ingredients needed for a booming green industry – one that’s much broader than just renewable electricity.
Most people talk about green hydrogen in the context of energy storage or export. But it can also enable the transition away from fossil fuels in other sectors. The technology exists to make these chemicals and products, without the emissions and it’s slowly but steadily moving closer toward price parity.
If we can nail this switch to fossil-free alternatives to petrochemicals, Australia would be able to add value onshore, rather than exporting raw materials. For example, we could export iron, not iron ore. Methanol or ammonia, not hydrogen. Export the jumper, not the wool.
Heavy industry driven by renewables?
On Sunday, Bowen said he found some areas of the 2024 emissions figures “encouraging, like industrial emissions, way down and lower than 2021”.
Unfortunately, this result was partly due to a decline in manufacturing. Onshore manufacturing capability has been steadily decreasing, despite increased fossil fuel extraction.
Unless we ramp up green manufacturing – replacing fossil fuel exports with much needed renewable products and fuels – we will continue to bear responsibility, if not direct accountability, for large, exported emissions as well as onshore fugitive emissions.
And no amount of changes to land use can account for that.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.
The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.
The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.
With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.
This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.
Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.
A rising Poland
For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.
This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.
Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.
Impacts on Ukraine
Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.
This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.
Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:
Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.
Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.
Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.
I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.
This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.
Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.
However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.
Poland divided
The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.
There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.
Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.
Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.
While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.
As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).
After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.
That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.
Adam Simpson 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.
Until recently, legal restrictions in Uzbekistan limited women’s access to many jobs. Although a 2019 presidential decree abolished a list of more than 300 professions where female labor was either completely or partially prohibited, legal restrictions remained and prevented women from driving buses or freight vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons or carrying more than 14 passengers. This changed with Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 85 in February 2024, which officially lifted the remaining barriers.
While this legislative reform marks a significant step forward, there are still obstacles that limit women’s full participation in public transport employment, highlighting the need for coordinated and effective solutions.
A key obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding available opportunities in the transport sector. Although there is strong demand for skilled drivers, information about the benefits of working as an electric bus driver—particularly for women—is still limited.
Targeted information campaigns, showcasing success stories of female drivers, and media visibility of their contributions to urban mobility could play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of the profession and inspire more women to consider careers in public transport.
Working conditions also need to be improved since bus driving is physically and mentally demanding. The World Bank report Closing Gender Gaps in Transport recommends measures such as better shift scheduling, access to clean and well-lit rest areas, provision of sanitary facilities, and implementation of safety programs, which can attract more women to the profession. Modern electric buses, designed with ergonomic driver workstations, also help reduce physical strain and make vehicle operation more comfortable.
Access to quality training remains a significant barrier. Acquiring the necessary driver’s license and completing required certification courses involve financial costs, which can deter potential candidates. To address this, government support through training subsidies and incentives for companies that hire female drivers could overcome these barriers and encourage higher female participation in the transport sector.
Headline: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Change of Leadership Team Members
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Danmarks Nationalbank generally shares the Chairmanship’s assessment of the growth outlook, along with price and wage developments in the coming years. Despite the trade conflict, there are still prospects for significant growth in Danish exports, partly due to production abroad under Danish ownership, while increases in real wages support growth in private consumption. In its latest projection from March, Danmarks Nationalbank predicted higher growth and, contrary to the Chairmanship, that employment will continue to increase in the coming years. This reflects a subsequent increase in US tariffs and a different assessment of how the current capacity pressure in the economy will affect growth.
Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that there is currently unusually high uncertainty affecting consumers and businesses, e.g. it is difficult to plan investments and supply chains etc. However, Danmarks Nationalbank shares the Chairmanship’s assessment that the Danish economy has a solid foundation without significant imbalances to handle the uncertainty arising from the trade conflict.
The Chairmanship notes that trade is important, especially for a small, open economy like Denmark. Increased tariffs hamper economic activity, productivity and prosperity as less trade reduces the ability to utilise comparative advantages and capitalise on economies of scale. Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with this.
