The Life News Australia. July 1, 2022

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Vol. 05 Issue 77 July. 01, 2022

Peru wildfire threatens historic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

TL Bureau, Lima

An out of control fire in Peru is compromising the notorious Incan vestiges of Machu Picchu after a burst consumed 49 sections of land in the Andean mountains on Thursday, authorities said.

Smoke kept on surging from the archeological hold close to Machu Picchu, where firemen are battling to battle the flares because of powerful breezes and rough territory.

On account of its distance, groups needed to convey in knapsacks of water to safeguard the vestiges.

The Peruvian government said

Courtesy: CBS

in a deciphered proclamation that the fire in the Pampacahua area had been challenging to control on the right flank due to the breezes.

Authorities said they have battled the burst for three days utilizing a backwoods firemen unit from the National Service of Natural Protected Areas.

Machu Picchu stands almost 8,000 feet above ocean level, in a tropical mountain woodland in Peru. It was once the Incas crown gem of metropolitan living at the level of their realm, with goliath walls, porches and slopes in the constant stone ledges around quite a while back.

South Korea opened Former U.S. military base to become green park in heart of Seoul TL Bureau, Seoul

For very nearly 120 years, Yongsan Garrison has been beyond reach to South Korean regular people - - however presently the walled compound in the core of Seoul is moving toward a recreational area that authorities say will change the city.

Starting last month, inhabitants had the option to enter the previous base camp of the American military on a pilot visit - - and city pioneers say the future Yongsan Park will turn into Seoul's "new face."

"Very much like Central Park in New York City, Yongsan Park will give the biggest recreation space [in Seoul] for residents," Oh Jang-hwan, head of the

essential arranging division for the Seoul metropolitan government, told UPI - - adding that the undertaking will give a genuinely necessary spread of green to the thickly pressed city of 10 million individuals.

For a considerable length of time in June, visitors were permitted to visit a little part of the base that incorporates sports fields and a previous neighborhood for officials.

The officials' single-story farm style homes with tiled Spanish rooftops and front yards made a striking difference to the encompassing city, a verdant cut of rural America in the shadows of Seoul's sparkling tall structures.

It was this brief look at an alternate world that drew Oh

Courtesy: UPI Ji-eun, a 25 year-old medical caretaker, to join a directed strolling visit a week ago.

"I was interested to visit since it seems to be the U.S.," she said. "I haven't at any point seen anything like this before

in Korea."

Authentic photographs and shows were set up on a portion of the yards, while local escort Im Jonghwa brought up characteristics of the base, including its twin arrangements of utility shafts

- - some conveying 220-volt electrical cables and others taking care of homes the Americanstandard 110 volts. Im point by point the historical backdrop of Yongsan, which was laid out in 1904 by Japan during its provincial control of Korea and has stayed forbidden to general society since. The base eventually turned into the central command of U.S. Powers Korea and the United Nations Command from the Korean War during the 1950s until 2018, when the two orders migrated to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 40 miles south of Seoul. "Very few Korean individuals know the historical backdrop of Yongsan, that the Japanese were here," Im said.

"Particularly the more youthful ones."

2 Ukraine's military dismissed Russian-upheld separatists guarantee on Saturday that the critical city of Lysychansk was surrounded as battling seethed on in the fifth month of the RussianUkraine war.

"Our units have entered Lysychansk in the space of the Shakhter arena," said Vitaly Kiselev, a helper to the Luhansk People's Republic's inside serve, as per Russia's state-run TASS. Later Saturday morning, the Ukrainian armed force dismissed those cases.

"Battling seethes around Lysychansk," Ruslan Muzytchuk, a representative for the Ukrainian National Guard, said on Ukrainian TV, as indicated by The Guardian.

"Fortunately the city has not be enclosed and is taken care of the Ukrainian armed force."

Lysychansk is Ukraine's last fortification in the Luhansk oblast of the eastern Donbas locale after Ukrainian soldiers pulled out of Severodonetsk last week following a very long time of persistent shelling.

The Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts are on the whole known as the Donbas district in eastern Ukraine, which has been to some extent constrained by Russian-supported separatists beginning around 2014.

Muzytchuk told Ukrinform, the public news organization of Ukraine, that the Russian's powers will probably assume full command over the Donetsk and Luhansk locales.

"Throughout recent days, as should be visible from reports by the general staff, the circumstance has been the most troublesome in Lysyschansk, Bakhmutsk headings and the Kharkiv locale," Muzytchuk said.

He added that there is additionally the danger of shelling in southern and northern districts of Ukraine, including the line areas of Sumy and Chernihov locales.

In a knowledge update

editorial

Ukraine rejected the Russian-backed separatists claim that Lysychansk is 'encircled'

presented on Twitter on Saturday, the British Ministry of Defense said Russian powers had accomplished "minor advances" around Lysychansk, with "air and big guns strikes proceeding."

The British Defense Ministry likewise noticed that strikes on Friday in Odessa oblast "reasonable involved" a redesigned variant of a Soviet-period rocket called Kh-22, in the midst of diminishing reserve of additional exact present day weapons, which expanded the "probability of blow-back."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky censured the rocket strike that killed something like 21 individuals in the southern Ukraine port city of Odessa in a daily video address Friday. The assault designated a ninestory private structure and diversion focus, as indicated by The Guardian.

"I underscore: this is a demonstration of cognizant, purposely

designated Russian dread and not some sort of error or a unintentional rocket strike," Zelensky said.

Russian Defense Ministry representative Igor Konashenkov told TASS on Saturday that Ukraine is languishing "huge misfortunes," remembering misfortunes for faculty in the tenth Mountain Assault Brigade and the 72nd Mechanized Brigade.

Since the Russia-Ukraine war started on Feb. 24, 4,731 regular folks have been killed and 5,900 have been harmed, as per the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights most recent update.

The update noticed that genuine regular citizen losses might be significantly higher because of deferred reports many reports as yet forthcoming support.

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3

world

Reaffirming Our Commitment to the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On this day 54 years ago, the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature in London, Moscow, and Washington, DC. Today, the United States reaffirms its commitment to this critical treaty and celebrates the immeasurable contribution it has made to the security and prosperity of the nations and peoples of the world.

The NPT has provided the essential foundation for international efforts to stem the looming threat – then and now – that nuclear weapons would proliferate across the globe.

In so doing, the NPT has served the

interests of all its parties and limited the potential risk of a devastating nuclear war. It has also expanded access to the astonishingly diverse benefits of the peaceful uses of the atom, whether for electricity, medicine, agriculture, or industry.

When the 10th Review Conference of the NPT opens one month from today, the United States will highlight the treaty’s enduring role in reducing global dangers – whether by facilitating arms control, safeguarding peaceful nuclear activities, or deterring violations – as we work toward our ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons. We look forward to working with all parties to preserve and strengthen this important treaty.

Swissmedic - Reports of suspected adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines in Switzerland – update 26

TL Bureau, Bern

Up to 28 June 2022, Swissmedic evaluated 15,578 reports on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

9,678 (62.1 %) were reported to Swissmedic as “not serious”,

while 5,900 suspected cases (37.9 %) were classified as «serious».1 The majority of the reports involved more than one reaction. In total, 48,779 reactions were reported, corresponding to an average of 3.13 reactions per report.

Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, is visiting Spain June 29 through July 5, 2022, to participate in the U.S.-Spain Forum in Bilbao, and engage with government officials, business leaders, and civil society members to support our shared objectives regarding commerce, investment, and clean energy initiatives. This annual conference brings

TL Bureau, New Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today approved the enhancement of the monetary ceiling for purchase of Not Available (NA), emergent, lifesavings and essential drugs by 100% in all categories of polyclinics from Authorised Local Chemists (ALC). This will ensure easy & timely availability of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. (Type A & B from Rs 2.5 lakh to 5 Lakh, Type C from Rs 1.5 lakh to 3 Lakh, Type D from Rs 1 lakh to 2 Lakh).

There have been various representations from the veterans regarding supply of medicines.

The Government has already undertaken a series of modifications

to procedures of procurement of medicines for ECHS beneficiaries.

In all stations with ECHS Polyclinics, local medical stores/ chemists are empanelled for supply of Not Available (NA), emergent, life-saving and essential drugs on as required basis. The empanelled local medical stores/chemists are being done by a Board of Officers constituted by the Station Commander. Any expenditure above this limit will be approved

by MD, ECHS. The CO, ECHS may re-appropriate the required funds from other ECHS Polyclinics, if required.

It may be seen that the Government on 25.03.2022 had already conveyed the sanction for reimbursement of

cost of medicines and consumables, purchased from open market, not Available at ECHS Polyclinic/ Authorized Local Chemist for a maximum period of 30 days from earlier 15 days at a time subject to the maximum value of medicines and consumables not exceeding Rs. 25,000/- each time under the general conditions and Rs. 75,000/- each time under the special conditions except in the case of Cancer Medicines where the maximum value of medicines and consumable would be Rs.5 lakhs each time from the earlier Rs.2 lakhs each time. This will be a big move towards making essential medicines available to the Veterans.

