Stockholm, 2nd of May 2025 – Today Virtune announces that it has finalized its monthly rebalancing for Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and Nasdaq Helsinki (ISIN code SE0023260716).
In addition to the Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP, Virtune’s product portfolio includes:
In connection with this month’s rebalancing, there is no change in the crypto assets included in the index. Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP outcome for April was: +0.56%.
The rebalancing is carried out according to the index that the ETP tracks, the Virtune Vinter Crypto Altcoin Index. The purpose of the monthly rebalancing is to reset the weights of each crypto asset to provide equal-weighted exposure to altcoins.
In April, the market turned upward for several leading altcoins. Solana delivered the strongest performance with a sharp increase of 18.6%, while Avalanche and XRP also showed a stronger performance of 11.4% and 4.98%. Uniswap, however, declined by -11.6%, moving against the positive trend in the index.
The performance of the crypto assets included in Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP in April:
Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP is the first of its kind in the Nordic region. It includes up to 10 leading alternative crypto assets (altcoins), excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, that are part of the Nasdaq Crypto Index. Each altcoin is equally weighted to promote diversification; this structure allows investors to gain broad exposure to crypto assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum without being heavily concentrated in any single crypto asset.
If you, as an (institutional) investor, are interested in meeting with Virtune to discuss the opportunities our ETPs offer for your asset management services or to learn more about Virtune and our ETPs, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@virtune.com. You can also read more about Virtune and our ETPs at www.virtune.com and register your email address on our website to subscribe to our newsletters, which cover updates on Virtune’s upcoming ETP launches and other news related to digital assets.
Press contact Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ) Christopher@virtune.com +46 70 073 45 64
Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.
Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.
The train’s exterior is designed in the style of medical vehicles. Inside, there are many facts about the Moscow ambulance service. Passengers will learn about:
Equipment of cars, including unique equipment in the world. Contents of the orange suitcase. Digitalization of medicine, thanks to which assistance is provided even faster and more efficiently. Comparison of the principles of ambulance work in Soviet and modern times.
You’ll also see quotes from a variety of employees, from drivers to intensive care doctors, telling passengers why they love their jobs.
“The capital’s transport complex supports important city projects on behalf of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. For the Day of the Ambulance Worker, we launched a new themed train, which will run along the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line for six months. Previously, we issued thematic cards “Troika” dedicated to the capital’s medicine, and launched a branded train with thanks to medical workers. Since last year, for the comfort of ambulance drivers, work has been underway to improve traffic conditions at 19 medical institutions in the capital,” said Maxim Liksutov.
A new themed train has been launched on Line 3, dedicated to the employees of Moscow’s emergency medical service. The exterior of the train is styled like medical vehicles, and the interior is filled with numerous facts about the Moscow emergency medical service. Passengers will learn about:
The equipment in the vehicles, including unique world-class devices.
The contents of the iconic orange medical suitcase.
The digitization of medicine, which allows for faster and more efficient care.
The comparison of emergency medical service principles from Soviet times to the present.
Additionally, passengers will see quotes from a variety of employees, ranging from drivers to resuscitation doctors, sharing why they love their jobs.
The capital’s transport complex supports important city projects under the directive of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. In honor of the Emergency Medical Service Worker’s Day, we have launched a new themed train that will run on Line 3 for six months. Previously, we released themed Troika cards dedicated to Moscow’s healthcare system and launched a branded train expressing gratitude to medical workers. Since last year, efforts have been made to improve traffic conditions around 19 medical institutions in the capital for the comfort of emergency vehicle drivers, — noted Maksim Liksutov.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery in Katherine yesterday.
About 11:30am, police received reports of a group of youths allegedly robbing an elderly woman who was getting in her vehicle on Railway Terrace. The victim’s bag was stolen and she was assaulted at the time of the incident. She suffered minor injuries and self-presented at Katherine Regional Hospital for treatment.
Katherine police have carriage of the investigation.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident, particularly anyone with dash cam footage from within the area at the time, to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500045006. You can anonymously report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 20-year-old female for aggravated assault on an infant in Katherine yesterday.
About 5:15pm, police received reports of an assault on an infant at a residence in Katherine.
Upon attendance, police observed the infant in the care of another adult and the 20-year-old female was taken into custody. She has since been charged with Aggravated assault and Choking, Strangling or Suffocating in a domestic relationship. and is remanded to appear in Katherine Local Court today.
The infant has been conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical treatment.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Tennant Creek on over the weekend.
About 8:30pm Saturday 26 April 2025, police received reports of a domestic disturbance at a residence where a female was allegedly kicked to the head multiple times by her male partner, who was wearing steel cap boots at the time.
Police and St John Ambulance attended; however, the alleged offender fled prior to their arrival.
St John Ambulance conveyed the victim to Tennant Creek Regional Hospital for medical assessment, where she was later transported to Alice Springs Hospital for further treatment.
On 30 April 2025, police located and arrested the 46-year-old alleged offender who has been charged with Recklessly endanger serious harm, Threats to kill and Possess offensive weapon at night.
He has been remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on 1 May 2025.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
Jyske Realkredit’s auctions for 1 July 2025 refinancing
Jyske Realkredit plans to carry out the auctions Tuesday 27th of May 2025 for loans in cover pool E.
The refinancing amount and bonds to be offered are specified in the table below:
Open
Close
Alloc.
Name
ISIN
Amount mill.
LCR
Tuesday 27 May
10:00
10:30
10:35
Var. 422.E.OA Cb3.ju29 RF
DK0009417198
14000m
1B
11:00
11:30
11:35
Var. G422.E.OA Cb3.ju29 RF
DK0009417271
8000m
1B
Auction terms appear in the appendix.
Questions regarding the bond sale as well as technical matters may be addressed to Jyske Realkredit, Lars Hasløv, Director, tel. (+45) 89 89 92 18 or Christian Bech-Ravn, Director, Head of Investor Relations, tel. (+45) 89 89 92 25.
The information will also be available on Jyske Realkredit’s web site at jyskerealkredit.com.
Yours sincerely, Jyske Realkredit
Please observe that the Danish version of this announcement prevail.
Appendix – Auctions terms
Refinancing principles adjustable rate mortgage loans Jyske Realkredit offers fixed-rate non-callable bonds for adjusting interest rates on the loans.
When adjusting the interest rates, the bonds are sold at one or more auctions. The price is determined as a weighted average of the prices obtained at the auctions.
Type of auction The auction of bonds in capital centres E will be conducted on Bloomberg’s auction system.
Bids Bids for the offered bonds must be made in terms of amount and price.
For bonds maturing within 14 months, bids must be made correct to three decimals. For other bonds, bids must be made with an accuracy of two decimals.
For all bonds bids must be made in multiples of DKK 1,000,000
Conditional offer for bonds with interest rate triggers For the bonds offered with an interest rate trigger, it is a condition for the final completion of the sale (allotment) that there is no increase in interest rates of more than 5 percentage points. Reference is made to the Act on Mortgage Loans and Mortgage Bonds, etc.
Allotment All bids above the cut-off price will be settled in full at the cut-off fixing spread. For bids at the exact cut-off price, proportional allocation may be used. No bids below the cut-off price will be settled.
All trades concluded will be published through Nasdaq Copenhagen.
Allotment at the auction will take place as soon as possible, and not later than 5 minutes after closing.
Value date All bonds will be subject to long settlement. The value date of all trades executed at the auction will be 1st of July 2025.
Reverse facility As the bonds traded will be subject to long settlement, Jyske Realkredit offers a reverse facility to auction participants whose bids have been accepted and who require the bonds after only two days.
By means of the reverse facility, Jyske Realkredit offers to sell the allotted bonds subject to the conventional two settlement days and subsequently repurchase them with 1st of July 2025 as the value date.
The size of the reverse facility will be determined on an individual basis but cannot exceed the amount allotted to each individual bidder.
The reverse facility can be made conditional on the investor providing a corresponding amount of Jyske Realkredit covered bonds (SDO) or mortgage bonds (RO) maturing on 1st of April 2025.