Since the bank’s last projection, a number of risks related to the trade conflict have materialised and a number of international organisations have downgraded growth in Denmark’s export markets. Based on a number of model calculations, Danmarks Nationalbank estimates that increased tariffs will weaken economic activity and, in common with the Chairmanship, assesses that there is no prospect of a massive downturn even if further risks related to the trade conflict materialise.
The Chairmanship assesses that the Danish economy will remain in a moderate boom with a high level of employment in the coming years. Danmarks Nationalbank to a greater extent than the Chairmanship assesses that pressure on the labour market has eased and that it is currently lower than the Chairmanship’s assessment. Overall, Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that the Danish economy is currently in an approximately neutral cyclical stance. This assessment is reflected in the fact that most indicators of pressure on the labour market do not deviate significantly from the period immediately before the pandemic, when developments in consumer prices were weak and wage growth moderate. Lower pressure on the labour market compared to a few years ago is also reflected in this spring’s collective wage agreements in the private labour market, with agreed wage increases compatible with stable, low inflation, as the Chairmanship also expects.
Based on the assessment that the Danish economy is in a moderate boom, the Chairmanship assesses that fiscal policy is too expansionary for the coming years from a narrow stabilisation perspective, which increases the risk of imbalances building up in the Danish economy. However, the Chairmanship also states that there are currently no clear cyclical imbalances in the Danish economy and that consequently, there are no imminent socio-economic risks in the planned fiscal policy. In its March projection, Danmarks Nationalbank agreed with the Chairmanship that there is considerable uncertainty about future defence spending and how much it will impact capacity pressures. A significant and rapid increase in defence spending could increase capacity pressures and challenge public finances. Danmarks Nationalbank assesses that if capacity pressure increases noteworthy, it should be offset by fiscal policy measures that reduce pressure in the economy accordingly. This assessment reflects that Denmark is currently assessed to be in a neutral cyclical position.
Danmarks Nationalbank agrees with the Chairmanship that a uniform carbon tax on emissions basically ensures the cheapest reductions in socio-economic terms. Danmarks Nationalbank also agrees that uniform pricing of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture across EU countries reduces total socio-economic costs, and that it is therefore ideally appropriate to work towards agriculture being covered by a common quota system at EU level.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Electronic ID for Cattle mandatory in step forward for UK biosecurity
Changes introduced to cattle identification, registration, and reporting for cattle in England.
Cattle identification and traceability in England will change over the next 2 years, in a major step forward in disease control and trade across the farming sector, Defra has announced today (Monday 2 June).
From Summer 2026, Defra will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting that will improve the government’s ability to respond effectively to disease. These changes will also simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.
New requirements will see Electric ID (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with eID eartags are able to be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number. Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy.
This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which will be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike. This will simplify existing regulations and support the livestock industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.
This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease, and the recent announcement that livestock farmers in England can apply for a series of free annual vet visits on farm to check for diseases and receive biosecurity recommendations and tailored animal health and welfare advice.
Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said:
This is a significant milestone in modernising how we manage cattle health, welfare and traceability in England.
These reforms strike the right balance in supporting farmers with clearer, simpler rules while helping the sector strengthen its productivity, resilience and global competitiveness.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss said:
Electronic identification is a game-changer for disease traceability. It allows for faster, more accurate tracking of cattle movements, which is crucial in responding to outbreaks and maintaining our high biosecurity standards.
This shift puts England in step with best global practice and today’s early confirmation will provide the livestock industry the clarity it needs to begin preparing now — ensuring that the right tags, readers and systems are available at scale ahead of rollout.
Defra will also take a more proportionate approach to enforcement, which will give keepers the opportunity to correct issues before further action is considered, as part of a broader move to reduce red tape while strengthening biosecurity.