Government proposes amendments to Integration Act to secure services for those fleeing Ukraine

TL Bureau, Helsinki

together members of the United States-Spain Council and its counterpart, the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU., with leaders from the public and private sectors of both countries to address important bilateral issues. At the conference, Under Secretary Fernandez will focus on building partnerships to promote increased green investment that further job growth, economic inclusion, and opportunities for citizens in Spain, the United States, and across the region.

The Government is preparing amendments to the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration so that municipalities and wellbeing services counties would be reimbursed for the costs they incur for organising services to beneficiaries of temporary protection who have been granted a municipality of residence.

About 29,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine have already applied for temporary protection in Finland. The Ministry of the Interior estimates that 40,000– 80,000 Ukrainian refugees will arrive in Finland by the end of this year. Due to the war in Ukraine, Finland is applying the temporary protection regime for the first time. The Government therefore proposes to amend the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (Integration Act). Because those

segregation and crime, to drive the green transition forward and to take back control of the welfare system.

Efforts to deal with work-related crime have links to all three of these priorities.

“Work-related crime involves very large sums and is a source of income for organised crime. This must be stopped. That’s why we have now adopted a national strategy against work-related crime,” says Deputy Minister for Employment Johan Danielsson.

In the national strategy against work-related crime, the Government compiles, coordinates and focuses its actions and raises its level of ambition in efforts to counter and combat work-related crime. The strategy also helps to provide public authorities, operators and individuals with an overview of measures and

issues related to work-related crime.

“The focus of the Government’s national strategy is to combat the business models that drive workrelated crime. It must be difficult to cheat, easy to get caught and painful to be punished,” says Mr Danielsson.

The strategy contains 45 measures in seven main areas: Reduce the scope for criminal actors in the labour market More effective supervision and control Tougher sanctions Better cooperation between public authorities, municipalities and the social partners Better information and increased awareness Better register laws and secrecy provisions Well-developed international and EU cooperation

Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Spain TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh approves enhanced monetary limits for procurement of Drugs and consumables for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)

receiving temporary protection usually do not have a municipality of residence, they are mostly covered by reception services. However, they may be granted a municipality of residence in spring 2023 after they have resided in Finland for one year. At that point, the role of municipalities and other authorities in organising the services will increase. The current Integration Act does not allow the State to compensate municipalities and wellbeing services counties for services provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection. Costs to be compensated similarly as for beneficiaries of international protection In order to ensure the provision of services, it is proposed that the State compensate municipalities and wellbeing services counties for the provision of services for beneficiaries of temporary protection in the same way it compensates for services

for beneficiaries of international protection. It is also proposed that the provisions on assigning persons to municipalities would apply to those receiving temporary protection too. The proposal would also clarify the responsibilities of authorities for assigning persons to municipalities and amend the Act to better meet the current practice concerning the process of assigning persons to municipalities. Compensation to be paid for unaccompanied minors too The Government proposes that a child or young person who has arrived in Finland without a parent or guardian and who is a beneficiary of temporary protection receive housing and support services, similarly to a quota refugee who has arrived as an unaccompanied minor or a child or young person receiving international protection and that these costs would be reimbursed to the municipality and the wellbeing services county.

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

and to support the ongoing crisis across the country. The two teams discussed the international community’s humanitarian support for Afghanistan, including over $774 million provided by the United States since August 2021. In this regard, the United States registered concerns regarding increased interference by the Taliban in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Both sides agreed on the critical importance of maintaining uninterrupted access to basic healthcare throughout the country while addressing concerns regarding transparency in delivery of services. Regarding economic stabilization, the United States welcomed a recent payment of arrears owed to international financial institutions and discussed U.S. support for steps to enhance the availability of afghani currency in the economy.

45 measures for cracking U.S. Delegation Meeting with down on work-related crime Taliban Representatives

TL bureau, Stockholm

Work-related crime involves criminal activities and breaches of regulations that may result in employees being exploited or put at risk of being injured at work.

It also results in serious operators being undercut by those who exploit workers by means of unreasonable working conditions, cheating on taxes and fees and in other ways violating laws and regulations.

Work-related crime occurs in many sectors, even if the risk of work-related crime is considered to be greatest in the construction, restaurant, transport and cleaning industries, and in health, care and social services.

The Government has three priorities for its work: to leave no stone unturned in the fight against

Office of the Spokesperson On June 29 and 30, Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West led another senior interagency delegation including representatives from the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to continue discussions with senior Taliban representatives and technocratic professionals in Doha, Qatar.

The United States expressed condolences for the loss of life and suffering in Afghanistan caused by recent earthquakes and outlined robust U.S. support, including $55 million in new assistance from USAID for the delivery of life-saving shelter, sanitation, and hygiene materials for affected populations,

4

world

Statement by the Prime Lithuania and the United Kingdom to develop Minister on Canada Day air transport and discuss opportunities for

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canada Day: “Today, we celebrate the country we love, and the people we share it with. Canada is home to over 38 million people: Canadians who live in cities and towns – big and small; people who are indigenous to this land; and those who’ve been here for weeks, months, years, or for generations.

“Canada is strong because of our diversity. No matter what our faith is, where we were born, what colour our skin is, what language we speak, or who we love – we are all equal members of this great country.

“Today, we celebrate the place we all call home. I know for some, our country’s historic wrongs can make that difficult. But while we can’t change history, we can put in the work to build a better future;

one that reflects our values of hope, resilience, kindness, respect, and generosity.

“Generation after generation, Canadians have shown that we can deliver on those values. We did it when we adopted our charter in 1982, we did it when we took care of each other during the pandemic, and we do it every day when we welcome refugees with open arms.

“Today is an opportunity for us all to recommit ourselves to those values – values that the Maple Leaf represents. Because our flag is more than a symbol, it’s also a promise. A promise of opportunity.

A promise of safety for those fleeing violence and war. And a promise of a better life.

“As we come together today, let’s think about what this country means to us – and tomorrow, let’s challenge ourselves to find new ways to live up to the great promise of Canada. From my family to yours, happy Canada Day!”

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Today is Belarus’ official Independence Day. On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest wishes to the people of Belarus, wherever they may be.

On Independence Day, despite being an occasion to celebrate hard-won freedoms, Belarusians remain unable to determine their country’s future or express their

TL Bureau, London

views without fear of harsh reprisal.

For the second year in a row, too many Belarusian families will mark this Independence Day separated from their loved ones, as more than 1,200 political prisoners languish in prisons for trying to exercise the freedoms this day is supposed to symbolize.The United States stands with the people of Belarus, who continue to seek the promise of true independence, and demonstrate great courage in pursuit of freedom, democracy, and accountability.

LT ministras Marius Skuodis_ JK transporto sekretorius Grant Shapps_Londonas 20220629_1.jpg Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis and United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps signed in London a memorandum of understanding on the development of air transport services and discussed the possibility of organising direct flights between Vilnius and London Heathrow airports. The meeting also discussed support for Ukraine in rebuilding its transport infrastructure and ensuring efficient logistics channels for the country’s cargo exports to European and world markets.“I am pleased with the mutual determination of Lithuania and the United Kingdom to improve air transport connections – both by ensuring favourable conditions for cargo transportation and by expanding the routes of direct passenger flights important for business and tourism.

A great example is the flights to the London City Airport, when due to this convenient connection several prominent global companies were established in Lithuania, which emphasised that it was this flight that influenced their decision to choose Lithuania.

Therefore, direct flights to London’s largest airport, Heathrow, would undoubtedly bring even greater mutual benefits to the countries,”

said Mr. Skuodis, Minister of Transport and Communications.

Lithuania is interested in further expanding direct flights and securing a direct connection to the UK’s largest Heathrow International Airport. UK experts are currently advising the Ministry on a model for promoting flights in areas of strategic importance to Lithuania, where this route has been identified as one of the priorities.

By signing a memorandum on air services, Lithuania and the UK undertake to create mutually favourable conditions for the carriage of cargo by air. Both Parties will allow each other’s air carriers to land in their territories to operate scheduled and nonscheduled air cargo services without restriction on routes, capacities or frequencies. This applies not only to the provision of air services in the territories of these countries, but also to flights to other third countries outside the EU. The UK is also expected to conclude such bilateral agreements with other EU countries.

Minister of Transport and Communications M. Skuodis and the UK Secretary of State for Transport also discussed the UK Presidency of the International Transport Forum with, which will be taken over by Lithuania in 2023.

Both sides are working to improve the ITF’s rules of procedure so that this organisation is better prepared to deal with unprecedented situations and its able to use its expertise to help Ukraine rebuild its transport infrastructure, and thus contribute to the recovery of global supply logistics chains.

Intensive cooperation with the UK is also aimed at the development of the 5G communication technology ecosystem in Lithuania. In June, at an international event organised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania where the sandboxes created at the initiative of the Ministry were presented, UK researchers, entrepreneurs and start-ups discussed cooperation with potential participants in the Sandbox programme

no specific regulatory framework at EU level.

"Recent developments on this quickly evolving sector have confirmed the urgent need for an EU-wide regulation. MiCA will better protect Europeans who have invested in these assets, and prevent the misuse of cryptoassets, while being innovationfriendly to maintain the EU’s attractiveness. This landmark regulation will put an end to the crypto wild west and confirms the EU’s role as a standard-setter for digital topics." Bruno Le Maire, French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Regulating the risks related to crypto-assets MiCA will protect consumers against some of the risks associated with the investment in crypto-assets, and help them avoid fraudulent schemes.

