Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic and targeted shooting that took the lives of Minnesota House Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. We condemn this and any other act of political violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families and the people of Minnesota.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN) released the following joint statement from the entire Minnesota Delegation, including Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Pete Stauber (R-MN):
“Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, June 14 (Xinhua) — Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), led a delegation to Belarus from June 12 to 14 at the invitation of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly (upper house of parliament) of the country.
During the visit, Zhang Qingwei met with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalia Kochanova and Chairperson of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly Igor Sergeyenko. The Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the NPC also held the second meeting of the Committee on Cooperation between the Legislative Bodies of China and Belarus with N. Kochanova.
Zhang Qingwei noted that under the strategic leadership of the heads of the two states, the Chinese-Belarusian all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership continues to develop at a high level.
China is willing to work with Belarus to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, intensify exchanges between legislative bodies, strengthen international coordination and promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations, the vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee added.
The Belarusian leaders, for their part, said that Belarus attaches great importance to relations with China and firmly supports China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns. They noted that Belarus looks forward to strengthening practical cooperation with China, jointly implementing major projects within the Belt and Road Initiative, and promoting the development and prosperity of both countries. –0–
Source: Communications Workers of America
The following statement is from CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister.
Our members in Minnesota and across our union are mourning the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. We are also hoping for the full recovery of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife who were seriously wounded by the assassin.
Melissa Hortman fought for Minnesota’s workers and retirees every day. Under her leadership, the Minnesota legislature focused on legislation that made a real difference for working people and our families including paid family and medical leave, stronger protections against employment discrimination, and policies to ensure reliable, high-speed internet service for all Minnesotans, creating good jobs in the process.
Our thoughts are with Representative Hortman’s family, friends and colleagues. Her solidarity and her accomplishments will not be forgotten, and we will continue the fight in her name.
###
About CWA District 7: Communications Workers of America District 7 represents working and retired people across Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Our members work in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAPE TOWN, June 14 (Xinhua) — The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 86, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said on Saturday.
He gave the latest figures to police and rescue workers involved in rescue operations in Umtata, the town worst hit by the disaster.
“Unfortunately, of course, we know that many people have died and it is mentioned that the total number of victims in the province has reached 86 people. This is a great tragedy and we are all deeply saddened by what has happened,” said S. Mchunu.
Severe weather, including heavy rain and snowfall, has wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape this week, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.
The floods, which began on Monday, also destroyed homes, government offices, roads, hospitals and schools, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the province on Friday, pledged that the government would continue to provide aid to affected communities. He also proposed declaring a national day of remembrance for those killed in the disaster. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))
POMPANO BEACH, FL — Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) issued the following statement on the tragic shootings of Minnesota lawmakers and their families.
“I am devastated by the calculated, senseless violence that stole the lives of a Minnesota state representative and her husband and wounded a state senator and his wife. This attack on public servants—and on the sanctity of their own homes—strikes at the very heart of our democracy.
“Words cannot capture the grief their loved ones, constituents, and the entire state of Minnesota are enduring. As lawmakers, we devote our lives to safeguarding our communities—no one should face gunfire for answering that call to serve.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice. We must stand united against hatred, intimidation, and politically motivated violence. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and all Minnesotans as they recover and navigate through this unimaginable tragedy.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty servicemembers to American cities.
The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in over 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.
Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.
“We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote Padilla and the entire Democratic Senate Caucus. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”
The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations, and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.
“For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”
The Trump Administration has consistently utilized excessive force and aggressive tactics in its immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and across the country. This pattern of unnecessary violence was evident on Thursday when Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, thrown to the ground and handcuffed after simply trying to ask a question.
The legality of Trump’s federalizing of California’s National Guard without the Governor’s consent is currently being disputed in federal court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a stay to pause a lower court’s ruling, which had returned command of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom.
The district court ruled that the President did not follow the statutorily mandated procedure necessary to deploy the National Guard and ordered him to return control of the Guard to California. The Court ruled that Trump violated the 10th Amendment and 10 USC 12406, the provision that authorizes the President to federalize the Guard in the event of insurrection or rebellion. The court held that California was also likely to prevail on the merits of its suit — there was no rebellion or insurrection, and local, county, and state law enforcement were fully capable of enforcing the law.
“At this early stage of the proceedings, the Court must determine whether the President followed the congressionally mandated procedure for his actions. He did not. His actions were illegal—both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith,” wrote the court.
“We’re talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is, of course, limited to his authority,” the court continued. “That’s the difference between a constitutional government and King George. It’s not that a leader can simply say something, and it becomes it.”
In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear President Trump,
We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.
For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”
We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.
Sincerely,
Source: US State of Colorado
Washington, DC – NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kervin Stitt issued the following statement condemning the political shootings in Minnesota:
“We are deeply saddened by the targeted political shootings that took place in Minnesota. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and the people of Minnesota.
“As Chair and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, we condemn political violence in all forms. These attacks are not just assaults on individuals, they are attacks our communities, and the very foundation of our democracy. “
“Public servants should never fear for their lives for serving our communities.”
“We stand united in urging federal, state, and local officials to swiftly investigate and bring those responsible to justice. We also call on all Americans to reject political hatred and violence, and to recommit to the values of civility, respect, and peaceful democratic discourse.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as one nation to ensure that our public square remains a place of debate, not danger.”
###
Source: US State of New York
arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul participated in the 2025 Buffalo Juneteenth Parade.
B-ROLL of the Governor greeting parade goers is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Happy Juneteenth everyone. So great to be back in my wonderful hometown of Buffalo, New York. Let’s give it up for Buffalo.
For 160 years, we’ve been acknowledging the liberation from enslaved peoples who had to wait two more years than the rest of the nation for their freedom from President Lincoln after the Emancipation Proclamation. But I ask you here today, what does freedom look like in this country in 2025, all these years later?
Are people still free to live where they want and get the best education for their kids and get the jobs they want? No, there are still institutional barriers to that freedom, and that’s why we stand up against an oppressive government in Washington, and all across our country people are having No Kings parades and events and celebrations.