Following the wide-reaching sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal recently agreed at the UK-EU summit, this decision will further benefit livestock businesses in England by reducing trade friction and boosting their ability to export agri-food products abroad.
Today’s changes follow the UK Government’s Cattle Identification Consultation 2023 which has been published today, which signalled strong industry support for the measures introduced.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
Lidiya Nikitovna Kondratieva, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Geotechnics at SPbGASU, was elected as an Honorary Professor of Henan University of Urban Development (HUUC) in Pingdingshan, China, where she currently teaches.
Lidiya Nikitovna has been working at SPbGASU since 2004. From 2004 to 2006, she was the vice-rector for educational work, from 2008 to 2015 – the head of the department of structural mechanics, then she became a professor of the department of geotechnics. From 2006 to 2014, she served as the academic secretary of the University Academic Council.
She is a member of two dissertation councils: the first one is on structural mechanics, building structures, buildings and constructions; the second one is on foundations and bases, underground structures. She worked for a long time in the dissertation council on architecture. She was the scientific secretary of the first of the three named councils.
Published more than 70 scientific and educational works.
For her conscientious work, she has been repeatedly awarded university certificates. In 2005, she received gratitude from the Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg for many years of conscientious work and personal contribution to the development of the city’s construction industry, and was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. In 2012, she was awarded the title of “Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation”.
Henan University of Civil Engineering is one of the top 500 universities in China (according to the Shanghai Ranking). The university was founded in 1983. It is the only university in the field of civil engineering and urban development in Henan Province and one of two Chinese universities that train specialists in the field of urban engineering. In 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed between SPbGASU and Henan University of Civil Engineering.
We wish Lidiya Nikitovna further creative and pedagogical success!
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.
Speaking at the event, Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to establishing a secure, transparent, and evidence-based criminal justice system. “This laboratory will serve as a crucial pillar in realizing that vision and aid in the implementation of the new criminal laws,” he said.
The Union Minister emphasized the role of forensic science in securing convictions and ensuring justice, stating that a national network of FSLs is being established through a cluster approach, where 3–4 states will share facilities and resources. Beginning January 2026, the government plans to launch a campaign to integrate forensic practices down to the police station level, aiming to move from a system based on argument to one rooted in evidence.
Shah also formally launched Narcotics Version 2.0 and Explosives Version 2.0, digital tools designed to simplify forensic processes. He noted that crimes are evolving in the digital age and that law enforcement must stay ahead through the adoption of science and technology.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to reforms through the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replace colonial-era laws. Shah said these laws empower investigators with clear legal backing for using technology and make forensic visits mandatory in cases involving sentences of more than seven years.
The Home Minister also underlined progress in justice delivery, stating that 60% of chargesheets are now filed within 60 days and that provisions such as trial in absentia will help prosecute absconders using international mechanisms.
To support this infrastructure, the government has approved 16 campuses of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), with 7 already operational. Plans are in place to train 36,000 forensic professionals annually through these institutions, exceeding the country’s current estimated need of 30,000 trained experts per year.
Additionally, 9 more NFSU campuses and 7 new CFSLs are being set up in states including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar, at a combined investment of over ₹2,100 crore. A National Forensic Data Centre, with an allocation of ₹200 crore, will also be established.
Amit Shah said the modernization of India’s forensic infrastructure will help ensure that even the most marginalized citizen can approach the justice system with confidence. “It is our responsibility to create a system where justice is swift, science-based, and accessible to all,” he concluded.
n all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, met with representatives of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, as part of India’s global outreach campaign following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor.
The delegation, which arrived in Kuala Lumpur on May 31, was briefed by India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy. He underscored the strategic importance of India-Malaysia relations and “outlined the Malaysia-specific messaging to strongly convey India’s commitment to combat terrorism under Operation Sindoor.”
According to a statement from the Indian High Commission, the delegation held “wide-ranging” interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and conveyed India’s “resolute stance against cross-border terrorism.”