Currently, consumers have

very limited rights to protection or redress, especially if the transactions take place outside the EU. With the new rules, crypto-asset service providers will have to respect strong requirements to protect consumers wallets and become liable in case they lose investors’ crypto-assets. MiCA will also cover any type of market abuse related to any type of transaction or service, notably for market manipulation and insider dealing.

Actors in the crypto-assets market will be required to declare information on their environmental and climate footprint. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) will develop draft regulatory technical standards on the content, methodologies and presentation of information related to principal adverse environmental and climaterelated impact. Within two years,

the European Commission will have to provide a report on the environmental impact of cryptoassets and the introduction of mandatory minimum sustainability standards for consensus mechanisms, including the proof-of-work.

To avoid any overlaps with updated legislation on antimoney laundering (AML), which will now also cover crypto-assets, MiCA does not duplicate the anti-money laundering provisions as set out in the newly updated transfer of funds rules agreed on 29 June.

However, MiCA requires that the European Banking Authority (EBA) will be tasked with maintaining a public register of non-compliant crypto-asset service providers. Crypto-asset service providers, whose parent company is located in countries listed on the EU list of third countries considered at high

risk for anti-money laundering activities, as well as on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, will be required to implement enhanced checks in line with the EU AML framework.

Tougher requirements may also be applied to shareholders and to the management of the CASPs), notably with regard to their localisation.

A strong framework applicable to so-called “stablecoins” to protect consumers Recent events on the so-called “stablecoins” markets showed once again the risks incurred by holders in the absence of regulation, as well as the impacts it has on other crypto-assets.

In fact, MiCA will protect consumers by requesting stablecoins issuers to build up a sufficiently liquid reserve, with a 1/1 ratio and partly in the form of deposits.

Belarus National Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

a new route to Heathrow Airport in London

Digital finance: agreement reached on European crypto-assets regulation (MiCA)

TL Bureau, Brussels

The EU brings crypto-assets, crypto-assets issuers and cryptoasset service providers under a regulatory framework for the first time.

The Council presidency and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the markets in crypto-assets (MiCA) proposal which covers issuers of unbacked crypto-assets, and so-called “stablecoins”, as well as the trading venues and the wallets where cryptoassets are held. This regulatory framework will protect investors and preserve financial stability, while allowing innovation and fostering the attractiveness of the crypto-asset sector. This will bring more clarity in the European Union, as some member states already have national legislation for cryptoassets, but so far there had been

5

australia

Investment boosts the careers of 47 Damien Frawley to chair Queensland artists and arts workers QTC Capital Markets Board

TL Bureau, Brisbane

The latest round of the Individuals Fund will support 47 Queensland artists and arts workers with funding of $322,642 to take up new projects and opportunities.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said these funds will help deliver enhanced career pathways and employment opportunities for the recipients.

“The Palaszczuk Government supports artists from across the state with grants of up to $7000 through this fund to undertake research, showcase their work, and boost their skills,” Minister Enoch said.

“North Burnett based performing artist Cilla Pershouse will receive funding to engage regional school children through the theatre mentoring program Big Theatre Workshops in Tiny Schools, Gympie artist Tammy Brennan will develop her digital podcasting professional practice, and Cairns-based artist India Collins will be supported to create a Jellyfish Journey, a large installation that speaks to climate change and human consumption.

Minister Enoch said funding would also assist Queensland artists to create, produce and record new music.

“After the challenges faced by the live music industry during COVID, it’s great to see Queensland’s musicians and songwriters embarking on an

exciting range of new projects,” the Minister said.

“In the Cairns region, Leanne Tennant is co-writing new songs for release later this year, Jessie Lloyd is packaging her new major work, Ailan Songs Project, which celebrates historical songs from the Torres Strait, Bianca Gannon is composing a classical music work, and First Nations artist William Duffin will record his new contemporary music project.

“Brisbane-based musicians Elizabeth Mitchell, Andrew Martin, Daniel Parsons, and Tenzin Choegyal have each received funding for a variety of contemporary music projects including Kitchener Wesche who is producing the first recorded album of Samoan Talking High Chief Taitu’uga KITCH Wesche.

“In North Queensland, Naomi O’Sullivan will produce an EP featuring local artists, and Isabelle Reynaud will produce her debut album. “Funding will go to two Logan-based musicians: Aldwyn Rostant, who will create original songs based around steel drum music, and country artist Briana Dinsdale, who will release her new singles.

“Two classical music projects feature Gold Coast artists with Jenna Robertson releasing her debut album and Corrina Bonshek undertaking research for a new opera,” Minister Enoch said. Aspiring curator Moale James said that support through the Individuals Fund will enable

her to work as a curator-inresidence and help develop QAGOMA’s Contemporary Pacific Women exhibition held in 2023. “As a Papuan and White-Australian woman, the opportunity to work in-residency at QAGOMA is a step towards developing the representation of diverse communities that our community needs in these cultural institutions,” Ms James said. “I am looking forward to working on this upcoming exhibition which is exploring stories of contemporary Pacific women.

“This funding will support my work in elevating voices of Pacific women, building relationships and creating more accessible spaces for wider audiences from diverse backgrounds,” he said.

The Individuals Fund delivers on the key priorities of the Queensland Government’s Creative Together roadmap for arts, culture and creativity by elevating First Nations art, activating local places, driving social change, strengthening Queensland communities, and sharing our stories.

Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is further boosting its commitment to Queensland’s arts and cultural sector with an additional $115.6 over four years in the 2022-23 budget, including $50 million to support Grow 2022-2026, the second action plan underpinning Creative Together.

TL Bureau, Brisbane

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick has announced the appointment of former QIC Chief Damien Frawley as the new Chair of Queensland Treasury Corporation’s (QTC) Capital Markets Board.

Mr Dick said Mr Frawley’s strong and inclusive leadership style makes him an exceptional addition to the QTC board.

“Damien is focused on high performance and delivery for clients, and his open and frank approach to negotiations will be well suited to this role,” he said.

“He brings with him more than 35 years’ experience in the financial services sector, both domestically and internationally, and of course his unique experiences conquering the sporting world as a former Queensland Reds and Wallabies champion.

“As CEO of Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), Damien looked

after more than $88.8 billion in assets under management for a range of government, domestic and global institutional investors.

“Damien will now oversee the financial and operational performance of QTC’s Capital Markets Board, which plays a vital role driving the strategic direction of the corporation, the central financing authority for the Queensland Government.”

Mr Dick also paid tribute to QTC’s outgoing Chair Gerard Bradley AO for his contribution, leadership and service to QTC during what’s been a challenging economic period.

“So many major investment decisions by the state government across the past 40 years have been either signed off or reviewed

by Gerard,” he said. “Gerard’s contribution to our state is significant and longstanding, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Mr Frawley has been appointed to the Capital Markets Board on a three-year term.

AFP launches activity book for school children TL Bureau, Sydney

The Australian Federal Police has released an activity book for school-aged children to boost engagement between the agency and the youngest members in our community. The AFP activity book explains in a child-friendly way how the AFP keeps Australia safe through a series of colouring pages and activities, including a word search, spot the difference and

maze. Manager Communications and Customs Marina Simoncini said the AFP activity book provides an opportunity for the AFP to increase children’s understanding of the organisation.

“We developed the AFP activity book so children understand what the AFP is and what we do. It's important children understand our role, particularly our work keeping children safe online,” Ms. Simoncini said.

exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.

The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/ report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety.

An award-winning podcast launched last year by the ACCCE 'Closing The Net' is working to change that, showcasing that knowledge is power and that our only chance to help prevent this issue is if we bring a 'wholeof-community' response.

The podcast series offers valuable tips and advice on how to keep kids safe online.

Listen to the Closing The Net podcast on your favourite streaming platform.

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available at www.accce.gov. au/support.

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www. thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

Victorian man, 21, sentenced for soliciting child abuse material on social media

TL Bureau, Melbourne

A Victorian man, 21, was sentenced today (01 July, 2022) to 14 months’ imprisonment by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three child abuse material offences.

The Fraser Rise man was arrested in July 2021, following a report to the AFP that he was using social media to solicit child abuse material and procure sexual activity from minors.

In April 2021, the Victorian Joint-Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET), which comprises officers from the AFP and Victoria Police, executed a search warrant at the man’s home. Investigators seized a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone that contained sexually explicit conversations over social media between the man and three minors.

In the conversations, the man

lied about his age and offered to pay for explicit images of the minors and sent them explicit images and videos of himself.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Jonelle Lancashire said that every time an offender is jailed for child abuse material offences it provides an important opportunity to reflect on the online protection of children.

“When offenders cyber-flash explicit images and videos to children on social media, it’s all done in the click of a button,” D/A/Supt Lancashire said.

“For the young person on the receiving end, they are left feeling violated by extremely graphic images or videos they didn’t ask for”.

“We encourage young people to consider privacy settings on all their social media profiles and to only communicate with people they know and trust.”

The man was arrested in July 2021 and was today

convicted of the following offences: Two counts of using a carriage service to procure a person he believed to be under 16 years of age for sexual activity, contrary to section 474.26(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth): and Solicit child abuse material using a carriage service contrary to sub-section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment but was released immediately on a two-year good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $500.

