Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Thai Trade Representative Umesh Pandey at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During their meeting, they discussed emerging issues on regional and global trade, including the new U.S. Tariff Policy and its effects on the trade and investment schemes in ASEAN.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Thai Trade Representative appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this afternoon received H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During the meeting, both sides shared insights on advancing ASEAN-Estonia relations in mutually beneficial areas, both bilaterally and within the ASEAN-EU framework.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Isle of Man
Anyone who is considering starting a business or conducting a business or service in the Island that might be linked to financial services activity (including designated business activity) is urged to ensure they have the appropriate authorisations in place.
Firms planning to undertake financial services activity must hold the relevant licence issued under the Financial Services Act 2008 or authorisation/registration under the Insurance Act 2008, while those classed as a designated business are required to be registered under the Designated Businesses (Registration and Oversight) Act 2015 in order to trade.
Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (“DNFBPs”) include accountants, bookkeepers, estate agents, payroll agents, moneylenders, tax advisers and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The definition also applies to businesses dealing in goods or services of any description that involve cash transactions equivalent to €15,000 or more in any currency.
DNFBPs are registered and overseen by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority for compliance with anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (“AML/CFT”) legislation.
Anyone who is unsure whether an activity falls under the definition of a designated business or financial services activity is encouraged to contact the Authority at the earliest opportunity. Information and guidance, including frequently asked questions, are available on the Authority’s website, while officers can assist applicants through the registration, authorisation or licensing process.
Businesses are also reminded that providing, or advertising as offering, certain services without first being registered as a DNFBP could result in a penalty of up to £5,000 or prosecution.
Dan Johnson, Senior Manager in the Portfolio Supervision Division, said: ‘We are focused on working with relevant parties to ensure they have a thorough understanding of their licensing and registration requirements. People must not carry out or even start marketing a financial services or designated business activity without first being licensed or registered. If you are thinking of launching a new service and aren’t sure of your requirements, please talk to us or visit our website.’
Source: Moody’s
Headline: Moody’s Corporation Reports Results for First Quarter 2025
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO) today announced results for the first quarter 2025 and updated select metrics within its outlook for full year 2025.
The First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and other earnings materials can be found on the Moody’s IR website at ir.moodys.com. In addition, the Earnings Release will be furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a Form 8-K and will be available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
“Moody’s delivered a very strong quarter across both our businesses, including a record quarter for our Ratings franchise,” said Rob Fauber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s. “It is in times of uncertainty when the clarity and transparency we provide matter the most. Though we are facing a period of increased volatility, we run our business across market cycles, harnessing the strength and breadth of our portfolio to deliver value to our stakeholders over the long-term.”
Teleconference Details:
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Date and Time |
April 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET |
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Webcast |
The webcast and its replay can be accessed through Moody’s Investor Relations website, ir.moodys.com within “Events & Presentations”. |
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Dial In |
U.S. and Canada |
+1-888-596-4144 |
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Other callers |
+1-646-968-2525 |
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Passcode |
515 6491 |
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Dial In Replay |
A replay will be available immediately after the call on April 22, 2025 and until April 29, 2025. |
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U.S. and Canada |
+1-800-770-2030 |
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Other callers |
+1-609-800-9909 |
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Confirmation code |
515 6491 |
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For further information, please contact Investor Relations at ir@moodys.com.
ABOUT Moody’s
In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive.
Source: Moody’s Corporation Investor Relations
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide order dated April 21, 2025, has cancelled the licence of “Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad”. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on April 22, 2025. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank. The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of the bank as:
2. Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, “Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad” is prohibited from conducting the business of ‘banking’ which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect. 3. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakh only) from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of DICGC Act, 1961. As per the data submitted by the bank, 91.55% of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As on April 03, 2025, DICGC has already paid ₹275.22 crore of the total insured deposits under the provisions of Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961 based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank. (Puneet Pancholy) Press Release: 2025-2026/151 |
Source: Rosneft
Headline: Rosneft supports the celebration of the main holiday of Yamal’s indigenous peoples
With the support of RN-Purneftegaz and Kharampurneftegaz (part of Rosneft’s oil and gas production complex), the village of Kharampur celebrated Reindeer Herder’s Day, a holiday of the indigenous people of the North. Reindeer herders and fishermen from all over the Purovsky District of Yamal, as well as guests from the towns of Gubkinsky and Tarko-Sale, gathered in the ethnic village, where more than 800 Forest Nenets now live.
