On May 15, Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo attended the grand opening ceremony of GlobalWafers’ new plant in Sherman, Texas. Then he traveled to Houston to visit Foxconn’s server plant and hosted business roundtables with Houston-based Taiwanese business leaders.
Minister Kuo wanted to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s outbound investment in Texas, explore areas where the Ministry’s support may be needed, and listen to the business leaders’ viewpoints on enhancing U.S.-Taiwan economic and trade relations.
On the following day, Minister Kuo went to Austin, Texas where he met with Governor Greg Abbott and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows. State Representative Angie Chen Button had also invited Mr. Kuo to attend a session of the Texas House of Representatives, where Speaker Burrows formally recognized his contributions to strengthening economic and trade ties between Taiwan and Texas.
Last July, Minister Kuo signed the Taiwan-Texas Economic Development Statement of Intent (EDSI) with Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in fields such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, energy resilience, and innovative technologies. Minister Kuo paid a return visit to Governor Abbott focused on implementing this EDSI and further promoting investment and economic partnership between both sides.
During the meeting, Governor Abbott highlighted Texas’s business-friendly environment, including low tax rates, reasonable investment regulations, a high-quality workforce, and comprehensive vocational training programs.
On the other hand, the Taiwan Minister provided updates on Taiwan’s outbound investment in Texas and MOEA plans to set up an investment and trade center in Texas later this year. They also exchanged views on how to develop a more resilient Taiwan–Texas supply chain partnership through establishing a science and industry park and strengthening cooperation in semiconductors and AI areas.
In 2024, Taiwan was Texas’s fourth-largest import source, with a total trade volume of $25.58 billion—a 19.91% year-over-year growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday led a vibrant roadshow in Gujarat’s Vadodara as part of his two-day visit to the state, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several developmental projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic growth.
During the roadshow, PM Modi was seen warmly interacting with enthusiastic crowds, waving to citizens who responded with cheers, chants of patriotic slogans, and waving the Indian flag.
Family members of Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was part of media briefings during Operation Sindoor, were also present at the roadshow and welcomed the Prime Minister with flower petals.
Following the roadshow, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Dahod to inaugurate a locomotive manufacturing plant of Indian Railways. The facility will produce 9,000 HP electric locomotives for domestic use and exports. Designed for energy efficiency and equipped with regenerative braking systems, these locomotives are expected to boost the freight capacity of Indian Railways and contribute to sustainable transport.
The Prime Minister will also flag off two new train services — the Vande Bharat Express between Veraval and Ahmedabad, and an express train between Valsad and Dahod. In addition, he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects in Dahod worth around ₹24,000 crore. A public function will also be held during his visit.
Later, PM Modi will travel to Bhuj to launch and lay the foundation stone for various development projects valued at over ₹53,400 crore. These include major initiatives in the power sector, such as transmission projects to evacuate renewable energy from the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, expansion of the transmission network, and the setting up of an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant unit in Tapi. Other projects include port development at Kandla and infrastructure works in roads, solar power, and water supply across Gujarat.
On May 27, the Prime Minister will be in Gandhinagar to participate in the celebration of 20 years of the Gujarat Urban Growth Story. He will also launch the Urban Development Year 2025 and address a public gathering on the occasion.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the Plenary Session: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System of the Asia Summit on Global Health today (May 26):
Distinguished guests, healthcare leaders, ladies and gentlemen,
Company announcement no. 31 / 2025 Schindellegi, Switzerland – 26 May 2025
Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback
On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.
Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:
Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 94,974 at a total amount of DKK 8,268,765. On 25 March, 25 April and 23 May 2025, 4,370 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025). On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.
With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 326,016 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.7%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,417,909.
Investor and media contact Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17
About Trifork Trifork is a pioneering and global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital solutions. With 1,215 professionals across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software across sectors such as public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is publicly listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Indra Mckie, Postdoctoral Researcher in Collaborative Human-AI Interaction Culture, University of Technology Sydney
Have you heard of the “male technologist” mindset? It may sound familiar, and you may even know such people personally.
Design researchers Turkka Keinonen and Nils Ehrenberg
have defined the male technologist as someone who is obsessed with concerns about energy, efficiency and reducing labour.
This archetype became apparent in my PhD research when I interviewed 12 families about their use of early domestic robots and smart home devices Amazon Alexa and Google Home. One father over-engineered his smart home so much, his kids struggled to turn the lights on and off.
The male technologist often complicates and overcompensates with technology, raising the question: are these real problems tech can solve, or just quick fixes masking deeper issues?
Long-standing patriarchal systems shape the gendered division of domestic labour. Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
It’s not about making men feel guilty
The term “male technologist” isn’t about making men feel guilty for using technology to innovate. Anyone can adopt this mindset. It can even apply to institutions that prioritise innovation and efficiency over emotional insight, lived experience or community-based ways of creating change.
Mental load is the invisible, ongoing effort of planning, organising and managing daily life that often goes unnoticed but is essential to keeping things running.
Take one of my research participants, Hugo (name changed for privacy). A father of two, Hugo embodies this male technologist mindset by creating “business scenarios” to solve his family’s problems with smart home automation.
Indra Mckie/The Conversation
Treating family life like a system to optimise, Hugo noticed his wife looking stressed while cooking. So, he installed a smart clock with Alexa in the kitchen to help her manage multiple timers.
Hugo saw it as an empathetic solution, tailored to the way she liked to cook. But instead of sharing the load of this domestic task, he “engineered” around it, offloading responsibility to smart devices.
Smart home tech promises to save time, but it hasn’t solved who does what at home. Instead, it hands more power to those with digital know-how, letting them automate tasks they may never have done or fully understood in the first place.
Typically, these tend to be men. A recent survey by Kaspersky showed 72% of men are the ones who set up their families’ smart devices, compared to 47% of women.
Unfortunately, a recent Australian survey found women still do more unpaid domestic work than men. Even in households where women have full-time jobs, they spend almost four hours more on household chores per week than men do.
Who really benefits in a smart home
Amazon first released Alexa back in 2014, with Apple and Google quickly following with their own smart home speakers. In the past decade, some people have adopted the hype of the “smart home” to make life easier by controlling technology without needing to get off the couch.
But smart technology can also affect access to shared spaces, create new forms of control over things and people in the home, and constrain human interactions. And it can be set up to reinforce the existing hierarchy within the household.
Indra Mckie/The Conversation
By his own admission, Hugo has over-engineered the home to the point where his children struggle to turn the lights on and off, having disabled the physical switches in favour of voice commands.
My research looked at how automation is changing care giving and acts of service in the home. With “compassionate automation”, someone could use smart technology to support loved ones in thoughtful ways, such as setting up smart home routines or reminders to make daily life easier.
But even when it comes from a place of care, tech-based help is not the same as human care. It may not always feel meaningful to the person receiving or providing it. As another participant in my research put it:
I think there are still human interactions [..] that you probably don’t want AI to mediate for you.
When we recognise this, we can imagine ways of designing and using tech in ways that emphasise care and relationships. Instead of setting up a smart timer in the kitchen, the technologist could ask his wife what she’s cooking and join her, using the voice assistant together to follow a recipe step by step.
The ultimate fantasy of the male technologist is more toys to solve domestic labour problems at home. Gordenkoff/Shutterstock
But if men are now taking on more of the digital load, will the mental load finally shift too? Or will they continue to automate the easy, visible tasks while the emotional and cognitive labour still goes unseen and unshared?
Elon Musk has declared plans to launch several thousand Optimus robots – Tesla’s bid into the humanoid robot race.
He expects the explosion of a new market of personal humanoid robots, generating US$10 trillion in revenue long-term and potentially becoming the most valuable part of Tesla’s business.
But as homes get “smarter,” we have to ask: how is this reshaping family dynamics, relationships and domestic responsibility?
It’s important to consider if outsourcing chores to technology really is about easing the load, or just engineering our way around it without addressing the deeper mental and relational work of household labour.
Indra Mckie received the UTS Research Excellence Scholarship to complete her PhD research at the University of Technology Sydney.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Descendants of British prisoners of war and the Chinese fishermen who rescued them during the Lisbon Maru incident gathered on an eastern Chinese island on May 20 to unveil a monument to the historic rescue, before meeting filmmakers behind the upcoming war epic “Dong Ji Island.”
A bronze monument is unveiled on Qingbang Island in Dongji town, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, May 20, 2025, to commemorate the Lisbon Maru tragedy during World War II. [Photo/Xinhua]
In October 1942, the Lisbon Maru, a cargo ship requisitioned by the Japanese army to transport more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was torpedoed near the Zhoushan Islands by a U.S. submarine after failing to display required prisoner transport markings. As the ship sank, Dongji fishermen braved machine-gun fire to rescue drowning British prisoners, saving 384 lives.
The gathering was held on Qingbang Island, one of the three populated islands in the Dongji Islands archipelago in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, where a bronze monument now stands to commemorate the heroic rescue 83 years ago.