Reverse facilities will be arranged on an individual basis by contacting Jyske Realkredit
Credit Ratings All auctioned bonds issued through Capital Centre E are rated AAA by S&P.
Reservations regarding auctions If, contrary to expectations, technical problems should prevent Jyske Realkredit from conducting an auction through Bloombergs auction system, a stock ex-change announcement will be issued containing the practical details of the auction.
Other terms Jyske Realkredit is not obliged to sell the announced offering, and the offering may furthermore be subject to changes following loan disbursements in the auction period. In addition, the entire or parts of the offering may be postponed, but not later than the second-last business day of this quarter.
On or before the second-last business day of this quarter, it must be ascertained whether the number of purchasers was sufficient for all the covered bonds offered. If a sale of bonds has to be cancelled, the market will be notified immediately by a stock exchange announcement.
Winchester City Council has achieved another successful prosecution for a fly-tipping offence.
A West Sussex man has been convicted of the fly-tipping offence after an incident at Alresford Road, Ovington, Winchester in April 2024.
Philip Henry Exall, 68 years-old and a resident of Willett Close, Petworth, West Sussex, pleaded guilty on Friday 4 April 2025 in Basingstoke Magistrates Court.
The court heard that surveillance camera images captured an open-back tipper truck in a lane with concrete boulders in the rear, boulders which were later discovered dumped in the same area.
Mr Exall was ordered to pay a fine, victim surcharge and full prosecution costs, totalling £1,315.73.
Winchester City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Cllr Neil Cutler said: “This case once again reinforces Winchester City Council’s zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping; the latest Defra figures show that there has been a reduction of 15% in fly tipping incidents in the Winchester District and we will continue to look to prosecute all of those who commit this environmental crime wherever possible.
“Fly-tipping causes huge damage to our local communities, wildlife and the environment, and we also rely on reports and witness statements from the public to prosecute – I’d encourage anyone who witnesses or captures footage of someone dumping waste illegally in our district to report it.”
Reports of fly-tipping can be made on the council’s website at www.winchester.gov.uk/report, via the Your Winchester app or by calling 0300 300 0013.
The value of total retail sales in March, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, was down 3.5% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales for the month was 4.8% lower year-on-year.
Of the total retail sales value in March, online sales accounted for 8.1%. Provisionally estimated at $2.4 billion, the value of online retail sales decreased 0.5% compared with a year earlier.
The value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts decreased 3.9% in March compared with a year earlier.
There were also declines in the value of sales of wearing apparel (-10.8%); commodities in department stores (-5%); motor vehicles and parts (-46.4%); fuels (-3.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.7%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-1.0%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-0.9%); furniture and fixtures (-17.3%); and optical shops (-2.7%).
By contrast, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 0.6% for the period. Also up were sales of commodities in supermarkets (+5.2%); medicines and cosmetics (+1.2%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+7.8%); and electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+6.7%).
The Government said the sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy, the Government’s proactive efforts to boost the consumption market through the promotion of tourism and mega events, as well as the increase in employment earnings will continue to support the retail sector.
However, it said the increased level of uncertainty in the global economic outlook and the ongoing impact of the change in consumption patterns will pose challenges to the sector.
Headline: ICYMI: ICE Targets Major Human and Drug Smuggling Property In Oklahoma City
strong>WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security set the record straight regarding an April 24, 2025, execution of court-authorized search warrant at a home owned by a human smuggling suspect in Oklahoma City
This lawful operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), targeted a property that is involved in a transitional human and drug smuggling organization which trafficked illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Central South America and China around the interior of the United States
Statement Attributable to Senior DHS Official: “The April 24 Oklahoma ICE operation was a lawful, court-authorized action explicitly targeting a property, that was a hub for human smuggling, not specific individuals, as falsely suggested by media reports
“The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that a member of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization was still paying utilities at the residence
The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present
“The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person
HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized
This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we have not ruled out current occupants involvement in the smuggling ring
” ICYMI: Get the Facts: Oklahoma home raided by ICE is owned by human smuggling suspect The indictment obtained by KOCO 5 shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the targets of the investigation
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE OPERATION: FACT: As reported by KOCO 5, the indictment against, “shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the targets of the investigation as part of the ‘Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization
’ Their charges range from drugs, fraud, money laundering to re-entry after deportation
” FACT: The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that known and confirmed gang members of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization, were still paying utilities at the residence
KOCO 5 reported that the owner of the home, Cidia Marleny Lima Lopez, “is allegedly a major player in the human smuggling case that agents have been working for years
” “Records show that she owns the home that was raided as well as another one in Oklahoma City,” KOCO added
“Eight arrests were made in that investigation, which was years in the making and not part of any new immigration enforcement
” FACT: The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human and drug smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present
FACT: The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person
HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized
KOCO 5 reported that this investigation began “prior to any recent changes to ICE policies
” CONCLUSION: This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human and drug smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies
2025-58 HAWAIʻI LEADS MULTISTATE LETTER URGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE TITLE X FUNDING
Posted on May 1, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
ANNE LOPEZ
ATTORNEY GENERAL
LOIO KUHINA
HAWAIʻILEADS MULTISTATE LETTER URGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE TITLE X FUNDING
News Release 2025-58
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025
HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez today led a coalition of20 attorneys general in sending a letter to the Trump Administration to express serious concern with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to withhold tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding.
Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, Title X is the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning for low-income and uninsured individuals. On March 31, HHS issued letters to a wide range of grant recipients that fund nearly 25% of all Title X clinics, indicating that these grantees’ Title X grants were being withheld.
In today’s letter, the attorneys general write that the withholding of funds will lead to more unintended pregnancies, more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increased rates of undiagnosed HIV, increased rates of cervical cancer and a higher burden on over-stretched state budgets.
“Hawai‘i has been deprived of all Title X funding, jeopardizing our residents’ access to vital healthcare,” said Deputy Solicitor General Caitlyn Carpenter. “We know from prior experience what happens when the federal government interferes with Title X. People experience an increase in serious health harms and states bear higher burdens. We urge Secretary Kennedy to reverse course and fully fund these critical programs.”
According to the letter, if state and local governments are not able to make up for the federal shortfall, patients will see a reduction in services as clinics close and providers are terminated. The letter goes on to explain that this will fall particularly hard on poor and rural communities that are the primary beneficiaries of the Title X programs. In many areas, a Title X clinic is the only source of prenatal services and screening for STIs.
In the letter, the attorneys general write that:
Recent history demonstrates that cutting Title X grantees will worsen care. In 2019, the Trump Administration changed the rules governing Title X, leading to a mass loss of healthcare providers. Nationwide, the number of Title X patients fell more than 60%, from 3.9 million to 1.5 million. This recent history demonstrates what happens — and how quickly — when the federal government slashes access to Title X. In total, theGuttmacher Instituteestimates that as a direct result of HHS’s action in withholding funds, at least 834,000 patients, representing 30% of the total population served, will lose care in the first year alone.
The states will be harmed by HHS’s decision. While the 2019 rule was in effect, many states were forced to make emergency appropriations to cover for the loss of providers. Title X programs are a critical component of vital public health infrastructure. An important example is the role of Title X programs in detecting and preventing STIs. Between 2006 and 2010, 18% of all women who were tested, treated, or received counseling for an STI did so at a Title X clinic, as did 14% of women tested for HIV. States are once again faced with a choice: dip once again into general funds to make up the difference, or deal with a surge in new STIs and unintended pregnancies.
There is no justification for the terminations. Although HHS suggested Title X grantees violated federal civil rights laws, HHS has provided absolutely no evidence supporting this suggestion.
This letter is led by Attorney General Lopez and Attorney General Rob Bonta of California. Joining the letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
* * *
Media Contacts:
Dave Day
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1284
Email:[email protected]
Web:http://ag.hawaii.gov
Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email:[email protected]
The suspect is the son of a prominent entrepreneur in Ukraine, who owned a defence company. Following the Russian invasion, profits began to decline, and the owners are suspected of having illegally sold their majority stake to representatives of a foreign state.