Traditional reindeer sled races were held on the banks of the Ayvasedapur River. The fastest participants received gifts from oil workers. The parade of reindeer sleds became a spectacular part of the holiday, for which the residents of the ethnic village also decorated the reindeer with beads and ribbons of multi-coloured cloth. Reindeer herders also competed in national sports – wrestling, jumping over sleds, throwing a tynzian to a khorei (a tynzian is a harness and a khorei is a long pole used to chase reindeer). Women participated in a competition for the best traditional attire. The beadweaving class at the boarding school built by Rosneft in Kharampur teaches young people the traditions and techniques of beading and national costume sewing.
The guests were treated to traditional Nenets cuisine: stroganina, salted fish, venison shurpa and desserts made of tundra berries. The festival culminated with a concert by Yamal artistic groups.
One of the key areas of Rosneft’s social policy is the preservation of the national culture of the indigenous peoples of the North and their traditional way of life. The Company’s enterprises implement numerous projects in their regions of operation, developing infrastructure in northern villages, supporting reindeer herding families, and improving the material and technical base of educational institutions and social facilities in the ancestral homelands of indigenous minorities.
For reference:
The settlement of Kharampur (translated from Nenets – ‘Larch on the noisy river’) was founded in the 1920s as a permanent trading post. The settlement was revived as an ethnic village in 2002 with the support of Rosneft. With the help of Rosneft, Kharampur has become the center of the Forest Nenets culture. The oil workers built the utility and social infrastructure of the settlement, a cultural and leisure centre, a library and a boarding school where the children of reindeer herders and fishermen, in addition to the general education programme, study their native language and traditional crafts. Two-storey octagonal cottages were built for the residents, stylised as Nenets national dwelling – a chum.
RN-Purneftegaz is running a grant project aimed at preserving the unique language and national identity of the Forest Nenets.
Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
March 20, 2025
Source: Bundesbank
The need for information on current developments in the commercial real estate markets has increased considerably since the global financial crisis of 2007-08. Price, rent and yield indicators as well as information on vacancies in office, retail and rental housing markets are essential when analysing financial stability. Since then, official statisticians have made considerable efforts to develop suitable datasets, enhance statistical methodologies and resolve practical challenges that arise when calculating indicators.
At the individual property level, there is a mathematical relationship between market price, rental income, yield and vacancy. We argue that this relationship should also be present at the level of the aggregated indicators. We call this property “macro-consistency”. Macro-consistency increases the informative value of the data in macroeconomic and macroprudential analysis. The conditions for macro-consistency include requirements for the completeness and structure of the granular or sub-aggregated dataset needed to calculate the indicators, the definition of the indicators, and their weighting in the aggregation.
A macro-consistent set of core indicators for the commercial real estate market may consist of a price index, a gross rental index, a net yield index and a vacancy rate. In order to achieve macro consistency, prices and price-determining characteristics as well as information on rental income and vacancies must be available in full and in a consistent form for all observation units to calculate indicators based on granular or sub-aggregated data. In addition, when aggregating, price and yield indices need to be weighted with the capital value; rent indices and vacancy ratios need to be weighted with the rental value.
Using the German office market as a case study, we demonstrate that there are empirically significant differences between the commercial real estate market developments shown by macro-consistent indicators and those suggested by alternative indicators.
Source: Thales Group
Headline: The European Main Battle Tank Development (FMBTech) project has been launched to develop the technologies behind the tank of the future
The Technologies for Existing and Future Main Battle Tanks (FMBTech) project has been officially launched. This European project aims to revolutionise Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) for modern hybrid warfare. Coordinated by Thales, the initiative brings together a consortium of 26 companies from 13 European Union (EU) Member States and Norway.
Funded by the European Commission under the European Defence Fund (EDF, 2023 edition) and the consortium, this three-year initiative will develop modular and adaptable solutions to ensure readiness for diverse and complex battlefields. By using innovative technology bricks, the project aims to build a future of agile, intelligent, and cooperative MBTs to address the limitations of aging fleets in the EU and Norway.