The 4.5-meter-long memorial, designed by Qu Xiaoshi of the China Academy of Art, features the inscription “Love knows no boundary; Friendship transcends time” in both Chinese and English, along with a detailed account of the event. The design shows arms linked together, reaching up from rough waves, inspired by stories of rescuers pulling prisoners from the water by their wrists.
The tragedy has been largely forgotten and is denied by the Japanese government. In recent years, descendants, historians, journalists, filmmakers and the Chinese government have worked to preserve accounts of the incident and uncover the truth. Film producer Fang Li released the acclaimed documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” last year.
“This memorial stands as a bridge between past and present, between China and the U.K., between sorrow and solidarity,” said Anthony Jones, grandson of survivor Thomas Theodore Jones and chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association. “We honor all, both the dead and the living, who kept their memory alive.”
“Though the Lisbon Maru sank, the bond it forged never will,” Wu said, a descendant of a Dongji fisherman. “As descendants of Dongji fishermen, we will guard this truth just as our ancestors guarded lives – embracing peace and friendship as the ocean embraces all boats.”
Descendants of British prisoners of war pose with filmmakers at a preview event for “Dong Ji Island” in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, May 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse Entertainment]
A new feature film, “Dong Ji Island,” based on this historic rescue, is set for release this summer. The day after the monument unveiling, the filmmakers screened a preview for descendants of British prisoners of war, who said they were deeply moved.
The descendants said the film vividly recreates the heroic rescue of British POWs by Chinese fishermen, highlighting the bonds formed between the two countries during the World Anti-Fascist War.
Lindsey Sarah Archer, niece of the late Lisbon Maru prisoner John Weaver, called the film profoundly shocking yet compelling, saying its gripping narrative held the audience’s attention throughout.
Denise Wynne, whose father Dennis Morley survived the Lisbon Maru, said the film’s preview offered striking visuals and realistic performances. She was particularly moved by scenes of Chinese fishermen rescuing British prisoners. Wynne said she hopes the film’s release will raise awareness of the Dongji Islands rescue and this chapter of history, as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Fei Zhenxiang, co-director of the film, spoke at the event about his emotional return to Zhoushan, where the crew filmed on location out of respect for the story. He said their goal was to share this rarely told tale of bravery and kindness with the world.
Producer Liang Jing, who recently returned from the Cannes Film Festival, where the film received strong positive feedback, said the creative team feels responsible for sharing this moving story with audiences around the world.
She recounted a poignant moment at Cannes when a British producer, after seeing the “Dong Ji Island” poster, revealed his uncle was a victim of the incident and thanked the Chinese filmmakers for honoring his ancestor’s ordeal. The exchange, Liang said, reinforced the team’s sense of mission.
“It made us realize this film’s profound value – we must ensure the world remembers this history,” she said.
This announcement contains information on transactions of the acquisition of own shares of AB Artea bankas (the Bank) carried during the period specified below under the Bank’s own share buy-back programmeannounced on 30 April 2025.
The period during which the acquisition of the Bank’s own shares under the programme was carried out – 05.05.2025 – 23.05.2025.
Period covered by this periodic report – 19.05.2025 – 23.05.2025.
Other information:
Transaction overview
Date
Total number of shares purchased on the day ( units)
Weighted average price (EUR)
Total value of transactions (EUR)
2025.05.19
100,000
0.88
88,000.00
2025.05.20
100,000
0.877
87,700.00
2025.05.21
100,000
0.877
87,650.03
2025.05.22
100,000
0.88
88,000.00
2025.05.23
100,000
0.879
87,900.01
Total acquired during the current week
500,000
0.879
439,250.04
Total acquired during the programme period
1,500,000
0.881
1,322,088.16
The Bank’s own bought-back shares:11,597,749units.
Following the above transactions, the Bank will own a total of 12,097,749units of own shares representing 1.82 % of the Bank’s issued shares.
Further detailed information on the transactions is attached.
This information is also available at:www.artea.lt
Additionalinformation: Tomas Varenbergas Head of Investment Management Division tomas.varenbergas@artea.lt, +370 610 44447
The nomination committee in Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR) recommends that the company’s corporate assembly elects Dawn Summers as a new member to the board of directors of Equinor ASA
Further, the nomination committee recommends a re-election of Jon Erik Reinhardsen as chair and Anne Drinkwater as deputy chair of the board, in addition to re-election of Finn Bjørn Ruyter, Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, Mikael Karlsson, Fernanda Lopes Larsen and Tone Hegland Bachke as members of the board of directors. Current member, Jonathan Lewis will resign from the board of directors as of 30 June 2025. It is recommended that Dawn Summers’ election takes effect from 1 September 2025.
Dawn Summers served as Interim Chief Operating Officer at Harbour Energy from 2024 – 2025. In this position, she was responsible for ensuring business continuity and smooth operations integration following Harbour Energy’s acquisition of Wintershall Dea, where she was as Chief Operating Officer and board member from 2020-2024. In this role, she was responsible for safe business delivery and also led efforts to develop early-stage carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen projects. Before this, Summers held COO roles at Beach Energy from 2018-2020 and Origin Energy from 2016-2018. She was executive Head of HSE, Operations & Developments with General Energy from 2013-2015 and has held several positions with BP plc from 1995-2013.
Summers is active in European energy policy. As former Chair of the European Board of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), she led strategic engagement with EU institutions on energy transition policy and energy security. She also served as President of GasNaturally, promoting secure approaches to climate resilience across the gas value chain.
Summers is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the energy sector and committed to mentoring the next generation of women leaders in STEM fields.
Summers has a Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) in Chemical Engineering from Edinburgh University and Executive Operations Leadership from MIT Sloan School of Management in Massachusetts, USA.
The election to the board of directors of Equinor ASA takes place in the company’s corporate assembly meeting Monday 2 June 2025. It is proposed that the election takes effect from 1 July 2025, with the exception of Dawn Summers who is proposed elected with effect from 1 September 2025, all with effect until the ordinary election of members to the board of directors in June 2026.
Contacts:
Nils Morten Huseby, chair of the nomination committee
All enquiries to be directed through Equinor Corporate Press Office, Sissel Rinde, +47 412 60 584.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
This is a full-time position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, or Kuala Lumpur working on legal and political issues related to the environment. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.
Greenpeace and volunteers raise a ‘wind turbine’ on the beach at dawn in Durban, South Africa. To send a message of hope for international negotiations to agree on a fair, ambitious, and legally binding treaty to avert climate chaos.
About the Role
The Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political) leads the development of Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s (GPSEA) political and legal strategy and provides legal and political risk assessments in all stages of campaign/project development and implementation. The scope of work is regional, multi-issue, multi-project, and multi-discipline with global dimensions. It requires high ability to adapt and work in different and challenging internal and external work environments and political contexts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of regional political and legal strategy of GPSEA bringing campaigns and projects across countries together for synergy, regional and global impact as aligned with GPSEA Theory of Change (TOC), objectives and priorities
Provide political and legal risk assessments and mitigation measures on key campaign strategies, and project activities; advise leadership team on political and legal responses in case of harassment, violence, and attacks on the staff (including activists, supporters and volunteers) institution, property and reputation of GPSEA
Anchor the development of South-South legal/political community and global south position on multilateral platforms in the Greenpeace global network.
Lead global legal/political project or process relevant to GPSEA and global political and legal campaign objectives
Strategically position and make GPSEA’s presence in multilateral platforms highly impactful
Develop legal and political briefings, negotiating texts, reports, updates, position papers and talking points for regional and global submission in cooperation with relevant programme staff
Analyse external political situations and identify relevant regional trends and opportunities to advance GPSEA’s political and legal work regionally and globally
Develop and maintain a GPSEA community of practice around legal and political work
Ensure GPSEA’s political and legal position and stance on issues are coherent and consistent across countries and in external communications
Proactively identify politically or legally contentious issues that will impact GPSEA and provide advice on actions to take
When required/requested, perform a review and give political, legal sign off of reports and other external communications of GPSEA.
Actively contribute to programme design, review of campaigns and projects and provide inputs for decision making processes.
Proactively contribute to the development and implementation of innovative strategies for non-violent direct actions to maximize political and legal impact, in cooperation with country teams and other international units, and in accordance with Greenpeace’s principles
Participate in non-violent direct action to support and advance campaign goals.
Organize and oversee the work of short-term contractors where appropriate.
Help manage and oversee the budget and ensure financial integrity of projects and unit
Coordinate and ensure coherence on GPSEA position internally, provide legal and political oversight on sign-ons
Represent GPSEA’s political, legal and related inputs at internal meetings and activities of Greenpeace’s global legal and political communities or global project teams. Inform GPSEA of agreements and developments in the global legal and political communities.
Periodically conduct capacity needs assessments of GPSEA staff to improve legal and political work
Coordinate capacity building skills shares and training to support the legal and political work of the program team. When requested, mentor or coach program staff to enhance his/her skills in political and legal engagements.
Working with the Fundraising Team to explore and develop working relationships and cooperation with donors and foundations
Lead and coordinate the development of funding proposals for GPSEA legal and political work with relevant GPSEA team leaders.
