Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi on May 01, 2025. He succeeds Lt Gen JP Mathew who superannuated on April 30, 2025. Before taking over, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi and paid homage to the bravehearts. He also inspected the Ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
In a distinguished career spanning close to four decades, the Air Marshal has held a variety of Command, Staff & Instructional appointments, and has been conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal & Vayu Sena Medal for his services.
Prior to taking over as CISC, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command. He focused on enhancing operational readiness and fostering coordination with other services in Uttar Bharat & Central region.
The Air Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 06, 1986. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; Defence Services Staff College (Bangladesh) and National Defence College, New Delhi. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot with over 3,300 hours of flying experience on over 20 types of aircraft, including Mirage-2000, MiG-21 & Jaguar.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit also commanded a premier Fighter Training Base in the Southern Sector where his leadership led to the base being adjudged the best in the Command. As a test pilot and later Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Bangalore, he was involved in several indigenous upgrades and development programmes including the avionics upgrades for Jaguar & MiG-27. As Director of Air Staff Requirements he played a key role in the planning and conduct of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft trials.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates WAVES 2025 WAVES highlights India’s creative strengths on a global platform: PM
World Audio Visual And Entertainment Summit, WAVES, is not just an acronym, It is a wave of culture, creativity and universal connectivity: PM
India, with a billion-plus population, is also a land of a billion-plus stories: PM
This is the right time to Create In India, Create For The World: PM
Today when the world is looking for new ways of storytelling, India has a treasure of its stories dating back thousands of years, this treasure is timeless, thought-provoking and truly global: PM
This is the time of dawn of Orange Economy in India, Content, Creativity and Culture – these are the three pillars of Orange Economy: PM
Screen size may be getting smaller, but the scope is becoming infinite, Screen is getting micro but the message is becoming mega: PM
Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts: PM
To the creators of the world — dream big and tell your story, To investors — invest not just in platforms, but in people, To Indian youth — tell your one billion untold stories to the world: PM
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 1:42PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he greeted everyone on the occasion of Maharashtra day and Gujarat Statehood day being celebrated today. Acknowledging the presence of all international dignitaries, ambassadors, and leaders from the creative industry, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing that over 100 countries’ artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers have come together to lay the foundation for a global ecosystem of talent and creativity. “WAVES is not merely an acronym but a wave representing culture, creativity, and universal connectivity”, he remarked, further underlining that the summit showcases the expansive world of films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling, offering a global platform for artists and creators to connect and collaborate. The Prime Minister congratulated all participants on this historic occasion and extended his warm welcome to the distinguished guests from India and abroad.
Reflecting on India’s rich cinematic history at the WAVES Summit, Shri Modi noted that on May 3, 1913, India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released, directed by the pioneering filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke. He recalled that Phalke’s birth anniversary was celebrated just a day earlier. He underscored the impact of Indian cinema over the past century, stating that it has successfully taken India’s cultural essence to every corner of the world. He highlighted the popularity of Raj Kapoor in Russia, the global recognition of Satyajit Ray at Cannes, and the Oscar-winning success of RRR, emphasizing how Indian filmmakers continue to shape global narratives. He also acknowledged the cinematic poetry of Guru Dutt, the social reflections of Ritwik Ghatak, the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, and the epic storytelling of S.S. Rajamouli, stating that each of these artists has brought Indian culture to life for millions worldwide. Shri Modi also remarked that Indian cinema legends were honored through commemorative postage stamps, paying tribute to their contributions to the industry.
Emphasising the importance of India’s creative capability and global collaboration, the Prime Minister remarked that over the years, he has engaged with professionals from gaming, music, filmmaking, and acting, discussing ideas and insights that deepened his understanding of the creative industries. He highlighted a unique initiative undertaken during Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, where singers from 150 countries came together to perform ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, a hymn written by Narsinh Mehta nearly 500-600 years ago. He stated that this global artistic effort created a significant impact, bringing the world together in harmony. He further noted that several individuals present at the summit had contributed to the Gandhi One Fifty initiative by creating short video messages, advancing Gandhi’s philosophies. He remarked that the collective strength of India’s creative world, combined with international collaboration, has already demonstrated its potential, and that vision has now materialized as WAVES.
Shri Modi praised the resounding success of the first edition of the WAVES Summit, stating that from its very first moment, the event has captured global attention and is “roaring with purpose.” He acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the summit’s Advisory Board, emphasizing their role in making WAVES a landmark event in the creative industry. He highlighted the large-scale Creators Challenge and Creatosphere initiative, which saw participation from approximately 100,000 creative professionals across 60 countries. He remarked that out of 32 challenges, 800 finalists have been selected, recognizing their talent and congratulating them on their achievement. He encouraged the finalists, stating that they now have the opportunity to make their mark on the global creative stage.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the creative developments showcased at the Bharat Pavilion during the WAVES Summit. He remarked that significant innovation has been achieved, and he looked forward to witnessing these creations firsthand. The Prime Minister highlighted the WAVES Bazaar initiative, noting its potential to encourage new creators and connect them with emerging markets. He praised the concept of linking buyers and sellers in the art industry, stating that such initiatives strengthen the creative economy and provide fresh opportunities for artists.
Reflecting on the deep-rooted connection between creativity and human experience, stating that a child’s journey begins with the lullaby of a mother, their first introduction to sound and music, Shri Modi remarked that just as a mother weaves dreams for her child, creative professionals shape the dreams of an era. He underscored that the essence of WAVES lies in bringing together such visionary individuals who inspire and influence generations through their art.
Reaffirming his belief in collective efforts, stating that the dedication of artists, creators, and industry leaders will elevate WAVES to new heights in the coming years, Shri Modi urged his industry counterparts to continue the same level of support and handholding that made the first edition of the summit a success. He remarked that many exciting waves are yet to come and announced that WAVES Awards will be launched in the future, establishing themselves as the most prestigious honors in the world of art and creativity. He emphasized the need for sustained commitment, stating that the goal is to win the hearts of people across the world and inspire generations through creativity.
Highlighting India’s rapid economic progress, stating that the nation is on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister remarked that India holds the number one position in global fintech adoption, is the second-largest mobile manufacturer, and has the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide. He emphasized that India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation has only begun and has much more to offer. “India is not only home to a billion-plus population but also a billion-plus stories”, he added. Referencing the country’s rich artistic history, he recalled that two thousand years ago, Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra emphasized the power of art in shaping emotions and human experiences. He noted that centuries ago, Kalidasa’s Abhijnana-Shakuntalam introduced a new direction in classical drama. Prime Minister underscored the deep cultural roots of India, stating that every street has a story, every mountain carries a song, and every river hums a tune. He remarked that India’s six lakh villages each have their own folk traditions and unique storytelling styles, with communities preserving their histories through folklore. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Indian music, noting that whether it is bhajans, ghazals, classical compositions, or contemporary tunes, every melody carries a story, and every rhythm holds a soul.