FMBTech positions the EU at the forefront of advanced, cutting-edge defence technologies, reinforcing military innovation and collaboration within European defence. The project will enhance the effectiveness, safety, and cost-efficiency of both existing and future MBTs, ensuring they remain pivotal assets on the battlefield while bridging the gap to emerging 5th-generation capabilities.
About FMBTech
A European Consortium with 26 participating entities, FMBTech features 8 SMEs and 7 RTOs from 13 EU Member States and Norway.
The FMBTech project was selected by the European Commission for funding under the European Defence Fund (EDF) in 2023. The project has been allocated a total budget of €19 million.
The EDF is the Commission’s instrument for supporting research and development actions in the defence sector. Its main objectives are to foster cooperation between companies, including SMEs, and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) throughout the Union, to promote the development of defence capabilities through investment, and to help EU companies develop advanced and interoperable defence technologies and equipment.
The partners are:
THALES SIX GTS FRANCE SAS France
ARQUUS France
C&V CONSULTING Belgium
CY4GATE SPA Italy
ENVIRONICS OY Finland
EIGHT BELLS HELLAS I.K.E Greece
GMV AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE SA Spain
GUARDIARIS RACUNALNISKE APLIKACIJE IN SIMULACIJE D.O.O Slovenia
HENSOLDT FRANCE SAS France
ISD AEROSPACE LIMITED Ireland
MBDA FRANCE France
MSM LAND SYSTEMS S.R.O Slovakia
KNDS France
OŚRODEK BADAWCZO-ROZWOJOWY URZĄDZEŃ MECHANICZNYCH OBRUM SP. Z O.O. Poland
POLITECNICO DI MILANO Italy
SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE France
SAVOX COMMUNICATIONS OY Finland
SCERTAS GMBH Germany
SKYLD SECURITY AND DEFENCE LIMITED Cyprus
SOPRA STERIA AS Norway
TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY Finland
THALES ITALIA SPA Italy
VETRONICS RESEARCH CENTRE EU LTD Cyprus
VOJENSKÝ VÝZKUMNÝ ÚSTAV SP Czech Republic
WOJSKOWA AKADEMIA TECHNICZNA IM. JAROSLAWA DABROWSKIEGO Poland
WOJSKOWY INSTYTUT TECHNIKI PANCERNEJ I SAMOCHODOWEJ Poland
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.
Source: European Central Bank
22 April 2025
Respondents’ expectations for headline inflation, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), were 2.2% for 2025 and 2.0% for 2026 and 2027. Expectations were revised up by 0.1 percentage points for 2025 and 2026 compared with the previous survey (conducted in the first quarter of 2025) but were unchanged for 2027. Expectations for core HICP inflation, which excludes energy and food, were revised up slightly across all horizons. Longer-term expectations for headline inflation were unchanged at 2.0%, while those for core HICP inflation were revised up slightly to 2.0%.
Respondents expected real GDP growth of 0.9% in 2025, 1.2% in 2026 and 1.4% in 2027. Compared with the previous survey, expectations were revised down by 0.1 percentage points for 2025-26 but up by 0.1 percentage points for 2027. Longer-term growth expectations remained unchanged at 1.3%.
The expected trajectory of the unemployment rate was revised slightly downwards. The unemployment rate is expected to average 6.3% from 2025 to 2027, and then to fall to 6.2% in the longer term.
Source: ASEAN
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 flag-off ceremony in Jakarta, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia.
They exchanged views on advancing sustainable mobility, regional connectivity, and inclusive development under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. They also underscored the importance of continued collective efforts to foster innovation, sustainability, and unity across the region. This cordial exchange reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a stronger, greener, and more resilient ASEAN.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended at the official flag-off ceremony of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025, held at the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta. The event was also attended by Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia.
This meaningful initiative underscores ASEAN’s collective commitment to sustainable mobility, green innovation, and regional integration. It also reflects Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025, championing inclusive and forward-looking cooperation across the region.
The ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 will traverse ASEAN Member States, symbolising our shared journey toward a greener, more connected, and future-ready ASEAN.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the Official flag-off ceremony of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/150 |
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Source: African Development Bank Group
I wish to thank the Vice Chancellor and the University Senate for the great honor of receiving an honorary doctorate from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). I am delighted to be here today with my dear wife, Grace.
I have great admiration for NOUN for three reasons.