Represent, lead and strategically position GPSEA at key international, regional fora
Ensure that the objectives, analysis, recommendations and submissions of GPSEA in relevant fora are timely, effective and strategic in advancing GPSEA program and organizational objectives, branding and identity
Act as expert spokesperson on regional legal and political issues for GPSEA and a go to person for the global organisation when needed.
Proactively develop relationships with national and regional media to increase campaign outreach
Build networks and alliances to advance GPSEA objectives, brand and identity
Contribute to strengthening social and emergent regional and global movements by supporting development of campaign strategies
Develop common strategies and actions with external parties regionally and globally in support of broader political objectives and to realize global and GPSEA campaign objectives and TOCs
Assist the Campaign Director in designing GPSEA campaign program and implement strategies to mobilize various stakeholders and key audiences in the region
Manage project cycle and optimize responsiveness to current situation/context, evolve and devise new ways of working for efficient delivery of multi-layered projects
Respond to and engage in internal as well as pressing external regional challenges as determined by the campaign team through the Campaign Director beyond his/her normal area of work as circumstances do require.
Keep abreast of regional developments in political and legal fields and maintain a general knowledge of developments in political, legal developments in SEA in order to ensure that GPSEA is able to respond, adjust, campaign appropriately/effectively.
Coordinate policy and legal research or other outputs such as policy briefs, statements, submissions, pleadings, motions, legal comments and legal opinions to ensure consistency in form and substance.
Skills and Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree minimum, Doctorate in philosophy or laws preferred in field of Political Science, Public Management, Public Policy, International Relations with minimum 10 years of equivalent experience
Organizational Competencies:
Integrity, professionalism
Strategic thinking, goal-oriented
High standards of quality outputs
Teamwork in a multicultural environment
Courage and innovativeness in challenging enemies of the environment, status quo
Values people, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution and management
Information management and transfer, sharing of knowledge
Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation
Functional Skills:
Understanding of the political, legal and economic landscape, processes, dynamics in SEA
Extensive knowledge of environmental and human rights laws, jurisprudence, regulation, public policies, stakeholders in SEA
Political, legal communications skills in all forms
Political lobbying, negotiation, advocacy skills/experience in UN, multilateral, bilateral and other policy spaces/processes
Legal counseling, representation, litigation practice
Political, legal research
Campaigning experience, project management
Adherence to nonviolence as a means of enacting change
Understanding of environmental issues in general and campaign issues and agenda in particular
Wide network across the region for potential networking and partnership
A preference for good communication skills in one of more regional SEA languages other than English. Preference for extensive experience in political economy and progressive political framing of environmental issues
Preferred skills include experience in key program areas: policy lobby, public speaking, activist training, strategic planning and organizing people around an issue.
Experience in negotiating in multilateral environmental agreements and similar regional platforms
Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.
Headline: Construction Begins on New Tokyo Head Office in Shinagawa to Open in FY2030
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will begin construction on the Shinagawa Station West Exit Area District A New Construction Plan (tentative name; hereinafter, the “Plan”), which it is carrying out together with Keikyu Corporation (Keikyu), on May 31, 2025. Toyota will open a new Tokyo Head Office in FY2030 in a planned building located in front of Shinagawa Station, one of the most important transportation hubs in Japan.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Faster cancer treatment thanks to new radiotherapy machines
Thousands of cancer patients will see faster treatment thanks to new radiotherapy machines
Cutting-edge machines will cut waiting times and help 4,500 more patients get treatment faster
Upgraded tech being rolled out at 28 hospitals can cut the rounds of radiotherapy needed and reach cancers in harder to treat areas like chest, abdomen and pelvis
Rollout is backed by £70 million provided by government as part of its mission to improve cancer care through its Plan for Change
Thousands of patients will benefit from faster and safer cancer treatment thanks to new cutting-edge radiotherapy machines being rolled out to every region in the country.
The government has paid for new linear accelerator (LINAC) machines at 28 hospitals, which use modern technology to reduce delays to treatment and, in some cases, could reduce the number of hospital visits a patient needs to make by half, helping to cut waiting lists faster.
Replacing these older machines will save as many as 13,000 appointments from being lost to equipment breakdown.
The machines will be rolled out at hospitals across the country from August, funded by a £70 million government investment as part of its plans to improve cancer care through the Plan for Change.
By March 2027, up to 27,500 additional treatments per year will be delivered, including up to 4,500 receiving their first treatment for cancer within 62-days of referral, helping to treat more cancer patients in faster time.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the machines are safer for patients and can more precisely target tumours, causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissues. They are particularly effective at targeting cancers in harder to treat areas, such as the chest, abdomen and pelvis.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said:
There is a revolution taking place in medical technology which can transform treatment for cancer patients. But NHS hospitals are forced to use outdated, malfunctioning equipment thanks to 14 years of underinvestment under the previous government.
Thanks to the investment this government is making in our NHS, we will provide more cancer patients with world-class, cutting-edge care.
By reducing the number of hospital visits required and preventing cancelled appointments, these state of the art radiotherapy machines free up capacity so that thousands more patients are treated on time.
As a cancer survivor, I know just how important timely treatment is. These machines are part of the investment and modernisation that will cut waiting times for patients, through our Plan for Change.
The tech is being prioritised in hospitals which are currently using outdated treatment machines older than 10 years, meaning patients can be treated faster and reducing cancelled appointments due to faults.
It will also increase the availability of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) cancer treatments, which can more precisely target tumours.
NHS national clinical director for cancer Professor Peter Johnson said:
Radiotherapy is essential for many cancer patients, so it’s great news that the investment in new machines means that some will need fewer rounds of treatment, as we bring in more sophisticated techniques.
These machines will deliver more precise treatment for patients, which helps them to recover sooner, as well as enabling the NHS to treat people more efficiently as we continue in our efforts to catch and treat more cancers faster.
The new LINAC radiotherapy machines were allocated across England by Specialised Commissioning teams at NHS England, which will help to improve health inequalities by ensuring every radiotherapy service has the modern equipment needed to offer innovative radiotherapy treatments.
Alongside turbocharging treatment for patients, significant work is being carried out to get cancers diagnosed more quickly than ever before.
Improved performance against the Faster Diagnosis Standard has led to the equivalent of 4,000 extra patients given the all-clear or a definitive cancer diagnosis within 4 weeks in March 2025 compared to the same time the year before, to reach over 217,000 in total in March 2025.
Patients are also getting easier access to vital tests, checks and scans, with Community Diagnostic Centres delivering almost 2.5 million on high streets and at other convenient locations in March.
Senior policy manager at Cancer Research UK, Matt Sample, said:
All cancer patients, no matter where they live, should have access to the best treatment, so it’s great to see investment in cutting-edge equipment for hospitals across the country.
Modern LINAC machines can offer more efficient, targeted treatment with less side-effects for patients, which is why it’s vital that there is sustained funding to replace them routinely.
The government has a huge opportunity in its upcoming National Cancer Plan for England to tackle unequal access to optimal treatment, and we look forward to working with them to help give every patient the care they deserve.
Kate Seymour, Head of External Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support says:
Today marks an exciting step forward for cancer treatment in England. Many people across the country are facing long delays for care but today proves that better is possible.
Investment in cutting edge technology is essential to bring down waiting times and help more people with cancer get the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.
The investment in this new technology follows on from the government rolling out 13 new DEXA scanners across the country which will allow 29,000 extra bone scans per year will be delivered for patients as part of the Plan for Change.
The government’s Plan for Change will continue to put patients first as it works to end the misery felt by millions up and down the country who have been denied the care they need for too long.
Over 3 million appointments have already been delivered since the end of June 2024, smashing the government’s target of delivering 2 million extra operations, scans and appointments. This is alongside over 8.3 million more appointments each year becoming available as 1,000 doctors surgeries receive a bricks and mortar upgrade to modernise practices and expand capacity.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The 28 trusts receiving an upgraded scanner are:
– Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
– Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
– United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
– University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
– Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
– Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
– Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
– Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
– Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
– Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
– Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
– University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
– South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
– Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
– Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
– Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
– The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
– University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
– Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
– University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chongqing, May 26 (Xinhua) — “I didn’t expect to find so many potential partners in Chongqing!” Donior Matnazarov, a businessman in the ceramic granite industry from Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, exclaimed at a recent conference on China (Chongqing) – Uzbekistan (Khorezm region) trade and economic exchange.
Donior Matnazarov visited Chongqing City /Southwest China/ for the first time. He not only held in-depth talks with a number of local construction material companies, but also discussed cooperation opportunities with electric vehicle charging station manufacturers and cross-border legal service providers.
The event was attended by representatives of 20 Uzbek enterprises, led by Deputy Governor of Khorezm Region Anvar Davletov. They exchanged views with representatives of nearly 80 Chongqing enterprises on investment and trade needs, areas of potential cooperation and other issues in areas such as agriculture, textiles, food, new energy vehicles and electromechanical equipment.
According to Anvar Davletov, the Khorezm region is rich in tourism and agricultural resources. Tourism is one of the main sectors of the regional economy. Many projects in such areas as the production of aluminum cans, baby food, compound feed and electric motors are open to Chinese investment.