“Diaspora members, including voices from the Malaysian Indian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned terrorism. An appeal was made to amplify the message of unity and zero tolerance through various platforms and communities,” the statement said.
The delegation also engaged with major Malaysian media outlets and social media influencers, stressing India’s new doctrine that “terror and talks cannot go together” and asserting that any act of terror will now be treated as an act of war.
“The delegation paid heartfelt homage to the Malaysian national who lost her life in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, emphasizing that terrorism is a global menace that endangers all of humanity,” the statement said.
Speaking to ANI, delegation leader Sanjay Kumar Jha outlined the significance of the multi-nation tour.
“Our first visit was to Japan and it was an important country because so many trades of ours happen with Japan…Japan endorsed the stance of the country…Then we went to South Korea…they also appreciated and supported us…in Singapore also…we had positive talks…Jakarta has the highest Muslim population in the world…their stand against terrorism was in support of India…the whole world has criticised the Pahalgam attack,” he said
He added: “We will be in Malaysia till the day after tomorrow…the President of Malaysia has strongly condemned (Pahalgam attack)…we have made two requests, the first one is that we are not part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) even though India has a large Muslim population…Pakistan keeps passing resolutions against us…so we have sought support from Malaysia and Indonesia…Pakistan needs to be brought back to the FATF list, so we have kept this demand before all the countries to consider this and extend support to this. Malaysia has supported us in getting a permanent membership in the UN Security Council…,”
Apart from Jha, the delegation includes MPs Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), and Hemang Joshi (BJP), along with former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, and former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar.
ndia has emerged as one of the most dynamic fintech markets globally, driven by a potent combination of digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, Account Aggregator), a mobile-first population, and regulatory clarity, a report showed on Monday.
Fintech-led digital lending grew at a 35 per cent CAGR in 2024, driven by rising credit demand, according to the report by QED Investors and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Tools like UPI have enabled a wave of fintech innovation — from digital lending to payments to wealth — particularly benefiting underserved and unbanked populations. These enablers have accelerated innovation and financial inclusion at scale, making India a key focus for both global investors and domestic fintech players, said the report.
India features among the top geographies poised for future fintech investment. Investors are encouraged to diversify capital into high-growth regions like India, with an emphasis on AI integration and disciplined scaling, it added.
India’s affluent middle class, currently 31 per cent of the population, is projected to grow to 40 per cent (nearly 600 million) by 2031. This demographic shift is fuelling a surge in consumer demand for credit across the retail, consumption, and SME sectors.
“India stands at a unique inflection point in the global fintech landscape. With a strong foundation in digital infrastructure like UPI, Aadhaar, Account Aggregator, and a tech-savvy, mobile-first population, the country has already shown how innovation can drive financial inclusion at scale,” said Sandeep Patil, Partner and Head of Asia at QED Investors.
To win the next chapter, fintechs must pair innovation with disciplined execution.
“That means building trust, demonstrating profitability, and navigating an evolving regulatory landscape with maturity. The Indian market is large, dynamic, and underpenetrated — well positioned to be one of the defining arenas for global fintech over the next decade,” Patil added.
Globally, in 2024, fintech revenues grew by 21 per cent — up from 13 per cent in 2023 — marking a threefold acceleration over the financial services industry at large.
“A class of scaled fintechs is coming of age. Investors are demanding greater maturity, and regulators want more accountability,” said Deepak Goyal, a Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG.
“Meanwhile, emerging disruptors are harnessing next-generation technologies like agentic AI and pioneering new business models, pushing established players to continuously innovate,” he added.
he President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, arrived in India on Monday for a State Visit from June 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first official visit to India and only the second-ever visit by a Paraguayan head of state to the country.
President Peña is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business representatives. As part of the visit, he will also travel to Mumbai before concluding his trip on June 4.
During his stay in New Delhi, President Peña is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Monday, where the two leaders will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi is also set to host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet President Peña and will host a banquet in his honour. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are also expected to call on the Paraguayan President.