The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child

6

NZ and Other Oceania

Europol Agreement will assist New chairs appointed New Zealand law enforcement to the Teaching in tackling serious crime

TL Bureau, Wellington

The Europol Agreement signed is a significant milestone for New Zealand and the European Union’s relationship, and reflects our shared principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today. The Prime Minister attended a signature ceremony in Brussels, as part of her Europe visit programme, alongside President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. “This Agreement will promote and lead to greater collaboration between New Zealand

and EU law enforcement agencies,” Jacinda Ardern said.

“It is also a strong symbol of our shared strong commitment to privacy and seeing justice done for the victims of crime.

“The Agreement reinforces New Zealand’s strong data protection framework and means New Zealand will have access to more information to disrupt and respond to the victims of serious crimes and terrorism. “It contains robust processes for information transfer, with ongoing privacy and data protection in New Zealand and in the EU.”

Police Minister Chris Hipkins said the information that Europol could provide access to will assist New Zealand Police and their law enforcement partners.

“This information will help disrupt and respond to transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, child sexual exploitation, cybercrime, violent extremism, and terrorism.

“These are some of the most serious crimes affecting New Zealand victims and enhancing law enforcement’s ability to respond will improve outcomes for victims and increase overall public safety.”

New Zealand secures major free trade deal with European Union TL Bureau, Wellington New Zealand and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a major free trade agreement (FTA), which unlocks access to one of the world’s biggest and most lucrative markets, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “Our EU-NZ FTA is expected to increase the value of New Zealand’s exports to the EU by up to $1.8 billion per year from 2035. For comparison that’s more lucrative than the benefits derived from our recent UK FTA,” Jacinda

Ardern said. “It’s a strategically important and economically beneficial deal that comes at a crucial time in our export led COVID-19 recovery.

“It delivers tangible gains for exporters into a restrictive agricultural market. It cuts costs and red tape for exporters and opens up new high value market opportunities and increases our economic resilience through diversifying the markets that we can more freely export into.

“The complete removal of duties on the majority of products New Zealand exports to the EU is a major achievement in a deal that covers market access into 27 European

countries. “This is the fifth Free Trade Agreement the Government has concluded in the past five years and sits alongside upgrades to our existing agreements with Singapore and China. The increase in market access we’ve negotiated means 73.5% of our global exports are now covered by an FTA, up from only around 50 percent when we took office. “New Zealand exporters offer some of the best products in the world and the Government will keep working alongside industry and business to unlock access and opportunities like those delivered into Europe,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Council and Te Kura

TL Bureau, Wellington

Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced appointments to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Board of Trustees of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura).

“Robyn Baker ONZM has been appointed as the chair of the Teaching Council. She has considerable governance experience and is a former teacher, curriculum developer, teacher educator and education researcher,” Chris Hipkins said.

“She has worked in secondary schools, in teaching and management roles at the Wellington College of Education, as executive director of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and as an education consultant and advisor across a wide range of education issues. Since 2016 she has been the chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. “She is a great fit for the role and I look forward to working alongside her,” Chris Hipkins said.

The current chair, Nicola Ngarewa, will move into the role of chair of Te Kura in September when Barbara Ala’alatoa steps down at the end of her term.

“Nicola Ngarewa is a teacher and school principal at Spotswood College in Taranaki. She was previously principal at Tamatea High School and Patea Area School,” Chris

Hipkins said.

“Her skills and experience make her the ideal person to lead the board of New Zealand’s largest school. Te Kura offers education and courses from early childhood to NCEA Level 3, mostly delivered through online and distance learning.”

In other changes, Ripeka Lessels has been reappointed and made deputy chair of the Teaching Council and Dagmar Dyck has been reappointed as a member.

New appointees to the Teaching Council are Hongyu (Carol) Cheng, a chartered accountant who was the former executive director at PwC New Zealand and partner at Grant Thornton China; Karen Coutts who is a director on the Board of Otago Polytechnic and Iwi Co-Chair of the Otago Regional Skills Leadership Group; and John Tait, principal of Kaikōura High School and a former Te Reo Māori teacher who has worked alongside Iwi guiding schools to connect with mana whenua.

“The incumbent members offer strong institutional knowledge and the new members will add diverse perspectives, further knowledge of teaching and education, of working with ākonga and iwi, and good governance skills,” Chris Hipkins said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of departing members, and thank them for their time and dedication to the education profession.”

New era for better health in Aotearoa New Zealand

TL Bureau, Wellington

The Government has today delivered a nationwide health system that will ensure better outcomes for all New Zealanders with the establishment of Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, and Te Aka Whai Ora - the Māori Health Authority.

“Our health system had become complex and fragmented. 20 different district health boards meant the healthcare you got depended on where you lived. It was a postcode lottery and a true nationwide health service will change that,” Health Minister Andrew Little said.

“Ultimately this is about improving access to healthcare on the basis of need for all New Zealanders, no matter who they are, their ethnicity or gender, or whether they’re urban or rural.

“The launch of the new health system is the start of Pae Ora (healthy futures) and means

New nationwide public health system 20 district health boards disestablished and deficits wiped 82,000 health employees directly employed by Health New Zealand $24 billion health budget this year – up 43% since Labour took office in 2017 – in addition to separate funding for the new Ministry for Disabled People

we will have fewer people getting so sick they need to go to hospital. We will be able to better support our health workforce and take advantage of new technologies.

“Today is just the start. The next step is to develop the healthcare plan that will guide and determine service delivery across the country and the health charter for our health workforce. “We’re leading the change needed so kiwis have a health system we can be proud of today, and for generations to come,” Andrew Little said. “Today is another step in a remarkable journey towards a better future for Māori Health. I am proud of the work we have done as a government to establishment the Māori Health Authority,

but today would not have been possible without the many Māori leaders who have navigated this waka for decades,” Associate Health Minister (Māori) Peeni Henare said. “It is now time for the Māori Health Authority to guide our waka, and to carve a new future direction for all Māori. Māori will work in partnership with Health NZ to deliver a future where we are healthier, live longer and have access to services that meet our needs,” Peeni Henare said.Under the new health system the permanent entities and their boards replace the fragmented 20-DHB system, the new public health agency is formally established within the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry’s stewardship

role is strengthened.

Since the health system overhaul announcement April 2021 milestones include: Budget 2022 creating new multi-year budgets and record ongoing annual funding boosts, the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Actbeing passed Launching locality pilots, early commissioning work by the interim Māori Health Authority, the announcement of multidisciplinary taskforces to address urgent national issues, including planned care.

The names of the organisations Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora - the Māori Health Authority - reflect the Māori Crown partnership

and intent to deliver for all New Zealanders, including Māori, with the focus on a health system grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“Following this morning’s ceremony in Waitangi we can now formally use these names.

I have every confidence the entities will work to uphold the mana carried not only in these names but in their purpose to deliver pae ora across Aotearoa,” Peeni Henare said.

Te Aka Whai Ora - the Māori Health Authority is an equal partner at the heart of the new health system. It is able to co-commission and plan services across the system with Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand as well as commission its own kaupapa Māori services. Iwi Māori Partnership Boards will ensure whānau have a real voice in developing of services can be tailored to better reflect those who need and use them.

7

BUSINESS

Bombardier Inaugurates Quadruple-sized Singapore Service Centre, the Largest OEM business aviation facility in Asia Pacific TL Bureau, Singapore City

June 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier today announced the grand opening of its newly transformed Singapore Service Centre, the largest OEM business aviation maintenance facility in Asia Pacific. A key jewel of the next major investments in Bombardier’s growing worldwide customer service footprint, the newly expanded facility features substantially enhanced service capabilities for its growing fleet of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft operators. The facility will also accommodate Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000business jet when it enters into service in 2025.

Located at the growing Seletar Aerospace Park, the Singapore Service Centre, which opened in 2014, has more than quadrupled its current footprint from 70,000 sq. ft.

(6,500 m2) to approximately 290,000 sq. ft. (27,000 m2).

The massive expansion introduces exceptional new customer facilities for business jet operators, including a fullservice, environmentallycontrolled paint facility, advanced interior finishing capabilities, with key support functions, such as engineering, sales and customer support and an expanded portfolio of component, repair and overhaul (CR&O) services.

Massive expansion includes a complete suite of maintenance and modification capabilities with enhanced full-service interior finishing capacity, including a brand-new environmentally-controlled paint facility and 24/7 parts depot Additional features include essential amenities such as exceptional customer office and lounge facilities and ground handling services With sustainability at its core, the new LEED Silver certified facility includes new solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) availability This also includes the option for Global aircraft customers to lease BR710 engines from Rolls Royce stored on site, significantly reducing downtime and costs.

The expansion also adds soughtafter new heavy structural and composite repair capabilities as well as an integrated parts depot that will serve the site and the region, adding more than US$15 million in additional parts inventory. The expanded Singapore Service Centre is expected to support more than 2,000 business jet visits annually. “With this major expansion, the Singapore Service Centre will provide infinite benefits, including quicker aircraft turnarounds, greater convenience and peace of mind to Bombardier’s growing customer base in Asia,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier.

“Customers can also enjoy access to the complete range of OEM customer service

and support at their doorstep.