Shri Modi underscored India’s deep-rooted artistic and spiritual heritage at the WAVES Summit, highlighting the concept of Naad Brahma, the divine sound. He remarked that Indian mythology has always expressed divinity through music and dance, citing Lord Shiva’s Damru as the first cosmic sound, Goddess Saraswati’s Veena as the rhythm of wisdom, Lord Krishna’s Flute as an eternal message of love, and Lord Vishnu’s Shankha as a call for positive energy. He emphasized that the mesmerizing cultural presentation at the summit also reflected this rich heritage. Declaring that “this is the right time,” Shri Modi reiterated India’s vision of Create in India, Create for the World, asserting that the country’s storytelling tradition offers an invaluable treasure spanning thousands of years. He highlighted that India’s stories are Timeless, Thought-Provoking, and Truly Global, encompassing not just cultural themes but also science, sports, courage, and bravery. He remarked that India’s storytelling landscape blends science with fiction, and heroism with innovation, forming a vast and diverse creative ecosystem. He called upon the WAVES platform to take on the responsibility of sharing India’s extraordinary stories with the world, bringing them to future generations through new and engaging formats.
Drawing parallels between the People’s Padma awards and the vision behind the WAVES Summit, stating that both initiatives aim to recognize and uplift talent from every corner of India, the Prime Minister remarked that while Padma Awards started a few years after independence, they truly transformed when India embraced the People’s Padma, recognizing individuals serving the nation from remote areas. This shift, he emphasized, turned the awards from a ceremony into a national celebration. Similarly, the Prime Minister stated that WAVES will serve as a global platform for India’s immense creative talent across films, music, animation, and gaming, ensuring that artists from every part of the country find recognition on an international stage.
Underscoring India’s tradition of embracing diverse ideas and cultures, referencing a Sanskrit phrase, Shri Modi emphasized that India’s civilizational openness has welcomed communities like Parsis and Jews, who have thrived in the country and become an integral part of its cultural fabric. He acknowledged the presence of ministers and representatives from various countries, noting that every nation has its own successes and contributions. He remarked that India’s strength lies in respecting and celebrating global artistic achievements, reinforcing the country’s commitment to creative collaboration. He emphasized that by creating content that reflects the accomplishments of different cultures and nations, WAVES can strengthen the vision of global connectivity and artistic exchange.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the global creative community, assuring them that engaging with India’s stories would reveal narratives deeply resonant with their own cultures. He emphasized that India’s rich storytelling tradition carries themes and emotions that transcend borders, creating a natural and meaningful connection. He remarked that international artists and creators who explore India’s stories will experience an organic bond with the nation’s heritage. He stated that this cultural synergy will make India’s vision of Create in India even more compelling and accessible to the world.
“This is the time of dawn of Orange Economy in India, Content, Creativity and Culture – the three pillars of Orange Economy”, exclaimed Shri Modi, remarking that Indian films have now reached audiences in over 100 countries, with global viewers increasingly seeking to understand Indian cinema beyond surface-level appreciation. He highlighted the growing trend of international audiences watching Indian content with subtitles, signaling deeper engagement with India’s stories. Shri Modi also noted that India’s OTT industry has witnessed tenfold growth in recent years, stating that while screen sizes may be shrinking, the scope of content is infinite, with micro screens delivering mega messages. He observed that Indian cuisine is becoming a global favorite and expressed confidence that Indian music will soon gain similar worldwide recognition.
Emphasizing the immense potential of India’s creative economy, stating that in the coming years, its contribution to the country’s GDP is set to increase significantly, the Prime Minister remarked, “India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, and music”. He noted the promising growth opportunities in the live concert industry and the vast potential in the global animation market, which currently stands at over $430 billion and is projected to double in the next decade. The Prime Minister highlighted that this presents a significant opportunity for India’s animation and graphics industry, urging stakeholders to leverage this expansion for greater international reach.
Calling upon India’s young creators to drive the nation’s Orange Economy forward, acknowledging that their passion and hard work are shaping a new wave of creativity, Shri Modi emphasized that whether they are musicians from Guwahati, podcasters from Kochi, game designers in Bengaluru, or filmmakers in Punjab, their contributions are fueling India’s growing creative sector. He assured that the government stands firmly behind creative professionals, supporting them through initiatives like Skill India, Startup Support, policies for the AVGC Industry, and global platforms like WAVES. He remarked that every effort is being made to build an environment where innovation and imagination are valued, fostering new dreams and empowering individuals to bring those dreams to life. Shri Modi highlighted that WAVES will serve as a major platform where Creativity meets Coding, Software blends with Storytelling, and Art merges with Augmented Reality. He urged young creators to make the most of this opportunity, dream big, and dedicate their efforts to realizing their visions.
The Prime Minister expressed his unwavering confidence in India’s content creators, highlighting that their free-flowing creativity is redefining the global creative landscape. He emphasized that the youthful spirit of India’s creators knows no barriers, boundaries, or hesitation, allowing innovation to thrive. He remarked that through his personal interactions with young creators, gamers, and digital artists, he has witnessed firsthand the energy and talent emerging from India’s creative ecosystem. He acknowledged that India’s massive young population is driving new creative dimensions, from reels, podcasts, and games to animation, stand-up, and AR-VR formats. The Prime Minister asserted that WAVES is a platform designed specifically for this generation—one that enables young minds to reimagine and redefine the creative revolution with their energy and efficiency.
Underscoring the importance of Creative Responsibility in a technology-driven 21st century, Shri Modi emphasised that as technology increasingly influences human lives, extra efforts are needed to preserve emotional sensitivity and cultural richness. He remarked that the creative world holds the power to foster human compassion and deepen societal consciousness. He asserted that the goal is not to create robots but to nurture individuals with heightened sensitivity, emotional depth, and intellectual richness—qualities that cannot stem from information overload or technological speed alone. Shri Modi stressed on the importance of art, music, dance, and storytelling, noting that these forms have kept human sensibilities alive for thousands of years. He urged creatives to reinforce these traditions and build a more compassionate future. He also highlighted the need to protect young generations from divisive and harmful ideologies, stating that WAVES can serve as a vital platform to uphold cultural integrity and instill positive values. He warned that neglecting this responsibility could have grave consequences for future generations.
Emphasising the transformative impact of technology on the creative world, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of global coordination to harness its full potential. He remarked that WAVES will serve as a bridge connecting Indian creators with global storytellers, animators with global visionaries, and transform gamers to global champions. He invited international investors and creators to embrace India as their content playground and explore the country’s vast creative ecosystem. Addressing global creators, the Prime Minister urged them to dream big and tell their story. He encouraged investors to invest not just in platforms, but in people, and called on Indian youth to share their one billion untold stories with the world. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all participants of the inaugural WAVES Summit.
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr. L. Murugan were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries” is poised to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation by bringing together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
In line with Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging creativity, technology, and talent to shape a brighter future, WAVES will integrate films, OTT, gaming, comics, digital media, AI, AVGC-XR, broadcasting, and emerging tech, making it a comprehensive showcase of India’s media and entertainment prowess. WAVES aims to unlock a $50 billion market by 2029, expanding India’s footprint in the global entertainment economy.
At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. The Summit will also feature the WAVES Bazaar, a global e-marketplace with over 6,100 buyers, 5,200 sellers, and 2,100 projects. It aims to connect buyers and sellers locally and globally, ensuring wide-reaching networking and business opportunities.
Prime Minister visited the Creatosphere and interacted with creators, selected from the 32 Create in India Challenges launched nearly a year ago, which garnered over one lakh registrations. He will also visit the Bharat Pavilion.