To hide the illegal profits gained from the sale, the owner’s son bought properties, in several countries including France and Monaco. He is believed to have subsequently laundered hundreds of millions of euros in profits.
In France alone, he is suspected of having laundered over EUR 57 million between 2010 and 2023. He also laundered profits from illegal arms sales by his father, the owner of the defence company. Soon after opening a money laundering investigation, the French authorities froze the suspects’ assets worth EUR 57 million with the intention of returning them to Ukraine.
Investigations continued in the framework of a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust, facilitating the judicial cooperation between the three countries. French, Ukrainian and Monegasque authorities worked together with support from Eurojust to establish a judicial strategy and exchange information on the illegal activities.
Their collaboration resulted in the arrest of the son in Monaco on 28 April. The French, Ukrainian and Monegasque authorities are currently questioning him as part of the JIT. During the operation, several documents of value to the investigation were discovered in Monaco. The owner of the defence company is already on trial in Ukraine for crimes against national security and is now suspected of money laundering as well.
The following authorities carried out the operations:
France: JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime); Public Prosecution Office Paris; ONAF (National Office against Fraud)
Ukraine: Prosecutor General’s Office; Security Service of Ukraine
Monaco: Prosecutor General’s Office of Monaco; Directorate of Public Safety
The Government of India must prioritize humanitarian aid and immediately implement a clear, inclusive and time-bound plan for the safe and voluntary return of communities displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur, said Amnesty International, ahead of the second anniversary of the outbreak of violence.
Since violence erupted on 3 May 2023 between the Meitei community and Kuki and other tribal hill communities, more than 50,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from both communities continue to remain in relief camps across the state, living in inhumane conditions with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and adequate nutrition.
“It is unacceptable that the Indian government has failed to address the humanitarian needs and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for displaced communities who remain in relief camps two years since the start of the ethnic violence in Manipur. This inaction has left tens of thousands in limbo, forced to endure life in inhumane conditions with no end in sight,” said Aakar Patel, chair of board, Amnesty International India.
“Despite the devastating impact of the violence, including the loss of 260 lives, there has been no meaningful progress toward justice and accountability. The rehabilitation policy must also prioritize accountability for the grave human rights violations and abuses committed since May 2023.”
According to the latest government data as per sources, more than 58,000 people are living in 281 relief camps across the state. Many others have fled to states like Mizoram and Meghalaya. Despite the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur in February 2025 which suspended the state government and extended central government’s rule in the state, the conditions have not improved.
Fear and insecurity preventing return
Key stakeholders in Manipur told Amnesty International that while many IDPs are desperate to return home because of the terrible living conditions, fear and insecurity persist. Numerous homes have been destroyed, while others remain occupied by vigilante groups, making return impossible without proper state intervention and guarantees of safety.
Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights defender and lawyer from Imphal, said: “Thousands are still unable to return home – not by choice, but due to ongoing fear and insecurity. As delays persist, frustration and resentment continue to grow among those affected… potentially creating a far more volatile and dangerous situation.”
A community worker told Amnesty International: “If they go back to their homes, how can they sleep peacefully in a house where the roof and the walls are riddled with bullet holes? They need security and protection. And not many can afford to reconstruct their homes without assistance from the authorities.”
Inhuman conditions in relief camps
While the Union Home Ministry announced that it has provided INR 21,700,000 (256470 USD) for relief and rehabilitation during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Home Minister Amit Shah on 3 April said that ‘discussions are ongoing’ regarding a rehabilitation package for the internally displaced people.
A community worker from a relief camp, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Amnesty International: “The health facilities in these camps are very bad. We regularly see outbreaks of measles, dysentery and fever…There are also people with illnesses like cancer and tuberculosis and many who need dialysis treatment. The only government hospital nearby doesn’t have the capacity to treat these patients and there aren’t many specialist doctors, which is worrying. We are getting some assistance from civil society and philanthropic organizations but nothing much from the state.”
Another community worker told Amnesty International: “Sanitation is a big problem in these camps. More than 100 families are using two to three makeshift toilets right now. The living conditions are pathetic, cramped and very suffocating. My concern is also that they are provided with two meals a day and the quality of the food is not good.”
Under international law, IDPs have the right to access to adequate housing, water, sanitation, health and other essential services, without discrimination, as anyone else living in India. The denial of access to these essential rights is a violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which India ratified in 1979 and the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.
Failure to ensure accountability
Since May 2023, homes, businesses, villages, and places of worship have been burned, attacked, looted, and vandalized in the ongoing ethnic violence. Two years on, the authorities have failed to bring the suspected perpetrators of the human rights violations to account, and to provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims, thereby contributing to impunity.
Benjamin Mate, Chairman of the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, said: “To ensure true progress in Manipur, the Government of India must appoint an independent commission to thoroughly investigate the role of senior officials, state bureaucrats, police officials, and armed groups during the ethnic violence over the past two years. Accountability is essential, and only through such a transparent and impartial inquiry can justice be delivered to the victims.”
“The BJP-led administrations at both the state and central levels have not succeeded in bringing an end to the ongoing violence in Manipur. By consistently failing to hold those suspected of serious human rights violations accountable, the government risks signaling that such impunity will persist – ultimately paving the way for further abuses which unfortunately will impede any proposed rehabilitation policy in the coming days,” said Aakar Patel.
Israel must immediately end its devastating siege on the occupied Gaza Strip which constitutes a genocidal act, a blatant form of unlawful collective punishment, and the war crime of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, said Amnesty International, marking two months since Israel reimposed a ban on the entry of aid and commercial goods into the Strip on 2 March 2025.
By blocking the entry of supplies critical for the survival of the population, Israel continues its policy of deliberately imposing conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza calculated to bring about their physical destruction; this constitutes an act of genocide.
Harrowing new testimonies gathered by Amnesty International throughout April reveal the catastrophic human cost of Israel’s two-month long total siege, where starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war in flagrant violation of international law.
Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction.
Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International.
“The extent of human suffering in Gaza for the past 19 months has been unimaginable, and it is a direct consequence of Israel’s ongoing genocide. Apart from a brief respite during the temporary truce, Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction,” Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International.
“For the past two months, Israel has completely cut off the supply of humanitarian aid and other items indispensable to the survival of civilians in a clear and calculated effort to collectively punish over two million civilians and to make Gaza unlivable. This is genocide in action.
“The international community must not continue to stand by as Israel perpetrates these atrocities with impunity. States, especially Israel’s allies, must act now and take concrete measures to pressure Israel into immediately lifting its total siege and allowing the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and its safe distribution across all of Gaza. A sustained ceasefire is essential to ensure that can happen.”
This week in the Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding public hearings to examine Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including the provision of humanitarian assistance. Amnesty International reiterates the critical urgency of allowing UNRWA, other UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, to carry out their life-saving work across the OPT without obstructions.
Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza also flouts repeated ICJ orders to ensure Palestinians have access to sufficient humanitarian assistance and basic services.
Donald Trump is everywhere, inescapable. His return to power in the United States was always going to have some impact on the Australian federal election. The question was how disruptive he would be.
The answer is very – but not in the ways we might have thought.
As soon as Trump was elected president, the political debate in Australia focused on whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would be best suited to managing him – and keeping the US-Australia security alliance intact.
Initially, at least, this conversation was predictable.
The Coalition looked set to continue an ideological alignment with Trumpism that had flourished under the prime ministership of Scott Morrison. Dutton prosecuted the argument that given his party’s experience with the first Trump administration, it would be better placed than Labor to handle the second.
Albanese, meanwhile, appeared caught off guard by Trump’s victory and timid in his response.
But as has become all too clear, the second Trump administration is radically different from the first. That has rattled the right of Australian politics and worked to Labor’s advantage.
A turning point at the White House
In January, the Coalition announced that NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price had been appointed shadow minister for government efficiency – a direct importation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) being led by Elon Musk in the US.
