Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — China has reaffirmed its support for a national program to upgrade equipment and replace consumer goods with new ones through the trade-in scheme and pledged to provide continuous funding to pay government subsidies through 2025.
The programme, a key part of the country’s broader strategy to boost domestic consumption, encourages consumers to replace old goods such as appliances and vehicles with new ones.
The central government has allocated 300 billion yuan ($41.84 billion) in government bonds to support local governments in implementing the program in 2025, double the amount from a year earlier. Part of the central government’s funding, totaling 162 billion yuan, has already been disbursed in January and April, with more planned for July and October.
“At present, about half of the annual subsidy volume has been spent, which is quite in line with expectations,” a representative of the National Development and Reform Commission of China summed up. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 20 (Xinhua) — Both passenger and cargo air traffic from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Central Asia has increased since the beginning of 2025, according to the Xinjiang branch of China Southern Airlines.
According to the Chinese air carrier, the volume of passenger and cargo flights from Xinjiang to Central Asia increased by 36 percent and 200 percent year-on-year, respectively, during the reporting period.
According to the DAST flight service platform, there were 926 flights from China to the Central Asian region in May 2025, up 200 percent year-on-year. In particular, nearly 170,000 people were transported on passenger air routes from Xinjiang to Central Asia operated by China Southern Airlines, up 36 percent year-on-year.
Now, passengers flying between Chinese cities and Central Asian countries can conveniently transfer via Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. According to China Southern Airlines data, this year the share of such passengers from Central Asian countries was 24 percent.
In order to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo transportation, the network of air routes between Xinjiang and Central Asia is constantly expanding: from June 20, the number of flights on the Urumqi-Almaty route will be increased to 2 per day, and from July 1, the number of flights on the Urumqi-Astana route will increase to 5 per week.
During the peak summer holiday season, up to 70 flights are expected to operate weekly between Xinjiang and the Central Asian region. -0-
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
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The Portfolio Committee on Police is concerned that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) continues to face a huge case backlog, which negatively impacts on its ability to deliver on its mandate. The committee met with both IPID and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on the revised annual performance plan and strategic plan.
“IPID plays a critical role in ensuring accountability from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the backlog directly undermines this drive. While the committee has noted various interventions to clear the backlog, the reality is that victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse,” said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee is concerned that there is a backlog of 14 469 cases carried over to this financial year and has called for urgent strategies to remedy the concern.
While the committee welcomes the R126.3 million additional funding over the medium term and is hopeful that it will significantly contribute to reducing the case backlog, it is concerned that the additional allocation without clear plans to overcome some of the internal systematic challenges will not resolve the problem. A major impediment for the IPID is the proportionally high case per investigator ratio, and the nominal increase of employees from 387 in the 2025/26 financial year to 421 in the 2027/28 financial year will not adequately resolve the challenge.
In the context of the increasing cases reported to IPID, it is necessary to ensure that the directorate is adequately capacitated to increasing demand.
Meanwhile, the committee acknowledged IPID’s intentions to implement a new digital case management system that will enable the entity to monitor cases and ensure better tracking and communication with victims. Notwithstanding the plan, the committee has urged IPID to effectively implement the plan, as a functional system might have a positive impact on the case backlog.
The committee also welcomes the establishment of the internal investigation, Forensic Services, quality assurance and research units. The committee is of the view that the envisioned capacity will ensure that IPID will have the skills set it needs to investigate complex reported corruption cases.
The implementation of the recommendations made by IPID to SAPS is also a point of concern for the committee. The meeting today highlighted a concerning trend of SAPS seemingly ignoring strong recommendations made by IPID. “This phenomenon erodes the effectiveness of IPID and its mandate and the committee resolved that there is a need for a laser focus on the rate of implementation of the recommendations,” Mr Cameron said.
Meanwhile, the committee agreed with the Minister of Police that there must be a general improvement in the conduct of SAPS members. “The bottom line is that there is no place in the SAPS for rogue police officers who engage in criminal activity. While the IPID provides the necessary checks and balances, the SAPS members must always be fit and proper for the service they must render to the people,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
With regard to PSiRA, the committee has acknowledged the intention to implement a digital strategy that will ensure a seamless interaction process with users. Of major importance is functionality, such as verifying the training of private security officers through the digital platform.
The committee also welcomes the intention to increase PSiRA’s footprint to ensure that private security companies in Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West are able to access its services more easily. Also, the intention to increase monitoring operations will be critical in ensuring that private security companies are legally registered and compliant with legal prescripts. The committee has always emphasised the importance of the private security industry in efforts to combat crime in the country.
– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
On June 17, the educational Sprint “Medical Marketing” was completed at Novosibirsk State University. It was organized jointly with the international cosmetics company Bioderma as part of the project
In less than two months, participants went from ideas to solutions that will soon be tested by the project’s marketing team.
There were about 50 participants at the start, 9 teams reached the final. And the main prize is an internship in Moscow!
What did the participants propose?
The Sprint finalists presented completely different, but equally inspiring approaches to solving medical marketing problems. All projects were focused on the real demand of Bioderma and the problems faced by patients with atopic dermatitis.
The Telegram bot for patient navigation was created by the winners of the Medical Marketing Sprint, Ksenia Vasilyeva and Ekaterina Butikova. The bot helps patients navigate information, receive content selections and important reminders.
Ksenia Vasilyeva:
— For me, it was a love story at first sight. I am a resident in dermatovenereology, and the topic of atopic dermatitis is something I encounter very often during my training and doctor’s appointments. When I saw that the project was being done by Bioderma, I didn’t even have to think: I had already attended their lectures for doctors — always deep and caring. And, to be honest, I sincerely love this brand, I use their products myself. Therefore, participating in such a project became something very personal — I wanted to be part of an initiative that really helps people.
I entered the project with great interest and no less doubts. I understood that it would be cool, because it was a collaboration between NSU and Bioderma, but I was worried that I might not have enough knowledge. I had never done marketing, and technical stuff seemed completely out of my league. But the sprint changed everything: we learned right on the spot, there were so many cool lectures — on medical marketing, on tools, and even on the technical side. And most importantly, there was incredible support from the curators. They didn’t just teach us — they guided us, inspired us, and instilled confidence in us.
Ekaterina Butikova:
— The most difficult part was to understand the technical part, because my education is in a different field. But with the help of modern tools, trial and error, we managed and reached the final product.
Now I understand that you can figure out and do almost everything with due persistence and desire. This experience showed how important it is to be in the trend of new technologies.
The finalists developed working solutions: from an ML model predicting the likelihood of purchasing a product to Telegram bots for interacting with consumers and keeping an AD (atopic dermatitis) diary.
— The Medical Marketing Hackathon is a successful experiment in “landing” and working through the tasks of a specific company by students and young professionals. As a result, the participants gained invaluable experience and direct contacts with business representatives, and the company watched the teams in action; the results of the work will soon be tested by their marketing department.
The company expressed an active desire to continue interacting with student teams not only within the framework of this event, but also through other products of the NSU Startup Studio, such as the .Catalyst accelerator and the Sandbox internship program within the university, said Alexey Starostin, Director of the NSU Startup Studio.