This is truly a special day for Bombardier and our growing aftermarket network.”

Bombardier’s steadfast commitment to an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is an essential part of the newly transformed Singapore Service Centre. Bombardier has installed solar panels on the facility’s roofs as well as its carpark structures to reduce energy consumption, which translates to 15% of the site’s annual electricity demand.

Other important green initiatives include the use of building management systems, insulation, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and automated water reticulation for improved water conservation and enhanced energy efficiency.

The building design also achieved Singapore’s Green Mark Gold and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Silver LEED Green Building certifications. And while the

After a tough year, CommSec tips sharemarket to recover in 2022/23

TL Bureau, Parramatta

CommSec is tipping the Australian sharemarket to rebound in 2022/23 after a year of national and global challenges. In financial year 2022, Aussie investors contended with heightened sharemarket volatility due to the Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, high inflation, rising interest rates and fears over a possible global recession.

In the financial year to 30 June, both the Australian All Ordinaries index and S&P/ ASX 200 fell by around 10 per cent after rising by around 25 per cent in the 2020/2021 financial year. Total returns on Australian shares (share

The Australian sharemarket is predicted to rebound by 7-9 per cent over the 2022/23 financial year after falling by around 10 per cent in 2021/22. prices and dividends) fell by 7.4 per cent after rising 30.2 per cent in the prior year.

Speaking at the release of CommSec’s ‘Year in Review.

Year in Preview’ report, CommSec Chief Equities Economist Craig James said soaring inflation and aggressive policies from global central banks to wind back the stimulus seen through the COVID period, contributed to the weakness in the Australian sharemarket over the past year.

“Although the Australian

sharemarket fell over the past year, this followed bumper gains in the year prior with the benchmark ASX 200 index up 24 per cent. Supported by a strong domestic economy, and an easing in inflationary pressures, the Australian sharemarket is tipped to claw back losses over the next 1218 months. But with rapid changes taking place as the economy adapts, investors need to remain alert, pivoting their portfolios as needed,” Mr James said.

reduction in energy, water and material resource usage reduces environmental impact, it also enhances indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being of customers and employees while delivering highly efficient, responsible operations. Bombardier has also received its first batch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its partner, Shell Aviation, offering business aviation operators an environmentally-friendly fuel option at Seletar Airport – building on Bombardier’s commitment reduce the environmental footprint of business aviation worldwide.

This impressive expansion also highlights the addition of Jetex’s world-class FBO and ground handling system at the facility.

This outstanding FBO provides operators and passengers with seamless service from arrival to departure as part of Bombardier’s commitment to offering an exceptional customer experience. The development of the Singapore

Service Centre is a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services in Asia Pacific, a pivotal part of its growing global network. Other important expansions include new service facilities at MiamiOpa Locka Executive Airport and in Melbourne, Australia; expanded service capabilities at the London Service Centre at Biggin Hill airport; the continued development of a service facility in Berlin, Germany; and new products and services for customers, including important innovations in Bombardier’s customer service digital transformation.

The Singapore Service Centre currently employs more than 200 staff, including more than 160 licensed engineers and technicians and is in process of adding more than 50 additional staff. Bombardier also recently introduced a new apprenticeship program in Singapore to ensure a strong grassroots aerospace pipeline is firmly in place, training the engineering professionals of tomorrow.

The expansion of the Singapore Service Centre illustrates Bombardier’s comprehensive global customer service commitment to provide the best customer service experience in business aviation today.

Epiq commences transcription services for the Queensland Courts

TL Bureau, Brisbane

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Epiq, a global technology-enabled services leader to the legal industry and corporations, is pleased to announce that it has won a contract with the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) to provide recording and transcription services to the Queensland Courts. Work under the contract commences on July 11, 2022.

Epiq has operated in Australia for over 60 years and has ISO 90012015 (Quality Management Systems) accreditation for its court reporting operations.

We hold numerous contracts with Commonwealth and State agencies and provide recording, transcription, realtime court reporting, eHearings and consultancy services for law

firms and corporates. In June 2022, Epiq was the winner of the Australasian Lawyer’s inaugural Service Provider 2022 award in the category of Litigation and Support and Consulting – Court Reporting. Epiq formally opened its office at 141 Queen Street, Brisbane in 2022 in readiness for taking on the work associated with this contract. “We are delighted to have been given the responsibility of delivering the requirements of this contract to the Department of the Attorney General and court users in QLD”, said Hayley Paterson, National Director of Court Reporting for Epiq.

“Having now opened our new office to service this contract, we are looking forward to providing clients in Brisbane and beyond with high quality court reporting, eHearings, and other services”.

8

Feature

World Bank Board Approves New Fund for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR)

World Bank to work together with WHO to set up Secretariat at the World Bank, with WHO as lead technical partner TL Bureau, Geneva The devastating human, economic, and social cost of COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to build stronger health systems and mobilize additional resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR).

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the establishment of a financial intermediary fund (FIF) that will finance critical investments to strengthen pandemic PPR capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middleincome countries. The fund will bring additional, dedicated resources for PPR, incentivize countries to increase investments, enhance coordination among partners, and serve as a platform for advocacy. The FIF will complement the financing and technical support provided by the World Bank, leverage the strong technical expertise of WHO, and engage other key organizations.

Developed with leadership from the United States, and from Italy and Indonesia as part of their G20 Presidencies, and with broad support from the G20 and beyond, over US$1 billion in financial commitments have

already been announced for the FIF, including contributions from the United States, the European Union, Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

“I’m pleased by the broad support from our shareholders for a new Financial Intermediary Fund at the World Bank,” World Bank Group President David Malpass said. “The World Bank is the largest provider of financing for PPR with active operations in over 100 developing countries to strengthen their health systems. The FIF will provide additional, long-term funding to complement the work of existing institutions in supporting low- and middle-income countries and regions to prepare for the next pandemic.”

“Access to financing for pandemic prevention and preparedness is crucial.

COVID-19 has exposed major gaps in preparedness capacities, which the Financial Intermediary Fund can address in a coherent manner, as part of the global architecture for health emergency preparedness and response,” said WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“WHO will play a central role in the FIF, providing technical leadership for its work in close collaboration

with the World Bank to realize this ambitious vision.”

The goal of the FIF is to provide financing to address critical gaps in pandemic PPR to strengthen country capacity in areas such as disease surveillance, laboratory systems, health workforce, emergency communication and management, and community engagement. It can also help address gaps in strengthening regional and global capacity, for example, by supporting data sharing, regulatory harmonization, and capacity for coordinated development, procurement, distribution and deployment of countermeasures and essential medical supplies. In the coming weeks, the Bank and WHO will work closely with donors and other partners to develop the detailed scope and design of the FIF. The ongoing discussions will be informed by the extensive inputs provided through stakeholder engagement (LINK). The goal is to launch the FIF in fall 2022.

Drawing on its financial and legal platform, program management and operational expertise, and experience in managing FIFs, the World Bank will serve as the FIF’s Trustee and host the Secretariat, which will be staffed by the Bank and WHO. Drawing

on its technical expertise, the WHO will also lead on supporting and coordinating the work of the FIF’s technical advisory panel. Implementing entities for FIF-financed projects in addition to the World Bank Group are expected to include WHO, other multilateral development banks and United Nations agencies, as well as other organizations. The FIF will build on the existing global health architecture for PPR, within the context of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and associated monitoring mechanisms, with a central technical role for WHO. Key principles of the FIF will be to complement the work of existing institutions that provide international financing for PPR, drawing on their comparative advantages and catalyzing funding from private, philanthropic, and bilateral sources. Further, the FIF is expected to incentivize countries to invest more in PPR, serve as an integrator of PPR efforts, and have the flexibility to work through a variety of existing institutions and adjust over time as needs and the institutional landscape evolve. The FIF’s structure will combine inclusivity and agility and operate with high standards of transparency and accountability.

Roger Shepard, pioneer in research on mental imagery, dies at 93 Awarded the National Medal of Science, Roger Shepard, professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford, introduced techniques for quantifying mental processes.

By John Sanford California Roger N. Shepard, the Ray Lyman Wilbur Professor, Emeritus, in Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences, known for his groundbreaking research on mental imagery, died May 30 at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

He was 93.

Roger Shepard, 1929-2022 (Image credit: L.A. Cicero) Awarded the National Medal of Science in 1995, Shepard conducted pioneering research on how the mind creates internal representations of objects in the world. He introduced techniques for quantifying mental processes when cognitive science was still dominated by research based on behavioral observations. His research contributions extended to the fields of computer science, artificial intelligence, linguistics, robotics, and physics.

“I think of him as a gentle genius,” said Ewart Thomas, former dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences (1988-93) and professor emeritus of psychology, who was a friend and colleague of Shepard’s. “His scientific ideas revolutionized psychology.”

One of his most famous research projects was inspired by a vision that came to him as he

awoke one fall morning in 1968, the year he joined the faculty at Stanford as a professor in the Department of Psychology. In his mind’s eye, he saw an image of three-dimensional shapes rotating in space. He proceeded to launch a series of studies that transformed how scientists understand mental imagery.

