India’s bowling attack suffered a double blow on Monday when Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out of the remainder of their tour of England due to a knee injury while fellow seamer Arshdeep Singh will also miss the fourth test in Manchester.
India’s board (BCCI) did not share details of Reddy’s injury but cricket news website ESPNcricinfo reported the 22-year-old had damaged a ligament while training in the gym on Sunday.
The bowling all-rounder, who played in two of the three tests so far in England, would be returning to India, the BCCI added.
Arshdeep’s wait for a test debut goes on after the 26-year-old suffered a hand injury, and right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj has been drafted into the squad as cover.
“He sustained an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets at a training session in Beckenham,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress.”
With seamer Akash Deep nursing a groin issue, India could be left with no choice but to play pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the Manchester test beginning on Wednesday.
India had planned to limit Bumrah’s workload after the pacer had back surgery early this year, and he was due to be available for only one of the remaining two tests.
“Expecting a different form of regulation to fix the water industry is, frankly, rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Not only that but the majority of the public are going to be expected to pay more in bills, as we watch the industry continue to sink under the failed model of privatisation.
“The government deliberately left out the option of public ownership from the review, but that’s the only real way to get the water industry to clean up its act, end millions being siphoned off for huge CEO salaries and shareholder dividends and instead see this money invested into ending sewage dumping and fixing leaks.”
Coldplay, Beyoncé, Oasis and Billie Eilish among worldwide stars performing more times in London than anywhere else in the world
Capital’s major arenas and stadiums welcoming more 3.6m fans over the summer, with fans travelling from across the world
London attracts 7.5m music fans each year, bringing in £2.7bn in revenue
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today celebrated the capital’s incredible summer of gigs that show why London is the undisputed capital of music.
This Friday, Oasis will become the latest act this year to perform, with more concerts in London than anywhere else in the world. It follows:
Beyoncé performing six times at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in June;
Billie Eilish concluding a six-date run at The O2 last week;
And Usher performing a 10-night residency at The O2 earlier this year.
Next month Coldplay will also start a record run of 10 dates at Wembley Stadium.
Other headlines from the capital’s huge summer of music include Tottenham Hotspur Stadium welcoming Stray Kids and Wembley Stadium hosting BLACKPINK for their only UK performances. BST Hyde Park welcomed more than 500,000 people across its eight sold-out shows, with Noah Kahan playing his largest headline show to date and Zach Bryan and Sabrina Carpenter playing their biggest ever UK shows.
These world-leading runs from global stars show why London welcomes millions of music fans from across the world. UK Music estimates that 7.5m music tourists attended concerts and festivals in London last year, accounting for £2.7bn of the country’s total £10bn revenue.
Recent analysis of concert ticket sales by Live Nation has revealed that 61 per of fans have travelled from across the UK to come to London for gigs so far this summer, with 16 per cent from abroad. Figures from AEG Europe show that the O2 – the world’s busiest live entertainment arena – is on track for its biggest year yet, with 1.4m tickets sold already this year.
London’s 179 grassroots music venues are also hosting a huge range of performances this summer, providing a stage for the next generation of talent and boosting the capital’s economy and nightlife. In the last year, grassroots venues welcomed more than 4.2m audience members, hosted performances by more than 328,000 artists, employed nearly 7,000 people and contributed £313m to the economy.
In May, London united to champion the incredible impact of the capital’s grassroots music scene with the first ever special Grassroots Music Tube Map, which celebrates all aspects of the capital’s music scene and connects Londoners and visitors with grassroots gigs. The Mayor also continues to encourage councils and businesses to offer more al fresco dining and late-night openings this summer to boost our economy and tourism and offer even more hospitality options for those enjoying the fantastic gigs in our capital.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This summer, some of the world’s biggest music stars are performing more times in London than anywhere else – showing why we are the undisputed capital of music. Our world-renowned venues are drawing more than 3.6m people to enjoy unforgettable experiences and boost our hospitality industry, from Beyoncé’s exclusive performances at the Tottenham Stadium and Billie Eilish’s six-night run at the O2 to Coldplay’s upcoming dates at Wembley Stadium. At the same time, our incredible grassroots venues continue to provide a wide range of performances every night of the week for music fans to enjoy. From the very best stadium and festival headliners to upcoming stars at grassroots venues, I’m proud that London’s music scene is leading the way as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, said: “From tens of thousands singing along to their favourite chorus to intimate crowds discovering a new act for the very first time, music has incredible power to bring people together. Nowhere else is that shown more clearly than in London where this summer music-fans can unite to enjoy so many genres of music across a huge variety of venues. There really is something for everyone!”
Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music, said: “London is a global superpower when it comes to the strength and incredibly diversity of our music industry which attracts talent from across the world and draws millions of visitors to the capital. Our latest UK Music figures show that a total of 7.5 million domestic and overseas music tourists came to London in 2024 and spent £2.7 billion enjoying stadium-filling acts like Taylor Swift, festivals like All Points East and British Summer Time and our iconic grassroots venues. The Oasis reunion and Beyoncé tour means that London has another spectacular summer lined up for music fans who deliver a tremendous boost for the capital’s economy by spending in the city’s restaurants, bars and shops to make the most of all that London has to offer. It’s vital that we all continue to celebrate and support the ecosystem that makes up the city’s music scene to deliver jobs, growth and unforgettable experiences for millions of people.”
John Langford, Chief Operating Officer of AEG Europe, said: “We’re experiencing another phenomenal year of success across our portfolio of iconic venues and festivals. In just the first half of this year alone, The O2 arena has sold over 1.4 million tickets and hosted 115 performances — testament to London’s status as the global capital of live music. From legendary, sold-out headliners like Billie Eilish to emerging voices taking the stage for the first time – 25 debut artists in total already – our line-up has celebrated the full spectrum of talent and genres, from rock and pop to metal and beyond. The energy, diversity, and creativity on display truly reflect the spirit of London. As we celebrate The O2’s 18th anniversary and top the Billboard mid-year charts for both shows and attendance, it’s clear: London is not just participating in the global music scene — it’s leading it.”
Denis Desmond, Chairman of Live Nation UK & Ireland, said: “This year marks Live Nation’s busiest summer season ever in the UK with over two million attendees in London alone. The growing demand for events is evident with fans continuing to value live experiences – that feeling of seeing your favourite artist in a crowd alongside 90,000 people is unlike anything else. This summer we’re particularly pleased to see artists that we’ve worked with since the beginning of their careers, like Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone, Guns N Roses, and Coldplay all performing at stadium level.”