Source: African Development Bank Group
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has recently approved a $19.85 million grant over two years to support a humanitarian and resilience operation in Sudan, with a strong focus on improving livelihoods of vulnerable populations and easing the impact of the…
Source: Reserve Bank of India
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/148 |
Source: ASEAN
Siem Reap, 22 April 2025 – Senior Officials of ASEAN and the United States (U.S.) reaffirmed their commitment to further advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 37th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue held today in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Both sides took stock of the progress made in ASEAN-U.S. cooperation across all three pillars of the ASEAN Community and noted with satisfaction the robust implementation of all measures under the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-United States Strategic Partnership (2021-2025) and its Annex ahead of their expiration at the end of 2025.
The U.S. reiterated its support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture. ASEAN looked forward to enhancing practical cooperation in the priority areas under the AOIP and encouraged the U.S.’ continued constructive role in promoting dialogue for regional peace, security and stability through its participation in various ASEAN-led mechanisms. Both sides looked forward to enhanced cooperation in the areas of transnational crime, including combatting drug trafficking and online scam; defence; counterterrorism; and cybersecurity.
Valuing the U.S. as one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and its largest source of foreign direct investment, ASEAN expressed its intention to engage the U.S. in a constructive dialogue to address trade-related concerns and maintain strong and mutually beneficial trade relations with the U.S. ASEAN is also committed to exploring avenues to work with the U.S., including through existing economic platforms such as the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement, the Expanded Economic Engagement Work Plan, as well as dialogue and engagement between the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the U.S. Trade Representative to explore mutually acceptable solutions of common interest. ASEAN welcomed deeper collaboration with the U.S. across strategic, high-value sectors, including digital services and knowledge industries, food and agriculture, green technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and transport. ASEAN also looked forward to the U.S.’ sustained support for the ASEAN Single Window, ASEAN Power Grid, and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Acknowledging the strong people-to-people linkages between ASEAN and the U.S., both sides looked forward to further harnessing the linkages, including through the continuation of the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, International Visitors Leadership Program and other emerging leadership programmes. The Senior Officials also commended the important role of the ASEAN-U.S. Center in Washington, D.C. in promoting awareness of ASEAN in the U.S.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including the situations in Myanmar, South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Middle East and Ukraine. They agreed to enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Secretary of State and the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader of Cambodia, Kung Phoak, and Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and Acting U.S. SOM Leader, Sean O’Neill, co-chaired the Dialogue. Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, and their respective delegations were in attendance. Timor-Leste participated as Observer.
*****
photo credit: ASEAN Secretariat
The post ASEAN and United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning welcomed H.E. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. At their bilateral meeting, they exchanged views to seek ways to further enhance ASEAN-Denmark relations in mutually beneficial areas, both bilaterally and within the framework of ASEAN-EU cooperation.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Panasonic
Headline: Panasonic in Numbers: Over 1 Million Trees Planted in Just 3 Years by Panasonic Vietnam
Panasonic Vietnam has planted over 1 million trees in only 3 years, making it the fastest foreign company in Vietnam to achieve this goal. Based on estimates from Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture & Environment (MOAE), the initiative, which planted 1,071,300 trees in 20 provinces, is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 108,000 tons over ten years. Totally, Panasonic Vietnam has planted 1,346,390 trees in 11 years.
Besides actively promoting environmental activities as part of Panasonic’s global ECO RELAY project, Panasonic Vietnam launched the “Live Wellness, Contribute Green” tree planting program in 2022, which invited customer contribution through a scheme: a tree is planted each time a customer buys a Panasonic product under Wellness category.
Panasonic Vietnam will continue to support the Panasonic Group’s long-term environmental vision “Panasonic GREEN IMPACT” and contribute to creating a bright future of wellness for Vietnamese people through healthy living and sustainable development.
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.
Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its collaboration with Seatrees that leverages Galaxy camera to restore damaged marine ecosystems. Samsung has long been committed to protecting marine ecosystems. Beginning with the Galaxy S22 series, the company started recycling discarded fishing nets and incorporating the material into its smartphones. This practice has since expanded across the Galaxy ecosystem — including tablets, laptops and wearable devices. Building on these efforts, Samsung is now supporting coral reef restoration through technological innovation. Samsung Newsroom highlights how this initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to the world’s oceans.