Today, I’m proud to be here in Buffalo with the real king and queen of our parade. Please stand up. You honor them and no other kings. Frank Merriweather is our Grand Marshall. Let’s give a round of applause to Frank Merriweather, our great Grand Marshall. All the way from New York City, we have the one and only great Attorney General Tish James. Our mayor, Chris Scanlon is here. Let’s give it up for the Mayor. And still doing the people’s work in Albany, but came here for this special event, the Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, Crystal Peoples-Stokes for an amazing job. Give it up for our Senator, Sean Ryan, has joined us. Senator April Baskin is here. Reverend Dennis Mull, our pastor.
Listen, my friends, today, we celebrate, but we’ll not lose in our hearts and our minds — our 10 brothers and sisters, we lost just three horrible years ago. I remember marching this parade just a few weeks after that blood bath that captivated the world, and they saw what happened when we saw racism and hatred come to a full force right here in our Tops. But just a few weeks later, we stood together, didn’t we?
We stood together and we were strong, and we stood up with this sense of resilience that it defined the people of our country and this nation and this city for 160 years of liberation, and that resilience — that defiant spirit goes on when we are under attack today. So onward and upward, we fight in the names of the ancestors.
Thank you, everyone.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CHANGSHA, June 14 (Xinhua) — A series of major citywide events were held in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, on Saturday to celebrate China’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Day this year.
During the opening ceremony, a selection of exemplary practices in cultural heritage preservation for 2024 was presented and outstanding projects for popularizing cultural heritage in new media in 2025 were announced.
The celebrations, which this year focused on the revival of cultural heritage, also included a forum on scientific and technological innovations in the field of cultural heritage conservation and an online exhibition of fine art heritage.
Along with the festive program in Changsha, more than 7,000 online and offline events have been organized across the country by local cultural heritage departments and institutions under the initiative of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) — The international peacekeeping exercise “Searching for Khaan-2025” kicked off in Mongolia on Saturday at the training center of the Mongolian Armed Forces, 60 km from the capital Ulan Bator.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the State Great Khural (parliament) of Mongolia Bukhchuluuny Purevdorj noted that the exercises serve as an important bridge for deepening international cooperation in peacekeeping operations and strengthening mutual trust and understanding between countries.
“The scale, inclusiveness, content and programme of these multinational peacekeeping exercises continue to expand year on year, reflecting a commitment to tangible actions that contribute to global peace and security,” he added.
A total of 1,200 peacekeepers from 24 countries, including Mongolia, China, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan and the United States, are taking part in 22 peacekeeping exercises organized by the Mongolian Armed Forces.
The exercise, which will last until June 28, will cover command and staff and field activities.
The exercises “In Search of Khaan” have been conducted since 2003 by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia jointly with the US Pacific Fleet Command and the UN Peace Support Fund. Since 2006, the peacekeeping maneuvers have evolved into large-scale international peacekeeping exercises. –0–
Source: European Parliament 3
Around 9,000 young people with 160 different nationalities met in the European Parliament in Strasbourg to discuss the future of Europe.
On Friday 13 June and Saturday 14 June, EYE2025 gathered 9,000 16 to 30-year-olds, who engaged in 450 in-person activities – panels, interactive workshops, quizzes, tours, networking opportunities, and artistic performances. Around 1,000 people are estimated to have followed the sessions webstreamed from the hemicycle.
The activities were co-created with other EU institutions, international organisations, civil society, youth organisations and the participants themselves. Part of the programme took place outdoors in the EYE Village, whose activities were coordinated by the European Youth Forum.
Around 40 MEPs engaged with participants in activities to expand their understanding of the European Union and of the work of decision-makers.
EYE2025 (European Youth Event) was opened by Parliament Vice-president Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE). Vice-president Nicolae Ştefănuță (Greens/EFA, RO) took part in a session dedicated to the next long-term budget as Vice-president Pina Picierno (S&D, IT) closed the event.
Quotes
“The European Parliament deeply believes in the incredible strength, creativity, and passion that young people bring to our society. Engaging with youth is not just important, it is essential for the future and legitimacy of our European democracy. When we listen to young voices, we do not just hear ideas – we feel energy, we see innovation, and we embrace the diversity that makes Europe so rich”, said Vice-president Pina Picierno during the closing ceremony.
Vice-president Sabine Verheyen added: “We need to guarantee young people’s views are reflected in EU policy-making and to ensure that EU policies are future-proof. Since the end of the European Year of Youth in 2022, the EYE team has been working on the possibility of implementing a “Youth Check” in the European Parliament committees. A number of young people would be selected to attend parliamentary committee meetings and provide input on legislative files. Other European institutions have also been working on this novel concept, which in the case of the European Parliament, will help ensure the voices of young citizens are effectively integrated into the Parliament’s work”.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement:
“John and I are devastated and heartbroken by the horrific murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the horrific attack on Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Melissa Hortman was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and I still remember the two of us going door to door in her first legislative campaign. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. As Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, she led efforts to protect women’s rights, invest in clean energy, and secure free school lunch for kids. She was beloved by her colleagues.
I want to thank the brave law enforcement officers who are working in real time to protect Minnesotans and ensure there is accountability for these horrific crimes.
Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy. We must all condemn it. And we must refuse to be a country where anyone is silenced by threats or violence.
To Melissa’s and Mark’s family, Melissa’s colleagues in the Minnesota Legislature, and everyone mourning across our state: I grieve with you. And I will honor their legacy not just in words, but through action — by protecting our democracy, by standing up to hate, and by continuing the work they so passionately believed in.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Saturday morning:
“I am beyond devastated by the premeditated murder of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is a shocking and heinous act of targeted political violence against elected officials. It was clearly intended to instill fear in our communities.
“As Dean of the Congressional Delegation, I have been in touch with my colleagues, who share my profound shock and deep sadness over this tragedy.