James Barton, co-founder of Superstruct – the London-based live entertainment group behind events including Field Day, Mighty Hoopla and Cross The Tracks – said: “London remains the most significant and influential music city in Europe with its diversity giving rise to an unprecedented range of festivals catering to different musical tastes. That gives incredible opportunities for artists and music fans and has led to the development of a rich ecosystem of suppliers and technical expertise, supporting thousands of jobs.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UK Hospitality, said: “This year’s summer of music shows that London is the best place in the world to see your favourite musicians and bands, with millions flocking to shows across the capital. The additional visits to pubs, bars and restaurants from show-goers will deliver a huge boost to hospitality businesses and shows the impact live music can have on the wider economy.”
Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –
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Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva, 21 July 2025– In a move to strengthen refugee access to international labour markets, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have launched a pioneering “train-to-hire” programme for displaced individuals in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government revives landmark Pensions Commission to confront retirement crisis that risks tomorrow’s pensioners being poorer than today’s
Millions of people could benefit from a more secure retirement as the Government today [Monday 21 July 2025] revives the landmark Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioners are on track to be poorer than today’s and make recommendations for change.
Without action tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s.
Almost half of working-age adults are still saving nothing with low earners, some ethnic minorities and the self-employed least likely to be pension saving.
Revived Pension Commission will consider the long-term future of our pensions system to make today’s workers better off in retirement.
Millions of people could benefit from a more secure retirement as the Government today [Monday 21 July 2025] revives the landmark Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioners are on track to be poorer than today’s and make recommendations for change.
The Commission of 2006 was a huge success, building a consensus for the roll-out of Automatic Enrolment into pension saving that means 88% of eligible employees are now saving, up from 55% in 2012.
However, new analysis shows that there is more to do with the incomes of retirees set to fall over the next few decades if nothing changes:
Retirees in 2050 are on course for £800 or 8% less private pension income than those retiring today.
4-in-10 or nearly 15 million people are undersaving for retirement.
This partly reflects too many working age adults (45%) saving nothing at all into a pension, with lower earners, the self-employed and some ethnic minorities particularly at risk:
Over 3 million self-employed are not saving into a pension.
Only 1-in-4 low earners in the private sector are saving into a pension.
Just 1-in-4 of those from a Pakistani or Bangladeshi background are saving.
New analysis today also reveals a stark a 48% gender pensions gap in private pension wealth between women and men. A typical woman currently approaching retirement can expect a private pension income worth over £5,000 less than that of a typical man (just over £100 per week for a woman compared to just over £200 a week for a man).
While the introduction of Automatic Enrolment increased the numbers saving, saving levels have often remained low. Around 1-in-2 workers in the private sector only save around the minimum contribution level (8% or less of earnings).
So the Government is today announcing it will revive the landmark Pension Commission two decades on, to address these stark findings.
The relaunched Commission will explore the complex barriers stopping people from saving enough for retirement, with its final report due in 2027. It will examine the pension system as a whole and look at what is required to build a future-proof pensions system that is strong, fair and sustainable.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
People deserve to know that they will have a decent income in retirement – with all the security, dignity and freedom that brings. But the truth is, that is not the reality facing many people, especially if you’re low paid, or self-employed.
The Pensions Commission laid the groundwork, and now, two decades later, we are reviving it to tackle the barriers that stop too many saving in the first place.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
We’re making pensions work for Britain. The Pension Schemes Bill and the creation of pension megafunds mean an average earner could get a £29,000 boost to their pension pots. Now we are going further to ensure that people can look forward to a comfortable retirement.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:
The original Pensions Commission helped get pension saving up and pensioner poverty down. But if we carry on as we are, tomorrow’s retirees risk being poorer than today’s. So we are reviving the Pensions Commission to finish the job and give today’s workers secure retirements to look forward to.
Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Confederation of British Industry said:
The only route to higher living standards both in work and in retirement is through higher growth, productivity and better savings. As we look to the next decade and beyond, finding a consensus across business, government and our society on how to support people to save by building on the Mansion House reforms can create a pathway to a better future.
Taking the time to review the best pathway to achieve this, whilst pursuing broader measures to support growth, will be needed to make it affordable for employers and workers and crucial to the aim of rising living standards, now and in retirement.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress said:
Everyone deserves dignity and security in retirement, but right now many workers – especially those in the private sector – will find themselves without enough to get by on. Far too many people won’t have enough pension for a decent retirement, and too many – especially women, BME and disabled workers and the self employed – are shut out of the workplace pension system all together.
That’s why reviving the Pensions Commission – bringing together unions, employers and independent experts – is a vital step forward. Twenty years ago the Pension Commission played a key role in bringing millions more people into workplace pensions and reducing the risks of pensioner poverty. We now have a chance to build on that work by reaching a long-term consensus on extending auto-enrolment to those workers still missing out, and making sure that this system delivers the decent retirement incomes all workers need.
Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which? Said:
Which? research has found that many consumers are concerned that they won’t have the money they need for a comfortable retirement, so it is encouraging to see the government take steps to reverse this trend.
For some consumers, the idea of contributing more money into their pension pot is both daunting and unmanageable, so it is crucial that this review looks in depth at the challenges savers face, and Which? looks forward to working with the government towards long-term reform of the industry.
The Pensions Commission will be made up of Baroness Jeannie Drake (a member of the original Commission), Sir Ian Cheshire and Professor Nick Pearce, who will be responsible for steering its work. Drawing on the success of the original Pension Commission in building a national consensus, they will work closely with stakeholders such as the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress.
The Commission will make proposals for change beyond the current parliament to deliver a pensions framework that is strong, fair and sustainable. It will build on the Investment Review and Pension Schemes Bill – both of which ensures that people’s savings are working hard to support them in retirement.
Alongside the Commission, the Government has, as required by law, also launched the State Pension Age Review, commissioning two independent reports for Government to consider when deciding the State Pension age for future decades:
Dr Suzy Morrissey will report on factors government should consider relating to State Pension age.
The Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life in retirement.
Additional quotes
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK said:
We warmly welcome the Pensions Review, which has the potential to lay the foundations for a system of retirement saving that’s fit for the future. If we’re to avoid future generations of pensioners experiencing financial hardship, we need reforms that enable more people to build a decent standard of living, and we need them sooner rather than later to maximise the numbers who can be helped.
Income for pensioners in the UK is based around both State and private pensions working together to help people enjoy a decent lifestyle once retired. The current system of saving has some significant gaps which have left many current pensioners struggling to make ends meet. Hopefully this can be avoided in future and particularly disadvantaged groups, including low-paid women and self-employed people on low incomes, can be helped to put money aside when appropriate for them to do so.
There’s no getting away from the fact that the State Pension provides the bulk of retirement income for most pensioners, with 1.1million (13%) receiving all their income from the State. It’s therefore hugely important to consider the future of the State Pension alongside the role of private savings, as only once this is clear will it be possible to say with any accuracy how much people need to put aside to attain a decent standard of living once they retire.
We look forward to working with the Government and the reviewers in the months to come.
Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
Too few people are saving enough for retirement, affecting millions of employees and the firms we represent. Businesses want to help their staff make the right decisions for their financial futures.