Supporting Marine Ecosystems Through Global Collaboration
Introduced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, Coral in Focus is an initiative launched last year that supports local communities, including Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, to restore coastal ecosystems.
Samsung has partnered with Seatrees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, to explore new, innovative solutions for coral reef restoration. The company has introduced Ocean Mode1 on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, an exclusive camera feature that enables vivid image capture even underwater. These images provide accurate visual data for marine researchers who create 3D photogrammetry models to continuously monitor and analyze coral reefs. Local partner organizations then use these findings to guide their on-site coral restoration efforts.
Ocean Mode: How Galaxy Camera Innovation Is Helping Restore Coral Reefs
Partners and local field teams use Ocean Mode to reduce the excessive blue tones common in underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral colors. The feature also helps minimize motion blur through optimized shutter speed and multi-frame image processing. Additionally, the interval shooting function enables thousands of high-resolution coral images to be captured in a single session — improving both efficiency and image clarity.
With these coral restoration initiatives, photos taken with Ocean Mode have been used to produce 17 3D models of coral reefs to analyze the health and growth of reefs. In total, 11,046 coral fragments were planted to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat — roughly the size of 25 basketball courts.
Since unveiling its “Galaxy for the Planet” environmental vision in 2021, Samsung has continued its efforts toward a more sustainable future — not only by incorporating ocean-bound plastics from discarded fishing nets into its products but also by expanding into marine ecosystem restoration. These actions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact across the entire product life cycle and beyond.
1 Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.
Source: Sony
April 22, 2025
Advancing Resource Efficiency Through “Material-to-Material Recycling”
Sony has developed practical “Material-to-Material recycling” that reuses plastic recovered from the rear covers of end-of-life televisions in new TV products. Material-to-Material recycling refers to recycling where materials recovered from used products are reused as raw materials in new products of the same category with equivalent quality.
This Material-to-Material Recycling has been made possible by successfully incorporating plastic recovered from end-of-life TVs by the designated collection facility*2 newly added as part of the raw material for SORPLAS, Sony’s flame-retardant recycled plastic material. This innovative recycling method utilizing SORPLAS will be implemented for the first time in the 65-inch model of the 4K OLED BRAVIA 8 (2024 models), with global shipments scheduled to begin within 2025.
Material-to-Material Recycling of TV Rear Covers image
BRAVIA 8 (65-inch) and its rear cover made with SORPLAS
Rear covers collected from end-of-life TVs contain various types of plastic, which previously made direct reuse in new products difficult due to differences in strength and texture. To overcome this challenge, the BRAVIA design team collaborated with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, the developer of SORPLAS, to create advanced sorting technology and optimal material blending methods suitable for television reuse. This technology enables the collection and sorting of specific plastics from used TV rear covers from any manufacturer for partial reuse as raw materials while maintaining the same high quality as conventional SORPLAS.
In the future, Sony aims to achieve complete “closed-loop recycling” (fully circular recycling that reuses end-of-life products as raw materials for new products) by recovering and reusing rear covers made with SORPLAS.
April 22nd each year marks “Earth Day,” a day for individuals to consider and take action for the global environment. To coincide with this day, Sony will publish its environmental initiatives on a website.
Source: GlobalData
Citi and Houlihan Lokey top M&A financial advisers in financial services sector in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData
Posted in Business Fundamentals
Citi and Houlihan Lokey were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) financial advisers in the financial services sector during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 by value and volume, respectively, according to the latest financial advisers league table by GlobalData, which ranks financial advisers by the value and volume of M&A deals on which they advised.
Based on its Deals Database, the leading data and analytics company has revealed that Citi achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $16.9 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, Houlihan Lokey led in terms of volume by advising on a total of 12 deals.
Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “During Q1 2025, Houlihan Lokey was the only adviser to hit double-digit deal volume. There was a notable improvement in the total number of deals advised by it during Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. Resultantly, it went ahead from occupying the 19th position by volume in Q1 2024 to top the chart by this metric in Q1 2025.
“Meanwhile, Citi also registered improvement in terms of value, as most of the deals advised by it during Q1 2025 were big-ticket deals. Resultantly, its ranking by value also improved from the 11th position in Q1 2024 to the top position in Q1 2025. Four of the five deals advised by Citi during Q1 2025 were billion-dollar deals* that also included one mega deal valued more than $10 billion. Apart from leading by value, Citi also occupied the seventh position in terms of deal volume during Q1 2025.”
