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CDF Explores Culture's Power to Inspire, Educate at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has held a dialogue session during its participation in Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Titled 'The Art of Play: Integrating Culture into Learning Environments,' the session brough together various Saudi cultural institutions backed by the fund to highlight culture's power to inspire and educate. Thus, the event delved into the pivotal role of culture and artificial intelligence technologies in supporting learning. Held as part of the Learning and Play Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, the session highlighted how culture strengthens knowledge, promotes its exchange, and serves as a source of inspiration. Moreover, it noted the vital role of cultural institutions in elevating quality of life and enriching communities. Therefore, it perfectly aligned with the fund's broader effort to empower cultural entrepreneurs and showcase their innovative projects on a global stage. Interestingly, the session provided Cultural Fund beneficiaries with a global platform to present their success stories as part of the Fund's ongoing empowerment journey. Overall, the fund's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka mirrors its dedication to highlighting the Kingdom's authentic cultural identity and its transformative journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Cultural Exchange Program The Saudi Pavilion has recently unveiled its cultural exchange program amid a growing number of visitors that surpassed a million since its inauguration in April. Through an interactive module, the program will provide visiting international staff with a comprehensive on-site induction training on Saudi culture. The training features significant topics related to occupational health and safety, an overview of the pavilion's operational objectives, as well as specialized site-specific training, such as visitor experience management. The pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners, features the Kingdom's unparalleled heritage and cultural aspects. Being the second largest pavilion after Japan, the Saudi pavilion boasts more than 700 events, including dance shows and live performances. Through interactive events, the pavilion highlights the Kingdom's transformative journey and its technological breakthroughs in line with Vision 2030. Related Topics: Culture Minister Inaugurates Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Arabia Launches Culture Week at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Pavilion Welcomes 1 mln Visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka Short link : Post Views: 8
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Nine men rescued after boat starts leaking off Semporna
SEMPORNA: The Civil Defence Force (CDF) rescued nine men near Pulau Sebangkat here this morning after their repaired boat began leaking. CDF Sabah, in a statement today, said it received a distress call regarding the incident at 11.37am. "Following verification, the BRAVO Squad, comprising four personnel led by Asmam Turu, was deployed to the location using boat A008," the statement said. The team arrived at the scene at 12.38pm and found three people still on board the leaking vessel, while six others were in the water clinging to the boat. All nine victims were safely rescued and transferred to the A008 vessel before being handed over to the police. No injuries were reported and the operation concluded at 12.59pm. – Bernama
Scoop
19-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
East Malaita Constituency Retires 2024 CDF, Submits 2025 Annual Work Plan
The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has formally submitted its 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with the reporting obligations outlined in Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023. The submitted report details the disbursement of about $3.88 million in CDF funds allocated to each constituency for the 2024 financial year. The presentation was made by the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable Manasseh Maelanga. During the submission, Hon. Maelanga also presented the constituency's 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), which outlines community development programs and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth within the constituency. Representing the MRD, PS John Misite'e acknowledged the submission as a positive step forward. He emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure proper administration of constituency programs within this legal framework. PS Misite'e highlighted the importance of annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as critical documents for organizational accountability and transparency, especially when public resources are involved. 'These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,' he said. He also commended Hon. Maelanga and his constituency officers for their diligent efforts in fulfilling their reporting obligations. He also thanked other constituencies that have already submitted their 2024 CDF reports. PS Misite'e called on remaining constituencies to submit their reports by July 31st, reiterating the urgency and importance of compliance. 'I urge all constituencies to come forward with their reports soon,' he emphasized. Hon. Maelanga, on behalf of the people of East Malaita and his constituency officers, expressed his happiness in submitting the report and pledged ongoing support to the MRD to ensure annual compliance with legal reporting requirements. He noted that most of the EMC 2024 budget was allocated to road infrastructure, education support, medical assistance, administration, and other sectors vital to community development. Hon. Maelanga reaffirmed EMC's commitment to its mandate and continued support and purpose to collaborate with MRD, other government agencies, and stakeholders to implement effective development initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of his constituents. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry, his constituency officers, stakeholders, communities, and all supporters of development initiatives undertaken under his leadership. The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and came into effect on January 5, 2024. This legislation makes it clear that any offences committed by recipients of the CDF after this commencement date are subject to penalties. Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as: Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations. With the new CDF legislation in place, it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to adhere to the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding legal penalties. We should view this legislation not as a threat but as a guide to conduct and accountability in managing development funds or public resources. The primary purposes of the CDF Act 2023 are: To strengthen good governance; To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development. Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their respective constituency offices should they need to get more information about how their constituency offices implement their Constituency Development Program (CDP). Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Myanmar refugees in Mizoram begin to return after withdrawal of CNDF forces