We welcome the launch of the new Pensions Commission – which is a timely and necessary next step from the original Commission over two decades ago.
“It is essential we have a pensions system that supports both employees to build up savings and employers in managing costs. That’s even more crucial in the current economic climate.
We also welcome the reiterated commitment that employer contribution rates won’t be increased during this parliament. Any future rises in minimum contributions must be gradual and paused if economic conditions worsen, giving business time to adjust to increased costs.
Jon Richards, General Secretary of UNISON said:
Every worker needs a pension they can rely upon in their old age. No one should be plunged into poverty when they retire.
Any initiative that enhances current provision would be a good thing, especially moves to improve equality between men and women.
With more pensioners falling into poverty as time goes by, it’s vital the commission works quickly.
António Simões, CEO of Legal and General said:
Saving enough for retirement isn’t just important, it’s urgent to securing individual futures and building a more prosperous society. To do this we must tackle adequacy – we need people to be able to contribute the right amount from the first pound they earn, and to build a pot that is invested in assets that will generate returns to support them in later life.
That’s why the launch of the new Pensions Commission matters. Whether that is gradually increasing minimum auto-enrolment contribution rates or making it easier to access private market investments, like L&G has delivered through its Private Markets Access Fund, it is time to break down the barriers to building a retirement pot that are faced by millions across the country.
Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The CityUK said:
The Pensions Adequacy Review is another positive step in reforming pensions investment. Auto-enrolment has been a policy success, bringing millions into retirement saving, but further action is needed to ensure pension savings are adequate to provide an appropriate level of income for our ageing population. Total contributions will have to rise if we are to emulate the successes of, for example, Australia and Canada. This will involve difficult political choices alongside technical changes to policy and regulation, so it is right the appointees to the Commission consider the options thoroughly and, crucially, that they also draw on the industry’s significant expertise.
Steve Webb, Partner at LCP said:
The first Pensions Commission changed the UK pensions landscape and started the process of reform by getting millions of employees saving for the first time. But much work remains to be done, and this new Commission will have to consider reforms against a much more challenging backdrop. The Government has selected people who are widely respected in the world of business, the trade union movement and academia, who will be well placed to undertake this vital work, and I look forward to working with them constructively as they map out a new agenda for retirement saving.
David Raw, Managing Director for Markets at UK Finance said:
We welcome efforts to help ensure people are saving enough to deliver a decent level of income in retirement . Boosting financial and pension literacy, continuing to encourage private pension holding, and building on the success of auto-enrolment are key to achieving this. Well-functioning capital markets play a key role in a successful pension system and UK Finance looks forward to continuing to work closely with government as it progresses its programme for capital markets and pension reform.
Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows and CEO of Insurance, Pensions & Investments, Lloyds Banking Group said:
We’ve been mapping trends in the UK’s retirement saving for 20 years and while automatic enrolment has been a gamechanger in kickstarting pensions saving for millions of workers, 39% (around 15 million) still risk facing poverty in retirement and action needs to be taken while there’s still time.
Bringing all the right groups and the pensions industry together in this way made real progress last time, and we look forward to supporting the Commission in getting closer to cracking the pension crisis.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 21/07/2025
A new Chair and general members have been appointed to the ACT Climate Change Council for a 3-year term following a recruitment process.
The eight members of the Council are representatives of the Canberra community with a wide range of expertise, skills and experience. Their insights will be vital as the ACT builds a climate-resilient city and community and continues to work on new and innovative methods to achieve net zero by 2045.
The new members work across a variety of areas in the ACT including energy innovation and the energy transition, public health, climate change adaptation and resilience, youth engagement, and social and economic sciences.
Dr Arnagretta Hunter will Chair the Council through her second term on the committee after joining in 2022.
The ACT Government has also appointed the first of 2 dedicated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander positions, with Stephen Mudford formally joining the Council after participating previously as an Observer. Madison Barancewicz also joins as the Council’s first ever youth representative.
The new appointments of the ACT Climate Change Council are:
Dr Arnagretta Hunter – (Chair)
Stephen Mudford (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Member)
Madison Barancewicz (General Member)
Dean Spaccavento (General Member)
Professor Jacki Schirmer (General Member)
Associate Professor Rebecca Colvin (General Member)
Dr Rosemary McFarlane (General Member)
Dr Heinz Schandl (General Member)
The new Council will work with the Canberra community to ensure their views can be reflected in the advice provided to the Minister.
Recruitment will be undertaken for a second dedicated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position, as outlined in the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010. The government will continue working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to fill this position.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr:
The ACT Climate Change Council provides valuable, independent expertise and advice to help guide and inform the development of government climate change and energy policy. The ACT has an ambitious target of becoming a zero-emissions territory by 2045.
Whilst we are making progress towards achieving this goal, there is more work to be done and we need to shift to doing things differently. As a jurisdiction we’ve achieved a lot and we’re now arriving at an increasingly complex and challenging period of the transition.
The diverse skills and expertise of the new ACT Climate Change Council will be important as we investigate further emissions reduction options for hard to abate and complex sectors, such as waste and transport.
The new and diverse Climate Change Council seeks to better represent every corner of the Canberra community. The Council will play an important role in helping to shape the new ACT Climate Change Strategy, with a focus on changing and improving the way we reduce emissions and prepare and adapt for the impacts of climate change.
I want to extend my gratitude to the outgoing members and the outgoing Chair, Professor Mark Howden, who have contributed significantly to the ACT’s nation-leading work on climate action.
I look forward to working with the new Council to provide further benefits for the ACT community.
Quotes attributable to Chair of the ACT Climate Change Council Dr Arnagretta Hunter:
“It is an honour to accept another term with the ACT Climate Change Council and particularly to serve as its Chair. I’ve accepted this role because of the remarkable group that’s been assembled for this Council term. I’d like to thank our remarkable ACT community for their expertise and enthusiasm to be involved, and also congratulate the Minister on her work to achieve what will be a great Council. With diverse skills, deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the changing climate, along with genuine community connection I believe the Council will continue to offer frank and fearless advice framed with compassion and engagement for the ACT today and into the future.
“I’m particularly proud to do this work in Canberra. The ACT has been a global leader in climate change action and policy and, along with other significant challenges, climate change remains a focus and priority. The past few years have offered us a glimpse of the challenges to come with increasing extreme weather events as the climate changes, we know that planning for our future is increasingly important.
“This Council will balance our robust understanding of science and communities along with an imagination for our best future. Among other tasks, we will help frame the next iteration of the ACT Climate Change Strategy, offering what we hope is the best evidence and approach for our community”.
The government should streamline business formalization and reduce entry costs for SMEs. To achieve this, the government should fully digitize the business registration process and ensure platforms are user-friendly and accessible to enterprises of all sizes. Registration procedures should be consolidated into a single step across all provinces, including for enterprises subject to additional regulatory oversight under the “control list.” In parallel, eliminating registered capital requirements and simplifying the fee structure, based on enterprise type rather than location or sector. would further lower barriers to entry and incentivize compliance.
