News
Prince Charles opens Parliament in Queen’s absence
Prince Charles steps up as health issues force Queen Elizabeth the second to miss the annual state opening of parliament in the UK for the first time in 59 years
Prince Charles delivers the opening speech to the parliament for the first time, outlining the UK government’s political agenda amid Queen Elizabeth’s absence.
The Sovereign’s Throne sits empty in the parliament with the heir Prince Charles sitting by the Imperial State Crown on the Consort’s Throne. His wife, Camilla and son, Prince William also accompany him in the House of Lords Chamber.
“Her Majesty’s government’s priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families,” Charles says, delivering the speech written by the government.
“Her Majesty’s government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work. Her ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer, and fund the National Health Service to reduce the COVID backlogs.”
The Queen’s original speech would have included ‘My Government’ but Charles replaces it with ‘Her Majesty’s Government’.
Charles concludes his eight-minute address with a mention of the upcoming celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
The world’s longest reigning monarch is said to be suffering from ‘episodic mobility problems‘ which has been forcing her to miss several public events over the past months including the parliament opening.
This marks her third absence from the state opening of parliament since she took over the throne in 1952. The last two times being when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew in 1959 and Prince Edward in 1963.
Rijul Baath contributed to this report
Leaders
Cyber security shifts redefine critical infrastructure in APAC
Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats
Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.
The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.
Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.
The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.
Increased Visibility
Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.
Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.
News
Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market
Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.
Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.
Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.
Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.
#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia
News
Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance
Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region
Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.
Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.
A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.
The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.
Pressure Mounts
Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.
Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.
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