WAVES 2025 will witness participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media.
Today, India is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts. pic.twitter.com/ubo3q8tx7S
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, ensures food security for over 80 crore beneficiaries through scientific warehousing and smart storage solutions for food grains.
DFPD is now envisaging the Depot Darpan portal and mobile application with the objective to ensure that the Food Storage depots meet the highest quality and performance standards. It enables Depot managers to evaluate infrastructure, operational and financial performance on a near real-time basis
Depot Managers upload geo-tagged inputs of the infrastructure available in their depot, generating automated ratings and action points for timely improvements. The system ensures 100% validationby the supervisory officers and random third-party audits.
The warehouses are assessed based on two main categories:
Infrastructural aspects which include safety standards, storage conditions, environmental, technology adoption and statutory parameters.
Operational efficiency aspects which include stock turnover, losses, space utilization, manpower expenses, and profitability.
Each category is evaluated independently, and the warehouse receives a Star rating based on the composite scoring from both parameters.
Depot Darpan is uniquely integrated withsmart warehousing technologies, creating a seamless digital monitoring ecosystem that includes: CCTV Surveillance and IoT sensors, monitoring key parameters such as CO₂ & Phosphine levels, fire hazards, humidity, unauthorized entry and temperature in real time thereby, ensuring security and efficiency in food grain storage.
The IoT-Enabled Monitoring includes:
Ambient sensor – Temperature and relative humidity to monitor grain moisture and temperature
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – To monitor and indicate potential grain infestation
Phosphine gas sensor – Ensures occupational safety for workers through early warning to prevent exposure to toxic gas levels Detects fumigation leakages, increasing effectiveness of treatment
Gate Shutter sensor – Detection of unauthorized door access. – Alerts for unauthorized door openings outside designated hours. Monitors door status during fumigation processes. Ensures proper ventilation by tracking door openings as required.
Fire/smoke sensor- Provides early warning to prevent fire-related damage and ensure safety.
In addition, AI based technology for bag counting, ANPR (Automatic Number plate Recognition) for vehicle identification and tracking, and Face Recognition technology (FRS) for access control and security are also deployed in warehouses on pilot basis.
A total of around 2278 warehouses including those owned by FCI & CWC and that hired from State agencies/ private will be onboarded in this digital initiative.
Depot Darpan mobile appallows supervisory officials to track warehouse performance anytime, anywhere, supporting better decision making. Automated reports are used in regular reviews, leading to continuous and seamless improvements in infrastructure and efficiency.
Depot Darpan, a mirror of warehousing excellence, ensures improved warehousing and greater operational efficiency in the public distribution system and reinforces the commitment to the nation’s food security with every grain scientifically stored.
Depot Darpan portal and mobile application shall be formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy on 20th May, 2025.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported police inaction in finding a missing girl from Bhopal, MP, even 18 days after the incident Reportedly, over 3,400 women and girls missing in the State over the last three years, as per MP Police data
‘Operation Muskan’ launched last year by the State police to rescue and rehabilitate the missing girls, remains ineffective
The Commission issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report within two weeks
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that even eighteen days after, a six-year-old girl went missing from an under-bridge in Koh-e-Fiza area in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the Police have no answers. Reportedly, the missing girl’s homeless mother with eight children suspects the involvement of one of the relatives in the disappearance of her daughter, but the police is not conducting a fair investigation, and no arrests have been made in the matter to date.
Reportedly, this is not just one case of disappearance, as over 3,400 women and girls have gone missing in the State during the last three years, as per the data of the Madhya Pradesh police. Allegedly, the CCTV networks are patchy, rapid-response teams are missing in action, and there is no coordination between the units.
The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, a drive under the name ‘Operation Muskan’ launched last year by the State police to rescue and rehabilitate the missing girls has not shown any results.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the media report about more than 100 children falling ill after consuming mid-day meal in the Mokama area of Patna, Bihar Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it
Issues notices to the Chief Secretary, Bihar and Superintendent of Police, Patna, calling for a detailed report within two weeks
The report to include the health status of the children
Posted On: 01 MAY 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that more than 100 children fell ill after consuming mid-day meal in a government school, in the Mokama area of Patna in Bihar on 24th April, 2025. Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it.
The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students. Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, Bihar, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the children.
According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, about 500 children had consumed the mid-day meal. The news about the children falling ill due to the consumption of the mid-day meal led to the blocking of the road by the protesting villagers.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) led an industry delegation to participate in the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy. Screenings of Hong Kong films and “Hong Kong Night” networking reception were held during the FEFF to promote Hong Kong films, increase overseas exposure for emerging Hong Kong film talents, build their international connections, and expand the global market for Hong Kong films. Members of the delegation included the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and Secretary-General of the Film Development Council, Mr Gary Mak, renowned director Tsui Hark, director and actress Sylvia Chang, directors Philip Yung, Anthony Pun, Oliver Chan, Jill Leung, as well as actors Jo Koo, Hedwig Tam, Natalie Hsu and Dylan So. The strong lineup showcased to the international film community the strength and new blood of the Hong Kong film industry.
Being the largest Asian film festival in Europe, the FEFF in Udine held from April 24 to May 2 (Udine time) showcased the latest film productions and creative teams from Asia and received significant regional and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. During the festival, the CCIDA and the FDC presented screening events “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” to showcase 10 Hong Kong films to industry professionals and audiences from all over the world. The films include “Four Trails”, “The Last Dance” (Extended Version), “The Prosecutor” and restored prints of classic films “Shanghai Blues”, “Mr Vampire” and “Green Snake”. Director Tsui Hark and actress Sylvia Chang of “Shanghai Blues”, director Oliver Chan and actress Hedwig Tam of “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, director Anthony Pun of “Cesium Fallout”, director Jill Leung and actress Natalie Hsu of “Last Song for You” and director Philip Yung and actors Jo Koo and Dylan So of “Papa” participated in the meet-and-greet sessions of the respective films and the FEFF Talks.
The “Hong Kong Night” networking reception held last night (April 30, Udine time), assisted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, brought together around 200 representatives from the film, cultural sector, government, business sector and media, promoting exchanges and collaborations with international filmmakers. Mr Mak in his welcoming remarks extended congratulations to Tsui Hark and Sylvia Chang on receiving the Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement of the 27th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy and was proud of the two important filmmakers of the Chinese film industry receiving the international honour. He added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is committed to fostering the development of Hong Kong’s film industry. The Film Development Fund (FDF) has supported over 120 films which involved more than 110 new directors and producers. The Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme under the FDF also supports film projects co-produced by filmmakers from Hong Kong and European/Asian countries to produce films with strong Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures, enabling Hong Kong films to go global and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role as East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange.
In addition, the CCIDA and the FDC collaborated with the FEFF’s programme FOCUS ASIA and organised HONG KONG LAB@FOCUS ASIA from April 29 to 30 (Udine time), inviting international film industry professionals and five potential Hong Kong producers and directors to share their experiences in co-production, cross-boundary financing and venture capital, as well as future strategies. Speakers include director Lawrence Kan of “In Broad Daylight”, director Steve Yuen of “The Moon Thieves”, producer Wong Hoi of “The Lyricist Wannabe”, director Eric Tsang of “Hong Kong Family” and the Chairman of Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association, Mr Johnny Wang. The CCIDA arranged a business matching session with an aim to foster project development between filmmakers from Hong Kong and various regions. Through collaborating with Italian film organisation, Cinecitta, the business matching session also connected producers from Hong Kong and Italy for direct liaison to explore future collaborations and film development opportunities.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 30) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 25 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $5.4 million.
