Latest news with #MARCOS
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 8, 2025
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will work with the Ministry of Health to provide medical essentials to internally displaced people following the border conflict. Many in the northern provinces left their homes during the five-day conflict with Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Airavata, a nonprofit organisation that protects elephants in Ratanakiri Province, are exploring ways to promote ecotourism. The organisation has been successful in elephant conservation and developing rural ecotourism. 1. MAKING BREASTFEEDING TOP HEALTH PRIORITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government is giving serious attention to breastfeeding to promote a healthy lifestyle. In conjunction with the World Breastfeeding Week, authorities are raising awareness of breastfeeding, child health and the need for investments to support young mothers. 2. COFFEE FARMING HELPS FARMERS, FORESTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Coffee farming and environmental campaigns are helping farmers in northern Laos protect forests and earn a sustainable income. In the Viengkham district of Luang Prabang province, 104 farmers have planted 46,900 coffee seedlings this year with the support of international bodies. MYANMAR 1. YANGON ZOO PRIDES WITH RED PANDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Yangon Zoo is showcasing the red panda, a rare species with fewer than 10,000 living in the wild and considered a critically endangered species. Red pandas are a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and western China. 2. STATE FUNERAL FOR LATE PRO-TEM PRESIDENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar's pro-tem President U Myint Swe, who passed away yesterday morning, will be laid to rest with state honours. The government has formed 11 working committees to organise a national-level ceremony. PHILIPPINES 1. MARCOS: EGOVPH TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FILIPINOS TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT SERVICES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) on Thursday said his administration's push for the eGovPH Super App -- designed to provide faster, simpler, and more convenient access to public services -- stems from the need to keep the Philippines in step with the times. 2. PHILIPPINES, INDIA SIGN THREE TORS TO BOOST DEFENCE TIES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The Philippines and India have strengthened their defence ties with the signing of three Terms of Reference (TORs), aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations' key armed services, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday. SINGAPORE 1. CAMBODIA, THAILAND AGREE ON ASEAN OBSERVERS MONITORING TRUCE, BUT FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES REMAIN -- THE STRAITS TIMES Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a set of measures on Aug 7 aimed at bolstering a critical ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries, including allowing an interim team of ASEAN observers to monitor disputed border areas. 2. STUDENT FOUND WITH VAPE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER BEHAVING AGGRESSIVELY IN SCHOOL; HSA INVESTIGATING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A student of Yuying Secondary School found with a vaping device was taken to hospital after he appeared to be behaving aggressively to a staff member. THAILAND 1. THAI POLICE DETAIN CAMBODIAN BHQ SOLDIER IN BURI RAM PROVINCE -- THE NATION A Cambodian soldier from the elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit, tasked with protecting former Prime Minister Hun Sen, was recently arrested in Buri Ram, according to Lamduan Police Station. 2. GULF GIVES B100M TO TROOPS, FAMILIES -- BANGKOK POST Gulf Development Plc, Thailand's largest energy company by market value and a telecom operator, has donated 100 million baht to the Royal Thai Army to assist soldiers injured or the families of those killed in the border conflict with Cambodia. VIETNAM 1. ONLINE SHOPPING TREND GAINING POPULARITY -- VIETNAMPLUS More Vietnamese consumers are opting for online shopping, reflecting the strong purchasing power of online channels and a major shift towards digital consumption. The fast-moving consumer goods are a major driver in this segment. 2. INNOVATION TO DRIVE NATION'S GROWTH -- VIETNAM NEWS Technology and innovation will be Vietnam's core development strategy as it aims to accelerate digital transformation and to be globally competitive. The government is drafting a national strategy to build an innovation-driven economy. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 7, 2025
Cambodia has approached the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the release of its 18 soldiers held by Thailand. The soldiers were captured during the border conflict from July 24 to 28. The Cambodia International Machinery Industry Fair and the Cambodia International Textile and Garment Industry Fair are being held in the capital. More than 200 global manufacturers, innovators and investors from 15 countries are participating in the expos. 1. EXPERTS INSPECT DAMAGED ANCIENT PAGODAS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR International experts are conducting the second phase of field inspections on ancient heritage buildings in earthquake-hit areas, especially in Mandalay. The inspections are to restore damaged pagodas affected during the March 28 earthquake. 2. DEMAND FOR MYANMAR'S BETEL NUT RISING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar exported RM140 million (US$33 million) worth of areca nuts to India over a year, almost doubling the previous export value. There is a huge demand for Myanmar's soft, fresh and moist areca nuts (betel nuts) in the international market. PHILIPPINES 1. PH IN TALKS WITH INDIA TO ACQUIRE MORE BRAHMOS MISSILES - MARCOS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is in the process of acquiring additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) ongoing modernisation and efforts to strengthen its regional defence posture. 