“I am thankful to all Minnesota law enforcement personnel, especially those who are responding to the situation, which is still active. Minnesotans of all political backgrounds must unite to condemn this and all politically motivated acts of violence. In a democracy, we do not respond to acts of public policy with acts of violence motivated by extremism.”
###
Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force
Flying high over Buckingham Palace, the Royal Air Force had the pleasure of parading a selection of RAF aircraft to celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
At 13:00 twenty-nine aircraft took to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, watched over by Their Majesties’ The King and Queen, alongside other members of the Royal family.
The stunning formation was led by four Chinook helicopters from No 18 & 27 Squadrons of RAF Odiham, following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour).
The aircraft came from nine different RAF stations, many of whom flew in the VE80 celebrations in May this year.
It is an enormous privilege to be part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday celebrations, where the Flypast is an opportunity for the Royal Air Force to honour His Majesty The King, our Commander-in-Chief, on the occasion of his Official Birthday.
This year, the flypast will comprise twenty-nine aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, rotary wing assets from the Joint Aviation Command, training aircraft from No.22 Group and front-line aircraft from across No.1 Group representing the Air Mobility, Combat Air and ISTAR Forces; as always the flypast will conclude with the iconic Red Arrows.”
Air Vice-Marshal Jackson,
Air Officer Commanding 1 Gp
The aircraft, whose main purpose is to secure our skies and protect our citizens at home and abroad have a broad range of uses. These include training, air transport, lift capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, humanitarian missions, and fast jet combat.
It is a great honour to be part of an event that will bolster our national pride, and to be part of something much greater than myself. My role will include coordinating with civil air traffic and assisting the safe passage of all the aircraft back to their bases.”
Sergeant Mcglasson,
ATC, 78 Sqn
A Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Coningsby followed the Chinooks.
Wing Commander Andrew Watson, a Typhoon pilot and Officer Commanding 12 Squadron had the task of overseeing the whole flypast. The planning for the whole event has been meticulous over many months. The culmination is the spectacle that was seen by millions of people worldwide.
It is a huge personal honour being Mission Commander and coordinating such an impressive array of aircraft fit for His Majesty The King’s Birthday. I cannot be more impressed by the focus and professionalism of both air and ground crew in bringing this spectacle to life.”
Wing Commander Watson,
Mission Commander & OC 12 Sqn
Other aircraft in the formation included a Phenom, Typhoon, an F35 and a C17 Globemaster.
The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel – known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a premium quality fuel, with a chemical structure almost identical to the regular diesel traditionally used by the aerobatic team for its vapour trails.
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.
The event culminated in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
It is a privilege to be a member of the Red Arrows. To me, the Red Arrows are an icon of the United Kingdom – so knowing that you had a key role to play in them bringing joy and excitement to thousands of people as they fly over the Mall is something I am incredibly proud of.
As head of all engineering and logistics on the team, I am even more proud to lead the amazing and diverse team of over one hundred ‘Blues’ that not only make major flypasts happen, but work tirelessly for twelve months a year, every year, to deliver a colourful and dynamic aerobatic show.
Working with the smoke generation system is the most unique part of the job. The vibrant vapour that we generate is what sets the team apart and so to be the first team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is really exciting.”
Squadron Leader King
Snr Engineering Officer, RAF Aerobatic Team
The aircraft of the Armed Forces have a long and proud history of taking part in this occasion, with the first King’s Birthday Flypast taking place in 1913 and most recently formed part of Their Majesties’ Coronation in 2023 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The flypast has much poignancy for one of the Chinook pilots, Master Aircrew (MACr) Ruffles. The King’s Birthday Flypast was one of MACr Ruffles’ last flights as he leaves the RAF after forty years’ service and nine thousand hours flying with helicopters.
Being part of the King’s Birthday Flypast after forty years of service especially on the 80th anniversary of VE Day is an honour I’ll carry with me for many years to come. It’s been a test of resilience, teamwork and dedication. But through it all, the bond with my fellow crew members, the sense of purpose and the pride in serving at such a high level has made every moment worthwhile.”
Master Aircrew Ruffles
27 Squadron, Chinooks
The King’s Birthday Flypast concluded Trooping the Colour which took place on Horse Guards Parade, a ceremony dating back to the reign of King Charles II, becoming an annual event in 1760. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and Corps of Drums marched and played in unison.
Source: US State of Colorado
DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis released the following statement on the killing of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted assassination attempt on the lives of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in what appears to be a politically motivated attacks this morning.
“Colorado stands with Minnesota, and our deepest sympathies go out to those impacted by what appears to be politically motivated attacks. Make no mistake, politically motivated violence, assassinations, and attempts on the lives of elected officials are not the America we know, hold dear, and love. We must continue to reject the divisive politics and rhetoric that have become too prevalent in our country. Those involved in this heinous crime should never see the light of day again, be fully prosecuted under the law, and Colorado is ready to offer any assistance to our friends in Minnesota.”
###
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) — President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung has ordered the prevention and punishment of the launch of balloons with propaganda leaflets criticizing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the president’s office said on Saturday.
It has been confirmed that a public interest group sent leaflets via balloons across the border into North Korea early Saturday morning, presidential spokeswoman Kang Yoo-jung said in a written statement.
Kang Yoo-jung noted that the Lee Jae-myung government has previously voiced its position that the illegal distribution of leaflets against the DPRK should be stopped, as it could threaten the daily lives and safety of people in border areas and lead to an escalation of military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan ordered all relevant departments to develop measures to prevent the distribution of leaflets and punish them, scheduling a discussion of comprehensive actions to counter such actions for June 16.
The official added that the public group and individuals who had earlier in the day dropped leaflets critical of the DPRK across the border would be punished in accordance with applicable laws. –0–
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HK’s drinking water testing programme conducted in strict compliance with international standards
The spokesman said that, as understood, the media organisation had mainly collected samples of impurities from aerators of water taps (commonly known as strainers), and then placed the samples into water for laboratory testing. Aerators are a kind of filter accessory commonly installed at household water taps and shower heads to help block impurities. The presence of impurities in the samples is simply a result of the function of the strainer, and is not abnormal. In the past, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) had received similar inquiries, and staff members were deployed immediately to conduct onsite inspection, arrange flushing of consumers’ water meter, remind consumers to cleanse the strainers, and check if there were any irregularities in water quality. If there was a suspected water quality issue, the WSD would collect drinking water samples for testing and notify consumers about the results. In fact, only a few of such cases required water sample testing in the past three years, and testing results showed that the water samples complied with Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS).