– Project
All teams interviewed patients and collected feedback, obtaining data that could be interesting and useful to the medical community. Irina Gennadyevna Sergeeva, MD, Professor of the Department of Fundamental Medicine at NSU, noted that the works on the topics “Criteria for the selection of emollients in the complex therapy of AD” (authors – Anastasia Bibikova, Maria Darovskikh), “Analysis of reviews and feedback” (Daria Boyarova, Anastasia Korotchenko), “Analysis of engagement in chats and Telegram channels” (Serafima Zolotova, Alina Nikolaeva) deserve publication in scientific journals and can be presented in Scopus.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange, today announces the integration of the TON (The Open Network) blockchain for Tether (USDT) deposits and withdrawals on its Spot platform. This upgrade offers traders a faster, more cost-efficient, and scalable option for managing USDT transactions.
By adding TON support, Toobit is strategically tapping into one of the fastest-growing blockchain ecosystems, with over 153 million total created addresses as of 2025. The addition will also enhance the speed and affordability of USDT transfers, helping users optimize their trading and asset management strategies.
“We are thrilled to bring the benefits of the TON network to our users,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. “We saw a clear demand for more network diversity and greater capital efficiency. Integrating TON is a direct response towards providing a reliable, high-speed, and extremely low-cost rail for USDT.”
Key benefits for Toobit traders
Improved capital efficiency: Traders can now move USDT with network fees averaging just $0.01 to $0.02 per transaction. More capital can be used for trading, not for network costs.
Faster strategy execution: With transaction finality achieved in approximately five seconds, the integration allows for the near-instantaneous transfer of assets.
Expanded network choice: By adding TON, Toobit connects its users to a network that is rapidly expanding, now boasting over 9 million active wallets and a Total Value Locked (TVL) of more than $155 million in its DeFi ecosystem.
To start using TON for USDT transfers, users can simply go to their USDT wallet on Toobit and select TON as their preferred network for deposits or withdrawals.
The move comes in response to growing demand for more efficient blockchain networks. Known for its high throughput, multi-blockchain architecture, and minimal fees, TON can theoretically process millions of transactions per second, making it an ideal solution for active traders.
About Toobit
Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.
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The weather has turned pleasant across Delhi-NCR as drop in both minimum and maximum temperature has brought relief to the people from the scorching heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the next five days, forecasting rain and strong winds across the region.
On June 20, the maximum temperature is not likely to exceed 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum is 27 degrees Celsius.
On June 21, the temperature is expected to hover around 37 degrees C (max) and 28 degrees C (min), with humidity between 80 per cent and 82 per cent.
According to the IMD, light to moderate rain, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, is expected during the evenings and nights of June 20 and 21.
Between June 22 and 25, the region is likely to witness cloudy skies, moderate to heavy rain, and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching 30-40 km/h. During this period, the maximum temperature may drop further to 35 degrees Celsius and the minimum to 26-27 degrees C. The weather department said humidity could climb up to 90 per cent, keeping the atmosphere sticky.
However, the continuous showers have led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Gurugram, Noida, and East Delhi, disrupting movement. Roads remain submerged at some places, prompting the local administrations to deploy teams for drainage work.
June 26 is expected to bring clear skies, with no weather warnings issued. The IMD has forecast partly cloudy conditions, offering respite from the persistent rain.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary, especially during thunderstorms, and to avoid waterlogged routes.
The traffic police have also issued advisories to ensure safer commuting during this wet spell.
Delhi’s air quality has also shown marked improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the ‘satisfactory’ category on Thursday after remaining ‘poor’ for several days.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 76 at 8 a.m. on June 20, compared to 99 a day earlier.
The weather has turned pleasant across Delhi-NCR as drop in both minimum and maximum temperature has brought relief to the people from the scorching heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the next five days, forecasting rain and strong winds across the region.
On June 20, the maximum temperature is not likely to exceed 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum is 27 degrees Celsius.
On June 21, the temperature is expected to hover around 37 degrees C (max) and 28 degrees C (min), with humidity between 80 per cent and 82 per cent.
According to the IMD, light to moderate rain, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, is expected during the evenings and nights of June 20 and 21.
Between June 22 and 25, the region is likely to witness cloudy skies, moderate to heavy rain, and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching 30-40 km/h. During this period, the maximum temperature may drop further to 35 degrees Celsius and the minimum to 26-27 degrees C. The weather department said humidity could climb up to 90 per cent, keeping the atmosphere sticky.
However, the continuous showers have led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Gurugram, Noida, and East Delhi, disrupting movement. Roads remain submerged at some places, prompting the local administrations to deploy teams for drainage work.
June 26 is expected to bring clear skies, with no weather warnings issued. The IMD has forecast partly cloudy conditions, offering respite from the persistent rain.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary, especially during thunderstorms, and to avoid waterlogged routes.
The traffic police have also issued advisories to ensure safer commuting during this wet spell.
Delhi’s air quality has also shown marked improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the ‘satisfactory’ category on Thursday after remaining ‘poor’ for several days.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 76 at 8 a.m. on June 20, compared to 99 a day earlier.
In classrooms across Punjab and Haryana, something powerful is happening. Students are no longer just preparing for exams—they’re preparing to change the world.
Through the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, workshops and open houses recently swept through towns and cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Talwandi, Dhuri, and Gurugram, igniting a spark of innovation among hundreds of young minds. From government schools to premier universities, students are now dreaming of solving India’s most pressing problems—armed with empathy, purpose, and the courage to act.
Launched on April 29, 2025, this latest season of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national innovation challenge that equips students with design thinking tools to identify real-world problems and build tech-based solutions that matter. The programme offers INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams, alongside expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty, investor connects, and prototyping support to help turn big ideas into tangible change.
At Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, the energy in the room was palpable. Chestha, an engineering student with a passion for rural development, walked in with a question and walked out with a mission.
“I’ve always wondered why farmers still struggle with outdated irrigation systems,” she said. “This workshop helped me think through the problem and sketch out a low-cost, AI-based solution for real-time soil and water monitoring. I now believe it’s actually doable—and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has given me the tools to begin.”
Over in Guru Kashi University, Talwandi, Vatsal found a different calling.
“I’ve been interested in the mental health crisis, especially among teenagers in smaller towns. The workshop helped me design a tech-enabled peer support platform focused on accessibility and anonymity. It feels good to know that ideas like these can get real support. For the first time, I feel like I can make something that truly matters.”
In Patiala’s DAV Public School, the spirit of problem-solving had taken over. Astha, a Class 11 student with an eye for social impact, was brimming with purpose.
“I want to address the lack of menstrual hygiene awareness in rural schools. During the workshop, I mapped out an idea for a mobile app and a local ambassador network. It’s a small step, but it could mean the world to someone. Solve for Tomorrow made me believe that even at 16, I can start something.”
Meanwhile, in Gurugram’s HDFC School, the air was thick with big ideas and bigger ambitions. Rishika, a student driven by climate action, left the session inspired.
“I’ve been worried about the carbon footprint of everyday transportation,” she shared. “This workshop gave me the confidence to explore green mobility solutions—like creating an app that promotes micro-mobility options in school campuses and societies. It’s early, but I’ve started thinking like a designer, a problem-solver.”
The movement didn’t stop there. From BCM Arya Model School in Ludhiana to Guru Teg Bahadur Public School in Bardwal (Dhuri), and KR Mangalam in Gurugram, every workshop was filled with passionate young voices. Some wanted to work on clean energy. Others dreamt of solving water scarcity. What united them all was the belief that they could shape the future—not someday but starting now.
Across every region, one thing stood out—the unwavering commitment Samsung has made to democratizing innovation and nurturing India’s next generation of visionaries.