A male passenger, aged 49, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (May 2).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Air Marshal SP Dharkar retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 30 April 2025, on superannuation from the Indian Air Force (IAF), after completion of 40 years of illustrious service to the nation.
Air Marshal Dharkar was commissioned on 14 June 1985 as a Flying Pilot in the fighter stream of IAF and flew more than 3600 hours on different aircraft of the IAF. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Strike Leader and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, India and Army War College, USA.
He held several important appointments in his career including that of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the Eastern Air Command (EAC) and Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command, He also held offices of Air Defence Commander at HQ EAC and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training) at Air Headquarters. He was the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency.
In recognition of his meritorious services of an exceptionally high order, the Air Marshal was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014, Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.
Maj Gen Lisamma PV assumed the appointment of Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service (MNS) in New Delhi on May 01, 2025. She succeeds Maj Gen Sheena PD who superannuated on April 30, 2025 after serving for four decades. Hailing from Kollam district of Kerala, Maj Gen Lisamma PV is an alumna of School of Nursing, Military Hospital, Jalandhar.
After her commissioning into MNS in 1986, the General Officer obtained Bachelor’s degree in Arts & Law along with Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration. Alongside her professionally rich nursing career, she has excelled as an administrator handling various appointments such as Principal College of Nursing, Command Hospital Air Force, (Bangalore); Principal Matron, Command Hospital (Eastern Command); Brigadier MNS HQ (Eastern Command); Brigadier MNS (Admin) Integrated HQ of Ministry of Defence, and the recent appointment at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) as Principal Matron.
Maj Gen Lisamma PV’s strong resolve for evidence-based best practices through training and research, to stay relevant at all times, has been widely appreciated.
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.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 39-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence and assault police incident that occurred overnight in Darwin City.
Around 7:25pm, police received a report of a domestic violence incident at a residence on Tomaris Court. It is alleged that a 39-year-old male was assaulting his female partner with a metal bar.
Police attended the scene where the alleged offender was identified, and subsequently apprehended. During the arrest, the man became violent and attempted to flee, biting one of the officers on the arm and drawing blood. OC spray was then deployed on the offender.
During the apprehension, the victim and other onlookers also became aggressive toward police, with some bystanders allegedly punching an officer in the back of the head.
While being placed into the police vehicle, the man allegedly kicked out at both officers multiple times.
Both assaulted officers were assessed at the scene. The officer who was bitten was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment and blood testing.
The 39-year-old male remains in custody and currently assisting police with their enquiries.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support services are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline 13 11 14.
Acting Commander of Police David Moore said, “To think, these officers attended to assist, only to be violently attacked, is deeply concerning.
“Our police do not deserve to be assaulted while protecting and serving the community.
“Biting another person is not only disgusting, but the flow on effects emotionally and potentially to the health of our members is abhorrent.
“This behaviour is despicable, and it will not be tolerated.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LANZHOU, May 1 — Two major archaeological sites along the ancient Silk Road opened to the public in northwest China on Thursday, the first day of the May Day holiday, offering new choices for travelers keen to explore the exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations over a millennium ago.
One of these newly opened sites, the Tuyugou Grottoes, is located in the city of Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This complex, built around the fifth century, boasts 157 caves carved into cliffs, three temples and nine pagodas.
Five caves and a Buddhist temple at the grottoes have opened to the public, offering 300 visitor slots per day, said Liu Yi, a cultural relics preservation official of Turpan’s cultural heritage bureau.
Ten archaeological excavations since 2010 at the site have unearthed abundant artifacts, including Buddhist scriptures in multiple languages as well as documents like taxation records and loan contracts.
China has invested more than 77 million yuan (about 10.7 million U.S. dollars) in restoring and reinforcing these grottoes in recent years.
“The Tuyugou Grottoes are a vivid testimony to the cultural and religious exchanges in the Turpan Basin,” said Xia Lidong, associate researcher at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The ruins of Xuanquanzhi in the city of Dunhuang, Gansu Province, also opened to the public on Thursday.
Dating back some 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty, the site back then served as a comprehensive post station for mail and information deliveries, as well as the reception of messengers, officials and foreign guests. It is one of the Silk Road sites that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Following excavations in the early 1990s, the site was accessible only to research teams. Thanks to investments totaling over 309 million yuan, China strengthened preservation of the site and developed tourism facilities.
“Through its remarkable efforts in cultural preservation, China has reminded the world that heritage is not static. It lives, breathes and teaches,” said Qaiser Nawab, chairman of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development.
Addressing the needs of international tourists, the site’s guiding and interpretation services are available in multiple languages.
Samuel Fanning, a tourist and history lover from Canada, was attracted by Turpan’s ancient architecture.
“I planned to stay in Xinjiang for seven days, but it will end up being 12 days. I think this can speak to how enjoyable it is to visit here,” Fanning said, adding that he will also visit Dunhuang.
Qiu Jian, head of the Gansu provincial cultural heritage bureau, revealed that global interest in the ancient Silk Road is steadily rising.
“Through the gradual opening of more cultural heritage sites, we aim to present an overall and more diverse picture of the Silk Road culture to the public,” said Qiu.
Funding has been provided by the Government to the City of Wolverhampton Council to help ensure there is sufficient wraparound childcare such as breakfast and after school clubs in the city.
The funding is available to schools, Ofsted registered private settings and childminders, to either create new or expand existing provision which will cater for primary aged children from 8am to 5.30pm.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Access to available and reasonably priced childcare is crucial in helping parents back into work, while schemes like tax free childcare can support families with costs.
“It’s important that we ensure there is sufficient wraparound childcare in the city to meet demand, and so we’re asking schools, private settings and childminders to consider their current wraparound offer, whether it meets the needs of their families, and whether there is sufficient provision of reasonably priced and available childcare in their local area. If not, our Early Years team is here to help support settings to secure funding to expand their provision.
“At the same time, parents and carers have a key role to play too. If they are currently unable to access childcare, they have the right to request that the school their child attends, or is due to attend, considers setting up wraparound or holiday childcare if they don’t already have it. This can be done via the Government’s Education Hub website.
“We’re also encouraging jobseekers to consider a role working in a wraparound club. This sort of job can provide you with valuable experience in the childcare sector and opportunities for developing your qualifications.”
Settings which want to find out more about expanding or creating wraparound provision are invited to contact the council’s Early Years team by emailing early.years@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
For more details about requesting that a setting considers establishing new wraparound or holiday childcare, please visit The Education Hub.
Eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme. Help is also available for families claiming benefits such as Universal Credit. To find out more, including how to apply for support with childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website.
LONDON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Political risks rank among the top five risks on the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) risk register for 75% of global companies, with 11% identifying it as the number one risk. Highly exposed industries, such as contracting, transport and mining are disproportionately affected, according to the eighth annual Political Risk Survey and Report by Willis, a WTW business, (NASDAQ:WTW).