Simplifying the tax system will reduce burdens and encourage formal participation. Abolishing the renewal requirement for tax TINs would eliminate an unnecessary administrative burden and reduce opportunities for informal payments. Tax reporting procedures, particularly for micro and small enterprises, should be simplified and adapted to reflect firms’ varying accounting capacities. The expansion of online tax filing systems and electronic bank transfer mechanisms would improve compliance and reduce transaction costs. Additionally, linking tax compliance to access to credit by using tax history as a basis for creditworthiness can incentivize more accurate income reporting and formal participation in the financial system.
Modernizing institutions and scaling up e-governance will improve regulatory transparency. To reduce discretionary enforcement and promote a predictable regulatory environment, the government should expand e-government platforms for approvals, licensing, and compliance reporting. Standardized digital procedures will enhance predictability and reduce reliance on informal networks. Ensuring the consistent application of national policies across provinces is essential to providing a level playing field for businesses and increasing confidence in public institutions.
Investments in infrastructure and skills are essential to strengthen the enabling environment. Improving the SME operating environment requires sustained investment in reliable electricity, roads, and telecommunications—especially in underserved or high-potential regions. Regulatory enforcement mechanisms should be used to ensure the quality and maintenance of infrastructure assets, such as enforcing vehicle weight limits to preserve roads. At the same time, labor market competitiveness should be addressed through wage policy reform and improved retention strategies, including vocational and on-the-job training programs that align more closely with private sector needs.
Targeted support for women entrepreneurs can unlock inclusive business growth. To increase women’s participation in the formal economy, it is important to recognize the impact of unpaid care responsibilities and promote family-friendly workplace policies. Introducing tax concessions for childcare expenses and expanding mobile-enabled platforms would enhance access to services and information for women entrepreneurs. Targeted training programs, combined with improved access to digital trade platforms, will help address gender-specific barriers in trade, formalization, and enterprise growth.
[1] The ProFIT survey is a collaborative effort between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia Foundation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).
Porirua City Council is set to create a memorial for more than 1800 former patients of the local hospital buried in unmarked graves. But Pacific leaders are asking to be “meaningfully involved” in the process, including incorporating prayer, language, and ceremonial practices.
More than 50 people gathered at Porirua Cemetery last month after the council’s plans became public, many of whom are descendants of those buried without headstones.
Cemeteries Manager Daniel Chrisp said it was encouraging to see families engaging with the project.
Chrisp’s team has placed 99 pegs to mark the graves of families who have come forward so far. One attendee told him that it was deeply moving to photograph the site where two relatives were buried.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve got to this point, having the descendants of those in unmarked graves encouraged to be involved,” he said.
“These plots represent mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children and other relatives, so it’s important to a lot of people.”
The Porirua Lunatic Asylum, which later became Porirua Hospital, operated from 1887 until the 1990s. At its peak in the 1960s, it was one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest hospitals, housing more than 2000 patients and staff.
As part of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, the government has established a national fund for headstones for unmarked graves.
Porirua City Council has applied for $200,000 to install a memorial that will list every known name.
Some pegs that mark the resting places of former patients buried in unmarked graves at Porirua Cemetery. Image: Porirua Council/RNZ/LDR
Criticism over lack of Pacific consultation Some Pacific community leaders say they were never consulted, despite Pacific people among the deceased.
Porirua Cook Islands Association chairperson Teurukura Tia Kekena said this was the first she had heard of the project, and she was concerned Pacific communities had not been included in conversations so far.
“If there was any unmarked grave and the Porirua City Council is aware of the names, I would have thought they would have contacted the ethnic groups these people belonged to,” she said.
“From a Cook Islands point of view, we need to acknowledge these people. They need to be fully acknowledged.”
Kekena learned about the project only after being contacted by a reporter, despite the council’s ongoing efforts to identify names and place markers for families who have come forward.
The council’s application for funding is part of its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
A photograph shows Porirua Hospital in the early 1900s. Image: Porirua City Council/LDR
Kekena said it was important how the council managed the memorial, adding that it mattered deeply for Cook Islands families and the wider Pacific community, especially those with relatives buried at the site.
Reflect Pacific values She believed that a proper memorial should reflect Pacific values, particularly the importance of faith, family, and cultural protocol.
“It’s huge. It’s connecting us to these people,” she said. “Just thinking about it is getting me emotional.
“Like I said, the Pākehā way of acknowledging is totally different from our way. When we acknowledge, when we go for an unveiling, it’s about family. It’s about family. It’s about family honouring the person that had passed.
“And we do it in a way that we have a service at the graveside with the orometua [minister] present. Yeah, unveil the stone by the family, by the immediate family, if there were any here at that time.”
She also underscored the connection between remembering the deceased and healing intergenerational trauma, particularly given the site’s history with mental health.
Healing the trauma “It helps a lot. It’s a way of healing the trauma. I don’t know how these people came to be buried in an unmarked grave, but to me, it’s like they were just put there and forgotten about.
“I wouldn’t like to have my family buried in a place and be forgotten.”
Kekena urged the council to work closely with the Cook Islands community moving forward and said she would bring the matter back to her association to raise awareness and check possible connections between local families and the names identified.
Yvonne Underhill‑Sem, a Cook Islands community leader and professor of Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland, said the memorial had emotional significance, noting her personal connection to Whenua Tapu as a Porirua native.
“In terms of our Pacific understandings of ancestry, everybody who passes away is still part of our whānau. The fact that we don’t know who they are is unsettling,” she said.
“It would be a real relief to the families involved and to the generations that follow to have those graves named.”
Council reponse A Porirua City Council spokesperson said they had been actively sharing the list of names with the public and encouraged all communities — including Pacific groups, genealogists, and local iwi — to help spread the word.
So far, 99 families have come forward.
“We would encourage any networks such as Pacific, genealogists and local iwi to share the list around for members of the public to get in touch,” the spokesperson said.
Porirua councillors Izzy Ford and Moze Galo say the memorial must reflect Pacific values. Image: Porirua Council/RNZ/LDR
Porirua councillors Izzy Ford and Moze Galo, two of the three Pacific members on the council, said Pacific families must be central to the memorial process. Ford said burial sites carried deep cultural weight for Pacific communities.
“We know that burial sites are more than just places of rest, they are sacred spaces that hold our stories, our ancestry and dignity — they are our connection to those who came before us.”
She said public notices and websites were not enough.
“If we are serious about finding the families of those buried in unmarked graves here in Porirua, we have to go beyond public notices and websites.”
Funding limited Ford said government funding would be limited, and the council must work with trusted Pacific networks to reach families.
“It means partnering with groups who carry trust in our community . . . Pacific churches, elders, and organisations, communicating in our languages through Pacific radio, social media, community events, churches, and health providers.”