As the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow roadshows continue their journey, they’re not just delivering workshops—they’re sparking revolutions of thought. And in the hearts of students from Punjab’s villages to Gurugram’s classrooms, the seeds of a better tomorrow are already taking root.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva/Juba, 20 June 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply alarmed by the suspension of its life-saving transport services for thousands of displaced people in South Sudan due to critical funding shortfalls. With humanitarian needs on the rise and more people fleeing violence in neighbouring Sudan, IOM is urgently appealing for USD 6.5 million to resume this vital support and prevent vulnerable people from being left stranded.
“The people arriving in South Sudan have already endured unimaginable trauma – conflict, displacement, and profound loss,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “It is unconscionable that, after surviving so much, they are now left stranded at the border without the means to reach safety or rebuild their lives. We cannot allow financial constraints to determine whether people live with dignity or languish in desperation. The time to act is now. This lifeline must be restored – urgently.”
Onward transport assistance (OTA) is a critical lifeline for those undertaking long and dangerous journeys as a result of the war in Sudan. It allows people to move safely and with dignity from border entry points to their destinations of choice within South Sudan, where they can reconnect with their families, find protection, and access services and opportunities for recovery.
Following the depletion of available funding, OTA operations were drastically reduced and temporarily suspended on 1 June 2025. This suspension has put further strain on host communities, increased the risk of tensions and disease outbreaks, and limited access to already scarce resources such as water, health services, land, and livelihoods. Currently, only one bus and one truck are departing daily from the Joda border to Renk – far below what is needed to meet the scale of the emergency.
IOM operates OTA through a multi-modal transport network, using barges, buses, and aircraft, depending on the security and accessibility of specific routes. Travel from border areas like Renk to destinations such as Wau, Juba, or Bentiu can take more than five days.
Since May 2023, IOM has supported over 570,000 new arrivals in South Sudan with transportation from entry points to transit centers, and more than 250,000 people to their final destination. The need for this service is now greater than ever as people continue to flee Sudan’s warzone and arrive in South Sudan’s fragile northern regions.
As the crisis continues, population movements are shifting, with new waves of arrivals from other areas placing additional strain on already overstretched border communities and services. These new arrivals are compounding South Sudan’s already dire humanitarian crisis, marked by years of conflict, disease outbreaks, and climate shocks.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, nearly 1.2 million people have crossed into South Sudan, which continues to maintain an open-door policy for those fleeing violence. Of these arrivals, 32 per cent have been identified as Sudanese refugees and 68 per cent are South Sudanese returnees.
Thousands continue to cross into South Sudan each week. However, since April 2025, approximately 85,000 people have crossed from South Sudan into Sudan. This includes South Sudanese refugees and Sudanese nationals returning home, primarily due to insecurity and the lack of essential services in South Sudan.
Many of those arriving at border areas like Renk are exhausted, malnourished, and without the financial or physical means to continue their journeys. They face urgent medical needs or serious protection risks, including unaccompanied or separated children, older people, persons with disabilities, and those requiring referral to specialized care.
With 125,000 new arrivals expected between July and the end of the year and 43,000 people in urgent need of transport assistance, IOM warns that the crisis will only deepen in the absence of immediate funding. IOM calls on donors and partners to urgently step in and restore this critical service, ensuring safe, dignified onward movement for those fleeing conflict and seeking protection in South Sudan.
From grocery shopping through UPI to smart classrooms in remote villages, much of India’s digital progress over the past two decades has depended on something that most citizens never think about: fast, secure internet infrastructure. At the centre of this invisible but essential ecosystem is the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), which turned 20 on Thursday.
Set up in 2003 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), NIXI has played a key role in ensuring that India’s internet remains local in routing, robust in performance, and ready for future demands. It currently operates 77 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the country, which help domestic traffic stay within India’s borders — reducing latency, increasing speed, and enhancing security.
A resilient internet, a resilient India
In a statement marking the occasion, NIXI CEO Dr Devesh Tyagi said, “A resilient internet is the foundation of a resilient India. As we celebrate NIXI Day, we renew our commitment to making the internet faster, safer, and more inclusive.”
The importance of the organisation came into sharp focus during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With physical movement restricted, internet traffic surged. Doctors adopted telemedicine, schools transitioned to online learning, and government services remained accessible through digital platforms. Underpinning all of this was an infrastructure designed to cope with scale and crisis — one that NIXI had quietly built over the years.
Beyond speed: trust, inclusion, and language
While speed and reliability have always been priorities, NIXI has also focused on inclusivity and localisation. Through its IRINN division, it is guiding India’s transition to IPv6, which will be essential as the country moves deeper into the era of connected devices, AI, and quantum computing.
It also facilitates domain name registration in Indian languages, supporting .IN and .भारत, helping small businesses and individuals get online in their own scripts and tongues — a step that aligns with the broader push for digital inclusion.
What’s next: smarter, more resilient networks
With emerging technologies reshaping the digital landscape, NIXI is evolving too. Its roadmap for the future includes AI-driven smart traffic routing, IXPs in disaster-prone and underserved regions, deeper collaboration with global internet governance forums, and boosting uptake of vernacular domain names.
This next phase is about preparing the Indian internet for scale, security, and smart infrastructure — while ensuring that no region or user is left behind.
In a world increasingly defined by data, connectivity, and digital dependence, NIXI’s two-decade journey remains largely invisible to the average user. But its impact is felt every day — in the instant UPI payment at a vegetable stall, the buffering-free video class in a village, or a seamless government application process.
As India pushes toward a $5 trillion digital economy, NIXI’s role as the silent enabler of connectivity becomes more critical than ever.
Gujarat will mark the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21 with a state-level event in Vadnagar, the hometown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main celebration will take place at Sarmishta Lake, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Health Minister Rishikesh Patel, and Minister of State for Sports Harsh Sanghavi expected to attend.
Prime Minister will lead the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. More than 1.5 crore people are expected to participate across over 60,000 locations in the state.
Yoga sessions will be held in 45,000 primary schools, 12,500 secondary schools, 2,600 colleges and three universities, involving around 5.73 lakh students and teachers. Events are also planned across 18,226 gram panchayats, 251 taluka panchayats, and all 33 district police headquarters.
The state government has extended the campaign to 287 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), 1,477 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,500 wellness centres, 30 prisons and 1,152 police stations. Mass yoga sessions are also scheduled at 100 Amrit Sarovar lakes.
In the run-up to the event, yoga and ‘surya namaskar’ sessions were held at 11 locations in Vadnagar, including Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Tana-Riri Garden, Kirti Toran, the Vadnagar Museum, and the local railway station. Additionally, over 35 large-scale yoga events — each with more than 1,000 participants — were organised in Junagadh, Porbandar, Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad.
Last year, Gujarat recorded the highest participation in the country with 1.31 crore people taking part in Yoga Day activities.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Summer cinema “Moschino Muzeon” will begin its work on June 26. The season will open with the screening of the romantic melodrama “Piter FM” by director and screenwriter Oksana Bychkova. The film will be released again on July 3. The film is full of bizarre coincidences and semi-mystical chance encounters that take place against the backdrop of the urban landscape of St. Petersburg.
The event will start at 20:00. Before the screening, at 20:15, viewers will enjoy a performance by the pop-rock band Gorod 312, whose composition Vne zona dostupnosti became one of the calling cards of the film. The band will perform their main hits. At 20:45, there will be an autograph session with the band members. The film will be presented at 21:10 by producer Elena Glikman and the lead actress Ekaterina Fedulova. The screening will be held with the support of the K24 film distribution company.
In addition, during the summer season, the cinema will present auteur films, new releases, festival hits and world classics. Screenings of films in the original language with Russian subtitles are also planned.