In the first study, Shepard and graduate student Jacqueline Metzler, who earned a doctorate at Stanford in 1973, showed pairs of drawings depicting 3D objects composed of cubes to participants. Some of the paired drawings were identical, some were different – but most were presented at different angles of orientation. The researchers discovered that the time it took for the participants to determine whether the shapes were the same or different was directly related to the degree of difference in their orientations.

The finding suggested that the participants were rotating the objects in their minds, and that they were doing so at an average rate of about 60 degrees per second.

One of Shepard’s former undergraduate students, the neuroscientist and best-selling author Daniel Levitin (’92), considers the studies on mental rotation his mentor’s most significant work. “They demonstrated that our inner, mental processes of imagining things are

constrained by the laws of physics,” Levitin said. “Uniting the subjective experience of imagination with physics is a very big deal.”

Lifelong ties to Stanford Shepard was born Jan. 30, 1929, in Palo Alto, California. His father, Orson Shepard (who went by his middle name, Cutler), was a professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford. His mother, Grace Shepard, was a Stanford alumna and artist.

By his own admission, Roger Shepard was an indifferent student as a boy; he was distracted by other interests. “I would spend many solitary hours happily tinkering with old clockworks, telephones, and parts of other appliances that I found in a vacant-lot junk pile or in the attic of my San Jose grandparents’ barn and, also, drawing and designing things geometrical and mechanical,” he wrote in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, in 2004.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Stanford in 1951 and a doctorate in psychology at Yale in 1955. At Yale, he met his future wife, Barbaranne Bradley, who was studying for a master’s degree in early childhood education. They married in 1952.

In 1958, Shepard joined Bell Laboratories, where he developed a mathematical method for mapping subjective data, such as how

people perceive shapes, so that the distance between the data points would represent how similar they were to each other. He honed the technique, which could make complex datasets easy to visualize, with Joseph Kruskal, a colleague at Bell Labs. The technique is known as nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and today it is widely used as an analytical tool in disciplines as diverse as biology and marketing.

Shepard’s work on the scaling method was itself an outgrowth of the problem of generalization he had tackled as a graduate student at Yale. Generalization is the process through which animals, including humans, extrapolate from previous situations to make sense of new situations, and it is central to the theory of how we learn.

Laying down the law of generalization At Stanford, Shepard returned to studying generalization, which he called “the most fundamental problem confronting learning theory.”

“Because we never encounter exactly the same total situation twice, no theory of learning can be complete without a law governing how what is learned in one situation generalizes to another,” he wrote in the Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.

9

life and real estate

April Baker of The Gillian Baker Latest Migrant Tragedy in Texas Highlights Team at Berkshire Hathaway Crisis Along Deadliest Migration Land Route HomeServices Chicago Sells Record Single Family Home in Forest Park, Illinois TL Bureau. Berlin/San Jose

TL Bureau, Oak Park, IL

John Lawrence, managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago’s Oak Park, River Forest and Elmhurst offices, is pleased to announce that broker April Baker of The Gillian Baker Team represented the buyers in the purchase of the single family residence at 439 Thomas in Forest Park for $830,000 which is a historical record for the community. The sale of the 3,600 sq ft, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence closed on June 22, 2022.

Lawrence said, “I congratulate April on this very special sale. She was one of the original developers of the residence in 2018-2019 and the home won a Forest Park Pride Award at that time. When it sold in 2019, it was the highest priced single family home sale ever in Forest Park and that holds true today.”

Baker said, “I am very proud of 439 Thomas. The way everything came together - my intimate knowledge of the home, it meeting my out of state client’s description of what they were looking for to a T, the seller not having the home on the market but deciding to move out of state earlier in the same day I reached out to him, the lifelong best friend of one of my buyers living just down the street – it was all just meant to be. And I am so excited to have found the

home’s newest caretakers.”

Presented by the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, Forest Park Pride Awards are awards to homeowners and developers whose care for their properties brings up the value of every property in town.

To reach April Baker, please call her at 224-715-0428 or send her an email at april@thegbteam.com.

Visit her website at thegbteam. com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago The Oak Park office is located at 101 N. Oak Park Avenue.

To reach the office, please call 708.848.5550. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is a fullservice real estate firm with more than 1,400 real estate professionals and staff in 24 offices serving customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, the North Shore, West and Southwest communities, Southern Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and Harbor Country, Michigan. Recognized as a Top Workplace in Chicago, their local roots are complemented by the extensive global reach of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the nation’s leading real estate brands. Clients can experience allinclusive homeownership services from their affiliated companies: Prosperity Home Mortgage, Fort Dearborn Title, and HomeServices Insurance. Visit BHHSChicago. com.

More than 1,238 lives have been lost during migration in the Americas in 2021, among them at least 51 children, according to new data published by the International Organization for Migration´s (IOM) Missing Migrants Project (MMP).

At least 728 of these deaths occurred on the United States-Mexico border crossing, making this the deadliest land crossing in the world, according to the data.

The dangers facing people on the move throughout the region revealed by the data were highlighted on 27 June with the discovery of 53 bodies in an abandoned tractor trailer in San Antonio, Texas, and the hospitalization of 16 survivors.

This tragedy increases the total number of deaths so far in 2022 to 493, and it serves as a reminder of the underreported migrant deaths that take place at the United StatesMexico border and throughout the Americas, and of the families left behind.

“The number of deaths on the United States-Mexico border last year is significantly higher than in any year prior, even before COVID-19,” said Edwin Viales, author of the new IOM report on migrants in the Americas in 2021. “Yet, this number remains an undercount due to the diverse challenges for data collection.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, an increasing number of people from Latin America and the Caribbean are undertaking dangerous irregular journeys. Mobility restrictions enacted in response to the pandemic – and not yet lifted – may also have led to a “funnel effect,” driving migrants with limited options to

Seabolt Real Estate’s Victory Team Makes Sixth Annual Donation to Help Local Individuals Experiencing Homelessness TL Bureau, Savannah, GA Seabolt Real Estate, the exclusive coastal Georgia affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, is delighted to announce that the Victory Team, comprised of top-producing Sales Associates Michael Brannin and Craig Simpson, recently donated 24 new backpacks to help local individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Savannah, Ga. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Brannin and Simpson have donated items to local organizations dedicated to serving Savannah’s homeless population. A departure from their usual fall donation of winter-ready essentials, Brannin and Simpson responded to a call for donations for much-needed items, such as backpacks. Together, Brannin and Simpson donated new backpacks to the Street Outreach program at Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless and Give Change That Counts, a campaign supported

by Chatham County and the City of Savannah to reduce panhandling and establish day centers. 1656704634

Lajas Blancas, Panama. According to the Missing Migrants Project, 51 people died on migration journeys through the Darien Gap in 2021. Photo: Gema Cortes/IOM increasingly dangerous routes.

Many deaths recorded on these routes are from countries with high numbers of asylum seekers.

At least 136 Venezuelans have died in transit in the last 18 months, in addition to 108 Cubans and 90 Haitians. However, the largest demographic in the available data on migrant deaths in the Americas is unidentified people. The countries of origin of over 500 people whose deaths were recorded since 2021 are listed as ‘unknown’.

“Our data shows the growing crisis of deaths during migration in the region, and the need to strengthen the forensic capacity of the authorities to identify deaths on these routes.

We cannot forget that every single number is a human being with a family who may never know what happened to them,” said Viales.

Despite commitments to save migrant lives and prevent further deaths and disappearances in the

Global Compact for Migration, and despite relevant obligations under international law, the situation on the ground remains extremely dangerous for people on the move in the Americas.

In the Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held in May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed the collective responsibility to preserve the lives of all migrants and take action to prevent loss of migrant lives and, in this context, remained deeply concerned that thousands of migrants continue to die or go missing each year along perilous routes on land and at sea, in transit, and destination countries. In April 2022, the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) in an extraordinary declaration also underscored the importance of saving lives by establishing coordinated international efforts on missing migrants.

NATO strengthens its defence structure

TL Bureau, Madrid

“As real estate professionals, we have the privilege of helping clients find their dream homes, but we also realize that some members of our community

don’t have a place to call home,” said Simpson, a 2021 Top Producer and recipient of the 2019 Mitzi Award for Caring and Sharing.

At the NATO Summit in Madrid, Leaders agreed new measures to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence, in light of the most serious security crisis we are facing in decades.

As part of the biggest overhaul of NATO’s collective defence and deterrence since the Cold War, NATO will boost its highreadiness forces to more than 300,000 troops. NATO battlegroups in the eastern part of the Alliance will be strengthened, enhancing them up to brigade level. Under the new plans, the Alliance will also set up more pre-positioned equipment and weapons stockpiles,

as well as more forward-deployed capabilities, including air defence, and strengthened command and control. Finally, NATO will have pre-assigned forces to defend specific Allies, allowing for a much faster reinforcement in case of crisis.

10

DIAMONDS LOCK IN INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

The Origin Australian Diamonds will host rivals New Zealand and England this October.

The Constellation Cup and England Series will mark 1088 days since the Diamonds last played on home soil – before Stacey Marinkovich was appointed head coach – with the last international fixture the 2019 Constellation Cup. One of netball’s greatest rivalries, Australia and New Zealand will compete for the 12th Constellation Cup. The Diamonds will travel to New Zealand for the opening two matches of the Constellation Cup, before hosting the Silver Ferns in Australia on Wednesday 19 October and Sunday 23 October.