Galo agreed and said the memorial must reflect Pacific values in both design and feeling.
“It should feel warm, colourful, spiritual, and welcoming. Include Pacific designs, carvings, and symbols . . . there should be room for prayer, music, and quiet reflection,” he said.
“Being seen and heard brings healing, honour, and helps restore our connection to our ancestors. It reminds our families that we belong, that our history matters, and that our voice is valued in this space.”
Galo said the work must continue beyond the unveiling.
“Community involvement shouldn’t stop after the memorial is built, we should have a role in how it’s maintained and used in the future.
“These were real people, with families, love, and lives that mattered. Some were buried without names, without ceremony, and that left a deep pain. Honouring them now is a step toward healing, and a way of saying, you were never forgotten.”
Members of the public who recognise a family name on the list are encouraged to get in touch by emailing cemeteries@poriruacity.govt.nz.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Asia Pacific Report is a partner in the project.
India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.5% in the current fiscal year (FY26), driven by improving domestic consumption and other positive indicators, according to a report released by Crisil on Monday.
The Crisil Intelligence near-term outlook highlighted global uncertainty stemming from US tariff actions as the primary risk to India’s growth. However, it noted that the economy is likely to be supported by an above-normal monsoon, income tax relief, and the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) rate cuts.
GDP growth accelerated to 7.4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of FY25, up from 6.4% in the previous quarter. Overall, GDP grew by 6.5% in FY25.
The report also pointed to a significant decline in inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation falling to 2.1% in June – its lowest in 77 months – driven by negative food inflation.
“Given the current inflation trajectory, an above-normal monsoon forecast, and expectations of soft global oil and commodity prices, we project average CPI inflation to ease to 4% this fiscal, down from 4.6% last fiscal,” the report stated.
Crisil also anticipates one more repo rate cut by the RBI this fiscal, followed by a pause.
“The MPC cut the policy rate by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. Its shift in stance from accommodative to neutral in June reflects the front-loading of rate cuts and a data-dependent approach going forward,” it said. The 100 bps Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut will be implemented in four tranches between September and November 2025.
On the fiscal front, the Union Budget has targeted a reduction in the central government’s fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP this fiscal, down from 4.8% in FY25.
Gross market borrowing is estimated at ₹14.8 lakh crore for this fiscal – 5.8% higher year-on-year – with 54% of the budgeted borrowing planned for the first half of the fiscal, the report added.
As of May, the fiscal deficit stood at 0.8% of the full-year budget target, significantly lower than the 3.1% recorded in the same period last fiscal. This was attributed to higher revenue receipts and lower revenue expenditure.
The report further projects India’s current account deficit (CAD) to average 1.3% of GDP in FY26, compared to 0.6% in the previous fiscal year.
The school showed assessors from the City of Sanctuary UK movement that it celebrates its diverse communities, that the School of Sanctuary ethos of welcome, inclusion and safety for all runs through all aspects of Loxdale Primary, and that it extends a warm welcome to everyone.
Deputy Headteacher Emma Wright-Jones said: “This award has been 2 years in the making and staff, children and families have worked really hard to ensure that we are as inclusive as possible.
“We are committed to welcoming children to Loxdale and pride ourselves on the welcome they receive. We are pleased to be recognised as kind and that we welcome people of all nationalities into our school without discrimination.
“Being a School of Sanctuary has empowered us to appreciate the richness that celebrating our diverse school community can bring, and we are proud to be a school that stands for inclusion, safety, warmth and kindness – a place where everyone belongs and can truly ‘Grow Together’.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted that we now have 21 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, all of which have demonstrated the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Loxdale Primary School on this achievement.”
Other Schools of Sanctuary include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Graiseley Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary, Merridale Primary, Wodensfield Primary School, St Michael’s CE Primary School, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy, The Royal School Wolverhampton Primary, Ormiston NEW Academy and Colton Hills Community School.
The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, committed to building a culture of safety and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
Schools can apply to become a School of Sanctuary by demonstrating to City of Sanctuary UK that they have implemented 3 key principles – learning and helping people understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, embedding the concepts of safety, welcome and inclusive culture for everyone, and sharing their values and activities with their local communities. For more information, please visit Schools of Sanctuary.
The Love Your Community roadshow will be visiting Pendeford Dovecotes TMO, Ryefield, on Wednesday 30 July, the Cannock Road Gurdwara on Thursday 7 August, Lanesfield Church on Wednesday 13 August, and St Joseph’s Church, Coalway Road, on Wednesday 20 August. Each fun day will run from 11am to 3pm and everyone is welcome.
Partners including the City of Wolverhampton Council, community organisations and charities, the police and other service providers will be on hand to provide a day of fun activities, wellbeing and practical support for people of all ages across 4 distinct zones.
The Kids and Family Zone will include a bouncy castle and physical play, face painting, henna art and craft activities, while the Wellbeing Zone will offer a calm and supportive environment providing information and advice from partners like Rethink and the NHS as well as mindfulness sessions and journalling activities designed to promote self care and reflection.
Elsewhere, the Advice and Support Zone will offer residents financial tips, energy efficiency guidance and support with managing household budgets along with gardening workshops to encourage sustainable living and community greening, and the Sports and Physical Activity Zone will feature kickabouts with Wolves Foundation, calisthenics demonstrations, interactive sessions led by WV Active and appearances by Wolves mascots Wolfie and Wendy.
Visitors will also be encouraged to contribute to the Love Your Community Wall, sharing what they value about their neighbourhood, contributing ideas for local improvements, and making a pledge to support positive change in their community.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These Love Your Community events will bring residents together for fun, connection, and support. They are a great chance for people to find out more about what is going on locally, discover services that can make their lives easier, and share their ideas to improve their neighbourhood.
“The Love Your Community initiative is designed to empower and encourage people to take pride in their local area through community events, shared spaces, support networks and inclusive activities.
“This is important because we know that, when residents feel seen, heard, and included, their neighbourhoods flourish – and so does our city. So please come along, join the fun, and help shape the future of your community.”
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Professor of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology and the Law of the Russian Federation Alexander Babkin took part in the work of the dissertation council of the Donetsk Academy of Management and Public Administration. This event strengthened the academic cooperation of the two educational institutions.
The Polytechnic professor was the first opponent of Anna Borodatskaya’s candidate dissertation on the topic “Methods and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the construction complex management system.” Based on the results of the defense, the applicant was awarded the academic degree of candidate of economic sciences.
At the meeting, Alexander Babkin also discussed cooperation issues with the chairperson of the dissertation council, Alina Kretova, and members of the council representing universities in the south of Russia. The conversation concerned not only scientific aspects, but also interaction with the Donbass National Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, which opens up new opportunities for joint research and exchange of experience.