In a barely disguised imitation of the Trump administration’s attacks on “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) measures, members of the Coalition, including Price, singled out Welcome to Country ceremonies as evidence of the kind of “wasteful” spending it would cut.
When the Coalition seemed to be riding high in the polls, Dutton, too, nodded at “wokeism” and singled out young white men feeling “disenfranchised”.
Soon after, however, this began to change. The first few weeks of Trump’s second term were marked by a cascade of executive actions targeting trans people, climate action and immigration. Trump and his new appointees began the process of radically reshaping the United States and its role in the world.
In February, polling by the independent think tank The Australia Institute found Australians saw Trump as a bigger threat to world peace than Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
And then Volodymyr Zelensky went to the White House.
The Ukrainian president was humiliated in an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, laying bare how the administration was willing to treat the leader of an ally devastated by a war it hadn’t started.
Trump’s territorial threats towards Canada and Greenland, in addition to his dismissive statements about European allies, shattered the long-held assumptions about the US as a force for stability in the world.
MAGA ideology isn’t ‘pick and choose’
After this incident, Dutton was careful to distance himself from Trump’s abandonment of Ukraine. He even went so far as to say that leadership might require “standing up to your friends and to those traditional allies because our views have diverged”.
it’s hard to see America made great again if the Trump administration’s message to the world is that the strong do what they will and the weak suffer what they must.
Therein lies the bind for the Coalition – an ideological alignment with “Make America Great Again” cannot be fully reconciled with a nationalism that puts Australian interests first.
MAGA ideology is all-or-nothing, not pick-and-choose.
During the election campaign, the Coalition attempted to walk the path of “pick-and-choose”. And Labor quite successfully used this against them. Assertions the opposition leader was nothing but a “Temu Trump”, or “DOGE-y Dutton”, stuck because they had at least a ring of truth to them.
The opposition’s pledge to dramatically reduce the size of the public service, for example, was clearly linked to Musk’s efforts at DOGE to take a chainsaw to the public service in the US. This idea has been deeply unpopular with Australian voters, and the Coalition has faced innumerable questions about it.
For all the talk of “shared values” and how essential the US alliance is to Australian security, this campaign shows that Australia is not like America.
Most Australians concerned about Trump’s impact
When Trump’s tariffs arrived on “Liberation Day” in early April, both leaders claimed they were best placed to negotiate.
Albanese insisted Australia had got one of the best results in the world, while Dutton asserted, without evidence, that he would be able to negotiate a better one.
More broadly, the Trump tariffs have contributed to a growing sense of unease in the electorate.
A recent YouGov poll found that 66% of Australians no longer believe the US can be relied on for defence and security. According to Paul Smith, the director of YouGov, this is a “fundamental change of worldview”.
In the same poll, 71% of Australians also said they were either concerned or very concerned Trump’s policies would make Australia worse off.
While neither party has signalled it would make a fundamental shift in Australia’s alliance with the US if elected, that doesn’t mean changes aren’t possible.
Independents and minor parties may well play a significant role in the formation of the next government. Some, like Zoe Daniel and Jacqui Lambie, are increasingly vocal about the risks the Trump administration poses to Australia.
A limit to Trumpism’s appeal
As election day approaches, many of the assumptions driving conventional Australian political thinking are under pressure.
Labor’s recovery in the polls, and the Liberals’ election win in Canada, suggest assumptions about the dangers of incumbency might have been misplaced. The dissatisfaction with incumbent governments last year may have had more to do with unresponsive political parties and systems.
There’s evidence emerging, instead, that in more responsive democracies with robust institutions like Australia and Canada, Trumpism does not have great appeal.
The idea that “kindness is not a weakness” may yet prove to be a winning political strategy.
Emma Shortis is Director of International and Security Affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank.
Written in French, the book is the outcome of decades of botanical research and scientific collaboration between institutions and botanists from Burkina Faso, Mali, France, Switzerland and Germany. For the first time, it provides a complete inventory of ferns and flowering plants in Burkina Faso and Mali. It catalogues 2,631 species – both native and introduced – with 2,115 identified in Burkina Faso, 1,952 in Mali, and 1,453 shared between both countries.
Featuring over 800 photographs, 2,631 scientific illustrations, detailed descriptions, distribution maps, and identification keys, it serves as an essential tool for scientific research and biodiversity conservation. It’s also useful for sustainable development in the region.
We are a team of botanists from Burkina Faso, Mali and Europe who worked on this guide. One of our team is the botanist Jean César, who has carried out botanical research in the region for over 30 years. We based the guide on his earlier work in researching the flora of West Africa, and training young botanists.
By identifying plant species – whether common, rare, overexploited, or invasive – this guide can play a crucial role in conservation efforts: one can only protect what one knows.
The publication lays the groundwork for conservation of Sahelian ecosystems, which face increasing degradation with direct consequences for rural communities.
How we came up with the guide
As a team, we’ve conducted more than 40 years of research in Burkina Faso and Mali, documenting different plants. We also studied herbarium collections in Paris, Montpellier, Frankfurt and Geneva in Europe and Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso.
The book is written in French and includes an index of local plant names in the local languages of Bambara, Dogon, Sonrai, Sénoufo and Peulh. This makes it a valuable resource for local communities and researchers alike. There is an open access digital version to make sure that everyone can use the new illustrated guide.
Discovering new and rare species
The book highlights species previously known from only a few observations. These are both widely distributed species and plants that are rare, only found in unprotected areas facing heavy urbanisation.
About 330 of the plant species in the guide have only ever been seen once in Burkina Faso or Mali, although some are present in neighbouring countries.
Another 40 near-endemic species (mainly only found in Burkina Faso and Mali) have only been seen once 40 years ago. Most of those are aquatic plants, growing along the Niger River, or in small wetland environments.
Additionally, this research updates information on more than a hundred poorly understood species that require further study. Some of these are likely new to science and have not even been given formal names. For instance, we found a new type of Brachystegia tree in the Geneva Botanical Garden’s herbarium. It is new to science and will have to be described.
Many plants documented here hold ethnobotanical value. They are part of the indigenous knowledge of Burkina Faso and Mali and play roles in traditional medicine, agriculture and crafts.
We found more than 120 species that have medicinal uses. Identifying them with correct scientific names will be crucial for the study of how people can continue to use these plants, especially as medicine.
Unfortunately, the current insecurity in the region has made field studies extremely dangerous, threatening conservation projects. For instance, forest rangers can no longer travel freely, and some regions have become inaccessible.
Publishing this book at such a difficult time brings renewed momentum to scientists and serves as a positive sign of continued collaboration. It gives visibility to botanical studies in both countries and highlights the importance of collaborations among botanists from different continents.
By recording this biodiversity, this work not only preserves valuable ecological knowledge but also ensures that the knowledge of these species is not lost to conflict-driven environmental degradation. It sheds light on the importance of preserving plants for future generations.
Cyrille Chatelain receives funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Adjima Thiombiano, Blandine Marie Ivette Nacoulma, and Mamadou Lamine Diarra do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit with Michigan Air National Guard troops, April 29.Getty Images
With US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s “proud” cancellation this week of the military’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program, the “war on woke” has found its latest frontier – war itself.
Stemming from a United Nations Security Council resolution in 2000, the WPS initiative aimed to increase the participation of women in public institutions, including in the security sector and in peace-making roles.
The WPS agenda aims to better understand how women, men, boys and girls experience war, peace and security differently. It increases operational effectiveness and supports the underlying goal of gender equality, described by the UN as the “number one predictor of peace”.
In the military context, it emphasises the need to increase the participation of women and to better protect non-combatant women in war, particularly from the prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence.
The decision to end the program as part of a wider war on diversity, equity and inclusion seems to assume national security and military power are incompatible with the promotion of racial and gender equality.
In other words, it assumes certain types of people aren’t really cut out to be “warfighters”. And it asserts that anything other than basic skill (such as weapons handling) undermines readiness and ability in warfare.