The spokesman stressed that water quality testing must be conducted in accordance with international standards, including making reference to ISO5667 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for sampling and referencing Chinese National Standard GB/T 5750 and American Public Health Association’s (APHA) in testing methods and procedures. The samples tested must be drinking water samples, not those collected from strainers as arranged by the relevant media organisation. In other words, the type of samples, methods and procedures will affect the validity and representativeness of the tests.
The spokesman said that, as mentioned in the report, impurities collected from the strainers include resin, plastic, and silicone. It may relate to materials peeling off from pipes or fittings of the inside service of the building. These substances are not soluble in water. If such substances are found, the inside service should be cleansed as soon as possible. Generally, regular and proper cleansing and maintenance of the inside service of the building can effectively prevent excessive sediments accumulation and reduce impurities in strainers. Drinking water supplied by the WSD undergoes strict treatment and meets HKDWS. However, materials may peel off from public or inside service pipes of buildings due to aging or water pressure, necessitating the installation of strainers at pipes. Property owners, registered agents, and management offices must carry out regular and proper maintenance of building’s inside service, including cleansing sump and rooftop tanks to avoid sediments or rust accumulation, and regularly operating valves, cleansing filters, and flushing concealed water pipes to maintain good drinking water quality at the consumers’ taps.
To ensure the quality of drinking water in Hong Kong, the WSD runs a routine drinking water testing programme, randomly collecting water samples from over 28,000 publicly accessible consumers’ taps (such as those in shopping centres, community facilities, sports venues, and government offices) for testing every year. The sampling rate is based on international standards and the water quality parameters are drawn up in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Moreover, the WSD randomly select about 670 residential and non-residential water accounts each year to collect drinking water samples at their water taps and test for six metals (antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and nickel) to ensure compliance with HKDWS. Relevant test results are regularly published on the WSD’s website.
The spokesman added that the WSD had requested more detailed information for follow-up with the consumer when enquiries were received from the media organisation. Such information is still awaited. The WSD will deploy staff to investigate and assist with flushing the inside service if the media organisation provides more information (including sampling locations). Water samples will also be taken for testing as needed to ensure water safety. For enquiries regarding drinking water quality, the public may call the WSD’s 24-hour hotline: 2824 5000.
Issued at HKT 0:14
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 13, 2025
Hearing loss affects over 50 million Americans and particularly affects older Americans, with nearly one in three people between the ages of 65 and 75 and around half of adults 75 or older reporting difficulty hearing.
Text of the Bill (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act, legislation to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare are able to access a full range of hearing and balance health care services provided by licensed audiologists.
Currently, audiologists are classified as non-physician health care professionals that are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing, balance, and related disorders. Although Medicare already covers various hearing health services, it currently does not recognize audiologists as providers, and they will only receive Medicare reimbursement for a limited set of tests to diagnose hearing or balance disorders—provided that patients first obtain an order from a physician or nurse practitioner.
“Outdated Medicare rules are preventing seniors from accessing the vital services audiologists provide,” said Senator Warren. “We’re introducing this bill because older Americans and people with disabilities deserve access to the full range of care they need.”
The Medicare Audiologist Access Improvement Act of 2025 would reclassify audiologists as “practitioners” in the Medicare program, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive hearing and balance health care services from licensed audiologists.
“The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act removes needless government barriers so Americans can access hearing care directly and affordably,” said Dr. Rand Paul. “It shows that when Congress focuses on practical solutions, we can work across the aisle to improve health care.”
“I’m proud to have helped improve access to high-quality and affordable hearing aids through the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Act in 2017. However, millions of Americans are affected by hearing loss, and more work needs to be done to reduce barriers. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand access and allow more seniors and individuals with disabilities to get help from a trained audiologist,” said Senator Grassley.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Angus King (I-Maine).
“Senior citizens deserve access to high quality audiology care and services they need,” said Senator Booker. “Too many patients suffering from hearing problems struggle to access care because current Medicare rules limit the range of services available. This legislation will remove barriers to accessing audiology care, expand the treatments available, and allow more audiologists to participate in Medicare.”
“Too many Granite Staters suffering from hearing loss are met with bureaucratic barriers when trying to access the care that they need. Roughly one in every three adults between the ages of 65 and 75 experience hearing loss – and yet, they struggle to get care because Medicare does not recognize audiologists as providers,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s past time we cut through this red tape to expand Medicare and ensure that older adults and Granite Staters with disabilities have access to the health services provided by audiologists. That’s why I’m proud to work across the aisle to introduce bipartisan legislation that does exactly that.”
“Excessive red tape has made it increasingly difficult for more than 70,000 Vermonters who experience hearing loss and need access to audiology services. Outdated Medicaid rules make it harder for folks in every state to receive the crucial care audiologists provide,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to make it easier for seniors and folks with disabilities to get the audiology care they need.”
The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act is supported by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, the Hearing Loss Association of America, the Hearing Industries Association, the Vestibular Disorders Association, the American Tinnitus Association, the National Rural Health Association, and the National Association of Rural Health Clinics.
“The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association thanks Senators Warren, Paul, and Grassley for their continued leadership to ensure seniors have more streamlined and robust access to hearing and balance care provided by audiologists,” said ASHA 2025 President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. “ASHA looks forward to supporting their efforts to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that unfairly penalize seniors and prevent them from accessing critical hearing and balance care in a timely and cost-effective manner.”
The American Academy of Audiology’s President Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH, stated, “The leadership of these three dedicated senators in advancing audiologic access nationwide reinforces the vital work audiologists do every day to improve hearing and balance health care. For patients, this legislation represents a meaningful step forward—ensuring timely access to the essential services needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of hearing and vestibular disorders.”