This year, Moskino Muzeon will become even more convenient: the cinema is equipped with a roof that protects the seating area from rain, and the updated venue will have 190 seats available for viewers.
The cinema is located at the address: Krymsky Val Street, Building 2, Muzeon Arts Park, on the square near the dry fountain. You can get there from the Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya metro stations. Tickets can be purchased online – on the website or through the app “Moschino”.
Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports programs are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.
State Budgetary Cultural Institution “Moscow Cinema” (Moskino) is an organization within the structure Department of Culture, which oversees the development of the capital’s cinemas, filming and other citywide projects in the field of cinema. The Moskino cinema chain provides viewers of all ages with the opportunity to watch not only entertaining films, but also art-house films, Soviet films and rare cinema classics on the big screen.
The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino Film Park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino Film Factory, the Moskino Cinema Network, the Film Commission and the Moskino Film Platform.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in extending birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, lauding her life and leadership as a source of inspiration for millions across the country.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Warmest birthday wishes to Rashtrapati Ji. Her life and leadership continue to inspire crores of people across the country. Her unwavering commitment to public service, social justice and inclusive development are a beacon of hope and strength for everyone. She has always worked to empower the poor and downtrodden. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people.”
President Murmu, who assumed office as the 15th President of India on July 25, 2022, is the country’s first tribal woman to occupy the highest constitutional post. Her journey from grassroots politics to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is often cited as a testament to the strength and inclusivity of Indian democracy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his greetings, noting that her rise to the presidency reflects the robust democratic foundations of the country. “Her steadfast commitment to social justice, empowerment of the poor and inclusive growth continues to inspire the nation,” he posted on X.
BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, in his message, praised the President’s contribution to tribal welfare and her focus on education and healthcare. “Your dedication towards public welfare and building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ is inspiring,” he wrote.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari extended his wishes for her good health and long life, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, writing
From grocery shopping through UPI to smart classrooms in remote villages, much of India’s digital progress over the past two decades has depended on something that most citizens never think about: fast, secure internet infrastructure. At the centre of this invisible but essential ecosystem is the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), which turned 20 on Thursday.
Set up in 2003 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), NIXI has played a key role in ensuring that India’s internet remains local in routing, robust in performance, and ready for future demands. It currently operates 77 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the country, which help domestic traffic stay within India’s borders — reducing latency, increasing speed, and enhancing security.
A resilient internet, a resilient India
In a statement marking the occasion, NIXI CEO Dr Devesh Tyagi said, “A resilient internet is the foundation of a resilient India. As we celebrate NIXI Day, we renew our commitment to making the internet faster, safer, and more inclusive.”
The organisation’s role came into sharp focus during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As physical mobility shut down, internet traffic surged. Doctors turned to telemedicine. Schools moved online. Government services continued digitally. Underpinning all of this was an infrastructure designed to cope with scale and crisis — one that NIXI had quietly built over the years.
Beyond speed: trust, inclusion, and language
While speed and reliability have always been priorities, NIXI has also focused on inclusivity and localisation. Through its IRINN division, it is guiding India’s transition to IPv6, which will be essential as the country moves deeper into the era of connected devices, AI, and quantum computing.
It also facilitates domain name registration in Indian languages, supporting .IN and .भारत, helping small businesses and individuals get online in their own scripts and tongues — a step that aligns with the broader push for digital inclusion.
What’s next: smarter, more resilient networks
With emerging technologies reshaping the digital landscape, NIXI is evolving too. Its roadmap for the future includes AI-driven smart traffic routing, IXPs in disaster-prone and underserved regions, deeper collaboration with global internet governance forums, and boosting uptake of vernacular domain names.
This next phase is about preparing the Indian internet for scale, security, and smart infrastructure — while ensuring that no region or user is left behind.
The quiet enabler
In a world increasingly defined by data, connectivity, and digital dependence, NIXI’s two-decade journey remains largely invisible to the average user. But its impact is felt every day — in the instant UPI payment at a vegetable stall, the buffering-free video class in a village, or a seamless government application process.
As India pushes toward a $5 trillion digital economy, NIXI’s role as the silent enabler of connectivity becomes more critical than ever.
The Buss family is entering an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for one of the NBA’s most influential owners.
Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of holding company TWG Global, is set to take the majority ownership under the agreement which values the Lakers at $10 billion, ESPN reported, making it the largest-ever sale of a professional sports team.
The Boston Celtics had become the latest NBA franchise to change ownership in March, closing a $6.05 billion sale to an investment group led by Bill Chisholm, a record figure for the league at the time.
Walter, already an established figure in Los Angeles sports, has existing shares in MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA franchise Los Angeles Sparks.
The Lakers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The late Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 and turned it into one of the most popular franchises in all of professional sports, winning five championships during their now-iconic “Showtime” era in the 1980s.
His daughter, Jeanie Buss, took over as principal owner after Jerry died in 2013, making her one of the most powerful women in sports.
Jeanie Buss will stay on as governor after the sale, according to the ESPN report.
Lakers Hall of Fame point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson – a former player, coach, and executive with the team during the Buss family’s tenure — congratulated both parties on reaching the agreement.
“Laker fans should be ecstatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark – he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way,” Johnson, who is also a co-owner of the Dodgers alongside Walter, said in a post on X.
“He will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike.
“Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning… Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand.”
The Buss family is entering an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for one of the NBA’s most influential owners.
Mark Walter, the CEO and chairman of holding company TWG Global, is set to take the majority ownership under the agreement which values the Lakers at $10 billion, ESPN reported, making it the largest-ever sale of a professional sports team.
The Boston Celtics had become the latest NBA franchise to change ownership in March, closing a $6.05 billion sale to an investment group led by Bill Chisholm, a record figure for the league at the time.
Walter, already an established figure in Los Angeles sports, has existing shares in MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA franchise Los Angeles Sparks.
The Lakers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The late Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 and turned it into one of the most popular franchises in all of professional sports, winning five championships during their now-iconic “Showtime” era in the 1980s.
His daughter, Jeanie Buss, took over as principal owner after Jerry died in 2013, making her one of the most powerful women in sports.
Jeanie Buss will stay on as governor after the sale, according to the ESPN report.
Lakers Hall of Fame point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson – a former player, coach, and executive with the team during the Buss family’s tenure — congratulated both parties on reaching the agreement.
“Laker fans should be ecstatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark – he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way,” Johnson, who is also a co-owner of the Dodgers alongside Walter, said in a post on X.
“He will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike.
“Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning… Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand.”
European foreign ministers are set to meet their Iranian counterpart on Friday aiming to create a pathway back to diplomacy over its contested nuclear programme despite the U.S. considering joining Israeli strikes against Iran.
Ministers from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, as well as the European Union’s foreign policy chief spoke to Abbas Araqchi earlier this week and have been coordinating with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In a rare call, they pressed upon Araqchi the need to return to the negotiating table and avoid further escalation. At Iran’s suggestion, the two sides agreed to meet face-to-face.
The talks will be held in Geneva, where an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear programme in return for sanctions lifting was struck in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. They come after negotiations between Iran and the United States collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12.
“The Iranians can’t sit down with the Americans whereas we can,” said a European diplomat. “We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst-case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens.”
The European powers, who were not part of Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the United States, had grown increasingly frustrated by the U.S. negotiating strategy in the talks. They deemed some of the demands unrealistic, while fearing the possibility of a weak initial political framework that would lead to open-ended negotiations.
Two diplomats said there were no great expectations for a breakthrough in Geneva, where the European Union’s foreign policy chief will also attend.