The Diamonds will then take on England Netball’s Vitality Roses in a three-match series on Wednesday 26 October, Sunday 30 October and Thursday 3 November.

Netball Australia will confirm

the venues as soon as possible, with a commitment to staging matches across different states and cities.

“After almost three years, we are incredibly excited to play in front of a home crowd when we host two of our biggest rivals in New Zealand and England this October,” said Origin Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich.

“There is nothing more special for our playing group than playing in front of our Diamonds fans and having a home crowd advantage.”

Executive General Manager of Origin Retail, Jon Briskin, welcomed the announcement.

“After a challenging couple of years, we’re excited that the Origin Diamonds will get to play in front of their local fans later this year as part of the Constellation Cup and England Roses series,” Briskin said.

“We look forward to the thrill of watching netball at the highest level and joining netball supporters across the country

in showing our support for our national team and the sport.”

Tickets to the Constellation Cup and Australia v England Series will go on sale in mid-August.

The international fixtures will be broadcast live and exclusively in Australia on Fox Sports, available through Foxtel and Kayo Freebies. International viewers won’t miss out on any of the action, with details to be confirmed shortly on how to watch the Origin Australian Diamonds matches.

Constellation Cup Wednesday 12 October – New Zealand Sunday 16 October – New Zealand Wednesday 19 October – Australia Sunday 23 October – Australia

Melbourne Vixens members then General Public on Monday.

“For this year’s Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final to be played in front of a sold out arena is fantastic,” Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said.

“To see thousands of fans at RAC Arena will hold even more meaning for our sport after having restricted Grand Final capacity for the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This news highlights the appetite for our sport across the country and we thank the Western Australian Government for their support in bringing the Grand Final to Perth.”

Suncorp Super Netball fans will be available to watch the 2022 Grand Final action live on Fox Sports, available through Foxtel and free on Kayo Freebies.

Kayo Freebies is free with no credit card details required when creating an account.

England Series Wednesday 26 October – Australia Sunday 30 October – Australia Thursday 3 November – Australia

2022 SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL GRAND FINAL SOLD OUT

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

The West Coast Fever and Melbourne Vixens will play the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final in front of a sell-out crowd in Perth this Sunday 3 July.

The 2022 premiers will be decided from 5:00pm AWST / 7:00pm AEST at Perth’s RAC Arena, with over 13,000 tickets sold.

Final release tickets sold out on Friday after just over 2000 tickets went on sale to

Sports

WBSC Virtual Cup: Dynamic logo and tournament format unveiled

TL Bureau, Pully The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), together with its partner Newdin Contents, presented the official logo and tournament format of its latest sport’s property, the WBSC Virtual Cup. Themed on baseball and softball with digital elements representing the speed of ball mixed with technology, the WBSC Virtual Cup logo will be a calling sign for baseball and softball fans around the world to participate in, as well as obtain the latest information about the ground breaking event.

“The WBSC Virtual World Cup event and logo is a genuine representation of our organisation today – dynamic, innovative and forward thinking – and can further inspire the baseball and softball community to come together on a new platform in a different format," WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said: "We enter the virtual world with a project that is fully in line with the WBSC strategic goal about growing our sport and making it relevant in people’s lives and communities. I want to thank Newdin Content’s leadership for sharing our common vision and look forward to this event being the start of a longstanding, mutually beneficial partnership.”

"We are happy to hold the Virtual Cup with WBSC based on Strikezon's technology," Hong Jin-pyo, the CEO of Newdin Contents, said. "We hope that people around the world will fully experience the exciting joy of screen baseball through this tournament."

The WBSC Virtual Cup, which marks the WBSC’s first own eSport competition, will be open for participation to everybody.

It will see baseball and softball fans pair-up and using Newdin’s ‘Strikezon’ state-of-the art technology at venues around the world as their virtual fieldof-play. The WBSC Virtual Cup will start in September and will take place across four countries with the final stage for November in in Korea.

The event will be composed of three stages: Opening Round, Super Round and World Finals.

The Opening Round will be open for participation to all baseball and softball fans regardless of their level and experience and will be held across a number of different divisions, which are based on location. The top teams of each division will then compete in the Super Round to determine the division champions, who will advance to the World Finals – along with Wild Card picks – to compete for the first Virtual Cup title and prize money.

The WBSC plans to announce the full tournament schedule and regulations in July.

The WBSC and Newdin Contents agreed to a multiyear partnership to develop the WBSC Virtual Cup in order to further expand and connect the baseball and softball community around the world.

Newdin Contents, based in Seoul, Korea, engages in the sale of indoor screen sports simulators. The company is the owner of Strikezon, a screen baseball product which is successfully installed in over 130 locations in Korea and internationally.

Rosters confirmed ahead of tip-off at FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022 MALAGA (Spain) - The rosters of the 16 participating teams are confirmed ahead of the start of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022.

Click on the countries below to see the rosters: Group A: Canada, France, New Zealand, Serbia Group B: Dominican Republic, Japan, Lithuania, Spain Group C: Lebanon, Mali, Slovenia, United States Group D: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, Poland The 16 teams are broken down into four groups of four nations with each country playing the others in round-robin format. The

Group Phase will begin on July 2 and conclude on July 5. All four teams in each group advance to the Round of 16, which will take place on July 6.

The teams from Groups A and B will cross over and face each other in the first round of the Knockout Phase (1stA-4thB, 2ndA-3rdB, 3rdA-2ndB, 4thA1stB) and the same taking place for Group C and D (1stC-4thD, 2ndC-3rdD, 3rdC-2ndD, 4thC1stD). The Quarter-Finals will be played on July 8 with the Semi-Finals following on July 9 and the Final, 3rd Place Game and other placement games on July 10.

11

Duck Creek Technologies recognized as the winner of 2022 Microsoft Financial Services Partner of the Year

TL Bureau, Boston Duck Creek Technologies today announced it has won Financial Services 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

“It is an honor for Duck Creek to be recognized by Microsoft for our customer-centered innovation” said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. Our partnership with Microsoft continues to strengthen, and the more tightly aligned we are, the greater joint value we can deliver within the insurance ecosystem. Microsoft Azure gives our customers and partners the flexibility, scalability and easeof-use required to operate the necessary backbone of the global insurance industry.”

“Together, our technology is modernizing the insurance industry and delivering a new standard of agile, intelligent and evergreen solutions,” said Nag

Vaidyanathan, Chief Technology Officer, Duck Creek Technologies.

“As a low-code, SaaS core systems provider to the property and casualty insurance industry, Duck Creek is committed to helping our customers across the globe operate more efficiently and serve businesses and consumers with speed and ease. We are also dedicated to partnering across the insurtech ecosystem to create disruptive solutions that easily integrate into our platform.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoftbased applications, services and devices during the past year.

Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 3,900 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Duck Creek was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Financial Services.

Today’s insurance marketplace requires carriers to be faster, nimbler, and more creative than ever before. Duck Creek’s lowcode core systems are designed

to implement change quickly and easily, grow and evolve as carriers’ needs change, and work elegantly with ecosystem integrations.

Founded by insurance experts and built for the cloud, Duck Creek Technologies enables P&C businesses to reimagine, innovate and continuously deliver gamechanging results.

“I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards,” said Nick Parker, corporate vice president of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft.

“These partners were outstanding among the exceptional pool of nominees and I’m continuously impressed by their innovative use of Microsoft Cloud technologies and the impact for their customers.”

Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company’s global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 19-20 this year. 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards Press Release Guidelines 5 Additional details on the 2022 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner Network blog:

tech/auto

Workplace Options acquires Essi Systems’ stress, resiliency and emotional intelligence assessments and behavior change tools to enhance its digital wellbeing solutions offerings

TL Bureau, Raleigh N.C

Workplace Options, a leading provider of integrated global wellbeing solutions, announced that it acquired Essi Systems’ stress, resiliency and emotional intelligence assessments and behavior change tools. Essi Systems is an international management consulting company that has been delivering scalable human capital solutions to improve employee health and optimize performance to more than 4,000 organizations in thirty countries worldwide for over 35 years.

“This acquisition will strengthen Workplace Options’ suite of digital services, adding new tools to our suite of emotional, practical, and physical solutions,” says Alan King, President, and CEO at Workplace Options. “Our clients will benefit from the assessments and behavioral change tools that Essi Systems developed to further improve the health and resiliency of its members.”

Workplace Options will continue to expand and build upon the platform that Essi Systems has developed.

This method of assessment has been scientifically validated for

more than 30 years and is delivered through training, coaching, and consulting programs. Assessment tools include maps that provide extensive data on stress, resiliency, and emotional intelligence in a workplace population. Behavioral change tool, 21 Day Club®, delivered through SaaS platform is a robust assessment and skill building program aimed at helping individuals improve performance and resiliency for personal and professional development.

“Our clients and consultants can expect the same level of quality and service that they have come to know from our company,” said Karla Carmony, CEO and President of Essi Systems.

“Workplace Options has been on the forefront of developing innovative wellbeing solutions for 40 years and we are pleased to have them take what we’ve created to the next level.”

The acquisition of Essi Systems’ products and services is one of several key digital investments for Workplace Options as the company continues to grow and expands offerings to meet the changing needs of clients and members.

finish.