An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that JP Morgan occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $16.4 billion worth of deals, followed by Goldman Sachs with $15 billion, UBS with $6.2 billion, and Morgan Stanley with $5.3 billion.
Meanwhile, Piper Sandler occupied the second position in terms of volume with nine deals, followed by JP Morgan with eight deals, UBS with seven deals, and PwC with seven deals.
*Valued more than or equal to $1 billion
Source: GlobalData
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Debevoise & Plimpton top M&A legal advisers in financial services sector during Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData
Posted in Business Fundamentals
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Debevoise & Plimpton were the top mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal advisers in the financial services sector during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 by value and volume, respectively, according to the latest legal advisers league table by GlobalData, which ranks legal advisers by the value and volume of M&A deals on which they advised.
Based on its Deals Database, the leading data and analytics company has revealed that Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison achieved its leading position in terms of value by advising on $12 billion worth of deals. Meanwhile, Debevoise & Plimpton led in terms of volume by advising on eight deals.
Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “There was an improvement in the total number of deals advised by Debevoise & Plimpton in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. Resultantly, its ranking by volume also improved from the 11th position in Q1 2024 to the top position in Q1 2025. Apart from leading by volume in Q1 2025, Debevoise & Plimpton also held the ninth position by value.
“Meanwhile, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison saw its ranking by value improve from the sixth position in Q1 2024 to the top position in Q1 2025 even though it experienced a year-on-year drop in the total value of deals advised. Apart from leading by value, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison also held the fifth position by volume in Q1 2025.
An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz occupied the second position in terms of value, by advising on $12 billion worth of deals, followed by Bradley Arant Boult Cummings with $12 billion, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom with $5.2 billion, and Chiomenti Studio Legale with $4.5 billion.
Meanwhile, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett occupied the second position in terms of volume with eight deals, followed by Alston & Bird with eight deals, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz with seven deals, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison with six deals.
Source: GlobalData
Global nuclear power capacity to reach 494GW by 2035, driven by advancements in SMRs and clean energy shift, says GlobalData
Posted in Power
The global nuclear power sector has witnessed steady growth in recent years, driven by the need for low-carbon baseload power, energy security, and a renewed interest in decarbonizing industrial sectors. New capacity additions, advancements in reactor technology with small modular reactors (SMRs) emerging as a transformative solution, and supportive policies have contributed to increased generation and reinforced the role of nuclear power in the energy transition. Against this backdrop, nuclear capacity is forecast to grow from 395GW in 2024 to 494GW by 2035, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Nuclear Power Market, Update 2025 – Market Size, Segmentation, Major Trends, and Key Country Analysis to 2035,” reveals that nuclear electricity generation will rise from 2,616 TWh to 3,410 TWh over 2024-35, reflecting a CAGR of 2%. While nuclear power accounted for around 9% of global electricity generation, countries with aging reactors have pursued lifetime extensions, while others have aggressively expanded their nuclear fleets, especially in Asia.
The US remains the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, with 97GW of installed capacity generating 787.6 TWh in 2024. France, which relies on nuclear for over 60% of its electricity, follows with 61.4GW and 333.3 TWh of annual generation. China, with the youngest and fastest-growing nuclear fleet, has expanded its capacity to 56GW, producing 386.1 TWh, surpassing France in total nuclear electricity generation.
Mohammed Ziauddin, Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments “The growing focus on energy security due to geopolitical tensions, increasing demand for low-carbon dispatchable power, government support through regulations and incentives such as grants, loan guarantees, production and investment tax credits (PTCs and ITCs), and market-based mechanisms like Contracts for Difference (CfDs), advancements in SMRs and next-gen technologies, and a surge in electricity demand from data centers are the major reasons behind the increasing adoption of nuclear energy worldwide.”
Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear reactors, SMRs offer compact designs, flexible deployment, and advanced safety features that make them well-suited for remote regions, smaller grids, and industrial applications. With capacities typically under 300MW, SMRs can be factory-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time and costs.
The global SMR pipeline is expanding rapidly, with over 100 reactors at various stages of development. Although only a few SMRs are currently operational, primarily in Russia and China, the next decade is expected to bring a significant increase in new capacity, with more than 10,000MW anticipated by 2035. Countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, China, and Russia are leading the charge with diverse deployment strategies, marking SMRs as a key pillar in the global transition toward secure, low-carbon energy systems.