But they said it was vital to engage with Iran because once the war stopped, Iran’s nuclear programme would still remain unresolved given that it would be impossible to eradicate the know-how acquired, leaving it potentially able to clandestinely rebuild its programme.
An Iranian official said Tehran has always welcomed diplomacy, but urged the E3 to use all available means to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Iran.
“Iran remains committed to diplomacy as the only path to resolving disputes — but diplomacy is under attack,” the official said.
Speaking after holding talks in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said there was a window for diplomacy.
“We discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” he said on X, referring to the White House saying on Thursday that President Donald Trump would give two weeks before deciding whether to join Israeli strikes.
Prior to Israel’s strikes, the E3 and U.S. put forward a resolution that was approved by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a U.N. watchdog, which declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
As part of last week’s IAEA resolution, European officials had said they could refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council later in the summer to add pressure on Iran if there was no progress in the nuclear talks.
That would be separate to them reimposing UN sanctions, known as the snapback mechanism, before October 18 when the 2015 accord expires.
The Europeans are the only ones who can launch the snapback mechanism, with diplomats saying the three countries had looked to set a final deadline at the end of August to launch it.
“Iran has repeatedly stated that triggering snapback will have serious consequences,” the Iranian official said.
Separatist and jihadist militants on the Pakistan-Iran border could take advantage of any collapse of authority in Iran, fears that Pakistan’s army chief pressed in a meeting this week with the U.S. President Donald Trump.
Anti-Iranian and anti-Pakistan outfits operate on both sides of the 560-mile (900km) long border. As Israel bombs Iran’s nuclear program, its officials have repeatedly indicated that they are seeking to destabilize the Iranian government or see it toppled.
As well as worrying about chaos spilling over from Iran, Pakistan is concerned about the precedent set by Israel of attacking the nuclear installations of another country. Nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India fought a four-day conflict in May.
Following a Wednesday lunch at the White House with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Trump said: “They’re not happy about anything”, referring to Pakistan’s views on the Israel-Iran conflict.
Pakistan’s military said on Thursday that the two had discussed Iran,“with both leaders emphasizing the importance of resolution of the conflict”.
Pakistan has condemned Israel’s attack on Iran as a violation of international law.
“This is for us a very serious issue what is happening in our brotherly country of Iran,” Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesman for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday. “It imperils the entire regional security structures, it impacts us deeply.”
Some of the militant groups on the border have welcomed the upheaval.
Jaish al-Adl (JaA), an Iranian jihadist group formed from ethnic Baluch and Sunni Muslim minorities and which operates from Pakistan, said Israel’s conflict with Iran was a great opportunity.
“Jaish al-Adl extends the hand of brotherhood and friendship to all the people of Iran and calls on all people, especially the people of Baluchistan, as well as the armed forces, to join the ranks of the Resistance,” the group said in a statement on June 13.
Conversely, Pakistan fears that separatist militants from its own Baluch minority, which are based in Iran, will also seek to step up attacks.
“There’s a fear of ungoverned spaces, which would be fertile ground for terrorist groups,” said Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to Washington.
Pakistan has unstable borders with Taliban-run Afghanistan and arch-rival India. It does not want to add another volatile frontier on its long border with Iran.
The Iran-Pakistan border region is populated with ethnic Baluch, a minority in both countries who have long complained about discrimination and launched separatist movements. On Pakistan’s side, the region is a province called Balochistan and in Iran it is Sistan-Baluchistan.
Until Israel’s bombing of Iran, Tehran was closer to Pakistan’s arch-rival India. Pakistan and Iran had even traded air strikes last year, accusing each other of harboring Baluch militants. But the attack on Iran has upended alliances, as India has not condemned Israel’s bombing campaign.
China has also said that it is deeply concerned about the security situation in Balochistan, with the area being a focus of Beijing’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment program in Pakistan, centred on the new Chinese-run port of Gwadar. Baluch militant groups in Pakistan have previously targeted Chinese personnel and projects.
On Iranian side of the border, Tehran has at different times accused Pakistan, Gulf nations, Israel and the United States of backing the anti-Iran Baluch groups.
Simbal Khan, an analyst based in Islamabad, said the different Baluch groups could morph into a “greater Baluchistan” movement which seeks to carve out a new nation from the Baluch areas of Pakistan and Iran.
“They’re all going to fight together if this blows up,” said Khan.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (June 20) the appointment of three new non-official members and the reappointment of 10 serving non-official members to the Green Technology and Finance Development Committee for a period of two years from June 23, 2025, to June 22, 2027.
The membership list in the new term is as follows:
Chairman ——- Financial Secretary
Non-official members (in alphabetical order of surnames) ————————- Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan Dr Vincent Cheng Sai-yau Dr Dai Fan (newly appointed) Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen Professor Gong Peng (newly appointed) Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue Ms Poman Lo Mr Lu Jiahui (newly appointed) Dr Ma Jun Mr Philip Ng Kim-lam Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung Miss Vriko Yu Pik-fan Dr Martin Zhu Yihao
Official members ——————- Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary for Environment and Ecology Secretary for Housing Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics 1 Head of Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau Chairman, Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development Chief Executive Officer, Securities and Futures Commission Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Authority Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
A Government spokesman said, “Since its establishment in June 2023, the Committee has provided valuable insights across various areas, including fostering the creation of a green technology ecosystem, developing green finance, green transportation and green buildings, as well as promoting and highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths in these areas. We firmly believe that, with the extensive market experience and professional expertise of the Committee members, their invaluable advice will further advance the development of green technology and finance in Hong Kong.
“We express our gratitude to the outgoing members, Mr Wang Hongbo, Dr George Lam, and Mr Jonathan Drew for their contributions to the work of the Committee during their tenure.”
The Committee was established on June 23, 2023, to assist in the formation of an action agenda for promoting the development of Hong Kong into an international green technology and financial centre. Members of the Committee include representatives from relevant policy bureaux, departments and financial regulators, as well as non-official members from the finance, technology, academic, professional services sectors, etc.
Construction of the proposed 7km-long rapid transit line will commence once the scheme – which is in accordance with the Railways Ordinance – is authorised, and the work is expected to be completed by 2033 or earlier.
The system comprises nine stations. Its two termini will be connected to Choi Hung MTR Station and Yau Tong MTR Station respectively, with the line passing through Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin North. It will serve more than over 300,000 residents in Kwun Tong’s uphill areas.
The Government said the system will provide convenient transport feeder services to these areas, improving access to Choi Hung MTR Station and Yau Tong MTR Station and unleashing the development potential of East Kowloon.
The estimated journey time from Po Tat to Yau Tong or Choi Hung under the new scheme will be around ten to 15 minutes, which is about half of the journey time using road-based transport during peak hours.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the chance to object to the scheme, and can register their objections from today until August 19. Those with compensable interests can claim compensation.
Municipality Finance Plc Stock exchange release 20 June 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)
Municipality Finance issues EUR 40 million zero coupon notes under its MTN programme
Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 40 million zero coupon notes on 23 June 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 23 June 2065. MuniFin has a right, but no obligation, to redeem the notes early on 23 June 2040.
The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.
MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 24 June 2025.
Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.
MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC
Further information:
Joakim Holmström Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability tel. +358 50 444 3638
MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.
MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.
MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.
The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has reaffirmed its support for the national consumer goods trade-in program, ensuring continued funding to sustain the government subsidy payment throughout 2025.
The program, a key part of the country’s broader strategy to stimulate domestic consumption, encourages consumers to replace outdated products — such as home appliances and vehicles — with newer, more efficient models.