The survey revealed that 58% of respondents anticipated a negative financial impact on their organization due to the imposition of tariffs by the US. This figure is nearly as high as the 60% who reported financial setbacks from the Russia – Ukraine conflict in 2023 and significantly exceeds the 28% who cited negative effects from Western tensions with China and the Middle East conflict.
Other key findings were:
Over the past eight years since the survey began, 2023 saw the highest political risk losses, driven by expropriation, political violence and currency convertibility issues. Notably, 18% of respondents faced losses significant enough to require corporate earnings restatements.
Companies were most likely to rely on direct negotiations with host governments and political risk insurance to recover such prior losses. In 2025, the most common risk mitigation strategies against potential future losses were diversification and a “three lines of defense” approach
Top political risk concerns for 2025 included U.S. policy uncertainty (especially tariffs) and tensions between the U.S. and its allies.
Other major risks included restricted access to key markets due to geopolitical tensions and the threat of state-backed cyber and disinformation attacks.
The research includes a survey of 66 companies and in-depth, anonymized interviews with 15 companies.
“In the eight years since we began this research, companies’ political risk concerns have changed almost unrecognizably,” said Sam Wilkin, Director of Political Risk Analytics at Willis. “In 2018, political risk was mostly a worry for highly exposed sectors investing in risky countries like Venezuela. Today, political risk concerns apply across sectors, involve a much higher level of potential loss, and are focused on United States policy.”
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare for your new school starter
Parents reminded how they can save thousands on the cost of childcare with Tax-Free Childcare.
Working families sending their child to school for the first time in September can save up to £2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills
Tax-Free Childcare can be used flexibly to pay for childminders, wraparound and holiday childcare
Supporting the Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change
Hundreds of thousands of families who recently found out their little one’s September primary school place, can use Tax-Free Childcare to save thousands on wraparound childcare and holiday club costs HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said.
Many working families will now be arranging childcare for the start and end of the school day, and with Tax-Free Childcare they can get financial support of up to £2,000 a year per child, or £4,000 if their child is disabled, towards the cost.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:
Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money into the pockets of working people, worth up to £2,000 per year through Tax-Free Childcare. This will make it easier for parents to get back into work as we go further and faster to grow the economy.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
Starting school can be an expensive time, there’s a lot to buy and there’s also a lot to organise. Now you know where your child is going to school you can start organising your childcare and Tax-Free Childcare can help make the costs more manageable. Sign up to start saving today on GOV.UK.
Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for any approved childcare so parents can arrange their childcare to suit them – whether that’s wraparound care, a childminder, after school clubs or school holiday care.
Parents can use the scheme to pay for childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 if the child has a disability.
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2 which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months to use to pay for their childcare costs.
Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
The government’s Plan for Change is putting more money in people’s pockets and with Tax-Free Childcare, working families can save on their childcare bills by up to £2,000 per year per child or £4,000 a year if their child is disabled.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
Each eligible child requires their own Tax-Free Childcare account. If families have more than one eligible child, they will need to register an account for each child. The government top-up is then applied to deposits made for each child, not household.
Account holders must confirm their details are up to date every 3 months to continue receiving the government top-up.
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Summary
At around 05:00 on Sunday 26 May 2024, a track trolley ran away downhill towards a group of track workers at North Rode, Cheshire. A site supervisor and a controller of site safety saw the trolley approaching at around 20 mph (32 km/h) and shouted a warning which provided enough time for staff in the site of work to get clear of the track. The trolley then collided with a piece of equipment within the site of work. No one was hurt in the accident, but the trolley and work equipment were damaged.
The trolley was being used within a possession to transport equipment from a railway access point to the site of work. This section of track is on an average downhill gradient of 1 in 176.
The runaway was caused by the trolley becoming unbraked while it was on a downhill gradient after the operator had intentionally defeated the ‘failsafe’ function of the trolley’s braking system. The design of the trolley made it possible to do this and the operator was aware that it was possible to do so. The ergonomics of the trolley brake system made it tiring to use, potentially encouraging the operator to defeat the brakes. The operator was also unaware that there was a risk of the trolley running away at this location.
RAIB identified two underlying factors to the accident. These were that the product acceptance process employed by Network Rail did not manage the risks incurred by this design of trolley. A lack of clarity in site leadership roles also led to risks not being effectively managed. A further probable underlying factor was that the defeating of the braking system on this type of trolley is a known issue, but no effective action had been taken to eliminate the practice.
Recommendations
As a result of its investigation, RAIB has made two recommendations, both addressed to Network Rail. The first recommends that Network Rail, in conjunction with the Rail Safety and Standards Board and the M&EE Networking Group, reduces the likelihood of the failsafe brakes on trolleys of the type involved in this accident being modified by operators and rendered ineffective. With consideration of modern ergonomic practices and the product acceptance process, they should identify and implement control measures to prevent trolley misuse. The second recommendation aims to improve the implementation of safety learning resulting from accident and incident investigations.
Two learning points have been identified. The first reinforces the importance of staff not rendering the braking system ineffective when working with trolleys of this type. The second concerns the importance of controllers of site safety accompanying work groups to personally observe and advise them.
Notes to editors
The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.
Thousands of senior hospital doctors and specialists walked off the job today for an unprecedented 24-hour strike in protest over stalled contract negotiations and thousands of other health workers protested across Aotearoa New Zealand against the coalition government’s cutbacks to the public health service Te Whatu Ora.
In spite of the disruptive bad weather across the country, protesters were out in force expressing their concerns over a national health service in crisis.
Among speakers criticising the government’s management of public health at a rally at the entrance to The Domain, near Auckland Hospital, many warned that the cutbacks were a prelude to “creeping privatisation”.
“Health cuts hurt services, the patients who rely on them, and the workers who deliver them,” said health worker Jason Brooke.
“Under this coalition government we’ve seen departments restructured, roles disestablished, change proposals enacted, and hiring freezes implemented.
“Make no mistake. This is austerity. This is managed decline.
“The coalition can talk all they like about spending more on healthcare, the reality for ‘those-of-us-on-the-ground’ is that we know that money is not being spent where it’s needed.”
Placards said “Fight back together for the workers”, “Proud to be union”, “We’re fighting back for workers rights”, and one poster declared: “Don’t bite the hand that wipes your bum — safe staffing now”.
Palestine supporters also carried a May Day message of solidarity from Palestinian Confederation of Trade Unions.
Experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute will host a special event to give shift workers the opportunity to learn more about the health impacts of a ‘disrupted body clock.’Experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute will host a special event to give shift workers the opportunity to learn more about the health impacts of a ‘disrupted body clock.’
Dr Brendan Gabriel and Professor Alexandra Johnstone recently collaborated with NHS Grampian Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Council on a “top tips” guide for shift workers – and are keen to spread the message to other sectors too, such as oil and gas.
Attendees will learn valuable tips and tricks to stay healthy and energised while working irregular hours and Dr Gabriel and Professor Johnstone will share insights on sleep patterns, nutrition, and stress management tailored to the unique challenges faced by shift workers.
Dr Gabriel said: “We wanted to put on this event to open up a conversation between researchers and the people at the heart of this issue: shift workers themselves. “Our research at the Rowett is focused on understanding how disrupted body clocks affect metabolism, diet, and long-term health, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned so far.