“Interaction with specialists from universities of the Donetsk People’s Republic will contribute to the development of our scientific ties. I would like to especially note the high level of the dissertation council staff and their interest in working together,” Alexander Vasilyevich commented on the results of his trip. He emphasized the importance of establishing contacts between educational institutions that will be useful for both scientists and students.
“The visit of representatives of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics to the universities of the Donetsk People’s Republic was a significant step in scientific cooperation and exchange of experience,” said the school’s director, Dmitry Rodionov.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Nairobi, Kenya – As the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) concludes today in Nairobi, Greenpeace Africa acknowledges the collective resolve to address the continent’s most pressing environmental challenges in the Tripoli Declaration while calling on African environment ministers to strengthen their commitments on critical environmental issues.
Key wins
Ministers have pledged support for a robust Global Plastics Treaty that tackles pollution across the entire lifecycle, emphasised the need for accessible climate finance to build resilience, and committed to protecting vital ecosystems such as wetlands, through enhanced governance and direct support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). Greenpeace Africa particularly applauds the declaration’s focus on circular economy principles and sustainable chemicals management, which echo the continent’s growing momentum toward reducing plastic production and ensuring polluters bear the cost of environmental damage.
Missed opportunities
However, the declaration falls short in holding polluters accountable for climate damages and inadequately addresses the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in forest protection, lacking specific funding mechanisms, legal recognition, or meaningful decision-making inclusion.
Esther Syombua, Regional Coordinator at Greenpeace Africa, said:
“While the declaration calls for enhanced governance and finance, it avoids direct corporate accountability measures like polluter-pays principles, fossil fuel company taxation, or mandatory compensation schemes – effectively letting polluting corporations off the hook while placing the burden on African governments.”
Greenpeace Africa is, however, concerned about the declaration’s implicit support for false solutions such as carbon credit schemes, which risk undermining genuine climate action.
Hellen Kahaso Dena, Pan-Africa Plastic Project Lead at Greenpeace Africa, said
“Carbon credits and other false solutions like waste-to-energy incineration often serve as greenwashing tactics by polluters, diverting attention from genuine emission reductions and perpetuating harmful practices like open burning hat disproportionately affect vulnerable African communities. We urge ministers to prioritise proven strategies, including production caps on plastics, enforceable polluter-pays mechanisms, and direct financing for IPLCs to safeguard forests and biodiversity.”
The outcomes of AMCEN 20 will directly inform Africa’s positions at upcoming international forums, including INC 5.2 on plastics, COP30 on climate, and UNEA 7. Greenpeace Africa calls on African governments to build on this momentum by implementing the Tripoli Declaration with concrete, time-bound actions that centre equity, community rights, and ecological integrity.
Greenpeace Africa remains committed to working with African governments and civil society partners to advance environmental protection and climate justice across the continent.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Greenpeace Africa, Email: [email protected], Cell: +254 722 505 233.
AMCEN was established in 1985 in Cairo to coordinate Africa’s environmental policies. The July 18 high-level segment in Nairobi marked four decades of pan-African environmental diplomacy.
Why “Tripoli Declaration” in Nairobi:
The declaration is named after Tripoli, Libya—the original host of AMCEN 2025. Due to logistical constraints, the conference relocated to Nairobi, but the declaration retains Tripoli’s name to honour Libya’s initial leadership role.
The Dutch economy is among the most developed globally and has drawn strength from deep integration in global value chains. It has weathered shocks well, yet its resilience is being tested, again—this time by a confluence of trade tensions and domestic policy uncertainty. The economy is at capacity, with elevated inflation, and increasingly binding constraints in the labor market, housing, emissions space, and the electricity grid. Futureproofing the economy will require policies that tackle these bottlenecks and align with a vision for sustainable long-term growth.
The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has strongly backed the recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), emphasising that the group’s violent actions warrant international condemnation and justice, not leniency.
Posting on its official handle on X, the committee stated: “President Trump calls it like it is. The Resistance Front is a foreign terrorist organization and deserves the designation. When you butcher civilians, you don’t get a pass—you get JUSTICE.”
The remarks came after the US Department of State officially designated TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The group claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were brutally killed in one of the deadliest attacks on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In its official statement, the US Department of State said: “The Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024.”
The department emphasised that these actions reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to national and global security.
“These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.”
The TRF designation comes amid increasing international pressure on Pakistan to curb terror groups operating from its soil. India has long accused Pakistan of sheltering and supporting LeT and its front organisations, including TRF, which emerged in 2019 as a shadow group to avoid international scrutiny.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) — The coalition led by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) may lose its majority in the House of Councillors (upper house of parliament) in Sunday’s elections, public broadcaster NHK reported.
According to NHK, the LDP-Komeito coalition will not be able to secure the 125 seats needed to maintain a majority.
The House of Councillors consists of 248 members. The term of office of statesmen is 6 years. Every three years, half of the composition of the House is renewed.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is expected to increase its seat count, while the Democratic Party for the People (DPPP) and the Sanseito Party are also expected to make significant gains, NHK forecasts. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, July 21 (Xinhua) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday warned that Britain, France and Germany (the EU3 countries) should not undermine the credibility of the UN Security Council by triggering a “sanctions snapback mechanism” against Tehran.
A. Araghchi, in a post on the X social network, said these countries do not have the “legal, political and moral authority” to invoke the provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal or UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which allow for the reimposition of international sanctions if Iran is found to be in non-compliance with the agreement.
He noted that after the US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement /Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action/ in 2018, Iran exhausted dispute resolution mechanisms before taking steps to correct the situation, and the EU3 countries failed to fulfill their obligations and even supported the US “maximum pressure” policy.
“The EU3 countries must refrain from any actions that will only deepen differences in the Security Council or have serious negative consequences for its work,” Araghchi said, noting that Iran is ready for “meaningful diplomacy,” but will resist hostile measures.
Earlier in the day, media reported that Iran and the six international mediators had agreed to resume talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency cited an “informed source” as saying that Iran and the six were holding consultations on the date and venue of the talks. The upcoming talks are expected to be held at the deputy foreign minister level. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday to remain in office despite a major defeat in the House of Councillors election where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner failed to secure a majority. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — An innovative customs clearance model that exempts cargo from transshipment after it enters the border crossing was officially launched at the Baktu Port of Tacheng County in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday, the Xinjiang Daily reported.
This model allows the company to submit a customs declaration to the customs service at the point of departure of the goods or during transportation, which will perform a number of operations in advance, including verification of the declaration and risk analysis. Then the truck will be able to undergo customs clearance at an accelerated pace upon arrival at the control site at the border crossing, which will significantly reduce the storage and waiting time.
By implementing this model at the Baktu checkpoint, customs clearance time can be reduced from 3-4 hours to less than 10 minutes.
The new model will also reduce the company’s operating costs, said Yao Fei, an official at a Xinjiang-based trading firm.