“ADA applauds Senator Warren, Senator Paul, and Senator Grassley for championing the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA) to remove red tape so that seniors and individuals with disabilities have streamlined access to crucial hearing and balance healthcare services,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). “Eliminating burdensome pretreatment order requirements and classifying audiologists as Medicare practitioners will allow patients to receive timely, evidence-based care that improves communication, reduces fall risks, and enhances overall quality of life.”
By Ramzy Baroud and Romana Rubeo
Unlike the Palestinian message, the Israeli message is not global, but very much a localised cry for help — get us out of Gaza.
This is not your typical video. The event itself might be similar to numerous other events in Gaza — a fighter emerging from a tunnel, placing a bomb under an Israeli Merkava tank, and returning to his tunnel before a massive explosion takes place.
This is what is called an operation from zero distance. But the video, this time, is different, as it was not released by the Al-Qassam Brigades or any other group.
There is no foreboding music in the background, no slick edits, no red triangles. The reason? The video was released by the Israeli army itself.
This raises many questions, including why the Israeli army would report the bravery of a Palestinian fighter and the successful blowing up of the pride and joy of the Israeli military — the Merkava.
The answer might lie in the sense of despair in the Israeli military, an army that knows well that it has lost the war or, at best, is unable to clinch victory, even after it laid Gaza to waste and exterminated nearly 10 percent of its 2.3 million population (between the killed, wounded, and missing).
This sentiment is now very well-known among Israelis, as Israeli media, which initially touted the idea of “total victory”, is now the one promoting a version of Israel’s own total defeat.
On verge of ‘collective suicide’
Writing in the Israeli newspaper Maariv, retired Major-General Itzhak Brik said that Israel was on the verge of “collective suicide” and that the army has effectively been defeated by Hamas in Gaza.
“With a political and military echelon of this type, there is no need for external enemies; they will bring disaster upon us in their stupidity,” he warned, adding:
“We may soon reach a point of no return, and the only thing left for us to do is pray to our God to come to our aid, and then we will all become messiahs who pray for miracles.”
General Brik can no longer be accused of being the detached former soldier who is horribly misreading the situation on the ground. Even those on the ground are expressing the exact same sentiment.
مقاوم فلسطيني خرج فجأة من بين الأنقاض، وثبّت عبوة ناسفة على دبابة إسرائيلية من مسافة صفر، ثم عاد إلى مخبئه قبل أن تنفجر .
في غزة للصفر قيمة. pic.twitter.com/OvNwKZwago
— Tamer | تامر (@tamerqdh) June 10, 2025
On Tuesday, June 4, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli infantry soldier who expressed a feeling of brokenness after returning to fighting in Gaza, stating that “everyone is exhausted and uncertain”.
The Israeli soldier reportedly added that he feelt there was no appreciation for the lives of soldiers fighting in Gaza and that they had moved from offence to defence, noting that the soldiers “doubt the objectives of the war”.
‘Hamas has Defeated Us’ – Ret. Israeli Maj. Gen. Brik Speaks of ‘Collective Suicide’
Dominant global narrative
Many in the pro-Palestine circle, which now represents the dominant global narrative on the war, are celebrating the bravery of the young men in the video and, by extension, the bravery of Gaza, deeply wounded but still fighting — in fact, winning.
But there is more to the story than this. The fact that a tank belonging to the 401st Brigade would be blown up in such a way, under the watchful eye of Israeli drones, which could only report the event without being able to change it, is telling us something.
But unlike the Palestinian message, the Israeli message is not global, but very much a localised cry for help — get us out of Gaza.
Whether Israeli politicians, lead among them the master of political survival, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will listen or not, that is a completely different question.
Republished with permission from The Palestine Chronicle.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 14 — Multiple Chinese authorities convened on Saturday to put in place precautionary measures against Typhoon Wutip, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the southern parts of the country.
The first typhoon of the year made its first landfall on Friday evening in Dongfang City in south China’s island province of Hainan. It then made a second landfall around noon on Saturday in Leizhou City, Guangdong Province, located just north of Hainan.
According to the office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Typhoon Wutip is expected to trigger sustained, widespread and intense winds and rainfall, significantly increasing the risk of disasters. It urged relevant departments and local governments to remain on high alert.
The office has dispatched three working teams to Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi to guide disaster prevention efforts. Additionally, over 3,000 personnel from local firefighting units have been deployed to the frontlines.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has mobilized emergency rescue forces and aircraft in preparation for potential disasters.
Due to heavy rainfall caused by the typhoon, the Ministry of Water Resources has activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Zhejiang Province on China’s eastern coast. The ministry has also urged local authorities to closely monitor weather changes and utilize water conservancy infrastructure to safeguard lives and property.
Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost has congratulated all those named in the King’s Birthday Honours list, including former Council employee Frank Donoghue.
Frank received the British Empire Medal in recognition of his services to the public, following 44 years working in the Council.
He was leading the facilities team at the City Chambers when he retired in September, and played a role in Operation Unicorn after the Queen’s Death in 2022.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:
Congratulations to all those who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Honours, whose achievements and service to the public have made such an impact.
Our very own Frank Donoghue is a most deserved recipient. He demonstrated nothing but hard work and dedication to the city during his 44 years in service. From his original role in the then Lothian Regional Council to his retirement last year he went the extra mile to help keep the Council running.
His varied career has taken in roles in caretaking, support services and building management, and I know that one of his more recent positions, helping to deliver Operation Unicorn following the Queen’s passing, was one of his proudest moments.
A well-loved and loyal colleague throughout his time here, Frank has provided support to councillors, officers and members of the public, and I’m personally grateful for his commitment. Thanks to Frank for his service to the city and congratulations for this well-earned accolade.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Structural reforms implemented over the last 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have reshaped India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.
India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy is anchored in several favourable factors and is closely linked to the strengthening of balance sheets across key sectors — banks, corporates, households, the government, and the external sector — the Finance Minister wrote in a media article.