The idea of an oval shape for the emblem with white lettering on a red background came from Ettore Bugatti himself. Towards the end of 1909, the company founder applied an oval badge made from enameled metal to the radiator grille of the

Bugatti Type 13. The idea was for it to be instantly recognizable as a Bugatti. The emblem consists of the name lettering with the initials “EB” above it (standing for Ettore Bugatti) and 60 red dots all around the edge. Legend has it that the 60 dots symbolize pearls, which stood for wealth and independence at the beginning of the 20th century.

In truth, they were wires which served as cotter pins that firmly attached the mechanical parts to one another. For Ettore Bugatti, the reliability and durability of his automobiles were of great importance throughout his life.

The Macaron has been modified only slightly over the years.

With the Chiron L’Ébé, Bugatti has finished other exterior elements with gold in addition to the Macaron: the front horseshoe’s decorative trim, the “EB” emblem on the gas and oil cap, and the “EB” emblem on the rear likewise have a gold finish.

The greatest challenge here was the sheer size of the horseshoe. With the horseshoe measuring more than 44 cm in length and 40 cm wide, this is where the gold surface is most obvious. It takes the utmost expertise and experience in this finishing process to apply the gold flawlessly and completely evenly.

Bugatti Chiron L’Ébé – 24-Karat Decor Parts Adorn the Chiron for the First Time

Gold is one of the most precious materials in the world. It’s therefore the perfect fit for Bugatti. The 24-karat metal is rarely used in the crafting of automobiles, however, because the finest 99.9 percent gold is soft, extremely valuable, and tricky to work with.

Bugatti Chiron L’Ébé – 24-Karat Decor Parts Adorn the Chiron for the First Time Bugatti rose to this challenge and has applied a 24-karat gold finish, for the first time, to elements of the Chiron L’Ébé. It is also the first time that the famous Bugatti emblem has ever sparkled in high-quality gold on the horseshoe grille. Just three handmade hyper sports cars will bear a Macaron in this unique design inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920s.

Bugatti and the Bavarian minting and embossing company Poellath GmbH & Co. KG together spent five years developing the new gold Macaron that now adorns the grille of the Chiron L’Ébé. Only with extensive research and laboratory testing, numerous experiments, and passionate attention to detail did the two teams succeed in achieving the perfect result in this incomparable handcraftsmanship.

It is based on the solid 970 sterling

silver Macaron that is usually found on Chiron¹ models, and which is nickel-plated during a lengthy process. The material nickel serves as the foundation and corrosion protection for the gold finish which is subsequently applied. The experts apply a thin layer of gold measuring between three and four micrometers to the Macaron and then polish the part to give it a mirror finish. The process, which is performed predominantly manually, takes over ten hours.

“Our customers want the extraordinary. We are therefore always considering what fits well with the brand’s quality ethos and how we can implement it. With the gold Macaron on the horseshoe grille and the vehicle’s other

gold elements, we can offer our customers something they can only get in this form from Bugatti,” says Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing, at Bugatti Automobiles. And to allow the gold elements to truly shine, Bugatti does without a clearcoat

12 The Federal Republic of Somalia’s National Day TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people and Government of Somalia on your 62nd National Day. The United States supports your efforts to build resilient communities, foster inclusive economic growth, and increase security for Somalia and its neighbors. We share the goal of a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future for your nation.

The United States looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with Somalia.

world

The Harsh Sentencing of Human Rights Defenders in Cuba TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson The United States is deeply concerned by the ongoing harsh sentencing of political protesters in Cuba, and we will continue to work with our partners around the world to demonstrate our collective support for the rights of Cubans who are unjustly detained. Cuban judges have sentenced over 550 Cuban protesters to more than 4,000 combined years. Protesters are sentenced to prison, forced labor, or other punitive measures.

These numbers include more than 20 protesters arrested as minors.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to hold in detention more than 700 protesters who took to the streets nearly one year ago, on July 11, 2021, to criticize the government’s failure to respect their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Hundreds of protesters languish in jails on arbitrary charges because they criticized the regime and its leaders. Despite video and photographic evidence to the contrary, the Cuban government attempts to justify their detentions, prosecutions, and draconian

sentences by falsely claiming the protests were largely violent.

Today’s class of political prisoners are made up of Cubans from across Cuba and from all walks of life. State prosecutors chose to make examples of protesters from Havana’s impoverished neighborhoods of La Guinera and 10 de Octubre, with significant Afro-Cuban populations, charging them with sedition and issuing the harshest sentences up to 26 years in prison. Six defendants from these neighborhoods, ages 16 or 17 at the time of their arrest, received up to five years forced labor. Cuban

government officials continue to detain, harass, and threaten mothers of detained protesters who dare speak publicly about their children.

These injustices have clear aims: to prevent Cuban citizens from asserting their rights and create fear of reprisals. Cubans have a right to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly under Cuba’s constitution and as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Cuban government must allow its people to freely express their hopes and aspirations, rather than rule through fear and intimidation.

TL Bureau, Stockholm

donor to the IDA and has played a significant role in shaping the work programme for the coming three years. More than one third of the funds will be dedicated to climate measures, and the priority will be on enhancing crisis preparedness and resilience ahead of future crises, such as climate-related disasters, hunger and pandemics. This replenishment also ensures that the World Bank can remain

a central actor in helping developing countries meet the long-terms goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. “The financial support through the IDA is key to addressing the many parallel global crises that are hitting the world’s poorest the hardest, including climate change, war and conflicts, increased burden of debt and the global food security crisis,” says Ms Ernkrans.

Prime Minister concludes Sweden contributes record financial successful first official support for the world’s poorest countries The Government today decided to contribute SEK 9.2 billion in financial visit to Spain, wraps up support to the World Bank Group’s International Development Association. international trip TL Bureau, Madrid

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a successful visit to Spain where he met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to continue deepening our bilateral relationship, which is characterized by shared values like protecting democracy and human rights, and our strong economic ties.

The Prime Ministers issued a joint statement on opportunities to enhance cooperation on our shared priorities including taking ambitious climate action, advancing gender equality, and building strong economies that benefit people in both countries and create good middle-class jobs. The leaders also spoke about issues of shared interest including democracy, human rights, digital policy, as well as regional issues in Sahel, Latin America, and the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Sánchez strongly condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. They also agreed on the need to sustain momentum in responding to Russia’s

aggression and committed to continue working together with international partners to address the impacts of the conflict, including food, energy, and economic security and food security.

This visit concluded a 10-day trip by the Prime Minister to Rwanda, Germany, and Spain, where he met with leaders to continue working closely with global partners and democracies around the world to address the real challenges people are facing today, while rising to meet the opportunities of tomorrow.

While in Rwanda, the Prime Minister drove action on food security, climate change, gender equality, and other key priorities at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister announced nearly $500 million to make life better for people in the Commonwealth and beyond, including $250 million in emergency food assistance.

The Prime Minister then headed to Germany to participate in the G7 Summit, where he met with his counterparts to continue advancing our shared priorities, strengthen unity, and coordinate efforts to support Ukraine.

OFCOM - Better location identification for emergency calls TL Bureau, Biel/Bienne As of 1 July 2022, emergency calls made from mobile phones must transmit more specific caller location information than before.

This applies to emergency calls,

whether they were made from mobile phones or placed by vehicles in the event of a car accident. Thanks to the more accurate information, emergency services can organise their operations more quickly and efficiently.

“Sweden is now providing a record contribution of SEK 9.2 billion to the International Development Association (IDA) when the needs are greatest, and more than 100 million people have fallen into extreme poverty during the pandemic,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation Matilda Ernkrans.

Sweden is the eighth largest

Welcoming Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer our warmest congratulations to Yair Lapid on assuming the role of Prime Minister of Israel.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with Prime Minister

Lapid to bolster all aspects of the enduring U.S.-Israel partnership and to counter shared threats.

At the same time, I would like to recognize outgoing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for his leadership as Israel’s premier over the past year and thank him for his continued efforts as Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Religious Affairs.

The bond between the United States and Israel has never been stronger.

Israel has no better friend than the United States and our commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad. The President and I look forward to further enhancing our vital bilateral partnership during his visit to Israel in July and beyond.

independent media as part of this vision.

In 2019, millions of Hong Kongers joined public protests to oppose controversial extradition legislation.

Beijing’s response – the National Security Law – set the stage for an erosion of autonomy and dismantling of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents over the last two years. Authorities have jailed the opposition, with many imprisoned for more than a year. Hong Kong’s leaders have raided independent media organizations, shuttered

museums and removed public works of art, weakened democratic institutions, delayed elections, prevented vigils, disqualified sitting lawmakers, and instituted loyalty oaths.

Government officials have spread disinformation that grassroots protests were the work of foreign actors. They have done all of this in an effort to deprive Hong Kongers of what they have been promised.

We stand in solidarity with people in Hong Kong and reinforce their calls for their promised freedoms to be reinstated.

Hong Kong 25 Years After Handover TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On July 1, we mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China. This date was envisioned as the halfway point of 50 years of promised autonomy under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Yet it is now evident that Hong Kong and Beijing authorities no longer view democratic participation, fundamental freedoms, and an