India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on September 13, 1961, and have since shared warm and cooperative ties. Over the years, both nations have expanded their collaboration in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Paraguay holds significance as a trading partner for India within Latin America, with several Indian companies in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors operating in the country. Conversely, Paraguayan firms, primarily through joint ventures, have established a presence in India, adding strength to bilateral economic engagement.
The two nations also share similar perspectives on various global issues, including the need for reforms in the United Nations, action on climate change, promotion of renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.
As part of his Mumbai visit, President Peña is expected to meet with state leaders as well as representatives from India’s business community, startups, innovators, and the technology sector.
nion Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday emphasised the government’s firm commitment towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’, stating that the path to national development passes through agricultural prosperity and farmers’ welfare.
Union Minister Chouhan is in Motihari, Bihar. He is holding discussions focused on boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring better livelihoods for farmers in the state.
Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan said, “The Prime Minister is committed to building a Viksit Bharat. For this, developed agriculture and prosperous farmers are essential. This is the guiding mantra of the Agriculture Department. Across the country, 16,000 agricultural scientists are engaging directly with farmers. Scientists, along with state and central agriculture departments and agricultural universities, are working together to find ways to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide compensation in case of losses.”
“I have come to Bihar to support and serve the farmers here and help increase agricultural productivity,” he added.
During his visit, Chouhan stressed that Bihar holds tremendous potential for agricultural development, and efforts are being made to ensure that farmers in the region benefit from scientific innovations, government schemes, and institutional collaboration.
He added that the government is actively promoting agricultural diversification, natural farming, and focused initiatives like the Pulses Mission and Oilseeds Mission — all aimed at making Indian agriculture more resilient, sustainable, and profitable.
Referring to the ongoing efforts under the government’s “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,” Chouhan said, “Ek Rashtra, Ek Krishi, Ek Team (One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team)” is the motto driving these initiatives. He underlined the importance of integrating the efforts of central and state governments, agricultural scientists, and universities to ensure long-term solutions for India’s agricultural challenges.
n all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, met with the UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel and her team on Sunday to convey India’s unwavering resolve in combating cross-border terrorism.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized India’s evolving counter-terrorism doctrine, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a clear representation of the country’s “new normal” in its response to terror threats.
“The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation met with Shadow Foreign Secretary @pritipatel and her team to share India’s firm resolve in combating cross-border terrorism. They also highlighted how #OperationSindoor exemplifies the new normal set by India in this ongoing effort,” the Indian High Commission in the UK said in a post on X.
Earlier, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian diaspora at India House in London. In their address, the members reiterated India’s united stance against terrorism and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to taking decisive action against any acts of terror.
“The All Party Delegation of MPs interacted with representatives of the large and diverse Indian Diaspora at India House in London today. They reaffirmed India’s united stance and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, and underlined the readiness of India to continue to decisively punish any and all acts of terror,” the High Commission noted.
During the interaction, Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing critique of Pakistan, calling it a failed democracy run by its military establishment.
“Pakistan armed forces have made a country for themselves — unelected, unaccountable, and without popular mandate,” Prasad said. “Ayub Khan ruled for a decade, Yahya Khan for over seven years, Zia-ul-Haq for eleven, and General Musharraf for nine. Now there is General Munir, who was defeated in the field but promoted to field marshal. That is the whole scenario.”
Prasad also condemned Pakistan for sheltering Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Praising Operation Sindoor, he pointed out that the terrorists responsible for hijacking Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in 1999 and securing the release of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, were neutralized by Indian forces under the operation. He added that members of Azhar’s family were also killed during the offensive.
Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador to Russia and the US, Pankaj Saran.
large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief operation is underway across the Northeastern states of India as incessant rainfall has triggered severe flooding in several regions. The Indian Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state authorities have launched coordinated rescue and relief efforts to assist those stranded.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the launch of the mission on Monday, calling it a critical intervention to manage the unfolding crisis. “A critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission is being launched by the Indian Air Force, Central Armed Forces, NDRF and State Government Forces in North East India,” Rijiju said in a post on X.