“The transformation of the Indian economy over the last 11 years — from a twin-deficit problem to a five-balance-sheet advantage — is the result of concerted policy efforts under PM Modi’s leadership,” Sitharaman posted on social media platform X.
She further stated, “When we came to power in 2014, the foremost priority was growth revival, as India was then considered part of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies.”
“Structural reforms were introduced, including the GST, IBC, RERA, and during the pandemic years, the PLI Scheme and ECLGS to help credit-worthy MSMEs survive the Covid shock. Likewise, infrastructure and asset creation — neglected for decades — were revived,” the Finance Minister emphasised.
From the digital payment revolution driven by UPI (which recorded over 185 billion transactions in FY25) to the entrepreneurial enthusiasm seen in the uptake of MUDRA loans (cumulative disbursements of over Rs 33 lakh crore to 53 crore+ loan accounts), “the last 11 years have shown the heights our economy can reach when we combine trust-based governance with systematic regulatory easing and the expansion of public goods,” she stressed.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated earlier this month that India’s FDI inflows now originate from 112 countries, compared to 89 in 2013–14 — underscoring the country’s rising global appeal.
India’s FDI success story is not only about impressive numbers but also reflects visionary reforms, policy clarity, and the global community’s trust in the country’s economic future, he noted.
IANS
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TASHKENT, June 14 (Xinhua) — In late May, Wang Ping, a researcher at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, arrived in the western city of Nukus, Uzbekistan, to participate in joint research with the Aral Sea International Innovation Center. He can no longer count how many times he has visited the city near the Aral Sea. This time, he and his colleagues brought two “treasures”: halophyte seeds (plants that easily adapt to life in saline soils) and solar panels.
The Aral Sea, located in central Eurasia on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the fourth-largest lake in the world. Since the 1960s, under the influence of numerous factors such as increased human use of water and climate change, it has been rapidly drying up, shrinking by more than 90 percent. The shoreline has retreated, the soil has become more saline, and a desert of over 50,000 square kilometers has formed in its place. The Aral Sea has become a symbol of the catastrophe, known as the “tears of Central Asia.”
The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea has caused not only a shortage of water resources, but also huge rock formations have formed on the seabed, causing dust and salt storms that damage vast territories. Desertification, soil salinization, loss of biodiversity – all this has a significant negative impact on the ecology and economy of the countries in the region. In April 2010, then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after visiting the Aral Sea, said that its drying up was “one of the worst ecological disasters on the planet.”
For many years, scientists from China and Uzbekistan have been working together to find solutions to the Aral Sea’s environmental crisis, from joint scientific expeditions and soil reclamation to the creation of model regions where water-saving cotton-growing technologies are used.
“Water shortage, soil salinization, lack of modern agricultural technologies and related systems – these are all acute problems holding back the development of Central Asia,” Wang Ping said.
This time, Wang Ping brought to Nukus seeds of more than ten types of halophytes (saltwort, saxaul, wormwood, etc.), hoping to successfully grow them in laboratory conditions and then mass-produce them around the Aral Sea to restore biodiversity and combat salinization and dust storms.
Wang Ping also told Xinhua that several months ago, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography delivered about 1.5 tons of halophyte seeds to Tashkent for use in a salt-tolerant botanical garden that experts from the two countries are preparing to jointly develop. “These seeds will not only be directly used for saline land reclamation and ecological restoration, but also lay the foundation for local botanical diversity reserves, research and development.”
“It’s cloudy today, which is good for field work. Let’s try to complete the drip irrigation of this experimental halophyte demonstration field,” says Wang Ping. In another Aral Sea town, Muynak, Wang Ping and his colleagues are installing a water-saving drip irrigation system in a field and leading a local cooperation team that is installing photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy for the halophyte irrigation system.
In the past two years, Chinese researchers have been promoting the “integration, testing and demonstration project of applying photovoltaic technology to the management of the Aral Sea ecological environment.” In Nukus, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and the Aral Sea International Innovation Center launched a pilot project on cotton cultivation with an integrated solar energy, water and fertilizer system last year. With the help of membrane drip irrigation for cotton, photovoltaic generation and an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer supply machine, intelligent drip irrigation and fertilization of fields were realized, which led to an increase in cotton yield by more than three times, and the cost and water consumption were significantly reduced.
The diligence of Chinese experts and the development prospects opened up by Chinese technology impressed many local farmers and agricultural experts. Local parliament members sent a letter of thanks to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography and expressed hope for establishing long-term cooperation and expanding the experimental zone with funding from the Uzbek side.
“The Aral Sea’s environmental crisis is a common problem for the region, and no country can cope with it alone,” said Uzbek political commentator Sharofiddin Tulaganov, noting that cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the environmental management of the Aral Sea has already yielded noticeable results, and China’s contribution deserves respect.
“This is not only about environmental management of the Aral Sea, but also about practical manifestations such as improving people’s well-being and building trust. By jointly promoting green and innovative development, we not only strive to restore the ecological environment of the Aral region, but also create a bright future of sustainable development for all of Central Asia,” he noted. –0–
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
This week’s top stories of the week include:
0:15 Gender parity: who leads the way? – Only 10 countries have closed their gender gaps by 80% or more – and Iceland, which has retained top spot for the 16th year in a row, is the only one to have surpassed the 90% mark. The Global Gender Gap Report 2025 tracks progress on #genderparity across 4 dimensions in 148 countries. Women’s inclusion at work is about more than a moral principle: it has been proven to drive economic growth.
2:41 Tokenization, explained – The traditional world of investing is getting an update, with the arrival of something called ‘tokenization’. Tokenization means creating digital representations of assets via the blockchain so they can be traded, tracked and managed more easily. The tokens are effectively ‘digital deeds’, says Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock. But what are the advantages of tokens?
4:26 How robots stopped an eco disaster – A software platform powered by AI uses the data to build a precise digital model, which can give astonishingly detailed insights into the health and integrity of vital infrastructure such as bridges and power plants, and can ultimately save lives, cut the costs and risks associated with maintenance, and reduce CO2 emissions. Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO, Gecko Robotics, explains how it all works.