According to the results of the first five months of this year, 292 thousand tons of cargo were imported and exported through the Baktu checkpoint, which is 3.7 percent more than a year earlier, according to data from the Urumqi Customs Office.
This customs clearance model was first put into operation in Xinjiang at Alashankou Port in November 2023. Based on the successful experience, Urumqi Customs is working to expand this model to other border crossings in Xinjiang. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute protest over the European Union’s (EU) decision to include some Chinese companies and financial institutions in the 18th round of sanctions against Russia.
In response to a media question, a spokesman for the agency said the EU, ignoring repeated statements and objections from China, unilaterally included Chinese companies in its sanctions list and imposed fines on two Chinese financial institutions based on unfounded accusations.
China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not sanctioned by the UN Security Council, the representative of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China emphasized.
According to him, the EU’s actions contradict the consensus reached between the leaders of China and the EU and will have a serious negative impact on trade and economic ties and financial cooperation between the two sides.
China calls on the EU to immediately stop the wrong practice of including Chinese enterprises and financial institutions on the sanctions list, the ministry spokesman said, adding that the Chinese side will take necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of domestic companies and financial institutions. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.138 [2025]
(Open Market Operations Office, July 21, 2025)
The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB170.7 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 21, 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday vowed to stay in office despite a significant electoral setback in the House of Councillors election, where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner failed to secure a majority.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Ishiba acknowledged the disappointing results and expressed a strong sense of responsibility.
“What is most important right now is to avoid causing stagnation in national politics,” he said, vowing efforts to fulfill the responsibilities as the leading party.
His remarks came amid growing public dissatisfaction over rising living costs and policy missteps, which analysts say contributed to the poor performance of the ruling bloc.
According to the final vote count completed in the early hours of Monday, the LDP secured only 39 seats of the 125 contested seats in the upper house election, while Komeito took eight, below their combined target of 50.
Even with their existing non-contested seats of 75, they now held fewer than the 125 seats needed for a majority in the 248-member upper chamber.
Despite the setback, Ishiba emphasized the need for stability and continuity in government, and formally declared his intention to continue serving as prime minister.
Police are investigating two incidents reported by residents in the Kingborough area relating to the use of small, homemade explosive-type devices. In these incidents on Saturday night, damage was reported to property, including three separate vehicles. Police located a complete exhibit of one of these devices at the scene of a vehicle damage in Kingston Beach. This item has been taken for analysis and forensic examination, and investigations continue. These are believed to be isolated incidents, with no intent to target anyone. If members of the public find an aluminium foil-wrapped parcel or device, about 8cm long, they are advised to leave it alone and contact police. Police are calling for information relating to any persons or vehicles seen in the area of Ewing Avenue, Kingston Beach, about 9pm on Saturday and Beach Road and Endeavour Avenue, at Margate, about 9:30pm. If anyone has information regarding the incidents, they are urged to contact Kingston police on 131 44 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or www.crimestopperstas.com.au Please quote OR 780 411.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police have arrested a 42-year-old male following a siege on Friday afternoon in Moulden.
Around 6:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 72-year-old male had allegedly been assaulted with a machete at a unit complex on Moulden Terrace.
It is alleged that the victim approached his neighbour’s unit to complain about loud music and a confrontation ensued, during which the male assaulted the victim whilst armed with a machete.
Police attended, and the victim was conveyed to Palmerston Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his hands and shoulder.
The alleged offender retreated into his unit and Police negotiators and Territory Response Group were deployed to the scene. The male later surrendered without incident.
He has since been charged with Recklessly endangering serious harm and Unlawfully causing serious harm and has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 22 July 2025.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500072953. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared an article highlighting progress made by the state of Meghalaya.
In response to an article shared by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Modi said on X, “Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights Meghalaya’s remarkable transformation driven by tourism, youth empowerment, women-led SHGs, initiatives like the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Vibrant Village Programme and more. With strong government support and vibrant community spirit, the state stands as a blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India.”
In her article, FM Sitharaman highlighted Meghalaya’s remarkable progress across infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, and cultural preservation – from smooth highways connecting Guwahati to Shillong, to the scenic Umiam Lake being developed as a world-class tourism hub under the SASCI scheme.
FM Sitharaman said that her visits to local Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) revealed a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, with Meghalaya’s farmers and women leaders turning into business owners. The export of pineapples to Dubai and the cultivation of shitake mushrooms with Japanese collaboration are just a few indicators of agricultural innovation.
She added that the heritage conservation is also thriving in Meghalaya. In the village of Siej, community members are preserving the iconic living root bridges, with efforts underway for UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Her journey culminated in Sohbar and Cherrapunji (Sohra), where vibrant border villages and institutions like the Ramakrishna Ashram embody a blend of tradition, service, and self-reliance.
The visit reaffirmed Meghalaya’s position as a beacon of inclusive development, where community spirit and government initiatives together are building a confident, sustainable, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
lign=”center”>Suggestions for improvement is not condemnation or criticism, parties must engage in constructive politics, appeals VP Politics is not confrontation; I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat-VP Have mutual respect, don’t trade unbecoming language on television, avoid personal attacks, urges VP Isn’t it tiring to the ears? Our ears are fed up, aren’t they? —VP on bitterness on TV debates We can have differences of opinion, we can have disagreements but how can we have bitterness in our hearts? -VP Hope for meaningful and serious deliberations in upcoming session, says VP
Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today calling for bonhomie and mutual respect amongst the political parties stated, “I appeal to everyone in the political spectrum — please have mutual respect. Please don’t trade unbecoming language on television or otherwise against the leadership of one party or the other. This culture is not our civilizational essence. We have to be careful with our language…..Avoid personal attacks. I appeal to politicians. Time for us to stop calling politicians names. It does no good to our culture when, in various political parties, people take on senior people of other political parties and call them names.
We must have an absolute sense of decorum, mutual respect — and that is the demand of our culture. We otherwise cannot have unity in our thought process…..Trust me, if political dialogue takes place at a higher level if leaders mingle more frequently. They have greater discourse among themselves. They exchange ideas at an individual level — interest of the nation will be served……. Why should we fight amongst ourselves? Let us not look for enemies within. Every Indian political party and every parliamentarian, to my knowledge, is a nationalist at the end of the day. He believes in the nation. He believes in the progress of the nation…….Democracy is never of a kind where the same party will ever come to power. We have seen in our lifetime, the change takes place at state level, at panchayat level, at municipal level, that’s a democratic process. But one thing is for sure, there has to be continuity of development, continuity of our civilisational ethos, and that comes only from one aspect. We must respect democratic culture.”