By hearing directly from those who work nights – across healthcare, energy, and other sectors – we can make sure our science is grounded in everyday reality.” Dr Brendan Gabriel
“But we also know that real-world experiences are just as important. By hearing directly from those who work nights — across healthcare, energy, and other sectors — we can make sure our science is grounded in everyday reality.”
Professor Johnstone added: “We know from our previous work that time of day of eating, or ‘chrono-nutrition’, is important for appetite control, but also that time of day for eating the largest meal of the day (either morning or evening) does not influence energy metabolism and shift workers can achieve a healthy weight in spite of different eating times.”
The event will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 2pm at the Rowett Institute. For more information and to book your place, visit https://abdn.site/ShiftWork
An online event will take place on Thursday 29 May from 2-3pm for anyone who can’t make the in person session. More details can be found here.
Birmingham City Council, in partnership with Birmingham TreePeople, has announced that the city has been recognised as a Tree City of the World.
It is an international accreditation awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This prestigious status highlights Birmingham’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its urban forest, ensuring trees remain at the heart of the city’s green infrastructure. The accreditation is independently assessed and awarded to cities that meet five core standards of responsible tree management:
Establishing a dedicated tree management body
Implementing a tree care policy or strategy
Allocating sufficient resources to urban forestry
Holding an annual tree-related celebration
Ensuring tree planting and care are part of long-term planning
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport , said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Tree City of the World. Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the wellbeing of our communities. This status reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting and expanding Birmingham’s green spaces for future generations.”
Birmingham TreePeople, a local volunteer-led organisation dedicated to tree planting and care, has played a crucial role in helping the city achieve this recognition. Their work alongside the council has strengthened community involvement in urban forestry, ensuring that residents actively participate in tree-planting initiatives and long-term conservation efforts.
Deanne Brettle, Chair of Birmingham TreePeople added: “We are thrilled that Birmingham has achieved Tree Cities of the World status. It is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, local communities, and the council in ensuring our city’s trees are valued and protected.
“We look forward to continuing our work to make Birmingham even greener and more sustainable and resilient to future extremes of weather.”
The Tree Cities of the World programme connects cities across the globe that are dedicated to urban tree care, fostering knowledge-sharing and best practice in sustainable urban forestry. Birmingham now joins a network of cities working to create greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
Check out their website for more information on how to get involved with Birmingham TreePeople.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The China-Europe freight trains departing from Xi’an have demonstrated robust growth since the start of 2025. In the first quarter, operational trips increased by 45 percent compared to the same period in 2024. So far, these trains have completed over 2,000 trips, accounting for some 25 percent of China’s national total.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
Armored vehicles attached to an air-defense unit with a brigade under the Chinese PLA 73rd Group Army are loaded onto the rail flat cars during a rail-load training exercise aiming to enhance the troops’ long-distance transportation capability on April 23, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Liu Zhiyong)
Flight Centre, one of the world’s largest travel agencies, has warned it could lose more than A$100 million in earnings this year, citing weakening demand for travel to the United States.
In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this week, the company pointed to “volatile trading conditions” linked to changes in US entry policies.
This is the first major indication from an Australian company that travel to the US is becoming a serious concern. It follows growing consumer fears linked to US immigration checks, reports of tourists being detained, and rising costs.
Australian visitor numbers to the US fell by 7% in March compared with the same time last year – the sharpest fall since the COVID pandemic.
Australians are not the only ones staying away. New US data for March show sharp drops in visitors from key markets: Germany (down 28%), Spain (25%), the United Kingdom (18%) and South Korea (15%), to name a few. In total, inbound tourism fell 11.6%.
Even Canadian travellers, traditionally the US’s most reliable market, dropped by more than 900,000 or 17% in March, as growing numbers of Canadians opt to boycott US holidays.
What was once a reliable flow of high-spending international travellers is becoming a much quieter stream.
America’s welcome mat is wearing thin
The US, long marketed as the land of opportunity and adventure, is increasingly perceived as unwelcoming. Tighter border scrutiny, aggressive immigration enforcement, and a sharp shift in political tone have made travellers wary.
The international arrivals terminal at Atlanta airport: Tourists are rethinking their US travel plans. Shutterstock
While the Flight Centre statement used careful language, its chief executive Graham Turner was clear, saying:
People from Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia really don’t want to go to the States, given what’s happening there. We’re hearing more and more people don’t want to go through passport control.
Governments have started to respond. Several countries, including New Zealand, Germany, France, Denmark and Finland, have updated their official travel advice for the US, urging citizens to exercise caution when visiting. The message filtering through international media is clear: the US is not as easy, safe or welcoming as it once seemed.
But while diplomatic warnings grow louder, the economic costs of America’s hardening stance are only beginning to register.
Tourism: America’s forgotten export
While President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on goods imports from most countries, he has ignored the contribution of services trade to the economy. The US actually runs a surplus in services such as education and tourism. Trump has dismissed the decline in visitors as “not a big deal”.
The trade wars have focused on goods – cars, steel, farm products – but the service sector, which makes up a larger share of the economy, bears the hidden costs.
Tourism is the US’ biggest service export, contributing more than US$2.3 trillion to the economy and one in ten jobs. That’s a bigger contribution than manufacturing jobs, which account for about 8% of total US employment.
As a driver of economic prosperity, tourism isn’t simply about leisure; it sustains local businesses, rural economies and millions of livelihoods.
A double blow to the tourism experience
While the decline in arrivals has been widely reported, the experience for those who still choose to visit is also likely to change.
Tourism relies on global supply chains, from food to hotel amenities to rental car fleets. Trade war tariffs have raised input costs across the board. Hotels, restaurants, airlines and attractions are passing those higher costs onto customers.
Tourism is not just a big part of the economy; it’s also a soft power, shaping how the world perceives a nation through its culture, values and hospitality.
Every visitor who feels unwelcome, scrutinised or disappointed is not just a lost sale, but a lost connection.
Research group Tourism Economics forecasts the US could lose up to US$10 billion in international travel spending in 2025 if current trends continue.
And while manufacturing job announcements grab headlines, the slow erosion of America’s tourism brand may leave a longer, deeper scar on its culture, its communities and its place in the world.
The Flight Centre downgrade is not an isolated warning. It is a symptom of a broader shift, one that risks turning visitors away for good.
And for thousands of US businesses, workers and communities – and now Australian ones too – the losses may not be so easily shrugged off.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Coalition’s policy costings have been released, just two days ahead of the federal election.
The costings show the Coalition would run up a larger budget deficit than Labor in the first two years of government, but make a greater contribution to budget repair in years three and four.
This arises because two big-spending Coalition policies – the fuel excise reduction and cost of living tax offset – are short term. Their impact on the deficit disappears after year two.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the deficit would narrow by A$14 billion by the end of the fourth year.
There are other spending initiatives – notably a significant increase in defence rising to $5.7 billion by the last year of the estimates, 2028-29. This will bring defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).
The vexed question of nuclear costings
On the vexed question of nuclear power, the statement promises to fund the program primarily through equity investments in exchange for an ownership stake.
These do not appear in the budget, on the premise that they fund commercial activities. This funding is estimated to total $118.2 billion by 2050 – well short of the $600 billion Labor has estimated the proposal will cost. There is no independent Parliamentary Budget Office costing of the number – it is based on Coalition modelling.