“Chongqing closely cooperates with Uzbekistan and has consistently established friendly relations with the Tashkent, Samarkand, Navoi, Syrdarya regions and other regions of this country,” said He Yi, secretary of the party group of the Chongqing City Committee for the Promotion of International Trade and chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce of the same city.
According to its data, in 2024, the total volume of imports and exports between the two sides amounted to 1.06 billion yuan (about 147.62 million US dollars). At the end of the first quarter of 2025, this figure exceeded 300 million yuan, an increase of 123.5 percent year-on-year.
As it became known, the mutual visa-free regime between China and Uzbekistan will come into force on June 1, 2025. “We count on further trade and economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges with Chinese enterprises, including Chongqing ones,” Anvar Davletov noted. -0-
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
“Tsifra” is the largest platform for uniting young Russian directors working in the genres of feature, documentary and animation films, as well as rethinking genres in the direction of “author’s format”. The event is organized by the Cultural and Educational Center of the Student Union of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov and the Higher School (Faculty) of Television of Moscow State University. The festival is held in seven genre nominations: short documentary, animation, popular science and feature film, social video, video essay, music video. The theme of the 2025 festival is “Time”.
This year, two works by students of the “Journalism” program Humanitarian Institute of NSU were noted by the jury. The film “Right to Yourself” became the winner in the category “Documentary Film”, and “Moving” received the prize for best director.
— We decided to participate in the Tsifra festival because we had high-quality films made as part of the training courses. They had already participated in other competitions, and “The Right to Yourself” was even shown in Yekaterinburg on the screen of the Kolyada Theater and at the international festival Artdocfest in Riga. Tsifra is a prestigious venue, so we wanted to try our hand there, — shares Alina Iskhakova, one of the authors of the projects.
The work on “Right to Yourself” was carried out by four students of the “Journalism” program – Alina Iskhakova, Valeria Ivaschenko, Sofia Sibrikova and Maria Ryabova. The film “Moving” was worked on by two people – Alina and Valeria.
— “Right to Yourself” is the story of a person with mental disabilities who grew up in a boarding school. His past still determines his present and future. And “Moving” is a film about an elderly man who finds it difficult to give up his usual way of life for a more comfortable life, — says Valeria Ivaschenko.
The “Tsifra” festival was held in two stages: first, the long list, then the short list. This year, participants sent hundreds of works from 9 countries, which made the victory even more honorable.
— We were very happy when we learned that “Right to Yourself” won. And then it turned out that “Moving” also received the prize for best direction — and for a documentary filmmaker, this is a real second victory. The jury captured the main idea of both films, and this is especially pleasing. So, it was not in vain that we were taught dramaturgy, — adds Alina Iskhakova.
We congratulate our students on their well-deserved victory and look forward to new works!
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.
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
A record 277 hihi / stitchbirds fledged on Tiritiri Matangi Island this breeding season, allowing many birds to spread their wings and leave the flock.
Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.
Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.
The birds are carefully unloaded in boxes after travelling from Tiritiri Matangi Island, ahead of their release.
“Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland really is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.
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DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.
“They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.
“We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”
Auckland Council Northern’s Principal Ranger Jason Maguiness acknowledges all those who have helped bring hihi to the Shakespear Open Sanctuary, before 40 new birds are released.
John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.
“Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.
Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.
“This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.
DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees that the translocation project from island to mainland is an example of the great outcomes for nature that can be achieved when iwi government, council, and community band together.
An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.
Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger Matt Maitland says invaluable volunteer support from the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (SOSSI) has enabled the birds to flourish.
“It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site, but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”
SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says Shakespear is the ideal setting to release more hihi, with around 350 hectares of native forest providing enough food and nesting opportunities.
“We are set up to keep a close eye on the new arrivals through ongoing monitoring and supplementary feeding, which will help them to get established.”
All hihi whakapapa to Te Hauturu-o-toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear.
Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says, “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.
“It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”
A 5-month-old diagnosed with malnutrition being treated at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in Gaza, May 2025.Anadolu/Getty
Last week, the United Nations warned more than 14,000 babies would die of malnutrition in 48 hours if Israel continued to block aid from entering Gaza.
After the figure was widelyreported, that timeline has been walked back, with a UN spokesperson clarifying the projection is for the next 11 months.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, there will be 71,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under five, including 14,100 severe cases.
An estimated 17,000 breastfeeding and pregnant women will also require treatment for acute malnutrition during this time.
Starvation and malnutrition are harmful for anyone. But for infants the impact can be profound and lasting.
What is malnutrition?
In infants and young children, malnutrition means they have a height, weight and head circumference that don’t match standard charts, due to a lack of proper nutrition.
Nutritional deficiencies are especially common among young children and pregnant women.
The human body needs 17 essential minerals. Deficiencies in zinc, iron and iodine are the most dangerous, linked to a higher risk of infants dying or developing brain damage.
When malnutrition is acute to severe, infants and young children will lose weight because they’re not getting enough food, and because they’re more susceptible to illness and diarrhoea.
A child experiencing wasting has lost significant weight or fails to gain weight, resulting in a dangerously low weight-for-height ratio.
A persistent lack of adequate food leads to chronic malnutrition, or stunting, where growth and development is impaired.
Risk of infections and mortality
Malnourished infants have weakened immune systems. This makes them more vulnerable to developing infections, due to smaller organs and deficits in lean mass. Lean mass is the body’s weight excluding fat and is crucial for supporting healthy growth, strength and overall development.
When children are starving, they are much more likely to die from common illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.
The human brain develops extraordinarily rapidly during the first 1,000 days of life (from conception to age two). During this time, adequate nutrition is essential.
Children’s developing brains are more likely to be affected by nutritional deficiencies than adults.
When prolonged, malnutrition may lead to structural brain changes, including a smaller brain and less myelin – the protective membrane that wraps around nerve cells and helps the brain send messages.
Chronic malnutrition can affect brain functions and processes such as thinking, language, attention, memory and decision-making.
However, some effects are reversible. Early, intensive interventions – such as access to nutrient-rich food and medicines to treat hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and fight infections – can help children catch-up on growth and brain development.
For example, one review of studies involving undernourished preschool children found their cognitive abilities, such as concentration, reasoning and emotional regulation improved somewhat when they were given iron supplements and multivitamins.
However malnutrition during the crucial window under two years old increases the risk of lifelong disabilities.
It’s also important to note recovery is more likely in an environment where nutritious food is available and children’s emotional needs are taken care of.
In Gaza, Israel’s military operations have destroyed 94% of hospital infrastructure and humanitarian aid remains severely restricted. The conditions necessary for children’s recovery are out of reach.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
Severe maternal malnutrition can increase the mother and child’s risk of dying or experiencing complications during pregnancy.
When a breastfeeding mother is malnourished, she will produce less breastmilk and it will be lower quality. Deficiencies in iron, iodine, and vitamins A, D and zinc will compromise the mother’s health reduce the nutritional value of breast milk. This can contribute to poor infant growth and development.
Starved mothers may experience fatigue, poor health and psychological distress, making it challenging to maintain breastfeeding.
Other organ impacts
Data from those born during the Dutch famine of 1944-45 have helped us understand the lifelong health impacts on children conceived and born while their mothers were starving.
Among this group, malnutrition affected the development and function of many of the children’s organs, including the heart, lung and kidneys.
This group also had higher rates of schizophrenia, depression and anxiety, and lower performance in cognitive testing.
They also had a higher risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure) and dying prematurely.
Is the damage irreversible?
Recovery is possible. But it depends on how severely malnourished the child is, and when and what kind of support they receive.
Evidence shows children remain vulnerable and have a higher risk of dying even after being treated for complications from severe acute malnutrition.
nutritional rehabilitation (giving the child nutrient-rich foods, specialised feeding, and addressing underlying deficiencies)
breastfeeding support for mothers
providing rehabilitation and health care in the community (so families and children can return to everyday routines).
This seems difficult if not impossible in Gaza, where Israel’s blockade on aid and ongoing military operations mean safety and infrastructure are severely compromised.
Repeated or prolonged episodes of malnutrition increase the risk of lasting developmental harm.
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.
Capgemini, Mistral AI and SAP combine forces to offer secure, scalable gen AI-powered solutions for regulated industries
Paris, May 26 2025 –Capgeminitoday announced an expansion of its strategic partnership withMistral AI, a leader in innovative AI model development, andSAP, to help drive growth for regulated organizations by transforming operations and improving business outcomes, through a broad range of AI models. This unique collaboration provides a trusted and secure environment to deploy custom AI solutions within SAP for those industries with strict data requirements such as financial services, public sector, aerospace & defense, and energy & utilities. Leveraging Mistral AI’s revolutionary generative AI (gen AI) models and the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), Capgemini aims to develop multiple easily accessible business AI use cases, with a lower carbon footprint.