In Manipur, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have intensified their efforts under Operation Jal Rahat-2, rescuing over 500 civilians from flood-hit areas in Imphal East and West. The affected zones include Wangkhei, Heingang, Lamlong, Khurai, JNIMS, and Ahallup.
Ten flood relief columns, equipped with BAUTs (Boat Assault Universal Type) and inflatable boats, have been deployed. Army personnel also undertook emergency repair work on a breached section of the Iril River boundary wall near Arapti Lamkhai in Lilong, Thoubal district, in a bid to prevent further flooding.
“Army boats ferried stranded patients to safety at JNIMS Hospital. Nearly 800 bottles of drinking water and other essential supplies were distributed to displaced families across affected areas,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
Operations are being carried out in close coordination with civil authorities to ensure timely aid and continuous support for the affected population.
Meanwhile, in Sikkim’s Mangan district, restoration work continues after the Phidang Bailey Bridge, which connects Mangan to Chungthang, was partially damaged by the swelling Teesta River. Authorities have restored the Chungthang-Phidang road, enabling the safe evacuation of stranded tourists.
Search operations are still ongoing for nine tourists who went missing following a tragic vehicle accident in Mangan on May 29. The rescue efforts are being supervised by a joint task force comprising the District Police, District Administration, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NDRF, General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Fire and Medical Teams, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and local stakeholders including the TAAS and Driver Association.
An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi began the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid on Sunday.
The Indian Embassy in Spain said in a statement on X: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation commenced the final leg of its five-nation visit in Madrid by paying homage to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The tribute was a solemn occasion to reflect on and honor the Mahatma’s enduring values of non-violence and peace.”
Following the ceremony, the delegation engaged with members of the Indian community and emphasized that India remains unshakable and united in its fight against terrorism, which threatens global peace and humanity. The delegation highlighted that its diverse composition reflects a strong national consensus and resolve across political lines to combat this menace. They urged the Indian community in Spain to take pride in their roots, stand united and actively support India’s efforts to promote justice and peace.
“During the interaction, members of the Indian diaspora shared that their Spanish acquaintances had reacted with shock and concern to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reflecting growing international awareness of the challenges India faces in combating terrorism,” the statement said.
The community also expressed strong support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and conveyed their solidarity with the nation, the statement added. “The delegation is scheduled to engage with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians and civil society representatives on the final day of their visit. These engagements will provide a platform to brief Spanish leaders on Operation Sindoor and to articulate India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy, committed to peace, stability and a resolute stance against terrorism.”
In another post on X, the Indian Embassy said: “The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation had a insightful interaction with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to peace in the face of terrorism. They emphasized that India will lead the global fight against terrorism, upholding the values of peace and resilience. The delegation with humility and conviction, called upon the community to stand united in pride and shared heritage. The diaspora responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing deep solidarity with the nation and a strong sense of identity and belonging.”
“The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting Spain interacted with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish businessman, who is a survivor of the horrible terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Arturo joined the delegation in condemning the menace of terrorism,” added the embassy.
Apart from Kanimozhi, the delegation includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf.
Ukrainian secret services were able to attack strategic bomber aircraft at Russian air bases on Sunday by hiding explosive-laden drones inside the roofs of wooden sheds, according to a Ukrainian security official and images posted online.
Ukraine’s domestic security agency, the SBU, acknowledged that it carried out the operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web” and said it had caused considerable damage.
The sheds were loaded onto trucks that were driven to the perimeter of the air bases. The roof panels of the sheds were lifted off by a remotely-activated mechanism, allowing the drones to fly out and begin their attack, the official said.
The security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said strikes were conducted on Sunday on four air bases, and that 41 Russian warplanes were hit.