Smaller sums are proposed for “community engagement” on nuclear technology ($87 million over four years) and a nuclear coordinating authority and training facility ($65 million). Both look to be in the right ballpark; they are however tiny compared with the costs of building nuclear reactors.
Items to reduce the budget deficit include income tax increases by abolishing Labor’s top-up tax cut and public service reductions. In 2028-29 the tax increase raises $7.4 billion and public service cuts save $6.7 billion.
A range of savings measures
There are numerous other savings, including:
taxation of vaping products
reduction in a variety of environmental programs
reversing tax incentives for electric vehicles
cuts to the Housing Australia Future Fund
reduced spending on overseas aid
restoring the activity test for childcare
changing eligibility for several government welfare payment programs.
It is a long and detailed list.
Most of the savings appear achievable, with the notable exception of cuts to the public service. It will be close to impossible to achieve a saving of 41,000 public servants in Canberra alone without forced redundancies.
At the press conference announcing the costings, Opposition spokesperson Jane Hume said however the figure was 110,000.
It is not clear where that number comes from. If the Coalition is using a different set of public service numbers to those published by the Australian Public Service Commission, it should identify where the extra come from. Off a larger base the savings would be difficult, but not completely infeasible.
As with the Labor proposal to cut consultants, it still leaves the question of what will happen to the work those public servants were doing. Without changes to programs or activities, the Coalition will need to spend budget funds to get the work done.
Too late for the early voters
The costing release comes after more than 4.8 million Australians have already cast their vote. This is less than ideal for helping inform voters’ choices.
There is precedent for releasing costings late. The Albanese opposition similarly released costings on the Thursday before polling day in 2022.
This week, the Labor government released its costings on Monday.
It is not clear what drives the practice of late release. One possibility is small target strategy: the less detail there is to criticise the more comfortable an opposition feels.
There is so much detail in this Coalition announcement, and so many interest groups potentially offended, that the caution about its release may be justified.
Savings previously announced by the Coalition include scrapping production tax credits for critical minerals and hydrogen and removing fringe benefit tax breaks for electric vehicles.
The Coalition also plans to scrap some of the government’s off-budget funds and measures, including the Rewiring the Nation fund for electricity transmission and the Housing Australia Future Fund.
Stephen Bartos was Parliamentary Budget Officer for the past three New South Wales state elections.
strong>SALEM, OR—Disasters don’t just impact physical safety; they take a significant toll on mental health. As communities across Oregon observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is encouraging individuals, responders, and communities to prioritize emotional well-being before, during, and after emergencies.
The Hidden Toll of Disasters
Hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics, and other crises disrupt lives in unexpected ways. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, grief, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vulnerable populations, including children and older adults, often struggle the most. Meanwhile, first responders face cumulative stress, increasing the risk of burnout and secondary trauma.
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Support
Seeking help in times of crisis is not always easy. Common obstacles include:
Limited awareness of available mental health resources
Stigma surrounding mental health conversations
Overburdened healthcare systems struggling to meet increased demand
Access issues in rural or underserved areas
For those displaced by disasters, housing instability and financial stress can compound emotional distress. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is key to improving mental health outcomes.
Building Resilience Through Preparedness
While disasters cannot always be prevented, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate their mental health impact:
Emergency Preparedness: Creating a disaster plan and keeping emergency supplies ready can alleviate anxiety. Learn more about how to be prepared on the Be2Weeks Ready webpage.
Strengthening social bonds: Community support systems play a crucial role in recovery. Joining a Community Response Team (CERT), becoming a Be2Weeks Ready coordinator, joining a Search and Rescue Team can help you feel less lonely.
Equipping responders: Training first responders in mental health care enhances their ability to support themselves and others.
Accessing Mental Health Resources
The Disaster Distress Helpline(1-800-985-5990), 988 Lifeline, local emergency management agencies, and organizations like the Red Cross provide crisis counseling and mental health assistance during and after emergencies. Telehealth services are increasingly bridging gaps for those in remote areas. For instance, the AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
In addition, Oregon’s 211 Info webpage and hotline includes information on both physical safety and mental health resources to ensure residents can access the support they need. You can find more resources and support lines on the Oregon Health Authority’s Crisis Lines webpage.
Breaking the Stigma
Mental health conversations need to be normalized, especially during disasters. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Community storytelling and shared experiences of resilience can empower others to seek assistance and prioritize their emotional well-being. By embracing and sharing your experiences, you empower others to do the same.
As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is encouraging people to share their stories. You can use their list of questions to begin the discussion, and (if you want) you can share your mental health story with NAMI by sending in a video, a message, a quote, or using #MyMentalHealth on social media or submitting your story on the NAMI website.
NAMI Sample questions to start sharing your story:
What do you wish people knew about mental health?
What misconceptions about mental health do you encounter in your work?
What have you learned on your mental health journey?
How does your mental health impact how you show up within your community?
What do you share with your friends or family in moments when they need support?
How do you help reduce stigma surrounding mental health?
In one word, how would you describe your mental health journey?
What inspires you to support mental health in your life, work, or community?
What motivates you to be an ally in the mental health movement?
Hope in Recovery
While disasters present significant challenges, recovery is possible. Investing in mental health resources, reducing stigma, and fostering connected communities can lead to stronger, healthier futures.
For anyone struggling after a disaster, help is available. Whether through a friend, hotline, or professional counselor, reaching out is the first step toward healing.
The total turnover with payment cards in Denmark was almost kr. 157 billion in the first quarter of 2025. That is 5.6 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2024. The card turnover covers the nominal value of all transactions carried out in Denmark with both Danish and foreign payment cards. It includes both physical store purchases and online transactions but excludes cash withdrawals. Data from Danmarks Nationalbank on daily payment card transactions in the card acquiring market in Denmark indicates that the increase is in particular driven by higher card turnover in grocery stores.
The turnover with payment cards is 5.6 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2024
Note:
The figure shows the annual percentage change in the nominal value of all payment card transactions made in Denmark by both Danes and foreigners, calculated in relation to the first quarter of the previous year. The transactions cover both physical store purchases and online transactions but exclude cash withdrawals. The turnover with payment cards is affected by several factors, including changes in consumption and payment habits, price developments and seasonal patterns.Find chart data in the Statbank.
As Australians cast pre-poll votes in record numbers, it is not only political parties and candidates who are trying to influence votes.
Australian Christian Right (ACR) groups have produced “scorecards” that rate party policies according to so-called Christian values. And they have organised candidate forums designed for Christian audiences.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has deployed hundreds of its members to pre-polling booths in marginal seats to campaign for the Coalition.
Who is the Australian Christian Right?
The ACR is a diverse movement of individuals, groups and churches that share traditional, fundamentalist approaches to the Bible and church teachings. It includes the Australian Christian Lobby, which has a long history of political activism in Australia and of engagement with the global Christian right.
In our research we examined how the ACL has adopted right-wing populist rhetoric and what the effects might be on Australian politics.
The ACR’s historical focus has been on abortion, euthanasia, sexuality and marriage. Now it also campaigns on human rights issues relating to gender, religious freedom and freedom of speech.
For our research, we identified high-profile ACR actors and studied their publicly available texts. We found three intertwined themes of populist discourse. Each one has been given a Christian framing and adapted for the Australian context.