The refugees from Myanmar sheltered in Mizoram have started returning to their villages following the withdrawal of the Chinland National Defence Force (CNDF) from Zokhawthar and Rihkhawdar in the conflict-hit nation, officials said on Sunday. Over 5,000 Myanmar refugees had fled to India since early July with reports of some of them dying during the trek. (Representational image / AP Photo) Over 2,500 refugees from Zokhawthar, Rihkhawdar, and nearby areas have returned to their country over the weekend, they said. An intense fight for control of areas by the Chin National Army (CNA) and Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) – two factions of the rebel forces that are fighting the Myanmar military junta– since early July had led to over 5,000 refugees fleeing to India with reports of some of them dying during the trek. Saiawia, the officer on duty at Zokhawthar police station in Mizoram's Champhai district said, 'Most of the refugees have left for Khawmawi, and we expect the remaining people taking shelter at the Zokhawthar border trade centre and another 850 staying in Saikhumphai, Vaphai, and Farkawn to return once the situation stabilises.' Ngurchhawna, vice president of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in Zokhawthar, said that nearly all refugees housed in makeshift shelters—such as church halls and community centres—had been repatriated. 'As of our latest count, a majority of those who fled to Zokhawthar have gone back to Khawmawi. Only a few remain, mostly those staying with relatives,' he told reporters. The Zokhawthar unit of the YMA has been working in coordination with the Assam Rifles and local police to assist in the repatriation process and verify the numbers. The CNDF, the armed wing of the Chin National Organisation (CNO), had taken control of several villages in Myanmar early July amid escalating tensions with the rival Chin forces. Khawmawi, a strategic border town has been for long contested by CNDF and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram—both composed of fighters from the broader Zo ethnic community. On June 5, CNDF fighters launched a major offensive, reportedly capturing eight CDF camps and forcing their rivals out of Khawmawi, leading to a massive exodus of civilians into Mizoram. 'No formal ceasefire has been agreed upon,' said Jacob V. Zawma, spokesperson and political affairs secretary of the Hualngoram People's Organisation, the political wing of the Chinland Defence Force (Hualngoram). Zawma said the withdrawal came after mounting pressure from the Chin National Front (CNF) and its armed wing, the Chin National Army (CNA)—a close ally of the CDF and a dominant force in the Chinland Council. 'All Chin ethnic armed groups held an online meeting last Thursday, CNDF came under heavy pressure from fellow Chin factions to vacate Zokhawthar and Rihkhawdar. I believe they had no choice but to leave, especially when even their allies urged them to,' he added. 'Our men didn't surrender. They left to avoid civilian casualties. Once the civilians fled, we urged CNDF leaders to withdraw to avoid further escalation. Fortunately, they listened,' he said. However, Zawma accused CNDF cadres of looting homes and businesses in Zokhawthar before their retreat. 'We've received numerous reports of theft and vandalism. About 30 motorcycles are missing, and returning villagers say cash, gold, and other valuables were stolen. Our teams are assessing the full extent of the damage,' he added. The conflict reflects deeper fractures within the Chin resistance movement. Since Myanmar's 2021 military coup, ethnic armed groups in Chin State had initially united under two main coalitions—the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and the Chinland Council (CC)—to resist the junta. However, internal rivalries and disputes over territorial control have led to violent clashes between the two alliances. The CNDF is aligned with the Chin Brotherhood, while the CDF-Hualngoram and CNA are affiliated with the Chinland Council. In February this year, a fragile truce was brokered between the two camps during a peace dialogue held in Mizoram under the leadership of chief minister Lalduhoma. But by July, the ceasefire had all but collapsed. On July 5, CNDF fighters seized Rihkhawdar from CDF-Hualngoram forces. In retaliation, the CNA launched a counter-offensive, successfully capturing CNDF's headquarters at Camp Rihli.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Over 6,000 Myanmar nationals take refuge in Mizoram amid escalating Chin rebel clashes
More than 6,000 refugees from Myanmar have fled to Mizoram following fresh clashes between Chin pro-democracy groups, with civil society organisations now stepping in to mediate peace, state authorities said. People take out a rally in Agartala seeking deportation of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. (ANI) The fresh influx began after a June 5 shootout in Zokhawthar between two warring Chin factions — the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF). The violence continued on Monday when the Chin National Army retaliated with an assault on a CNDF stronghold at Rihli village, located just across the border from Mizoram's Saikhumphai village. 'Over 4,000 adult refugees have been registered by police in Zokhawthar in the past three days,' said Lalrawnkima, village council secretary of Zokhawthar. 'Since only those above 18 are registered, the total number with children could be well over 5,500. Every household here is hosting between 25 to 30 people, while others are being accommodated in community and church halls.' In Saikhumphai, over 700 more Myanmarese nationals have reportedly sought shelter following the attack at Rihli, according to a civil society leader from nearby Vaphai village. Mizoram home minister K Sapdanga stated that the state is committed to aiding those displaced by the conflict. 'The Mizoram government will do everything within its capacity to provide relief — not just because they are our ethnic kin, but out of sheer humanitarian responsibility,' Sapdanga said. He added that Lalmuanpuia Punte, political adviser to the chief minister, along with the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and various student bodies, are actively working to broker a ceasefire between the two factions. The CNDF and CDF — comprising fighters from the Zo ethnic community — are said to be embroiled in a power struggle over control of Khawmawi, a strategic border trade town between Mizoram and Myanmar. On June 5, the CNDF reportedly captured eight camps from the CDF, forcing them out of Khawmawi after intense fighting.