History and the available evidence suggest both ideas are wrong.
The archetypal warrior envisaged by Hegseth and others is one who relies on very traditional concepts of what constitutes a warrior and who that might be: not female, definitely not transgender, ideally also not gay.
Recent bans on transgender personnel in the US military, the removal of mandatory mental resilience training, and the
“disappearance” from US museums and memorials of the records of the military contribution of women and minorities, reinforce these ideas.
The ideal soldier, according to the new doctrine, is straight, white, physically fit, stoic and male. Yet people of all stripes have served their countries ably and with honour.
Hard-won progress in retreat
Military service is allocated a privileged kind of status in society, despite (or perhaps because of) the ultimate sacrifice it can entail. That status has long been the preserve of men, often of a particular class or ethnicity.
But women and minorities around the world have fought for the right to enter the military, often as part of broader campaigns for greater equality within society in general.
But there remains resistance to these “interlopers”. No matter their individual capabilities, women are painted as too physically weak, as a threat to combat unit cohesion, or a liability because of their particular health needs.
Women, in particular, are often perceived as being too emotional or lacking authority for military command. Minorities are seen as requiring distracting rules about cultural sensitivity, presenting language challenges, or are stereotyped as not cut out for leadership.
But problem solving – a key military requirement – is best tackled with a range of views and approaches. Research from the business world shows diverse teams are more successful, including delivering higher financial returns.
At a more granular level, we also know that minority groups have often outperformed other military units, as exemplified by the extraordinary feats of the New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion in World War I and the 28th Māori Battalion in World War II.
Women, too, have proved themselves many times over, most recently in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as matching the skills of their male counterparts, they also had different, useful approaches to roles such as intelligence gathering in conflict zones.
US Marines on a military exercise – but history shows us there’s more than one type of successful soldier. Getty Images
Any suggestion that military units are best served by being made up of only heterosexual men with “alpha” tendencies is undermined by the evidence. In fact, a monocultural, hypermasculine military may increase the potential for harrassment, bullying or worse.
Modern military roles also involve a much wider range of skills than the traditional and stereotypically male infantry tasks of digging, walking with a pack, firing guns and killing an enemy.
In modern warfare, personnel may also need to engage in “hearts and minds” counterinsurgency, or in “grey zone” tactics, where specialisations in intelligence, cyber or drone piloting are more highly prized. Militaries are also much more likely to be deployed to non-warfighting roles, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
This isn’t to say “controlled aggression” and other traditionally alpha-male attributes don’t have their place. But national military strategies increasingly stress the need to train ethical and compassionate soldiers to successfully carry out government objectives.
The evolution of war requires the evolution of the military forces that fight them. The cancellation of the Women, Peace and Security program in the US threatens to put a stop to this process, at least in that country.
Despite Pete Hegseth’s claim to be increasing “warfighting” capability, then, there is a real chance the move will decrease operational effectiveness, situational awareness and problem solving in conflict situations.
Far from being peripheral, the Women, Peace and Security program is central to the future of all military activity, and to developing conceptions of war, peace and security. Hegseth’s “proud moment” looks less like winning a “war on woke” and more like a retreat from an understanding of the value a diverse military has created.
Bethan Greener does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced an event ‘Ageing with Dignity – Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior Citizens’, at Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre today (Rashtrapati Bhawan Press Release:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126092).The event organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment witnessed the launch of the senior citizens welfare portal, the virtual inauguration of senior citizens homes, the distribution of Aids and Assistive devices and the signing of an MoU between the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Brahmakumaris organization. It brought together senior citizens, social organisations, school children, and spiritual leaders to reaffirm India’s traditional ethos of respecting and honouring the elderly.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, stated that policies are rooted in the values of respect and empathy for the elderly. The launch of the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal and the inauguration of senior citizen homes reflect the government’s strong commitment to inclusive development and active ageing. The event aimed at fostering an inclusive society for the senior citizens. It acknowledged the contribution of senior citizens, need for creating an inclusive environment, wisdom and experience bringing together diverse voices and spiritual leaders for the intergenerational bonding and welfare of our senior citizens. Other dignitaries gracing the event included Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma.
The day began with an inspiring interaction between the President and ‘Unsung Heroes’, who have made selfless contributions to the nation across diverse fields—education, social reform, sports, arts and literature, history and community service. Some of the unsung heroes included the Padma Awardees. Their life stories and commitment to service inspired all present and underscored the quiet strength of India’s elderly population.
A pledge was administered involving students, officials from Department, President Secretariat and other invitees symbolising intergenerational bonding and solidarity and the nation’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of senior citizens. The pledge serves as a reminder of the values of empathy, respect, and responsibility towards the elderly.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal by the President of India. The portal is envisioned as a comprehensive digital platform aimed at empowering elderly citizens through seamless access to government schemes, healthcare benefits, welfare services, and updates on relevant events. By bridging the information gap and promoting digital inclusion, it will enable senior citizens to lead more informed, independent, and fulfilling lives.
Further strengthening the support ecosystem for the elderly, the President also virtually inaugurated five new Senior Citizen Homes located in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Wokha (Nagaland), Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), and Nainital (Uttarakhand). These facilities, supported under the Ministry’s programme aligned with the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, are designed to provide safe, nurturing, and dignified living environments for indigent senior citizens across the country.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, an MoU with the Brahma Kumariswas signed, reaffirming a collective commitment to inter-generational bonding, overall wellbeing and creating an inclusive society for the senior citizens. With decades of experience in fostering emotional balance and inner peace, the Brahma Kumaris will promote and conduct programmes on mental health, mindfulness, and spiritual enrichment for younger and older generations.
Another major highlight was the distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). The President handed over assistive items to eligible senior citizens, reaffirming the government’s resolve to address the health and mobility needs of the elderly. The event also highlighted the significance of preserving traditional knowledge, intergenerational values, and cultural continuity. Speakers emphasized that ‘active ageing’ is not just about physical well-being but also about emotional engagement, community participation, and mental enrichment.
The event served as a platform to highlight the Government of India’s continued commitment to the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens. Through focused policy interventions, digital initiatives, and community-based support, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reiterates its dedication to ensuring that senior citizens across the country lead lives marked by dignity, security, and active participation in society.
MAHWAH, N.J., May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, announced the launch of new cloud security service centers in Chennai and Mumbai, India, and Nairobi, Kenya. Today, Radware supports a network of more than 50 cloud security service centers worldwide with a mitigation capacity up to 15Tbps.
Radware’s global network of data centers mitigates attacks closest to their point of origin. This helps organizations improve application response times for in-region traffic and reduce mitigation response times against a variety of attacks, including denial-of-service attacks, web application attacks, malicious bot traffic, and attacks on APIs. It also helps them keep data within their borders to meet strict data privacy regulations.
According to Radware’s 2025 Global Threat Analysis Report, Web DDoS attacks, which appear as high intensity, Layer 7 application attacks, surged globally 550%, while web application and API attacks rose 41% between 2023 and 2024.
“Our ongoing investments in our security network continue to play an important role in our cloud security growth strategy,” said Haim Zelikovsky, vice president of cloud security services for Radware. “Cloud innovation is central to our mission in providing customers industry-leading cyber protection, reliability, and availability at a time when cyber threats are not only increasing in frequency and magnitude but also sophistication.”
Radware has received numerous awards for its DDoS mitigation, application and API protection, web application firewall, and bot detection and management solutions. Industry analysts such as Aite-Novarica Group, Forrester, Gartner, GigaOm, IDC, KuppingerCole and QKS Group continue to recognize Radware as a market leader in cyber security.
About Radware Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.
Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.
The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.
Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that cyber threats are not only increasing in frequency and magnitude but also sophistication, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website atwww.sec.govor may be obtained on Radware’s website atwww.radware.com.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria (Nasdaq:PAX) reported today its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The full detailed presentation of Patria’s first quarter 2025 results can be accessed on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/.