2. MARCOS: PH ON RIGHT PATH TO PEACE BY ALIGNING WITH LIKE-MINDED NATIONS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is taking the right path to peace by deepening partnerships with like-minded nations that uphold international law - a strategy shaped in part by mounting tensions in the Indo-Pacific, including China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea. SINGAPORE 1. SOME AGEING CONDOS IN SINGAPORE STRUGGLE WITH FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE, INADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS -- THE STRAITS TIMES In 2024, when two out of three lifts in his block at Fernwood Towers broke down, Mr Haider Manasawala had to carry his suitcase down 21 storeys to catch a flight. 2. FORREST LI ON SINGAPORE FOOTBALL: 'THE MOMENT NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT ... THAT'S THE END' -- CNA Having stepped up to the top post in local football, new Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li has much on his plate. THAILAND 1. BTS WRAPS TRAIN IN LONGEST THAI FLAG TO HONOUR HEROES AND SOVEREIGNTY -- THE NATION BTS recently unveiled its train wrapped in the longest Thai national flag to honour national heroes and sovereignty. 2. DONATIONS TO PROVIDE AID ALONG BORDER PASS B100M -- BANGKOK POST More than 100 million baht has been donated to the government to support residents affected along the Thai-Cambodian border. VIETNAM 1. SHRIMP FARMING PROTECTING MANGROVE FOREST -- VIETNAMPLUS Coastal farmers in the Mekong Delta have successfully adopted shrimp farming in canals that are covered by mangroves. Growing shrimp under the mangrove canopy helps protect the mangrove ecosystem and the forest acts as a natural water filter. 2. STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES TO SPUR GROWTH -- VNEXPRESS The government is seeking to identify three strategic technologies that will aid in the development of its economy. They will explore products like 5G mobile network, robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, AI cameras, virtual assistance and blockchain platforms. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
'Leadership is About Service': An Exclusive Interview with James P. Varkey
In a world driven by ambition and personal gain, James P. Varkey stands out as a rare example of a leader whose life has been guided by duty, integrity, and service. From his early days as a naval commando to his tenure in India's elite intelligence agency, and now as Managing Director of the Varkey Group, Varkey's journey reflects an unwavering commitment to making a difference. In an exclusive interview, he speaks candidly about the moments that defined him and the values that continue to guide his path. From the Frontlines to the Intelligence Network 'It all started with a sense of duty,' Varkey says, recalling his enlistment in the Indian Navy in 2000. Trained as a MARCOS commando, one of India's most elite special forces units, he spent seven formative years in service—years that taught him discipline, courage, and leadership under pressure. In 2007, he transitioned into a highly secretive role in the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's foreign intelligence agency. 'In R&AW, every mission was critical. It wasn't about just gathering intelligence—it was about preventing loss of life and maintaining national security,' he explains. Varkey's operations spanned multiple high-risk assignments, including overseas deployments. One of his most defining moments came during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where, as part of the MARCOS unit, he helped rescue 185 civilians before NSG commandos took over. 'That night remains etched in my memory,' he says. 'The lives we saved made every second worth it.' From Covert Operations to Corporate Strategy Despite his demanding fieldwork, Varkey remained rooted in his family's business legacy. 'My family was involved in wholesale trade and FMCG for over three decades. I always knew I would return to that world,' he says. In 2007, alongside his intelligence service, he took charge of the Varkey Group INDIA as Managing Director. Under his leadership, the company diversified beyond retail into real estate, EPC, and international trade. 'Business, like intelligence work, is about risk management, strategy, and people,' he notes. His ability to make critical decisions under pressure helped scale the business to an international platform, generating employment and forging strong cross-border partnerships. A Life Anchored in Family Beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Varkey finds his greatest strength in his family. 'My wife Anu is my partner in every sense, and our daughters Nila and Norah are my biggest inspirations,' he shares. 'They keep me grounded and remind me of what really matters.' He credits his upbringing and family values for shaping his commitment to humility, empathy, and responsibility. Philanthropy as a Core Mission Perhaps one of the most admirable chapters of his life is his philanthropic commitment. In 2012, Varkey pledged 70% of his personal wealth to charitable causes, focusing on orphaned children, education, and under-resourced communities in India, Africa, the UAE, and the U.S. 'This is not charity—it's my duty,' he says. 'My parents led by example, helping others quietly. I just built on their values.' His foundation has helped over 68,000 orphaned children access education, healthcare, and shelter. 'Education is the tool that changes futures. If I can give a child that chance, I've done something right,' he reflects. Staying Resilient Amid Risk Having lived in high-risk zones and operated in politically volatile regions, what kept Varkey going? 'Faith, family, and focus,' he answers simply. 'Whether you're in the shadows of intelligence or the spotlight of business, your principles should not change. Integrity is non-negotiable.' He lives by one guiding philosophy: Add value wherever you go. Looking to the Future Today, Varkey continues to mentor young entrepreneurs, advise global companies, and consult on strategic national interests. Though no longer in active intelligence roles, he remains deeply connected to missions that support India's development and security. 'My goal now is to build a legacy that reflects character, not just success,' he says. 'I want my daughters to see that a life of service is a life well-lived.' The Mark of True Leadership From storming terrorist-occupied buildings to building multinational companies, James P. Varkey's life is an embodiment of leadership through service. His story is not just about action—it's about purpose. In an age where headlines often celebrate power and wealth, Varkey reminds us that the highest form of leadership is serving others with courage, humility, and a vision for the greater good.