“Saving Western civilisation”
European populists have used this rhetoric to define the Muslim “other” and the threat Islam supposedly poses to Western democratic culture and values.
Australia’s construction as a white British “outpost” gives this ideology its power. It has been used to inspire fear of immigrants.
In Christian right rhetoric, “Western civilisation” is defined by Judeo-Christian values, which are purportedly under threat from an aggressive secularism that would rid society of its moral foundations and undermine the “family”.
This polemic found fertile ground in 2017’s marriage equality debate. LGBTQ+ people and their allies were cast as anti-Christian activists who undermined Western tradition. A point made by former prime minister Tony Abbott when he addressed the anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom in New York in 2018:
the campaign for marriage in my country has mobilised thousands of new activists; and created a network that could be deployed to defend Western civilisation more broadly and the Judeo-Christian ethic against all that’s been undermining it.
“Saving the moral community”
The Australian Christian Right divides people into the traditional moral community that upholds family values, and the politically correct woke elites who allegedly threaten the Christian values that have shaped Australia.
In opposing marriage equality, religious freedom became the ACR’s primary weapon of choice.
Former Liberal Party senator and committed conservative Christian Amanda Stoker applies a right-wing populist approach to the movement’s opposition to transgender rights:
The new elite — exclusive and “woke” — in fact has disdain for the traditional family, actively seeking to break it down with new genders, new family forms, and greater dependence on the state for the roles that family used to play in education, in sharing values, and in care for those in times of need.
This rhetoric aims to position the ACR as arguing on behalf of all moral people who uphold traditional values, and all reasonable Australians who value freedom of religion.
In contemporary Australian populism, it has found form in the identification of Indigenous people as the subject of alleged preferential treatment. In contrast, non-Indigenous Australians are portrayed as victims suffering reverse racism. It has now been given a Christian right twist.
During the referendum campaign for the Voice to Parliament, the ACR joined the far-right activist group Advance to argue the case for a “no” vote.
In its opposition to constitutional recognition, the ACR adopted two themes of the “no” campaign: Indigenous people don’t need the Voice, and it would divide Australians on the basis of race. It then added a third by doubling down on the progress made in the marriage equality debate with “religious freedom” rhetoric.
And in a collection of essays on the “religious” perspective of the Voice proposal, a number of authors, including ACR leader Dave Pellowe, argued the Voice would breach religious freedom by imposing Aboriginal religious beliefs and practices on the entire country.
Dangerous consequences
Since last Sunday’s leaders’ debate, the populist trope of “saving Australia from racial division” has been in plain sight. Consistent with his anti-Voice position, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton declared that acknowledgement of Country has been “overdone”.
Christian political party Family First echoed his concerns, saying the ritual means:
citizens don’t have equal standing in this nation.
When the three thematic strands are woven together, the ACR’s populist vision for a “back-to-a-better” Australia becomes clear.
The mutually reinforcing rhetoric of the populist right and the Christian right creates a distinctly Australian agenda that has dangerous implications for many people, especially those who are already marginalised.
This article is based on research funded by the Australian Research Council Grant DP230100538 ‘Australian Spirituality: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risks’.
Elenie Poulos is an ordained Minister in the Uniting Church in Australia and a non-executive director on the Board of Uniting NSW.ACT.
This article is based on research funded by the Australian Research Council Grant DP230100538 ‘Australian Spirituality: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risks’.
Three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium will go out to public consultation this month, before the council makes a final recommendation later this year.
Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed to invite Aucklanders to give their feedback on the future use of Western Springs Stadium beforedetermining a preferred direction.
Max Hardy, DirectorofGroup Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office,says Western Springs Stadium is a valued venue with a long history in Auckland.
“Western Springs has served as an important venue for sports, large-scale outdoorfestivalsand concerts.
“Through this process, we are seeking Aucklanders’ views on the future opportunities for the site and how it could continue to contribute to the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life.
“We encourage people to consider the options and tell us what they think,” he says.
This follows anexpression of interest (EOI) process carried out by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates Western Springs Stadium with funding from Auckland Council.Two redevelopment proposals emerged through that process. There is also a third option of doing nothing or exploring otherideas.
A report presented to the Governing Bodysummarised theEOIprocess, the three options,and the recommendation of the TAU Board.
A majority ofthe Governing Bodysupported asking the public for feedback on all three options, to help inform decision making on the future useof Western Springs Stadium.
The three options that have been identified for public consideration are:
Option 1: Auckland Arena– a multi-purpose sports and entertainment precinct centred on a football-focused 12,500-seat stadium (25,000+ capacity for concerts), including high-performance facilities, 8 indoor basketball courts, 4 padel courts and related commercial activity (hospitality and sports/health-related services). This option would be funded by private investment (in the range of $200-300 million as the initial investment, with all ongoing operational and capital costs covered, with no upfront or ongoing costs to the ratepayer) in exchange for a long-term discounted or community lease.
Option 2: Western Springs Bowl– multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities including permanent music/festival infrastructure (50,000 capacity), a broadcast-capable boutique stadium (5000+ seats) and a multisport community hub. This option would be funded by a mix of private investment ($30 million) and ratepayer funding ($18-20 million upfront investment and ongoing operational and capital costs), as well as long-term discounted and/or community leases.
Option 3: neither option above; do nothing or explore other ideas–under this option, TAU could retain existing arrangements with Ponsonby Rugby Club whose lease runs until 2027, or explore other ideas for the venue.
Consultation will run from 19 May until 15 June 2025. Feedback can be provided through the council’sAKHaveYourSay websiteand other engagement activities.
Following consultation, the findings will be presented to the council’s Governing Body. A recommendation will then be provided to the TAU board and TAU will make the final decision, as the venue owner and operator.
Any future redevelopment would remain subject to detailed due diligence, business case preparation, and commercial negotiations.
Diversified Energy Company PLC (“Diversified” or the “Company”)
Notice of First Quarter 2025 Results Timing
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The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is expressing serious concern following the announcement that the Interislander ferryAratereis being removed from service indefinitely.
The Union says the loss of the rail-enabledAratere, a crucial link between the North and South Islands, significantly weakens the resilience of New Zealand’s national supply chain.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the situation highlights the ongoing consequences of Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the iReX project.
Mr Findlay says the Maritime Union will be engaging in a consultation process with KiwiRail and will be seeking no or minimal job losses for ferry crew.
“MUNZ will be working to ensure our members’ futures are protected during this period of instability caused by poor planning and cancelled investment by Ms Willis.”
Mr Findlay says the announcement is causing concern for maritime workers, transport operators, and the New Zealand public.
“The removal of theAratereis another blow to the reliability of the Cook Strait crossing, a situation entirely predictable after the cancellation of the iReX project,” says Mr Findlay.
“We consistently warned about the fragility of the ageing ferry fleet. Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to scrap the plan for new, purpose-built ferries has left New Zealand reliant on older vessels prone to failure. Losing theAratere, especially its rail freight capability, puts immense pressure on the remaining vessels and the entire transport network.”
Mr Findlay says the Maritime Union supported Minister of Rail Hon. Winston Peters work to get a new deal for rail-enabled ferries.
But he says the removal of the Aratere now leaves a major gap for a number of years until the new ferries are in service.