Alex Saigh, Patria’s CEO, said: “Patria is off to a very exciting start to 2025 as fundraising totaled a record $3.2 billion, highlighting the expanded reach of our investment platforms and distribution capabilities, and putting us in a strong position to achieve our $6 billion fundraising target for the year. We also reported 1Q25 FRE of $42.6 million, or $0.27 per share, representing year-over-year growth of 21% and 16%, respectively, despite the volatility in the region. Also, FEAUM grew 6% sequentially and 46% year-over-year, and we generated over $700 million of organic net inflows, reflecting an annualized organic growth rate of 9%. While a looming trade war and rising global economic concerns create potential headwinds, we believe we are well positioned to generate the $200 to $225 million of FRE we are targeting for 2025 as the increased diversification of our platform is paying off in terms of fundraising and profitable organic growth, enhancing our confidence in the three-year targets we introduced at our Investor Day back on December 9th.”
Financial Highlights (reported in $ USD)
IFRS results included $13.6 million of net income attributable to Patria in Q1 2025. Patria generated Fee Related Earnings of $42.6 million in Q1 2025, up 21% from $35.1 million in Q1 2024, with an FRE margin of 55.1%. Distributable Earnings were $36.8 million for Q1 2025, or $0.23 per share.
Dividends
Patria declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share to record holders of common stock at the close of business on May 14th, 2025. This dividend will be paid on June 12th, 2025.
Conference Call
Patria will host its first quarter 2025 earnings conference call via public webcast on May 2nd, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. To register and join, please use the following link:
For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/ shortly after the call’s completion.
About Patria
Patria is a global alternative asset management firm focused on the mid-market segment, specializing in resilient sectors across select regions. We are the leading asset manager in Latin America and have a strong presence in Europe through our extensive network of General Partners relationships. Our on-the-ground presence combines investment leaders, sector experts, company managers, and strategic relationships, allowing us to identify compelling investment opportunities accessible only to those with local proficiency. With 36 years of experience and over $45 billion in assets under management, we consistently deliver attractive returns through long-term investments, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the regions where we operate. Further information is available at www.patria.com.
Asset Classes: Private Equity, Solutions (GPMS), Credit, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Public Equities
Main sectors: Agribusiness, Power & Energy, Healthcare, Logistics & Transportations, Food & Beverage and Digital & Tech Services
Investment Regions: Latin America, Europe and US
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results is included in filings we have made and will make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including but not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange serving over 36 million users, concluded its successful participation as an exclusive Title Sponsor at Token2049 Dubai, where the company celebrated its milestone 7th anniversary and announced a groundbreaking $300 million ecosystem development fund.
7 Years of Excellence: A Foundation for Ecosystem Expansion
The premier crypto event, which took place from April 30 to May 1, 2025 in Dubai, provided MEXC with the perfect platform to commemorate seven years of growth and innovation in the cryptocurrency space. During the celebratory “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party”, Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC, delivered an inspiring opening speech highlighting the exchange’s remarkable journey.
“Seven years may sound short, but in the fast-moving world of crypto, it’s a lifetime,” Jin told attendees. “To thrive in this ever-evolving space takes resilience, vision, and trust—and we’ve only made it this far because of you.”
Jin revealed impressive growth metrics: the MEXC team has nearly doubled to 2,000 employees across Growth, R&D, and Business Support divisions. The platform now offers more than 3,000 crypto assets and has built a community of over 2.25 million Twitter followers and approximately 193,000 Telegram members.
“We’ve also hosted over 2,293 airdrop events, distributing over $136 million in rewards,” Jin added. “This is our way of thanking you for your ongoing trust and loyalty.”
$300 Million MEXC Ecosystem Development Fund Unveiled
The highlight of MEXC’s Token2049 Dubai participation was the official announcement of its $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, signaling the company’s strategic evolution from an exchange service to a comprehensive ecosystem builder. The five-year fund represents MEXC’s commitment to fostering blockchain innovation across multiple sectors.
The fund will focus on strategic investments in public chains, stablecoins, wallets, and media platforms, providing not only financial backing but also leveraging MEXC’s exchange business cooperation to deliver enhanced value to portfolio projects. This dual approach positions fund recipients to benefit from both capital investment and operational synergies within the MEXC ecosystem.
“After seven years of market resilience, MEXC is uniquely positioned as a trusted ecosystem partner,” said Tracy Jin. “This fund represents our vision for the future of decentralized finance and our commitment to supporting the next generation of blockchain innovations.”
IgniteX: $30 Million CSR Initiative for Web3 Talent Development
Alongside the ecosystem fund, MEXC Ventures launched “IgniteX” – a $30 million, five-year CSR initiative to foster Web3 talent and innovation. The program will support early-stage startups, research, developer communities, and academic institutions, with focus on decentralized infrastructure, AI-blockchain integration, stablecoins, and fintech. IgniteX combines mentorship, education, and funding to build a future-ready ecosystem and prepare the next generation of Web3 users and leaders.
Industry Insights Shared at Panel Discussion
MEXC’s presence at Token2049 Dubai extended beyond celebrations and announcements to include thought leadership. Tracy Jin participated in a panel discussion titled “What’s Next for Crypto Markets: The Exchange Perspective” on the OKX main stage on 1 May. The discussion explored upcoming trends, challenges, and opportunities in the cryptocurrency exchange sector, with Jin offering insights drawn from MEXC’s seven years of operational experience.
During the panel, Jin emphasized MEXC’s continued focus on product innovation and market expansion while maintaining its core commitment to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto” for users worldwide.
Successful Side Events Strengthen Community Connections
MEXC hosted multiple successful side events throughout TOKEN2049 Dubai, including the “Celebra7e MEXC Cocktail Party,” “Dao People x MEXC: VIP Party” at BIRDS, a “TR KOL Exclusive Yacht Party” aboard Xclusive Yachts, and participation in the “AFTER2049” event at Be Beach. These gatherings provided valuable networking opportunities for industry professionals, partners, and MEXC community members.
At the company’s exhibition booth, MEXC showcased its revolutionary DEX+ platform and displayed a collection of seven limited-edition anniversary merchandise items that proved popular with attendees. Throughout the conference, MEXC representatives conducted product demonstrations, engaged with visitors, and discussed potential partnerships.
Behind the scenes, Jin noted that MEXC’s service team has resolved more than 1 million user requests and recovered over $1.8 million in user assets—underscoring the company’s commitment to security and user experience.
Looking Ahead
As Token2049 Dubai concluded, MEXC’s successful participation not only celebrated its past achievements but also laid the groundwork for its future vision. The announcement of the $300 million Ecosystem Development Fund, combined with ongoing product innovations and market expansion efforts, positions MEXC for continued growth in its eighth year and beyond.
About MEXC Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding. MEXC Official Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC
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Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Senior Bureau Official Lew Olowski deliver remarks at the Department of State’s 60th annual Foreign Affairs Day celebration, on May 2, 2025.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (May 2).
The value of total retail sales in March 2025, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, decreased by 3.5% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the combined value of total retail sales in January and February 2025 decreased by 7.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 6.5% compared with the same period in 2024.
Of the total retail sales value in March 2025, online sales accounted for 8.1%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.4 billion, decreased by 0.5% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the combined value of online retail sales in January and February 2025 decreased by 2.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2025, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 1.7% compared with the same period in 2024.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in March 2025 decreased by 4.8% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the combined volume of total retail sales in January and February 2025 decreased by 9.9% compared with the same period a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2025, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 8.3% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.
Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing March 2025 with March 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts decreased by 3.9%. This was followed by sales of wearing apparel (-10.8% in value); commodities in department stores (-5.0%); motor vehicles and parts (-46.4%); fuels (-3.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.7%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-1.0%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-0.9%); furniture and fixtures (-17.3%); and optical shops (-2.7%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 0.6% in March 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of commodities in supermarkets (+5.2% in value); medicines and cosmetics (+1.2%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+7.8%); and electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+6.7%).
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.2%.
Commentary
A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales increased further in March 2025 over the preceding month on a seasonally adjusted comparison, and its year-on-year decline continued to narrow. For the first quarter as a whole, the value of total retail sales resumed an increase over the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted comparison.