“A thriving democracy, friends, cannot afford an atmosphere of constant acrimony…..Your mind must be disturbed when you find political acrimony, when you find political atmosphere in a different direction. I urge everyone in the country that political temperature must be brought down. Politics is not confrontation, politics can never be unidirectional. There will be different political thought processes but politics means achieving the same object but somehow in different ways. I strongly believe no person in this country will think against the nation. I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat. They may have different ways, different thinking; but they must learn to discuss with each other, have dialogue with each other. Confrontation is not a way out. When we fight amongst ourselves, even in the political arena, we are strengthening our enemy. We are giving them enough material to divide us. Therefore, young minds are a great pressure group. You have very strong power. Your thought process will control the politician, your parliamentarian, your legislator, your corporator. Think of the nation. Think of the development”, he added.
Addressing the inaugural programme for the eighth batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP) at the Vice-President’s Enclave today, Shri Dhankhar underlined, “ Let us not have politics when there is national interest, let us not have politics over development, let us not have politics when it comes to the growth of the nation. Let us not have politics when it is an issue of national security, national concern and that can happen because India has to stand proud amongst the comity of nations. We are well regarded in the world. The very idea that Bharat can be controlled from outside goes against our claim. We are a nation, a sovereign nation. Why should our political agenda be set by forces that are inimical to Bharat? Why should our agenda be even influenced by our enemies?”
Drawing attention towards the bitterness among the political parties being reflected on television debates he stated, “ Every political party has matured leadership. Every political party, big or small, has commitment towards national development and therefore duty of the youth to ensure this mindset. This thought process must come in social media and once you will find our television debates soothing, positive, appealing, just imagine how much change can come — just take a moment to observe. What do we usually see? What do we hear? Isn’t it tiring to the ears? Our ears are fed up, aren’t they? Brother, why is it like this? We come from a great culture. There is a foundation to our ideology. We can have differences of opinion — we can have disagreements — but how can we have bitterness in our hearts? We are Indians. What does our culture teach us? Anantavad — the belief in endless dialogue. What does Anantavad mean? It means discussion and debate. What does discussion and debate mean? It means expression. And expression means — speak your thoughts freely, but do not become so convinced of your own opinion that you believe it to be the final and absolute truth. Don’t assume that no one else can possibly have a different point of view than yours.”
Highlighting the need for meaningful discussions in the upcoming monsoon session of the Parliament, Shri Dhankhar said, “ We must be resilient. We must believe in our point of view. But we must also have respect for the other point of view. If we believe in our point of view and think, “I am the only one who is right, and everyone else is wrong” — that is not democracy. That is not our culture. That is ego. That is arrogance. We must control our ego. We must control our arrogance. We must try to understand why the other person holds a different point of view — that is our culture. What has India historically been known for? Discourse, dialogue, debate, deliberation. These days, we do not see all this happening in Parliament. I assume the upcoming session will be an important one. I have every hope that there will be meaningful discussions and serious deliberations that will take Bharat to greater heights. It is not that everything is perfect. We will never live in times where everything is perfect. There will always be some shortcomings in certain areas at any given time. And there is always room for improvement. If someone gives a suggestion to improve something, it is not condemnation. It is not a criticism. It is only a suggestion for further development. Therefore, I appeal to political parties to engage in constructive politics. And when I say this, I appeal to all parties — those on the treasury benches, the ruling party, and the opposition parties.”
The team at Sea Lanes Brighton is a passionate group of local businesses and open-water swimming enthusiasts who will partner with South Downs Leisure to steward the regeneration of Hilsea Lido. Together, their shared vision is to create a financially and environmentally sustainable, inclusive, and accessible leisure destination for all to enjoy.
Portsmouth’s cherished Hilsea Lido has been undergoing a £7.6m renovation, led by the council and funded by the UK Government. Extensive work is currently underway to fully renovate the pool, filtration equipment, and surrounding areas. The announcement of Sea Lanes as the preferred operator follows a market exercise that took place in late 2024.
Sea Lanes on Brighton seafront
The Sea Lanes team plan to bring their significant expertise to Hilsea Lido and will begin the regeneration with the introduction of a sauna, along with a pop-up food and beverage offer to complement the unheated pool. They will also operate the splash pool next to the lido, unifying both sides of the historic site for the first time in many years.
Harry Smith, Director at Sea Lanes, said:
“We are thrilled to be chosen as the preferred operators of Hilsea Lido, we see it as more than a more than a pool, it’s a unique place with history and heart. A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect.
“From invigorating swims and soul-soothing sauna sessions to family themed activities, delicious eats and energising events, there will be something for everyone. To help us create our vision we want to hear from the Portsmouth community as to how Hilsea Lido can meet their needs.”
Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, said:
“We are excited to be part of the transformation of Hilsea Lido. Swimming is unique. It is something that everyone can do. We want everyone to safely enjoy the water throughout their lives. By working with the community and Sea Lanes we will champion the benefits of open water swimming for all in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Designed for accessibility and flexibility, serving swimmers of all ages and abilities, with no barriers to entry.”
The council has been working closely with contractors Beard and consultancy company Mace on this complex project, which has involved 80 tonnes of steel reinforcement and 30 lorry-loads of concrete being brought in to strengthen the pool. Modular shower units and toilets have been installed, including a Changing Places toilet, with beach-themed changing huts to be added soon.
An artist’s impression of the refurbished Hilsea Lido
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We are all absolutely delighted to finally reveal our partnership with the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton. This is a major milestone for Hilsea Lido, and it will help to transform the north of the city.
“As a council, we are committed to investing in sport across the city because of the clear physical and mental benefits that physical activity brings. We are looking forward to seeing the lido develop further under the care of a very experienced team.”
An opening date will be announced once agreed with the Sea Lanes team. To find out more about the plans, sign up for news updates, and give your feedback, please visit hilsealido.co.uk.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinhua | 21.07.2025
Keywords: USA
Source: Xinhua
Flash: Alaska Airlines has requested the suspension of all its main US flights, citing an “IT system failure” — media Flash: Alaska Airlines has requested the suspension of all its main US flights, citing an “IT system failure” — media
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
GAZA, July 21 (Xinhua) — At least 14 Palestinians, including a civil defense worker, were killed Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on a college building west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said.
Israeli warplanes fired at least one missile at a building housing displaced people in the al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, witnesses said.
Doctors told Xinhua that all the bodies found, as well as the wounded, were taken to hospitals.
The airstrike killed civil defense officer Hani al-Dabour and wounded several members of his team, according to a local government statement. The government called on the international community to fulfill its obligations to “stop Israel’s crimes and ensure full protection for the work crews.”
In a statement on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the paratroopers’ brigade, under the command of the 36th Division, had completed its mission in the Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip.
“During the operation, the troops eliminated the terrorists in hand-to-hand combat and in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force. They destroyed the terrorists’ infrastructure, including military installations, weapons and explosives depots,” the statement said.
Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip on March 18. Since then, at least 8,066 Palestinians have been killed and 28,939 wounded. The total number of deaths since October 2023 has reached 58,895, with 140,980 injured, the enclave’s health authorities said on Sunday. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.