The central government has earmarked 300 billion yuan (41.84 billion U.S. dollars) in treasury bonds to support local authorities in implementing the program in 2025, doubling that of last year. Two tranches of the central funding, totaling 162 billion yuan, were issued in January and April to support first-half implementation, with further allocations planned for July and October to cover the third and fourth quarters of the year.
“Currently, about half of the annual subsidy budget has been utilized, a pace well within expectations,” said an official with the National Development and Reform Commission.
At least 14 people were injured when Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa overnight, damaging high-rise buildings and railway infrastructure, local authorities said on Friday.
Odesa is Ukraine’s largest Black Sea port, key for imports and exports, and has been under constant missile and drone attacks by Russia since the war began.
“Despite the active work of air defence forces, there is damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, a higher education institution, a gas pipeline and private cars,” local governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram messenger.
Kiper released photos of burning houses and charred high-rise buildings.
Local emergencies service said that during the attack there were at least 10 drone strikes on residential buildings, causing massive fires.
Ukraine’s air force said on Friday that Russia had launched 86 drones on Ukraine overnight.
The military noted its air defence units shot down 34 drones while another 36 drones were lost – in reference to the Ukrainian military using electronic warfare to redirect them – or they were drone simulators that did not carry warheads.
However, the military reported that drones hit 8 locations.
Ukrainian state railways Ukrzaliznytsia reported that Odesa railway station was damaged during the attack, with power wires and rails damaged.
Russian drones also attacked Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine overnight, damaging several private and multi-storey houses, Kharkiv officials said.
20 June 2025 – Fleet utilisation for May 2025 was 60 per cent.
Safe Zephyrus, Safe Eurus and Safe Notos operated at full capacity in May, achieving 99 to 100 per cent commercial uptime.
As announced, Safe Notos has been awarded a four-year contract with Petrobras in Brazil commencing September 2026 in continuation of its existing contract.
Safe Caledonia commenced operations at the Captain Field in the UK on 02 June 2025.
Safe Boreas is currently being transported to Singapore ahead of her upcoming contract in Australia.
Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com
For further information, please contact:
Terje Askvig, CEO
Phone: +47 952 03 886
Reese McNeel, CFO
Phone: +47 415 08 186
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
The Australian origins of Santos have made an indelible mark on the company’s very name. The energy giant was first incorporated in 1954 under the acronym for “South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search”. It was publicly listed on the Adelaide Stock Exchange that same year.
Fast forward to today, there are pressing questions about whether Santos could serve Australia’s national interest if it was largely in the hands of a foreign government.
This week, it was announced a consortium led by the investment division of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had made an all-cash takeover bid of almost A$29 billion for Santos. This would value the company at $36.4 billion (including its debt).
Santos’ board has said it will support the deal if there isn’t a better offer on the table. But it will first have to clear a raft of regulatory approvals – not only in Australia but also Papua New Guinea and the United States, where Santos has operations.
The acquisition would be a monumental event in Australia’s corporate history. Key elements of this country’s critical energy infrastructure are at stake.
But it’s set to put a difficult decision before the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. On the FIRB’s advice, Chalmers will have to balance Australia’s stated desire to attract foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.
Who’s trying to buy – and why?
Also in the ADNOC-led consortium of prospective buyers are US private equity firm Carlyle and a sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ). There are a few key reasons for their interest.
First, ADNOC is keenly interested in expanding its footprint in gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Acquiring Santos would give it a stake in much of Australia’s gas production and established LNG export facilities. This includes major operations at Gladstone and Darwin.
They would also gain a share in two important Papua New Guinean projects: PNG LNG and the yet-to-be-developed Papua LNG. These assets are particularly attractive because they offer direct access to the growing Asian LNG markets, where future demand is projected to be strong.
Second, the acquisition would allow ADNOC to diversify its portfolio and gain control of export capacity from Australia and PNG to the Asia Pacific region. Santos’s Gladstone LNG plant, for example, has significant export capacity. Much of Santos’ LNG capacity is under medium and long-term contracts.
And third, the timing of this bid is strategic. Santos has recently been in a period of high capital expenditure. A number of major projects are nearing completion. A successful takeover could free up funding for further development.
ADNOC is the state-owned oil company of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Marco Curaba/Shutterstock
Defining national interest
For regulators assessing the move, the potential takeover touches upon many national security, energy supply, and economic concerns for Australia.
One of the primary concerns is the potential loss of control over critical energy infrastructure.
Foreign ownership, especially by a state-linked investor such as ADNOC, raises questions about whose interests will ultimately shape strategic decisions about Australia’s essential gas flows, pricing, or even the integrity of operational technology systems.
There’s also concern that a foreign owner could prioritise LNG exports over domestic supply. That could potentially exacerbate domestic gas shortages and price hikes. In the eastern states of Australia, such issues are already a concern.
This is not the first time the Australian government has faced a tough decision on a foreign takeover bid in the oil and gas sector. In 2018, the Morrison government blocked a $13 billion Chinese bid for gas pipeline operator APA Group. It said a single foreign owner should not control Australia’s largest pipeline business.
And the then-Treasurer Peter Costello blocked Royal Dutch/Shell’s $10 billion blockbuster offer for Woodside Petroleum in 2001, also in the national interest.
The national interest checklist
On the other hand, Australia generally welcomes foreign investment. It brings capital, creates jobs, and supports economic growth.
If this deal proceeds to final stages, the decision could become a “test case” for Australia. Can we still attract global capital while also diligently safeguarding our sovereign interests?
The consortium has made commitments to maintain Santos’s headquarters in South Australia, preserve jobs and invest in growth and decarbonisation initiatives. But this is only part of the picture.
The FIRB and the Treasurer will need to consider how the deal would affect:
national security and critical infrastructure, including ownership and control risk, system integrity and supply chain vulnerability
the economy (such as on jobs and investment, tax revenues)
energy security and domestic gas supply
other Australian government policies, such as climate targets
the character of the investor
the complexity of regulation.
The FIRB and the Treasurer must be acutely aware that few other nations have extended the same generosity to foreign investors as Australia has over recent decades.
This generosity, while attracting capital, has also raised concerns about the nation’s control over its vital assets.
The SA government has already signalled it won’t stand idly by if the deal is “not in the interests of South Australians”.
All of this sits in the context of ongoing questions about how little tax is being paid by some multinationals while exploiting Australia’s natural resources.
It is paramount the Australian government makes a forward-looking, informed decision. This should serve Australia’s best interests, rather than those of foreign entities.
Associate Professor Akhtar has been invited to make several submissions to national Senate inquiries on tax, trade, and investment, and some of the material from those submissions has been drawn upon in writing this article.
The Australian origins of Santos have made an indelible mark on the company’s very name. The energy giant was first incorporated in 1954 under the acronym for “South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search”. It was publicly listed on the Adelaide Stock Exchange that same year.
Fast forward to today, there are pressing questions about whether Santos could serve Australia’s national interest if it was largely in the hands of a foreign government.
This week, it was announced a consortium led by the investment division of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had made an all-cash takeover bid of almost A$29 billion for Santos. This would value the company at $36.4 billion (including its debt).
Santos’ board has said it will support the deal if there isn’t a better offer on the table. But it will first have to clear a raft of regulatory approvals – not only in Australia but also Papua New Guinea and the United States, where Santos has operations.
The acquisition would be a monumental event in Australia’s corporate history. Key elements of this country’s critical energy infrastructure are at stake.
But it’s set to put a difficult decision before the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. On the FIRB’s advice, Chalmers will have to balance Australia’s stated desire to attract foreign investment with the need to protect national interests.