Enterprises are increasingly turning to business AI to optimize processes and decision-making, while integrating generative AI to drive greater business value. This combination enables organizations to increase resilience by simulating scenarios, preparing response plans for crises, and quickly adapting to market changes. These technologies also help organizations gain a significant competitive edge, differentiating themselves through more personalized customer experiences, adapting their supply chain to high personalization, and enriching products with high value digital services. By leveraging AI, organizations can achieve both top and bottom-line improvements across numerous functional areas. Moreover, organizations in regulated industries or those handling sensitive data often find it challenging to access these benefits. They require advanced generative AI models that operate within a secure environment such as the self-hosted SAP Business Technology Platform.
As part of this new collaboration, Capgemini will offer an extensive library of 50+ pre-built custom business AI use cases, including those validated by SAP, leveraging Mistral AI models. These are categorized by a specific industry and process-driven approach. The solutions are grounded in responsible and ethical AI by design, with built-in governance and alignment with regulations, enabling innovation while also ensuring data security. Example use cases include:
Aerospace and Defense: Augmented field workers that can efficiently resolve non-conformities in operations.
Across industries: Intelligent indirect purchasing that helps to easily and quickly select the most convenient products from multiple suppliers.
This collaboration offers dual benefits – it accelerates the deployment of custom generative AI solutions within SAP for all organizations and enables those organizations requiring secure environments for regulatory or privacy purposes to leverage generative AI solutions.
“This new collaboration between Capgemini, Mistral AI and SAP unlocks new high-value business use cases for organizations seeking to augment their operations with generative AI capabilities,” said Marjorie Janiewicz, Mistral AI Executive Board member and Global Head of Revenue. “By combining our frontier, multilingual and highly customizableAI models with Capgemini’s expertise in delivering real world industry-specific generative AI solutions, and the assurance of SAP’s robust technology platform, we are making the effective integration of AI more accessible for all organizations, including those in highly regulated industries.”
“Enterprises are increasingly turning to generative AI to enhance their resilience, streamline operations and accelerate time to value. As a trusted business and technology transformation partner to our clients, Capgemini is committed to helping them evolve their critical business processes through the secure and tailored application of AI,” said Fernando Alvarez, Chief Strategy and Development Officer and Group Executive Board member at Capgemini. “Together with Mistral AI and SAP, we can empower organizations to access a broad range of innovative and customized AI models, to drive significant business value and foster sustainable growth.”
“The collaboration is a powerful example of how we are enabling enterprises to leverage the power of generative AI to address their most critical business challenges,” said Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Customer Services & Delivery. “With SAP Business Technology Platform as a secure and scalable foundation, we’re enabling organizations, especially those in regulated industries, to adopt AI with confidence, trust, and speed in a way that delivers real business value.”
Capgemini has worked closely with SAP on further expanding its dedicated Global SAP Center of Excellence to help organizations address their critical business challenges using gen AI. For example, the partners have worked with Brose, a leading automotive supplier, to deliver an AI-powered assistant for suppliers – SupplierGPT. This centralized digital platform helped enhance collaboration across Brose’s global supplier network, leading to increased efficiency in supplier onboarding and more consistent process execution.
Michael Seifert, Business Product Owner Brose Supplier Portal, Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG said, “Together with Capgemini, we were able to implement SupplierGPT, from idea to reality within a few weeks. This solution enables the seamless integration of new innovations and supports rapid go-to-market, thanks to the AI services in SAP BTP. This co-innovation model combines the expertise of Capgemini, Brose and SAP to allow joint pilots to be designed, implemented, and tested quickly.”
Award-winning AI solutions Capgemini recently won the 2025 SAP Pinnacle Award for Business AI Innovation in the Customer AI use case category, further demonstrating its leadership in delivering compelling AI-powered solutions with SAP. This award is part of SAP’s global partner recognition program, which highlights its partners worldwide who demonstrate exceptional performance and innovation.
About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion. Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com
SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices.All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.
One of the most vicious groups operating in the region is Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Support Group for Islam and Muslims). The militant group emerged in 2017 in Algeria and Mali, and has targeted civilian populations.
The UN listed the group as an al-Qaeda affiliate in 2018. Al-Qaeda is an Islamist organisation founded by Osama bin Laden in the 1980s.
The 2024 global terrorism index listed Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organisations. Its influence has expanded in most parts of the Sahel. The group emerged to strengthen the jihadist insurgency under al-Qaeda. It combines violence with diplomacy to expand its influence and challenge state authorities.
Despite growing pressure from counter militancy campaigns spearheaded by local, regional and international militaries, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin continues to survive and adapt by regrouping and reorganising. This was demonstrated in its latest operation in Burkina Faso in 2024. The group exerted significant control by closing schools, setting up taxation checkpoints and abducting locals.
Its engagement in illicit economies has been key to the group’s successful expansion. This revenue is used to carry out devastating attacks.
We research jihadi-based insurgencies, and have found that this is a common tactic among terrorist groups in the west Africa-Sahel axis, including Boko Haram militants.
From our research, we find that Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin funds its activities by relying on
artisanal mining
kidnapping
livestock theft
money laundering.
Dismantling the group’s illicit economies and blocking its financial flows are key to countering its activities.
Financial resources
The group needs money for fighting, and to sustain political and social influence in its areas of operation.
Artisanal gold mining has proven to be a major factor in its expansion and resilience. In areas where the group exerts influence, illicit gold mining generates over US$30 billion annually. According to a report by Swissaid, a development group based in Switzerland, the main destinations for this gold are the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Switzerland.
The jihadists gain access to gold by controlling mining sites and transport routes to and from mines. They sometimes allow trusted allies, who include local armed groups, bandits and other criminal networks, to mine in exchange for a payout. The extent of gold mining funds is not exactly known, but the artisanal sites in areas controlled by the group have the capacity to produce 725 kilograms of gold per year, valued at US$34 million.
Another source of income – and political influence – is kidnapping for ransom. Kidnap victims include cattle owners, businessmen, state officials and foreigners. The group received a ₤30 million ransom in 2020 to release one French and two Italian hostages. Between 2017 and 2023, the group and its affiliated units were responsible for 845 out of approximately 1,100 recorded kidnappings in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Burkina Faso and Mali remain the epicentre of the group’s violent activities. In the first quarter of 2023, over 180 cases of kidnapping were recorded in these countries’ war-torn areas.
Livestock theft has also been a critical source of funds. The practice of livestock theft as economic warfare and a means to generate funds has led to livestock being forcibly taken from herders who fail to pay zakat (a religious fee among Muslims) or subscribe to the group’s ideology. The stolen livestock are sold in Mali, Mauritania or Senegal. The ability to monetise stolen livestock makes their theft a cornerstone of the Sahelian war economy and a source of cash for weapons and vehicles.
Money laundering is another illicit economy central to the militant group’s financing. It lends money to merchants, invests with banks and funds small shops with the aim of getting profits. This helps ensure a constant flow of money and provisions to support the group’s terrorist acts. It has attached much importance to this illicit economy, to the extent of assassinating those who interfere with its investments.
Way out
To cut down Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin’s financial base – and thereby weaken its capacity for militancy – counterinsurgency efforts need to take the following actions.
Government security actors should collaborate with local self-defence militias to regulate artisanal mining and thwart kidnappings.
Financial intelligence units need to identify merchants who receive money from the militant group to block the flow of illicit funds.
Specialised courts that deal with money laundering and terrorism financing cases should be established and made operational in Burkina Faso and Mali, the epicentres of the group’s activities.
Burkina Faso and Mali should increase security around civilians to minimise civilian casualties from terror operations.
Since finance is the basis of the militant group’s strength, regional security co-operation should be strengthened. This would help with systematically tracking illicit flows and stopping them.
– Funding terror: how west Africa’s deadly jihadists get the money they need to survive – https://theconversation.com/funding-terror-how-west-africas-deadly-jihadists-get-the-money-they-need-to-survive-242306
When India unleashed Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the world watched its advanced missiles, drones, and stealth assets. But one of the most decisive factors in the success of this coordinated military operation was invisible — orbiting silently above the subcontinent. That asset was NavIC, India’s indigenous satellite navigation system.
What is NavIC?
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), officially known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System), is India’s own satellite-based navigation system developed by ISRO. It provides accurate real-time positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information over India and up to 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
Unlike GPS (U.S.), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), or BeiDou (China), NavIC is controlled by India, providing full autonomy to armed forces even during global or regional conflicts. This is especially critical when access to foreign systems like GPS can be denied or degraded — as happened during the 1999 Kargil War.
NavIC Satellite Constellation
The NavIC system currently consists of 7 satellites in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits. They include:
• – IRNSS-1A to IRNSS-1G – Launched between 2013–2016
• – NVS-01 – Launched in May 2023, carrying an indigenous Rubidium atomic clock
• – NVS-02 to NVS-05 – Scheduled between 2025–2027 to upgrade and expand coverage
These satellites are equipped with dual-band signals (L5 and S-band). The L5 signal is encrypted for military use and is resistant to jamming and spoofing — critical in active combat zones.
How NavIC Powered Operation Sindoor
During the multi-day Operation Sindoor, India used NavIC across several layers of combat operations:
• – Missile Guidance: BrahMos, Pralay, and loitering munitions like Nagastra-1 used NavIC coordinates for precise targeting.