Zia concludes: “With growing concerns over climate change and energy security, nuclear power has re-emerged as a crucial pillar in the global energy transition. Governments across the world are implementing ambitious net-zero targets and investing in clean, dispatchable energy sources to decarbonize their economies. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide reliable baseload power and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, is playing a vital role in this transition.
“As countries ramp up their focus on SMRs, lifetime extensions, and advanced nuclear technologies, the nuclear power market is poised for long-term growth, driven by the dual goals of energy resilience and climate neutrality.”
Source: GlobalData
Thailand credit and charge card payments market to surpass $65 billion in 2025, forecasts GlobalData
Posted in Banking
Thailand’s credit and charge card payments market is projected to reach THB2.3 trillion ($65.6 billion) in 2025, reflecting a robust growth of 7.1% compared to the previous year, driven by the increasing adoption of digital payment solutions and a shift in consumer behavior towards cashless transactions, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that credit and charge card payment value in Thailand registered a growth of 7.1% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending. The value is forecast to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% between 2025 and 2029 to reach THB3.3 trillion ($92.6 billion) in 2029.
Poornima Chinta, Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Despite having a lower penetration than debit cards, credit and charge cards are preferred for payments, accounting for an estimated 93.8% of card payment value in 2025. The average frequency of payments per card stands at 37.9 times in 2025, compared to 3.1 times for debit cards. The steady rise in the middle class and young working population coupled with a developing payment infrastructure and a growing e-commerce market are all supporting this growth.”
The growth of credit and charge card usage is primarily driven by value-added benefits such as reward points, discounts, flexible payment facilities, and cashbacks. SCB Bank offers its CardX credit card customers a 0% installment payment facility, enabling them to settle purchases in four equal monthly installments through the SCB EASY app from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
A developing POS infrastructure is also supporting the rise of credit and charge cards in Thailand. The number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in the country increased from 12,501 in 2020 to 13,507 in 2024, though there is significant room for further expansion of the POS infrastructure.
Payment providers are introducing various initiatives to boost card acceptance among merchants. One such effort is the ‘Effortless Payment Processing’ campaign, launched in September 2024 by SCB Bank in partnership with Mastercard and Soft Space. The campaign aims to accelerate SoftPOS adoption by offering eligible merchants Android devices for ‘SCB Tap-To-Pay’ contactless payments.
Chinta concludes: “The Thai credit and charge card payments market is expected to continue its upward growth trajectory in the next five years. A developing payment infrastructure, rise in consumer spending, and growth in e-commerce payments will continue to push credit and charge card payments usage in Thailand. However, the global and Thai economies face potential headwinds from recent global trade wars stemming from US import tariffs. Any adverse impact could restrict consumer spending, thereby affecting the Thai credit and charge card market.”
Source: Samsung
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of the second edition of ‘Walk-a-thon India’, a campaign designed to bolster the spirit of health and fitness in the country.
Starting today, users can participate in the challenge and track their daily step count for a period of one month until May 20, 2025 via the Samsung Health app. All users who complete 200,000 steps during this period will be eligible for prizes. Three lucky winners will get Galaxy Watch Ultra while all others who complete 200,000+ steps will get 25% discount on Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The second edition of ‘Walk-a-thon India’ builds on the tremendous response received during the first chapter held in February 2025, which saw over 100,000 entries from enthusiastic participants across the country.
The 30-day steps challenge will be hosted exclusively on the Samsung Health app, which is available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Participants can monitor their progress through a real-time leaderboard within the Samsung Health app, allowing them to compare their performance and stay motivated throughout the challenge. To qualify and be eligible for prizes, participants are required to complete a minimum of 200,000 steps over the 30-day duration. After completing the challenge, the finishers need to visit the Samsung Members app between May 26 and June 15, 2025 to claim their prize.
Samsung Health App
Samsung Health is a global wellness platform that allows users to track a wide range of health metrics including steps, exercise, calorie intake, blood pressure, ECG, and sleep patterns. The app is designed to promote healthy living and is compatible exclusively with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. With seamless integration and user-friendly features, the app empowers users to maintain and improve their overall well-being.