8:30 How one town saved its reef – From near collapse to a conservation miracle: Cabo Pulmo’s ancient reef was dying 30 years ago. Today, it’s a thriving underwater paradise fuelling wildlife and local ecotourism. How did it happen? Collaboration – between government, scientists and the local community.
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Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an order to extend the scrutiny of Boeing Dreamliner 787 series aircraft in the Indian fleet, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Saturday.
Naidu further stated that around eight Boeing 787 aircraft have already been scrutinised and inspected with immediate urgency.
Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister said, “We have very strict safety standards in the country. When the incident happened, we felt there was a need to conduct extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series. The DGCA has issued an order for extended surveillance of these planes. There are 34 Boeing 787 aircraft in the Indian fleet today. I believe eight have already been inspected, and the rest will be done with immediate urgency.”
“Furthermore, as the investigation progresses and the report comes in, we will take all necessary steps. Without any hesitation, we are committed to implementing every measure required to enhance safety,” he added.
The Minister also informed that Air India has been instructed to assist the families of the passengers in every possible way. He said the bodies are being handed over to the respective families after DNA confirmation and expressed hope that the process would be completed soon.
“It is very heart-wrenching to hear the stories of those who lost their lives. We have instructed Air India to assist the families in every way possible. DNA testing is underway to identify the bodies, which are being handed over to the families upon confirmation. The government of Gujarat is coordinating this process. While we aim to complete it as soon as possible, we must follow all necessary documentation and procedural protocols. We are ensuring there are no lapses in the process,” he said.
On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the crash, which left 241 people dead, has shaken the entire nation.
“The last two days have been very difficult, especially for the ministry and everyone involved. The incident in Ahmedabad has shaken the entire nation. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I personally lost my father in a road accident, so to some extent, I understand the pain and anguish the families are going through,” he said.
“It was a moment of shock when we first heard the news. Despite the disbelief, I personally rushed to the site to oversee the response and determine what support was needed. By the time we arrived, the Gujarat government was already on the ground conducting rescue operations,” he added.
The Minister highlighted that the recovery of the black box from the crash site was crucial to the investigation.
“The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which was established specifically to investigate aircraft incidents and accidents, was immediately mobilised. A key development from the ongoing technical investigation is the recovery of the black box from the site around 5 p.m. yesterday. The AAIB team believes decoding the black box will provide in-depth insight into what occurred during the crash or just moments before. We are eagerly awaiting the results of the AAIB’s full investigation,” he said.
The Central government has already constituted a high-level multidisciplinary committee to examine the causes leading to the crash of Flight AI-171.
Earlier in the day, officials from the AAIB arrived in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound Air India flight had crashed. The AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for investigating aircraft accidents in India and has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
ANI
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health (DH) today organised a symposium where renowned dental academics from the Mainland and overseas, as well as local dental professionals, explored the way forward and measures to promote oral health.
Held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum auditorium, the symposium also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the DH’s dental services.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, along with DH senior officials, officiated at the symposium’s opening ceremony.
Addressing the event, Prof Lo said, “Oral health is vital to overall health. At the end of last year, the Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health & Dental Care, shifting the focus of Hong Kong’s oral health and dental care system from treatment-oriented to an approach targeting prevention, early identification and timely intervention.”
Prof Lo highlighted that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, launched by the Government in March this year, is an initiative of “widely promoting among citizens”, encouraging adolescents to prevent dental diseases, while the Community Dental Support Programme launched last month is an initiative focusing on enhancing dental services for the underprivileged.
The Government looks forward to collaborating with the dental professionals, training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public to usher in a new era of dental services in Hong Kong, and continue to enhance various initiatives to promote oral health for all, he added.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala delivered a video message for the symposium.
Keynote speakers included WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science Director Prof Hiroshi Ogawa, Peking University School of Stomatology Department of Preventive Dentistry Chairman Prof Zheng Shuguo, and University College London Special Care Dentistry Consultant Dr Navdeep Kumar.
They shared their insights on the WHO Global Strategy & Action Plan on Oral Health (2023-2030), the Mainland’s policy and efforts to promote global oral health, and the challenges and innovations in providing dental care to adult patients with special needs.
In addition, 16 NGOs and partners who have been actively participating in government-subsidised dental programmes, such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly and Healthy Teeth Collaboration, shared their achievements in serving the elderly and people with special needs.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
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“This policy has finally put words to the struggle I have faced for years. I care for my aging mother and three grandchildren while running a small business. Now, I feel seen and supported.” — Jane Mutheu, Caregiver and Small Business Owner, Kitui County.
In a stride toward gender equality and women empowerment, UN Women Kenya successfully launched the Evidence to Policy for Kenya Care Economy project in three counties — Kitui, West Pokot, and Laikipia to reshape Kenya’s care infrastructure. The project, supported by the Gates Foundation, seeks to address the burden of care work, which is often shouldered by women. It aims to ensure that care work is recognized, reduced, rewarded, redistributed, and represented to foster a more inclusive society.
Kenya’s National Care Policy — the second of its kind in Africa after Cape Verde — is a transformative model for addressing structural gender inequality.
The Policy seeks to transform how unpaid and paid care work is recognized, valued, and addressed in Kenya. At its core, the policy aims to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work and reward and represent paid care work through decent work and social protection mechanisms.
Unpaid care work, though vital for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the ill, often goes unrecognized. In Kenya, women spend an average of 4–5 hours a day on unpaid care work compared to just one hour by men according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This imbalance not only contributes to time poverty but also reinforces broader gender inequalities, limiting women’s access to education, employment, leadership, and income.
The Evidence to Policy project builds on the foundation of Kenya’s 2023–2026 UN Women Strategic Note, which prioritizes economic empowerment and gender-responsive governance. With the care economy largely dependent on unpaid and unrecognized female labor, this project seeks to create equitable systems that support all caregivers, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
The project introduces the Care Diamond framework — government, civil society, private sector, and households — as key actors in delivering and sustaining care systems.