• – Drone Navigation: Swarm drones and long-range UAVs used NavIC for autonomous operations in jammed airspace.
• – Troop Movement: Army units and special forces tracked each other using encrypted NavIC handhelds for night raids and laser-guided artillery strikes.
• – Battle Damage Assessment: Integrated with RISAT radar satellites and Cartosat imaging, NavIC helped geolocate impact zones in real time.
By relying entirely on its own satellite infrastructure, India ensured that no foreign power could restrict or distort battlefield intelligence or targeting systems.
Strategic Advantages of NavIC
India’s use of NavIC during Operation Sindoor demonstrated several critical advantages:
• – Independence from U.S. GPS: India could strike deep without relying on any foreign-owned navigation signals.
• – Encrypted Military Channel: Prevented Pakistani jamming or spoofing during missile and drone missions.
• – Faster Signal Lock: NavIC provides higher accuracy over the Indian subcontinent than even GPS in some regions.
• – Tactical Depth: With NavIC’s expansion to include NVS-class satellites, India aims to cover the Indian Ocean Region more comprehensively.
Other Countries with Independent Navigation Systems
Only a few nations operate fully autonomous satellite navigation systems:
• – United States – GPS
• – Russia – GLONASS
• – European Union – Galileo
• – China – BeiDou
• – India – NavIC
India is the only country in the developing world to deploy such a system, putting it in an elite club of space-faring nations with independent military-grade navigation capabilities.
Looking Ahead
India plans to expand NavIC’s reach globally in the next phase, with 11 satellites forming a broader IRNSS constellation. This will allow Indian defense systems, aircraft, naval ships, and space platforms to remain connected under an unbreakable, encrypted web of real-time data.
From missile launchers to battlefield soldiers, NavIC ensured synchronization, survivability, and supremacy in Operation Sindoor — setting the tone for India’s future wars to be fought with precision on its own digital terrain.
Futuristic Vision: NavIC as India’s Digital Warfare Backbone
NavIC is more than a navigation system — it is a strategic pillar for India’s future military doctrine. As the Indian Armed Forces transition toward a digitally networked battlefield, NavIC will evolve into a real-time combat enabler across land, sea, air, and space.
India’s vision for NavIC includes:
• – Global Expansion: Upgrading NavIC into a global navigation constellation by 2030, with coverage from Africa to the Pacific.
• – Space Command Network: Serving as the digital backbone for India’s Defense Space Agency, ISR satellites, and kinetic space response units.
• – Manned-Unmanned Coordination: Enabling coordinated strikes using swarms of drones, robotic tanks, and autonomous aerial combat vehicles via a NavIC-based command network.
• – Civil-Military Synergy: Equipping civilian vehicles, aircraft, shipping, and emergency services with NavIC for disaster response, transport safety, and 5G integration.
In essence, NavIC will not just guide missiles — it will guide India’s journey to digital dominance in 21st-century warfare.
Thank you to Foreign Minister Herath for the warm welcome to Sri Lanka. The New Zealand delegation is delighted to be here to further strengthen the warm relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Relations between our countries are long-standing. Our trade dates from the 1860s and sporting connections to the 1920s. New Zealand was one of the first countries to recognise Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948.
Our modern relationship is growing, thanks to investments by both countries. We are pleased the establishment of New Zealand’s High Commission in Colombo in 2021 was followed by the opening of a Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington this year. These commitments will enable our trade, cultural and political engagements to grow for mutual benefit.
For nearly 75 years, education has been a pillar of the relationship, starting with the training of Sri Lankan dental nurses in New Zealand under the Colombo Plan. Now we can count over 200 Sri Lankan alumni of New Zealand scholarship programmes.
We are delighted to note further strengthening of these links through cooperation on tourism research between New Zealand’s University of Otago and the University of Colombo.
For many years, the New Zealand-Sri Lanka relationship has also encompassed development cooperation aimed at strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities, increasing food security, and contributing to disaster response.
We are proud today to announce another such link, the Sustainable Water and Livelihoods project which will support farming households to improve their health and income generation.
On security, we shared views on the increasingly challenging global environment and the interconnected challenges for development, trade and security in the Indo-Pacific region. We remain committed to our cooperation across immigration, customs, police and defence.
We discussed the growing number of New Zealand companies working with and investing in Sri Lanka or looking to work with Sri Lankan partners.
Many of these collaborations will deliver benefits for Sri Lanka in the tourism, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.
We also discussed the key role government-to-government cooperation between our food safety and border agencies plays to improve food safety standards, reduce red tape at the border, and increase Sri Lanka’s market access capabilities.
We reiterated that Sri Lanka’s application to accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is very welcome.
We are pleased to confirm that places on short term training courses in trade policy will be offered to Sri Lanka officials under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme.
Naturally we discussed our two nations’ shared passion for sport and noted the success of the recent tour by the New Zealand men’s under 85kg rugby team, playing against Sri Lanka’s Tuskers. We look forward to further future battles between New Zealand and Sri Lankan teams on the rugby pitch and the cricket field, both the men’s and women’s teams.
Thank you once again to Foreign Minister Herath, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for your warm hosting of our lucky delegation.
This is a full-time fixed-term position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA) takes bold, non-violent action to challenge power and create a more just, peaceful, and green future. Operating in complex and often high-risk environments, Greenpeace must ensure that our people, projects, and operations are safe, resilient, and empowered to push boundaries.
The Regional Security Manager, will lead the development and implementation of a strong security culture and systems across all GPSEA offices and projects. He/she will provide expert advice, tools, and support to enable safe and smart risk-taking in our campaigning and engagement work ensuring that security is not a barrier to impact, but an enabler of it. This role oversees the organization’s security strategy, policies, and protocols, while also managing critical incident systems and supporting frontline staff, volunteers, and activists. This will work closely with departments across the organization to integrate security into operations, HR, actions, and campaigns, and build regional capacity for resilience and preparedness. The Regional Security Manager will ensure that Greenpeace can operate effectively and ethically in Southeast Asia’s fast-changing political and environmental landscape.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Create an enabling Security Culture that continues to push boundaries, through regular staff updates, familiarization, training and integration.
Design and oversee a fit-for-purpose GPSEA Security System with approval processes.
Provide strategic advice on enhancing acceptance and resilience as a civil society actor, including the liaison with other NGOs
Policy and protocol development as related to safety, security, risk management and Duty of Care (employer responsibilities), including Standard Operating Procedures.
Arranging delivery of periodic and as-required security training.
Support and advice on the resolution of critical incident situations locally and regionally (on call).
Facilitate and strengthen our legal support system to ease smart risk taking, in line with GP Best Practices.
Other duties as directed by the line manager.
Close consultation with campaigns, actions and logistics, communications, fundraising and management staff on Smart Risk taking in projects.
Closely collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure Security integration into organizational processes and the GPSEA project model, from HR to Programmes.
Oversee and facilitate the regional security practitioners and build capacity to meet the need of the organization.
Closely collaborate with HR and Public Engagement and Actions to ensure GP Duty of Care Best Practices are in place for staff, contractors, volunteers and activists.
Manage the regional Security team adequately and ensure appropriate team capacity deployment projects.
Assist in the sign off and approval on campaign & communications materials, tactics and strategies that may influence security risk levels.
Liaise with Human Resources and Legal to ensure Greenpeace compliance with national legislation’s in Security, Health and Safety matters.
Liaison with GPI and other NROs on security management to ensure consistent best-practice across our global organization.
Manage security external contractors, including office security, specific project security and trainers.
Production, review and updating of all offices and projects standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Oversee and ensure the implementation of Security systems through monitoring, project integration and trainings.
Oversee, maintain and improve our Critical Incident Management Systems including a 24/7 hotline.
Coordinate Security and Safety induction process for new joiners across GPSEA with HR.
Responsibly manage the security budget and maintain secure filing system.
Advice and support project risk assessments, security and duty of care plans.
Oversight of incident reporting processes across the organization.
Maintain and further improve the travel security & monitoring system.
Advise on and ensure Site Security at our Greenpeace locations, in coordination with Administration
Provide up-to-date political, societal context analysis for our operating countries.
Overall budgetary responsibility and management of the finances for the Regional Security Unit.
Skills and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in field of Management or with security management background preferred.
Proven professional training in security management or a related field or comparable work experience/certification.
At least 3 years working in a non-profit, campaigning organization.
At least 3 years of supervisory/management experience.
At least 5 years of experience delivering security and emergency plans and risk analysis including: physical security management; crisis; occupational health and safety; field security; and travel.
Functional Skills:
Knowledge and/or experience in understanding of security and cultural issues in GPSEA operating countries.
Knowledge and/or experience in training, mentoring and developing staff on security issues.
Knowledge and/or experience in crisis management.
Knowledge and/or experience in developing and managing security and safety risk assessment.
Demonstrable understanding of security and risk management appropriate to the values and practices of Greenpeace.
Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security threat/risk/impact assessments and reporting.
Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security incident investigation and reporting.
Knowledge and/or experience in training personnel in general security protocols.