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at INR 59999, boasts 10ATM water resistance, an IP68 rating for dust and water protection, and is built to military-grade MIL-STD-810H standards, making it resilient in tough environments. The device delivers up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving mode, offering long-lasting performance. It is equipped with Samsung’s cutting-edge BioActive Sensor, which supports on-demand ECG recording and Heart Rate Alerts to detect irregular heart activity. Galaxy Watch Ultra also comes with Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature.
Users can participate in the challenge by registering for the Walk-a-thon India challenge on Samsung Health App.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
JAKARTA, 21 April 2025 – ASEAN and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to further advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC), held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
China reaffirmed its steadfast support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. China also underscored ASEAN as a key priority on China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on recent developments in ASEAN and China, and reviewed the progress of ASEAN-China CSP over the past year. Notable progress has been made in the final year of the implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025 and its Annex to advance the CSP.
Under the framework of the existing POA, ASEAN and China continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas such as non-traditional security, trade and investment, science and technology, green economy, digital ecosystems, agriculture and food security, clean energy, tourism, education, public health, culture, and disaster management.
Under the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges 2025, both sides looked forward to various projects and activities to be conducted, to implement the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges adopted last year.
The two sides also discussed other deliverables of ASEAN-China cooperation this year, including, among others, the expected signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 upgrade, the establishment of the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers meeting, and the adoption of a new POA (2026-2030) to further advance the ASEAN-China CSP and contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
China also put forward proposals for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN in maritime cooperation, artificial intelligence, transport, blue economy, women and children health, and environment.
The Meeting was co-chaired by Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, and attended by Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
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Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community, Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, today met with the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the United States Department of State/Acting United States Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader, Sean O’Neill, at the sidelines of the 37th ASEAN-United States Dialogue in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both sides exchanged views on ways to further advance the ASEAN-United States Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and touched upon regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
Photo credit: United States Department of State
The post Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community meets with the United States’ Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs/Acting U.S. SOM Leader appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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The Reserve Bank issued a draft circular on July 25, 2024 on ‘Basel III Framework on Liquidity Standards – Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) – Review of Haircuts on High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) and Run-off Rates on Certain Categories of Deposits’. The draft circular proposed certain amendments to the LCR framework and invited comments from banks and stakeholders. 2. The feedback received has been carefully examined and the final guidelines have been issued by the Reserve Bank today. With the issuance of these guidelines, a bank shall:
3. In addition, the final guidelines also rationalise the composition of wholesale funding from ‘other legal entities’. Consequently, funding from non-financial entities like trusts (educational, charitable and religious), partnerships, LLPs, etc. shall attract a lower run-off rate of 40 per cent as against 100 per cent currently. 4. The Reserve Bank has undertaken an impact analysis of the above measures based on data submitted by banks, as on December 31, 2024. It is estimated that the net impact of these measures will improve the LCR of banks, at the aggregate level, by around 6 percentage points as on that date. Further, all the banks would continue to meet the minimum regulatory LCR requirements comfortably. Reserve Bank is sanguine that these measures will enhance the liquidity resilience of banks in India, and further align the guidelines with the global standards in a non-disruptive manner. 5. To give the banks adequate time to transition their systems to the new standards for LCR computation, the revised instructions shall become applicable w.e.f. April 01, 2026. (Puneet Pancholy) Press Release: 2025-2026/145 |
Source: New Development Bank
The New Development Bank expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis was a moral leader of global stature. He stood as a beacon of compassion, dialogue, and justice, offering guidance to believers and non-believers alike in a world facing complex and interrelated challenges.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pontiff from the Global South and the first non-European Pope in more than a millennium.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis championed the dignity of the poor, the preservation of our planet, and the imperative of building a more fraternal, multilateral and inclusive world. His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti shaped global conversations on sustainable development, environmental consciousness, and social justice. He consistently advocated for cooperation, equitable economic models, and solidarity across borders.
His call for an integral approach to development and his tireless efforts to bring people together across cultures and beliefs will remain an enduring source of inspiration.
At this time of mourning, the New Development Bank extends its sincere condolences to his family, to the people of Argentina, and to the large community of believers and non-believers that share the values of Pope Francis – justice, care for the vulnerable, and responsibility for future generations. We honor his legacy with respect, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose in the service of humanity.
May he rest in peace.