Who’s trying to buy – and why?
Also in the ADNOC-led consortium of prospective buyers are US private equity firm Carlyle and a sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ). There are a few key reasons for their interest.
First, ADNOC is keenly interested in expanding its footprint in gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Acquiring Santos would give it a stake in much of Australia’s gas production and established LNG export facilities. This includes major operations at Gladstone and Darwin.
They would also gain a share in two important Papua New Guinean projects: PNG LNG and the yet-to-be-developed Papua LNG. These assets are particularly attractive because they offer direct access to the growing Asian LNG markets, where future demand is projected to be strong.
Second, the acquisition would allow ADNOC to diversify its portfolio and gain control of export capacity from Australia and PNG to the Asia Pacific region. Santos’s Gladstone LNG plant, for example, has significant export capacity. Much of Santos’ LNG capacity is under medium and long-term contracts.
And third, the timing of this bid is strategic. Santos has recently been in a period of high capital expenditure. A number of major projects are nearing completion. A successful takeover could free up funding for further development.
ADNOC is the state-owned oil company of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Marco Curaba/Shutterstock
Defining national interest
For regulators assessing the move, the potential takeover touches upon many national security, energy supply, and economic concerns for Australia.
One of the primary concerns is the potential loss of control over critical energy infrastructure.
Foreign ownership, especially by a state-linked investor such as ADNOC, raises questions about whose interests will ultimately shape strategic decisions about Australia’s essential gas flows, pricing, or even the integrity of operational technology systems.
There’s also concern that a foreign owner could prioritise LNG exports over domestic supply. That could potentially exacerbate domestic gas shortages and price hikes. In the eastern states of Australia, such issues are already a concern.
This is not the first time the Australian government has faced a tough decision on a foreign takeover bid in the oil and gas sector. In 2018, the Morrison government blocked a $13 billion Chinese bid for gas pipeline operator APA Group. It said a single foreign owner should not control Australia’s largest pipeline business.
And the then-Treasurer Peter Costello blocked Royal Dutch/Shell’s $10 billion blockbuster offer for Woodside Petroleum in 2001, also in the national interest.
The national interest checklist
On the other hand, Australia generally welcomes foreign investment. It brings capital, creates jobs, and supports economic growth.
If this deal proceeds to final stages, the decision could become a “test case” for Australia. Can we still attract global capital while also diligently safeguarding our sovereign interests?
The consortium has made commitments to maintain Santos’s headquarters in South Australia, preserve jobs and invest in growth and decarbonisation initiatives. But this is only part of the picture.
The FIRB and the Treasurer will need to consider how the deal would affect:
national security and critical infrastructure, including ownership and control risk, system integrity and supply chain vulnerability
the economy (such as on jobs and investment, tax revenues)
energy security and domestic gas supply
other Australian government policies, such as climate targets
the character of the investor
the complexity of regulation.
The FIRB and the Treasurer must be acutely aware that few other nations have extended the same generosity to foreign investors as Australia has over recent decades.
This generosity, while attracting capital, has also raised concerns about the nation’s control over its vital assets.
The SA government has already signalled it won’t stand idly by if the deal is “not in the interests of South Australians”.
All of this sits in the context of ongoing questions about how little tax is being paid by some multinationals while exploiting Australia’s natural resources.
It is paramount the Australian government makes a forward-looking, informed decision. This should serve Australia’s best interests, rather than those of foreign entities.
Associate Professor Akhtar has been invited to make several submissions to national Senate inquiries on tax, trade, and investment, and some of the material from those submissions has been drawn upon in writing this article.
These include volunteers with metropolitan and rural fire services and other rescue organisations.
As natural disasters grow more frequent and severe with climate change we rely on these volunteers now more than ever. Yet volunteer numbers are shrinking.
Our new research reveals an important but often hidden toll from natural disasters – the mental health of emergency service volunteers, who risk physical and emotional burnout.
In our study, we interviewed 32 Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers. They told us they’re often not getting adequate support.
Exposure to death
Death is something commonly hidden behind clinical curtains. But for emergency service volunteers, exposure to dying and death is just part of the job. Death on jobs arrives unpredictably – on roads, in burned homes, after storms, floods and suicides.
Given their work often takes place in the local community, victims are frequently known to the volunteer, which can further complicate grief. As one participant told us:
You’re bound to come across someone you know, or someone you love at some point […] in a bad situation.
Another recounted a colleague’s experience:
It wasn’t until the next day that she found out that she actually knew the deceased person, but didn’t recognise them.
Volunteers described often being first on scene to assist but not fully prepared for what they find. They recounted experiences including retrieving children who had drowned, watching people dying on the roadside, and finding burnt and maimed human remains.
These encounters provoke intense emotional responses, from shock and sadness to feeling powerless and vulnerable. For many, feelings of helplessness and grief reverberate into everyday life. As one volunteer told us:
I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place […] having flashbacks […] struggling to hold emotions and do my day job.
A lack of formal support
We identified over-reliance on informal team support and individual resilience to cope with difficult emotions.
Structured debriefs depended on leadership and team dynamics. Leaders with “tough it out” mindsets unintentionally perpetuated stigma around seeking help. One participant explained:
People generally will just sit there and not talk about how they feel […] They’re feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
The mindset of some teams seems to be that those who can’t manage the demands of the job should leave. One volunteer said:
It’s mostly very hard and tough. But if you’re going to survive in the game, you gotta be hard.
Support programs exist, but often focus on major disasters rather than the more everyday jobs. Referral depends on leaders flagging those seen as at-risk or individual volunteers asking for support. One participant explained:
We do a debrief with peer support, but some people put on a brave face […] There needs to be more follow up.
What’s more, support is sometimes difficult to access. One participant, a team leader, explained what happened when a volunteer in their team wasn’t coping:
I called the mechanisms that [we] were told that we need to access. I’ve got somebody here that’s suicidal, nobody escalated it. I still hadn’t heard back six hours later.
Importantly, our findings also highlighted that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. For some, peer support is a lifeline for processing experiences and building resilience, but not for others.
Five women killed. And the peer support was all over us. You know, we got to the stage where it was ridiculous. We’ve had enough, we don’t want this. It re-traumatises people who want to move on.
Talking to emergency service volunteers from only two organisations in one jurisdiction may limit the extent to which we can generalise our findings to other regions, countries or cultures.
However, Victoria does have the second largest number of emergency service volunteers in Australia (behind New South Wales).
Emergency service volunteers are extremely proud and passionate about serving their community and show up with care, calm and strength. But our findings show this comes at a personal cost, especially without the right supports.
Volunteer exposure to death and dying must be recognised as a serious occupational health and safety issue, not just an emotional side effect of the job. We need proactive, not reactive reform if we want to recruit, retain and protect the people we count on in a crisis.
Legislators and organisations should work collaboratively with emergency service volunteers to develop and implement responsive and consistent support services, culture and leadership.
Without targeted, systemic and consistent support, we risk the future of our community-based emergency response. It’s time to protect those who protect us.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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.
A recently announced Pentagon review of the AUKUS pact has sparked a renewed bout of debate in Australia. Led by the “AUKUS-agnostic” US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, the review raises serious questions over whether Australia will receive its US-made Virginia-class submarines on schedule from 2032.
AUKUS supporters suggest the review is not overly concerning – they point out governments typically review major programs after taking office. As they note, the UK Labour government did the same when it commissioned Sir Stephen Lovegrove to review AUKUS in 2024. Moreover, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee is currently reviewing AUKUS.