Strong skills in written and spoken English (required).
Knowledge and/or experience in planning, facilitating and conducting meetings or workshops.
Knowledge and/or experience in project management and administration.
Knowledge and/or experience in strategic alignment and setting the direction of unit’s project organizational objectives.
Knowledge and/or experience in budgeting and forecasting.
Organizational Competencies:
Professionalism: Knowledge and/or experience in managing conduct and emotions in a way that represents the values and realizes the objectives of the organization.
Strategic Thinking & Global Mindset: Knowledge and/or experience in addressing organizational objectives by developing calculated approaches that integrate an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures.
Teamwork & Communication: Knowledge and/or experience in working with others and presenting information, ideas, and positions in a clear manner that can easily be understood across diverse and multi-cultural audiences.
Innovation & Change: Knowledge and/or experience in reflecting creative and imaginative thinking, an openness to new ideas, and an ability to take calculated risks in order to meet organizational objectives.
Leadership: Knowledge and/or experience in guiding and directing the efforts of others in pursuit of clear objectives, including delegating responsibilities and providing consistent support.
Specific Work Environment:
Good command in English is required.
Sensitive to the socio-economic cultural environment of Southeast Asia. This position requires the employee to have a flexible approach and the ability to adapt and work in different and challenging work and cultural environments, which may include flexible arrangements in working in challenging fields and work environments.
Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and Cathay Pacific jointly launched the Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund on May 23, 2025, aiming to support youth aviation education and facilitate cultural exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.
Shen Beili, vice chair of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, delivers a speech at Soong Ching Ling’s former residence in Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Shen Beili, vice chairwoman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), said the CSCLF continues to promote Soong Ching Ling’s legacy by launching numerous public welfare initiatives. The newly established Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund in Beijing aims to provide a new platform for young people in the mainland and Hong Kong, supporting their healthy development and fostering greater exchange and growth.
She added that the fund is designed to bring together young people from the mainland and Hong Kong, giving them opportunities to participate in hands-on projects, learn about China’s development, and build friendships. The goal is to promote cultural exchange, encourage national pride, and strengthen their sense of shared identity.
Zheng Jiaju, Chinese mainland director of Cathay Group, delivers a speech at Soong Ching Ling’s former residence in Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Zheng Jiaju, Chinese mainland director of Cathay Group, said Cathay Pacific is committed to corporate social responsibility by investing in youth development and cultural exchange, and by supporting society through civil aviation.
He added that Cathay Pacific will combine its strengths in aviation with the CSCLF’s expertise in youth development to create cross-regional, interdisciplinary platforms for young people from the mainland and Hong Kong, helping them pursue careers in aviation, deepen their cultural roots and reinforce their national identity.
A signing ceremony for the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Cathay Pacific Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is held at Soong Ching Ling’s former residence in Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Li Anjin, deputy secretary-general of the CSCLF, and Sun Yueyi, Chinese mainland general manager of Cathay Group, signed a donation agreement on behalf of both parties. Children from Beijing’s Haidian District Youth Activity Center and Shichahai Primary School performed songs and dances.
The ceremony was held at the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, a pioneering stateswoman who was named honorary president of the People’s Republic of China for her lifelong contributions to the nation.
The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Cathay Pacific Aviation Dream Youth Development Fund is the first public welfare fund established by Cathay Pacific in partnership with the CSCLF on the mainland.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 2025 Postgraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opens at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]
The 2025 Postgraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opened on May 23 at the university’s art museum, featuring the latest works by more than 170 graduating students.
The exhibition features a wide range of projects that combine art and technology and address contemporary social issues in innovative ways.
Running through June 1, the exhibition spans nine galleries across four floors and is open to the public. It is the first time the academy has displayed its entire body of graduate work in a nationally recognized, first-class museum — a milestone the school sees as an important step toward making arts education more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.
By bringing academic exploration into a public cultural space, the academy said they hope to bridge the gap between artistic creation and everyday life.
At the opening ceremony, Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, praised the graduates for their thoughtful combination of traditional wisdom and contemporary artistic expression.
He said their creations reflect deep engagement with real-world issues and affirmed the academy’s efforts in blending Eastern and Western art philosophies, bridging past and present, and uniting art with technology. He encouraged students to remain rooted in humanistic values and to draw upon the aesthetics of Chinese culture to meet the challenges of their time.
Qin Chuan, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) AADTHU Committee, emphasized that as artificial intelligence continues to reshape artistic boundaries, AADTHU remains committed to merging art and technology and using creativity to serve society.
He urged the graduates to ground their work in real-world issues and to embody Tsinghua University’s spirit of patriotism, dedication and pursuit of excellence.
Lu Xiaobo, director of the Tsinghua University Art Museum, highlighted the significance of hosting the entire graduate collection in a nationally ranked museum for the first time. He said combining education with a public cultural space provides an innovative platform for students to showcase their work to more people.
By engaging in public discourse, the graduates not only show what they have learned but also highlight the role of art education in shaping cultural development, Lu said.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Chen Lei, director of AADTHU’s Department of Visual Communication, encouraged students to maintain their curiosity and integrity as they face an uncertain artistic future. “Stay true to your artistic vision, focus on authentic expression, and let your work touch hearts,” he said.
Student representative Wang Bing, a graduate of the Department of Arts and Crafts, emphasized the role of art in addressing real-world issues. “With creativity rooted in everyday life, we seek to craft artistic answers to contemporary challenges,” she said.
Vice Dean Yang Dongjiang, who hosted the opening ceremony, emphasized that the exhibition not only showcases academic achievements but also looks to the future of arts education.
“By rooting their creativity in tradition while embracing cutting-edge technologies, our students are shaping a new artistic landscape and redefining the role of art in today’s world,” he said.
Visitors view exhibits at the 2025 Postgraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) at Tsinghua University Art Museum, Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]
The works on display cover a wide range of fields, including product design, spatial design, digital art and visual storytelling. They show the students’ awareness of social issues and their connection to everyday life. Various projects address topics like aging and adolescent mental health, reflecting a sense of care and a wish to share artistic insight with the public, according to the academy.
The exhibition blends material innovation, conceptual exploration and design aesthetics. Traditional Chinese cultural elements are given a fresh look through digital techniques, with Dunhuang motifs and heritage crafts woven into contemporary styles. Some works imagine futuristic space environments, using advanced hardware and software to explore new possibilities where art and technology meet.
The academy said one of the defining features of this exhibition is its commitment to cultural continuity, reinterpreting traditional artistic heritage from a contemporary perspective. By revitalizing classic works with digital technology and offering new interpretations of folk imagery, students present a distinctly Chinese artistic voice, according to the academy.
Through imagery, space and storytelling, the exhibition conveys a strong sense of cultural confidence, demonstrating not only keen observational and expressive skills but also a deep understanding of each discipline and an ability to respond to contemporary issues, the academy said.
The exhibition also features a dedicated interactive zone, allowing visitors to directly experience the innovative fusion of contemporary art and technology.
Visitors engage with exhibits at the 2025 Postgraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) at Tsinghua University Art Museum, Beijing, May 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Locomotive Manufacturing Plant of Indian Railways in Dahod, Gujarat, marking a key step in boosting the country’s railway infrastructure and freight capabilities. He also flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the facility.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
According to an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Dahod plant has been established in line with PM Modi’s vision of enhancing connectivity and building world-class travel infrastructure. The facility is equipped to manufacture 9,000 HP electric locomotives for both domestic use and export.
These locomotives are expected to significantly increase Indian Railways’ freight loading capacity. They are also fitted with regenerative braking systems, which reduce energy consumption and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various development projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Dahod. These include key railway infrastructure works and multiple initiatives undertaken by the Government of Gujarat. He will also flag off two new train services—the Veraval–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express and the Valsad–Dahod Express.
PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat from May 26 to 27, earlier held a roadshow in Vadodara. He expressed gratitude to the people of the city for the warm welcome, describing the experience as “extremely delightful.”
“Thank you, Vadodara! Extremely delighted to be in this great city. It was a splendid roadshow and that too in the morning! Gratitude to all those who showered their blessings,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
During the roadshow, PM Modi greeted enthusiastic crowds lining the streets, waving back at people who welcomed him with Indian flags and patriotic chants. The atmosphere was festive, with flower petals being showered on the Prime Minister and patriotic songs playing in the background.
Family members of Indian Army Officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who was part of media briefings during Operation Sindoor, were also present at the event and greeted the Prime Minister with flower petals.
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has inaugurated its first retail experience store in City Center on MG Road in Indore, further strengthening its premium retail presence across the country.
The store offers an immersive experience to customers with dedicated zones featuring the latest smartphones, tablets, laptops and SmartThings. Here, they can have a first-hand experience of how Samsung’s connected devices can transform their lifestyle into smarter and more convenient experiences.
Spread across 1000 square feet, the new store is designed to be a one-stop solution for consumers to experience Samsung’s cutting-edge innovation, connected ecosystem, and premium service centre all under one roof.