Looking ahead, the spokesman said the sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy, the Government’s proactive efforts to boost the consumption market through promotion of tourism and mega events, as well as the increase in employment earnings will continue to support the retail sector. However, the increased level of uncertainty in the global economic outlook and the ongoing impact of the change in consumption patterns will pose challenges to the sector.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for February 2025 as well as the provisional figures for March 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2025 are also shown.
Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for February 2025 as well as the provisional figures for March 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2025 are also shown.
Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for February 2025 as well as the provisional figures for March 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2025 are also shown.
Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.
The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.
Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Participates in Ministerial Round table on “Means of Implementation” at BRS COP Shri Yadav Presents Summary of Key Deliberations Among Participating Ministers in the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 2:23PM by PIB Delhi
On the second day of the High-Level Segment of the meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs), Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav participated in the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion on the theme “Means of Implementation.”
During the Ministerial Interactive Panel discussion, Shri Yadav presented a summary of key points emerging from the round table discussions with other countries held on 30th April, 2025. The summary of the round table discussions included emphasis on the importance of predictable international financing mechanisms and the mobilization of domestic resources through tools such as progressive taxation, carbon levies, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The roundtable also discussed the need for innovative financing solutions, including green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, chemical certificates, and green loans, as critical tools to attract private investment—particularly in countries with constrained fiscal capacity or those emerging from crises.
The necessity of coherent and transparent regulatory frameworks that incentivize private sector engagement through supportive policies such as bans on single-use plastics and tax incentives for green technologies was suggested. The importance of cross-sectoral alignment of environmental goals to drive transformative outcomes was also highlighted.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the role of strong institutional mechanisms, with participating ministers emphasizing inter-agency coordination, capacity building, and empowerment of environment ministries to effectively lead the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The need for robust data infrastructure and transparent monitoring systems was recognized as essential for evidence-based decision-making and building public confidence.
Ministers also agreed on the importance of regional cooperation, including the strengthening of regional centers to enable technical exchange, shared infrastructure, and capacity development. Special attention was drawn to the needs of conflict-affected nations and countries with limited institutional capacities. Proposals included direct access to international financing, conflict-sensitive programming, and tailored technical partnerships to ensure inclusive and equitable implementation.
On the sidelines of the BRS COPs in Geneva, Shri Yadav also engaged in key bilateral meetings: Union Minister Shri Yadav met with Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to discuss issues related to the upcoming Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) for developing a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including its impact on the marine environment.
With H.E. Dr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar, Shri Yadav held a productive discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Qatar was invited to participate in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
In addition, Shri Yadav met with Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Ms. Ivonne Higuero, Secretary General of CITES; Ms. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention; Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization; and Ms. Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention during a dinner hosted at India House in Geneva. There was wide acknowledgment of the positive impact India is making in climate action and wildlife conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The leaders expressed keen interest in deepening their engagement with India, recognizing its proactive role in advancing global environmental priorities.
India’s participation in the 2025 BRS High-Level Segment reaffirms its unwavering commitment to “Viksit Bharat by 2047”, with environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste as a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming driver convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Hong Kong Customs intercepted an inbound private car, declared to be empty, at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on December 11, 2024. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized 86 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the boot, rear seats and under the front passenger’s seat of the vehicle. The driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized in the case was about $430,000, and the duty potential was about $280,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.Issued at HKT 16:53
Ms. Anuradha Prasad, former Secretary to the Government of India, Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, took the Oath of the Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission today. The Oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), the seniormost Member of the Commission.
Ms. Anuradha Prasad did her graduation from the Lady Sriram College for Women and obtained a Masters in History from the University of Delhi. She also has a Masters Degree in Development Administration from the University of Birmingham, U.K.
Ms. Anuradha Prasad belongs to the 1986 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service. She has extensive experience in public policy, public finance, and cooperative federalism. In a career spanning over 37 years, she has worked in Union Ministries of Defence, Finance, Food Processing Industries, Labour & Employment and Home, gaining in-depth experience in policy & programme formulation and implementation.
As Finance Manager in the Acquisitions Wing of the Ministryof Defence, she handled acquisition of large platforms.In the Ministry of Finance, she handled finance and accounting for the Defence Services and the Ordnance Factory Board.During her stint in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ms. Anuradha Prasad was instrumental in the development of the food industry through cold chain infrastructure, food testing laboratories and industry-driven R&D. She also has regulatory experience as Member of the Board of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as also the National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET).
As Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, she contributed to drafting of the Labour Codes and development of e-Shram Portal, a national database of workers in the unorganized sector.As Director General, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), she spearheaded various initiatives for health & welfare of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Secretary, Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, she handled Centre-State and Inter-State relations and built consensus on many complex and sensitive issues resulting in key policy changes and expediting of infrastructure and other projects.
Post-retirement, Ms. Anuradha Prasad served as Member, Police Complaints Authority, Government of NCT Delhi.
A huge gathering of devotees chanted prayers and participated in the final ‘Darshan’ of Sarnath’s Holy Relic of the Buddha that was placed in the secure precincts of the National Museum for one day.
Among the dignitaries who participated in the prayers was Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, the Ambassador of Vietnam.
The Sacred Relic of the Buddha was carried out with reverance from the National Museum as a couple of hundred devotees lined the path and thronged at the gates of the Museum.
The cavalcade of vehicles with monks, nuns and delegates attending the Holy Relic exposition in Vietnam and the UN Day of Vesak celebrations reached Hindon air base where a ceremonial send off was held, with full State Honours for an onward journey to Vietnam.
As a special gesture, around 120 monks flew down from Vietnam to pay their obeisance to the holy relic and then returned to their country on the same day, before the Relic arrived in Vietnam , in order to receive the Holy Relic .
The delegation was led by Most Ven. Thic Hue Thong, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Most Ven. Dr Thich Nhat Tu, Vice President IBC and the Standing Vice Chancellor, Vietnam Buddhist University also flew down especially for receiving the Holy Relic.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) New Delhi is organising for the first time the Holy Relic exposition in four cities of Vietnam from the 3- 21 May, 2025.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicates Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala worth ₹8,800 crore to the nation The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala is a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure: PM
Today is the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya, Adi Shankaracharya ji awakened the consciousness of the nation by coming out of Kerala and establishing monasteries in different corners of the country, I pay tribute to him on this auspicious occasion: PM
India’s coastal states and our port cities will become key centres of growth for a Viksit Bharat: PM
Government in collaboration with the state governments has upgraded the port infrastructure under the Sagarmala project enhancing port connectivity: PM
Under PM-Gatishakti, the inter-connectivity of waterways, railways, highways and airways is being improved at a fast pace: PM
In the last 10 years investments under Public-Private Partnerships have not only upgraded our ports to global standards, but have also made them future ready: PM
The world will always remember Pope Francis for his spirit of service: PM
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 1:16PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore to the nation today in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya, the Prime Minister highlighted that three years ago, in September, he had the privilege of visiting the revered birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. He expressed his joy that a grand statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been installed in the Vishwanath Dham complex in his parliamentary constituency, Kashi. He emphasized that this installation stands as a tribute to the immense spiritual wisdom and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. He further highlighted that he also had the honor of unveiling the divine statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister noted that today marks another special occasion as the doors of the Kedarnath temple have been opened to devotees. Prime Minister Modi underscored that Adi Shankaracharya, originating from Kerala, established monasteries in different corners of the country, awakening the consciousness of the nation. He emphasized that his efforts laid the foundation for a unified and spiritually enlightened Bharat.
Shri Modi highlighted the vast ocean, rich with immense possibilities, standing on one side, while on the other, nature’s breathtaking beauty adds to the grandeur. Amidst all this, he emphasized that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has now emerged as a symbol of new age development. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and the entire nation on this remarkable achievement.