In West Pokot, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, Ms. Antonia Sodonon, accompanied by implementing partner Village Enterprise led the launch. The implementing partner works with grassroots communities to integrate care considerations in economic development initiatives.
Laikipia County was part of the local rollout, implemented in partnership with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH-EA). Community dialogues here focused on balancing caregiving responsibilities with income-generating opportunities.
In Kitui County, UN Women Kenya’s Deputy County Representative, Dan Bazira, alongside the Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, senior, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action took part in the launch. The gathering aimed to advance inclusive dialogue, promote awareness, and deepen understanding of care work’s impact on women’s participation in public life.
“This policy is not just about women. It’s about families, economies, and building resilient societies,” said Mr. Bazira, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration. “It’s a groundbreaking model on the continent—one that promotes the 5Rs of unpaid care work: Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent, and Reward.”
Through this policy, the Government of Kenya is taking a critical step to correct that imbalance. It will guide the collection of time-use data, promote investment in public services like childcare and eldercare, and push for decent work conditions for paid care workers. This initiative aligns with global commitments under SDG 5.4 and national frameworks such as the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically the President’s 9-Point Agenda on Women.
Government Buy-In and Bold Commitments
In Kitui, Governor Malombe committed to aligning county development plans with the care policy. “Care work fuels our communities, yet it’s invisible in our budgets and policies. This must change. We are investing in Early Childhood Development, centers, water access, and GBV recovery centers because we know care is foundational,” he said.
The Director of the State Department for Gender, Ms. Grace Wasike, urged further action: “We must train domestic workers, build support systems for the elderly and disabled, and strengthen our collaboration across all government levels.”
Implementing Partners Driving Local Impact
In all counties, funded by Gates Foundation and supported by UN Women, grassroots partners are at the heart of the project. ADSE in Kitui is engaging communities to build care-responsive programs. Village Enterprise in West Pokot is integrating care into livelihoods. HiH EA in Laikipia is promoting gender-responsive technologies like kitchen gardens and time-saving tools.
“This care policy is a promise — that women’s unpaid labor is not a given, but a choice we must honor, value, and support,” concluded Elizabeth Obanda, Women’s Economic Empowerment Team Lead, UN Women Kenya.
The policy is expected to usher in system-wide changes in how care is organized and shared—between the state, private sector, families, and communities. By addressing care work, it lays the foundation for inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and social protection—ensuring women and girls have the time, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
The launches marked a milestone in translating Kenya’s National Care Policy into action at the county level, engaging communities, governments, and development partners in making visible the invisible labor that sustains households and economies. The county-level launches are a first step in what UN Women hopes will become a nationwide movement.
– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
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On Wednesday, a High Court in Zimbabwe struck down provisions of the country’s Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, commonly referred to as the “Patriotic Act,” as unconstitutional.
The Patriotic Act, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law in July 2023, contains overly broad provisions that make the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association a criminal offense.
The act created the crime of “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe,” which effectively criminalizes Zimbabwean civil society groups and human rights defenders who criticize the government at international forums and prohibits them from seeking external avenues for accountability for rights violations.
In its ruling, the court stated that the drastic penalties prescribed under section 22A(3) of the act, which include life imprisonment, the death penalty, termination of citizenship, and suspensions from voting and holding public office, infringed on various sections of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and Zenzele Ndebele, a private citizen, who brought the case before the court, argued that section 22A(3) and other provisions had high potential for abuse and misuse. They contended that the sections had the effect of silencing dissenting voices and were therefore unfair, unnecessary, and unreasonable in a democratic society. They also said that the law did not sufficiently define what constituted “willfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe.”
When President Mnangagwa signed the bill into law, domestic and international human rights and civil society organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch, expressed concern that the law would further threaten and erode freedoms of expression and association in the country. Several other groups signed a statement calling for the repeal of the law, stating that it carried provisions “not necessary or justifiable in a democratic society.”
While striking down sections of the law as unconstitutional is a positive step, the Zimbabwe government should repeal the draconian Patriotic Act altogether, as it contains overly broad and vaguely defined provisions, such as those criminalizing participation in meetings “with the intention of promoting calls for economic sanctions against the country.” Such provisions amount to serious violations of the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association protected under international human rights law.
– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DENVER, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As more countries begin to establish regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, Zinemx Exchange has released updates on its multinational market strategy, accelerating compliance efforts in Asian and European markets and planning to set up additional offices in more regions. Recognizing the differences in crypto regulatory policies across countries, Zinemx will actively comply with local laws to provide compliant and secure crypto trading services to investors in more regions.
Zinemx Exchange is committed to compliant operations and the global expansion of its crypto business. This strategic adjustment will focus on the Asian and European markets. Asia, with its large investor base and vibrant innovation, has become a key region. The European mature financial regulatory system and strict legal framework provide a solid foundation for the compliance operations of Zinemx.
Given the varying regulatory policies for cryptocurrencies across countries, Zinemx Exchange fully acknowledges these differences and adopts a flexible compliance strategy. Zinemx is advancing cooperation with financial regulators in multiple countries to obtain the necessary business licenses and compliance certifications. The platform plans to apply for financial licenses under the European MiCA framework to ensure alignment with the latest EU regulatory standards.
Zinemx Exchange also places great emphasis on security measures. The platform utilizes advanced identity verification and AI-driven risk control systems, enabling real-time monitoring of abnormal trading activities and preventing potential financial crimes. By implementing stricter data protection and identity verification mechanisms, the security of crypto trading is further ensured.
Looking ahead, Zinemx Exchange plans to establish new offices in regions such as the Middle East to further expand its global market coverage. The platform will work closely with governments and regulatory authorities in various countries to promote the standardization of the crypto market. This global expansion will position Zinemx more favorably in international markets and provide more investors with a compliant and efficient crypto trading experience. As global crypto regulatory frameworks continue to improve, Zinemx will keep expanding its market boundaries, strengthening business compliance, and actively driving the long-term development of the crypto trading market.
Media contact: support@zinemx.org
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