Crucially, however, not all reviews are created equal. Given the US assessment is, according to US officials, being conducted to ensure alignment with the imperatives of “America first”, there is a risk the US will not supply Australia with the Virgina-class submarines it feels it requires to deter China. The UK reviews, on the other hand, did not and do not carry such risks.
The findings of the Lovegrove review remain confidential, but have been shared with Canberra and were incorporated into the UK government’s recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The Defence Select Committee is yet to report, but being public, its findings are likely to generate further debate in Australia.
Why are the UK reviews different?
The Defence Select Committee review, launched independently of the government, is an accountability mechanism that scrutinises progress but lacks the power to set policy.
Meanwhile, the Lovegrove review was never intended to question AUKUS, as its terms of reference made clear. Instead, its focus was more on what progress has been made so far and any barriers that might inhibit future success.
There was never any real chance the Lovegrove review would end or amend the UK’s participation in AUKUS, because it has widespread support across mainstream British politics. In foreign and security policy terms, cross-party consensus is the norm in the UK.
However, in the case of AUKUS, two specific factors stand out.
First, AUKUS provides a welcome means to share the burden on a project the UK was already pursuing. Even before AUKUS was announced, the UK had initiated plans for its next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines, awarding initial design contracts to BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce worth £85 million (A$170 million).
Second, AUKUS has been a crucial component of the UK’s post-Brexit re-emergence. Coming after a period in which Brexit negotiations consumed the British government, it provided important substance to “Global Britain” and its Indo-Pacific tilt.
AUKUS’s cross-party appeal might initially seem strange, given its close association with Boris Johnson’s Brexiteer government. After all, with its “Britain Reconnected” plan, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has been keen to demonstrate how it differs from its Conservative predecessors. This most recent example comes with the SDR’s NATO-first approach, which some interpreted as a sharp break.
However, this is a difference in style rather than substance. Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government had announced Britain had delivered the tilt and would focus on consolidating its position.
In other words, it was making no new commitments. The SDR does not amend this position. It makes clear that “NATO first does not mean NATO only”. This means continuing support for agreements such as AUKUS, which, according to the review, are crucial to shaping the global security environment.
Whether Britain has the capability to shape the global security environment is a question the SDR addresses, if implicitly, by acknowledging the “hollowing out” of the UK’s armed forces. Reconstituting Britain’s armed forces is consequently a key focus of Starmer’s government, which sees rearmament as a route to reindustrialisation.
Militarisation as central to ‘rebirth’
In this rebirth, the government is focusing heavily on the arms industry as a means to bring well-paid, high-skilled jobs to post-industrial parts of the country. There is debate about whether this is the best way to create jobs and growth, but the Starmer government has gone all-in on the strategy.
Indeed, one of the most notable outcomes of the SDR is that the UK plans to invest substantial sums in its fleet of attack submarines, as it plans to go from seven Astute-class boats to 12 AUKUS-class ones.
This ambition may provide some comfort to Australian observers as it indicates the scale of the UK’s commitment to AUKUS. Still, achieving the goal will require a significant increase in industrial capacity, as Britain will need to produce a new submarine every 18 months. The record of the UK government on major capital projects suggests this is a heroic ambition.
For example, the last three Astute-class boats to be commissioned took between 130 and 132 months to build. The sixth and seventh boats of the nearly 25-year-old program are yet to enter service. Moreover, even the active Astute boats are beset by problems; in the first half of 2024, none of the five in-service boats completed an operational deployment due to maintenance issues.
So, while in the context of the US review, Britain’s commitment is likely welcomed, any comfort must be tempered by the expectation that problems will also likely emanate from Britain.
Tom Howe is a Young Professionals Member of the AIIA.
India and the Central American Integration System (SICA) held a virtual dialogue on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen engagement across key sectors. The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Vaishnaw, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and Alejandro Solano, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of Costa Rica, which currently holds the Pro-Tempore Presidency of SICA.
Senior officials from the SICA Secretariat, including the Director of International Cooperation, Carmen Marroquín, and representatives from SICA member countries also participated in the discussions.
Highlighting the shared values of democracy, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation, the Indian side reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the region through its development partnership initiatives. These include the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), and a dedicated SME grant programme.
Vaishnaw emphasized India’s readiness to collaborate with SICA in areas such as digital transformation, affordable healthcare, disaster resilience, and renewable energy, underscoring India’s success in these fields.
SICA member countries appreciated India’s proactive and consistent support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disasters. Both sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in critical sectors including food and nutritional security, health, connectivity, agriculture, digital infrastructure, energy, and trade and investment.
The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment to sustained political engagement and regional cooperation, with Panama set to assume the SICA presidency later this year.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Perfume Academy for Blind Children, opened last year on the premises Center for Social Integration Diana Gurtskaya, continues to attract new participants. Recently, a well-known cosmetics company became its partner – children, under the guidance of experienced mentors, create thematic perfume selections. Now, participants of the Moscow Longevity project have come to the blind children and, together with young perfumers, have created a line of fragrances called Childhood.
“The Perfume Academy has gone beyond a simple project. Today, it is a full-fledged platform where, together with city partners, we organize professional master classes for visually impaired children. Participants of the Moscow Longevity project have joined the new master class, which we called “Scents of Childhood.” Scents are real conductors of memories, emotions, and associations. For young participants in the project, master classes open up a completely new way of understanding the world around us, help develop imagination and sensory perception. The older generation gets the opportunity to share their stories and memories, and once again experience the joy of their first discoveries and bright moments of childhood. Working with scents is becoming a unique tool for socialization, communication, exchange of experience, and positive emotions,” said Anton Lebedev, director of the Diana Gurtskaya Social Integration Center.
The smell of bread, grass and asphalt
The participants were divided into groups: at each table were placed blind children and mentors of the older generation, who helped the children navigate the numerous jars of fragrances and keep records of the future composition. The perfume expert told about how to correctly compose aromatic combinations, what are the associations of color and aroma, and also explained the meaning of top and base notes.
Before the start of the creative process, the participants of the master class familiarized themselves with the provided fragrances, shared their thoughts about what childhood is associated with, and began to create unique perfume compositions that formed the basis of the future “Childhood” collection.
Participants of Moscow Longevity told young Muscovites about their childhood, which they associate with the smells of freshly baked bread, grass mown at dawn, and hot asphalt. For Lyudmila Khan from the Moscow Longevity Center Nekrasovka, the smell of childhood is her mother’s pies.
“For me, this master class is not just about creating perfume, but about meeting with warmth and memory. When I worked with blind children, we remembered the most precious smells together. And my favorite is my mother’s pies: cinnamon, vanilla, warm dough. This is the aroma of childhood, which always warms the soul. I was amazed at how children subtly sense aromas and create different combinations of notes. Each of us has different associations with childhood – the smell after rain, the smell of lilacs, apples or even frosty freshness, but we are united by a common feeling of lightness and simple joy, despite age or health issues,” shared Lyudmila Khan.
The young perfumers said that their favorite scents are the smell of amusement park popcorn, sweet vanilla buns and delicious chocolate cake. As a result, each participant created a unique scent that reflects the idea of childhood with its carefree, warm memories, family evenings and bouquets of wild flowers.
The master class was held in a warm atmosphere – with stories from life, laughter and smiles. Each participant was able to take home not only positive emotions and impressions, but also the fragrance they created.
As noted Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development, as part of the advanced course at the Perfumery Academy, children become familiar with production, the professions of an evaluator, technologist, perfume stylist, and, under the guidance of experienced mentors, create unique aromatic compositions.
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