An SBU statement posted on the Telegram messaging app estimated the damage caused by the assaults at $7 billion.
“Thirty-four percent of strategic cruise missile carriers at the main airfields of the Russian Federation were hit,” the SBU said on the Telegram messaging app.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, writing on Telegram, expressed delight at the “absolutely brilliant outcome”.
“And an outcome produced by Ukraine independently,” he wrote, noting that the operation had taken more than a year and a half to prepare. “This is our longest-range operation.”
Speaking shortly afterwards in his nightly video address, the president noted that 117 drones had been used to attack the Russian bases and that Russian forces suffered “very tangible losses, and justifiably so”.
Zelenskiy said the SBU had set up a nerve centre for the operation right next to a regional office of Russia’s FSB intelligence service. All operatives taking part had been brought out of Russia “on the eve of the operation”, he said.
VIDEO SHOWS BOMBERS ABLAZE
Unverified video and pictures posted on Russian social media showed Russian strategic bombers on fire at the Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region of Siberia.
Igor Kobzev, the regional governor, said there had been a drone attack on a military unit near the village of Sredny, which is near the Belaya base, though he did not specify what the target was. He said the drones had been launched from a truck.
The Irkutsk region attack was the first time a drone assault had been mounted by Ukraine so far from the front lines, which are more than 4,300 km (2,670 miles) away.
That is beyond the range of the long-range strike drones or ballistic missiles Ukraine has in its arsenal, so required a special scheme to get the drones close enough to their targets.
Photographs shared with Reuters by the Ukrainian security official showed dozens of short-range quadrocopter drones piled up in an industrial facility. The official said these were the same devices used in the attack.
Other images shared by the official showed the wooden sheds with their metal roofing panels removed, and the drones sitting in the cavities between roof beams.
Separate video posted on Russian Telegram channels, which has not been verified by Reuters, appeared to show matching sheds on the back of a truck.
The roof panels can be seen lying on the ground next to the truck, and the video footage shows at least two drones rising out of the top of the sheds and flying off.
The Russian online media outlet that posted the video, Baza, said in a caption that it was filmed in the district near the Belaya air base.
The Irkutsk region air base hosts Tupolev Tu-22M supersonic long-range strategic bombers, a type of aircraft that has been used to launch missiles against targets in Ukraine.
The operation, according to the Ukrainian security official, was personally overseen by Zelenskiy and Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU domestic intelligence agency.
If confirmed, the strikes would be the most damaging Ukrainian drone attack of the war, and would be a significant setback for Moscow.
The source shared video footage shot from a drone, saying it showed one of the strikes. The images showed several large aircraft, some of which appeared to be Tu-95 strategic bombers, on fire.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on the murder of two members of the Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.:
“My sincerest condolences to the families of the bright staffers whose lives were senselessly taken by a coward while attending an event representing peace and a positive future for Jewish communities around the world. Remarking on the ‘beautiful couple,’ Israel Ambassador Yechiel Leiter spoke of Israeli and American resilience and together overcoming moral depravity.
“I am grateful that Attorney General Pam Bondi, Washington, D.C. Chief of Police Pamela Smith, and the highest levels of law enforcement are dedicated to justice and eliminating the scourge of anti-Jewish hatred in our streets.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) is pleased to announce Kinsleigh Ringus of Lexington High School, as the Second District of South Carolina’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner.
“The Congressional Art Competition is a way to recognize the talent of young artists in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina and across the nation. I congratulate Kinsleigh for her wonderful submission. The piece, entitled ‘Under the Palmetto Sky,’ is a talented and colorful use of watercolor, pencil, and acrylics to convey a South Carolina theme. A special thank you goes to her parents, Adrian and Ashleigh, as well as her art teacher, Anna Degtyareva. I look forward to showing her artwork to all of our visitors in the U.S. Capitol over the coming year,” said Congressman Wilson.
For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit Congressman Wilson’s website here.