Underscoring that the Vizhinjam Deep-Water Sea Port has been developed at a cost of ₹8,800 crore, the Prime Minister remarked that the capacity of this transshipment hub will triple in the coming years, enabling the smooth arrival of some of the world’s largest cargo ships. He pointed out that 75% of India’s transshipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports, leading to significant revenue loss for the country. Emphasizing that this situation is now set to change, he asserted that India’s money will now serve India and the funds that once flowed outside the country will now generate new economic opportunities for Kerala and Vizhinjam’s people.
Shri Modi remarked that before colonial rule, India witnessed centuries of prosperity, emphasising that at one point, India held a major share in the global GDP. He highlighted that what set India apart from other nations during that era was its maritime capacity and the economic activity of its port cities. Noting that Kerala played a significant role in this maritime strength and economic growth, he highlighted Kerala’s historical role in maritime trade, emphasizing that through the Arabian Sea, India maintained trade links with multiple nations. He noted that ships from Kerala carried goods to various countries, making it a vital hub for global commerce. “Today, the Government of India is committed to further strengthening this channel of economic power”, he added and asserted, “India’s coastal states and port cities will become key centers for the growth of a developed India”.
“The port economy reaches its full potential when infrastructure and ease of doing business are promoted together”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that over the past 10 years, this has been the blueprint of the Government of India’s port and waterways policy. He highlighted that the government has accelerated efforts for industrial activities and holistic development of states. He further remarked that the Government of India, in collaboration with state governments, has upgraded port infrastructure under the Sagarmala Project and strengthened port connectivity. He noted that under PM Gati Shakti, waterways, railways, highways, and airways are being rapidly integrated for seamless connectivity. He added that these reforms in ease of doing business have led to greater investment in ports and infrastructure sectors. The Prime Minister stated that the Government of India has also reformed regulations concerning Indian seafarers, yielding significant results. He pointed out that in 2014, the number of Indian seafarers was below 1.25 lakh. Today, this figure has surged beyond 3.25 lakh. He emphasized that India now ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of seafarer numbers.
Highlighting that a decade ago, ships faced long waiting times at ports, significantly delaying unloading operations, Shri Modi noted that this slowdown affected businesses, industries, and the overall economy. He stressed that the situation has now transformed and over the past 10 years, India’s major ports have reduced ship turn-around time by 30%, improving operational efficiency. He remarked that due to enhanced port efficiency, India is now handling greater cargo volumes in shorter durations, strengthening the nation’s logistics and trade capabilities.
“India’s maritime success is a result of a decade-long vision and effort”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, underlining that over the past 10 years, India has doubled the capacity of its ports and expanded its National Waterways eightfold. He noted that today, two Indian ports are among the global top 30 ports, while India’s ranking on the Logistics Performance Index has also improved. Additionally, he pointed out that India is now among the top 20 countries in global shipbuilding. The Prime Minister further remarked that after strengthening the country’s basic infrastructure, the focus has now shifted towards India’s strategic position in global trade. He announced the launch of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, which outlines India’s maritime strategy to achieve the goal of a developed India. He recalled the G-20 Summit, where India collaborated with several major countries to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, highlighting Kerala’s critical role in this corridor, emphasizing that the state will greatly benefit from this initiative.
Underscoring the critical role of the private sector in elevating India’s maritime industry to new heights, Shri Modi said that under Public-Private Partnerships, thousands of crores have been invested over the past 10 years. He emphasized that this collaboration has not only upgraded India’s ports to global standards but has also made them future-ready. He noted that private sector participation has driven innovation and enhanced efficiency.
Prime Minister highlighted that India is advancing towards the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi. He emphasized that once completed, this cluster will create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth. The Prime Minister further stated that India is now setting ambitious targets to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities. He noted that this year’s Union Budget introduced a new policy to promote the construction of large ships in India, which will significantly boost the manufacturing sector. He emphasized that this initiative will have direct benefits for MSMEs, generating a large number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the country.
“True development is achieved when infrastructure is built, trade expands, and basic needs of the common people are met”, stressed the Prime Minister, remarking that the people of Kerala have witnessed rapid progress over the past 10 years, not just in port infrastructure, but also in highways, railways, and airports. He highlighted that projects like the Kollam Bypass and Alappuzha Bypass, which had been stalled for years, were advanced by the Government of India. He also noted that Kerala has been provided with modern Vande Bharat trains, further strengthening its transport network and connectivity.
Shri Modi emphasized that the Government of India firmly believes in the principle that Kerala’s development contributes to India’s overall growth. He remarked that the government operates with the spirit of cooperative federalism, ensuring Kerala’s progress across key social parameters over the past decade. He highlighted several initiatives that have benefited the people of Kerala, including Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme.
Reiterating that the welfare of fishermen remains a top priority, the Prime Minister noted that under Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been sanctioned for Kerala. He further highlighted the modernization of fishing harbors, including Ponnani and Puthiyappa. Additionally, he remarked that thousands of fishermen in Kerala have been provided Kisan Credit Cards, enabling them to receive financial assistance worth hundreds of crores.
Underlining that Kerala has always been a land of harmony and tolerance, Shri Modi highlighted that centuries ago, Saint Thomas Church, one of the oldest churches in the world, was established here. He acknowledged the recent moment of grief that has touched people across the world when Pope Francis passed away a few days ago, leaving behind a profound legacy. He added that President Droupadi Murmu represented India at his funeral, paying respects on behalf of the nation. Shri Modi once again expressed his condolences to all those mourning this loss from the sacred land of Kerala.
Paying tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging his spirit of service and his efforts to ensure inclusivity within Christian traditions, the Prime Minister remarked that the world will always remember his contributions. He shared his personal experiences, expressing his gratitude for having had multiple opportunities to meet Pope Francis. He noted that he received special warmth from him and cherished their discussions on humanity, service, and peace, which will continue to inspire him.
Extending his best wishes to all present at the event, Shri Modi envisioned Kerala as a major center for global maritime trade, leading to the creation of thousands of new jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India, working alongside the state government, to advance this goal. Shri Modi concluded by expressing confidence in the capabilities of Kerala’s people and stated, “India’s maritime sector will reach new heights”.
The Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers, Shri Suresh Prabhu, Shri George Kurien were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport worth Rs 8,800 crore is country’s first dedicated container transshipment port that represents the transformative advancements being made in India’s maritime sector as part of the unified vision of Viksit Bharat.
Vizhinjam Port, having strategic importance, has been identified as a key priority project which will contribute in strengthening India’s position in global trade, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment. Its natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters and location near one of the world’s busiest sea trade routes further strengthens India’s position in global trade.
The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala is a significant advancement in India’s maritime infrastructure. https://t.co/sUeQ5k7TK1
Inauguration of the Vizhinjam Port in Kerala is significant for India’s maritime sector. People have been waiting for this port for many years. It will boost trade, commerce and will be particularly beneficial for Kerala’s economy.
My visit to Kerala has happened on a very auspicious day, the Jayanti of Adi Shankaracharya. His contribution towards India’s cultural regeneration will forever be remembered. pic.twitter.com/1ii569wBMR
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported issue of non-availability of infrastructure and manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue education in the Kerala jails Issues notice to the Director General of Prisons, Kerala, calling for a detailed report within four weeks
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting the issue of non-availability of infrastructure and manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue education in the Kerala jails. Reportedly, the growing number of inmates, including those convicted of grave crimes, are choosing to turn their lives around by enrolling in regular or online educational courses, but the authorities are struggling to support their efforts.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise issues of violation of human rights of the prisoners who intend to pursue educational programmes/ courses. Therefore, the Commission has issued a notice to the Director General of Prisons, Government of Kerala, calling for a detailed report in the matter, within four weeks.
According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, the Kerala prison authorities are facing severe staff shortage, lack of dedicated devices and secure internet connection for the inmates, willing to study online. Reportedly, there is no monitoring system to ensure that the prisoners will use the internet only for educational purposes. Another challenge is that some dangerous criminals are also now trying to apply for the regular course as a devious tactic to get the interim release to facilitate travel outside the prison.