Strategically located in City Center, a vibrant educational hub in Indore known for its bustling youth demographic and growing tech adoption, the store aims to deliver emerging technologies and immersive technology experiences to next-gen consumers
As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction and digital upskilling, this new store will also witness Samsung’s signature ‘Learn @ Samsung’ initiative, following its success across other stores in India. This initiative will offer a range of workshops aimed at empowering consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z with knowledge and skills to utilize cutting-edge technology. The sessions will cover themes such as AI-enabled photography, productivity, creativity and doodling, providing hands-on experiences with Galaxy devices to enhance user engagement.
“The launch of our first premium experience store in Indore is yet another significant milestone in Samsung’s journey. This expansion is part of Samsung’s broader mission to democratize access to innovation by bringing premium offerings to all. This new store reflects our larger commitment to expanding our premium retail presence and delivering a truly one-stop solution that unites innovation, engagement, and customer satisfaction under one roof,” said a Samsung India spokesperson.
To celebrate the launch, customers visiting the store can avail:
Free 30+ subscriptions across leading OTT, music, wellness, and infotainment platforms.
Exclusive discounts on 40+ brand gift cards and 25+ top deals from premium brands.
Buy 1 Get 1 Free buffet deals across 100+ premium restaurants across India.
Paytm First membership rewards, special travel savings on flights, and discounts at 14,000+ restaurants nationwide.
In addition, the store features Samsung Store+, an intuitive digital platform that allows in-store shoppers to access detailed product information and opt for home delivery. A dedicated service centre has also been integrated within the store premises to further boost post-purchase support.
Asia Pacific Report editor David Robie was honoured with Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) at the weekend by the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, in an investiture ceremony at Government House Tāmaki Makaurau.
He was one of eight recipients for various honours, which included Joycelyn Armstrong, who was presented with Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO) for services to interfaith communities.
Dr Robie’s award, which came in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2024 but was presented on Saturday, was for “services to journalism and Asia-Pacific media education”.
Dr David Robie has contributed to journalism in New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region for more than 50 years.
Dr Robie began his career with The Dominion in 1965 and worked as an international journalist and correspondent for agencies from Johannesburg to Paris. He has won several journalism awards, including the 1985 Media Peace Prize for his coverage of the Rainbow Warrior bombing.
He was Head of Journalism at the University of Papua New Guinea from 1993 to 1997 and the University of the South Pacific in Suva from 1998 to 2002. He founded the Pacific Media Centre in 2007 while professor of journalism and communications at Auckland University of Technology.
He developed four award-winning community publications as student training outlets. He pioneered special internships for Pacific students in partnership with media and the University of the South Pacific. He has organised scholarships with the Asia New Zealand Foundation for student journalists to China, Indonesia and the Philippines.
He was founding editor of Pacific Journalism Review journal in 1994 and in 1996 he established the Pacific Media Watch, working as convenor with students to campaign for media freedom in the Pacific.
He has authored 10 books on Asia-Pacific media and politics. Dr Robie co-founded and is deputy chair of the Asia Pacific Media Network/Te Koakoa NGO.
The investiture ceremony on 24 May 2025. Video: Office of the Governor-General
In an interview with Global Voices last year, Dr Robie praised the support from colleagues and students and said:
“There should be more international reporting about the “hidden stories” of the Pacific such as the unresolved decolonisation issues — Kanaky New Caledonia, “French” Polynesia (Mā’ohi Nui), both from France; and West Papua from Indonesia.
“West Papua, in particular, is virtually ignored by Western media in spite of the ongoing serious human rights violations. This is unconscionable.”
Headline: Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025: AI Empowers Education and Talent Growth
[Shenzhen, China, May 26, 2025] On May 24, the Closing & Awards Ceremony of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final took place in Shenzhen. In its 9th edition, the event has reached a record-breaking scale, attracting over 210,000 students and instructors from more than 2,000 colleges and universities in over 100 countries and regions. Following national and regional competitions, 179 teams from 48 countries and regions made it to the Global Final.
Through intense competition across three major tracks (Practice, Innovation, and Programming), top honors were awarded to 18 outstanding teams from 9 countries: Algeria, Brazil, China, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, and Tanzania.
To recognize outstanding contributions beyond technical excellence, the competition also presented special honors. The Women in Tech Award was granted to four all-female teams from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Kenya. The Green Development Award went to a team from Ghana. The Most Valuable Instructor Award recognized 18 distinguished instructors from 10 countries – Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, and Türkiye – for their contributions to ICT education.
Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Closing & Awards Ceremony
In his opening speech, Ritchie Peng, Director of the ICT Strategy & Business Development Dept at Huawei, said: “To achieve the goal of learning through competition and inspiring innovation through competition, we have continuously evolved the design of competition topics. The Practice Competition aligns with our vision for an Intelligent World 2030 and encourages students to master cloud computing, big data, and AI to drive social progress. The Innovation Competition focuses on green development and digital inclusion, motivating participants to solve real-world challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education through ICT.”
Ritchie Peng Delivering the Opening Speech at the Closing & Awards Ceremony
As digital transformation accelerates globally, demand for skilled professionals in fields such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity continues to grow. However, the shortage of talent in these critical areas is becoming increasingly evident. To help tackle this challenge, the Huawei ICT Competition features multiple tracks — notably Practice, Innovation, and Programming — alongside initiatives such as industry-academia collaboration and tailored curriculum development. These efforts aim to equip students with in-demand skills and foster the next-generation tech talent who will stand out in an increasingly intelligent and digital world.
During this year’s competition, Huawei also hosted the AI Accelerating Education Transformation Summit, where experts explored the pivotal role of AI in smart education. In addition, Huawei officially announced the AI Capability of the Huawei ICT Academy Intelligent Platform, making it easier and more efficient for educators and students to use. This marks another step forward in advancing educational digitalization.
For more details about the Huawei ICT Competition, visit us at https://www.huawei.com/minisite/ict-competition-2024-2025-global/en/index.html.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police are calling for information in relation to an assault that occurred on Sunday morning in Alice Springs.
Around 11:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a female being assaulted by a male in scrubland on Grevillea Drive.
It is alleged that while the victim walked through the scrubland, she noticed that a male was following her. She confronted him and asked that he stop, at which point he allegedly began throwing rocks at her and her dog before fleeing the scene.
The victim and her dog did not sustain any physical injuries.
General duties officers have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500053757. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force has arrested two males, aged 27 and 15-years-old, after a pursuit involving a stolen Ford Ranger from a business in Tivendale last night.
Around 11pm, Strike Force Trident members sighted a vehicle that was suspected to be stolen in the Darwin CBD and initiated a pursuit when the vehicle failed to stop for a traffic apprehension. The vehicle travelled outbound through Parap, Winnellie and Knuckey Lagoon all the way to the East Arm Port. The vehicle was observed driving erratically and at speed throughout the pursuit with members from the Dog Operations Unit and General Duties deployed to assist.
The stolen motor vehicle allegedly rammed through the boom gates at the port entrance security office before coming to a stop at the end of the port with both occupants fleeing the scene on foot.
Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations Unit and General Duties members commenced a cordoned search and located the 27-year-old male who was also in possession of a machete a short distance away. He was apprehended without incident and has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court tomorrow for charges of:
Driving, Using/Riding Motor Vehicle without Consent
Possess, Carry/Use Controlled Weapon
Trespass – Entering without Authority
The search continued and Patrol Dog Wedge and handler Senior Constable First Class Mathew Unwin tracked the alleged 15-year-old male driver toward a rock wall nearby with General Duties assisting with the arrest. The youth has been remanded to appear in court tomorrow with charges of:
Driving, Using/Riding Motor Vehicle without Consent
Drive a Motor Vehicle while Unlicensed
Driving Vehicle Dangerous Manner – Pursuit
Fail to Obey Direction of Police Officer
Damage to Property
Recklessly Endangering Serious Harm
Trespass – Entering without Authority
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said “It was excellent work to have our members actively sighting the vehicle that had been stolen earlier in the night.
“The successful apprehension is a credit to the seamless collaboration between Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations Unit and General Duties members.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force is calling for witnesses in relation to a domestic violence incident in Alice Springs CBD this afternoon.
Around 2pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a white Holden Commodore allegedly mounting the curb on Todd Street in an attempt to hit a female on the pathway. It is alleged the male driver nearly hit other pedestrians in the vicinity before it crashed. It is alleged he self-extracted from the vehicle and chased the victim before police arrival.
Police attended the scene and canvassed CCTV within the area.
Southern Domestic Violence Unit has carriage of investigations, and the alleged offender remains outstanding.
A crime scene is expected to remain in place until later this afternoon, with partial blockages to the Todd Street and Gregory Terrace intersection.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Severe weather and winds have caused dust storms that are significantly reducing visibility on various country roads throughout the state. Some roads are closed to traffic and will not be reopened until the risk to the public reduces.
If you are driving in the country, please exercise caution as the roads are unsafe.
Ensure your headlights are on and drive to the conditions.
Pull to the side of the road if it is unsafe to continue, activate your hazard lights and wait for the storm to pass.
Contact police in an emergency on triple-zero (000) or for assistance on 131 444.
