WVA Celebrates the World Vape Day

#WorldVapeDay2026

BRUSSELS, May 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, vapers, former smokers, and harm reduction advocates mark World Vape Day 2026. The theme this year is One Switch – Everyone Wins. It is not a slogan. It is what the data shows.

World Vape Day falls one day before the WHO’s World No Tobacco Day, and the contrast could not be starker. While the WHO spends tomorrow calling vapes and nicotine pouches industry tricks designed to hook a new generation, consumers in Germany, South Africa, Argentina, and many more countries took to the streets and Social Media this week to demand access to the less harmful alternatives that have already helped millions quit smoking.

“The WHO has been running the same playbook for years. Nicotine is the enemy, alternatives are industry tactics, and anyone who disagrees is compromised. Meanwhile, 8 million people a year die from smoking. That is not a public health record to be proud of,” said Michael Landl, Director, World Vapers’ Alliance.

The science is not in dispute among serious researchers. Vaping, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products all dramatically reduce exposure to the chemicals that kill smokers. Nicotine is addictive, but it is not the cause of smoking-related disease. Combustion is. When a smoker switches completely, the benefits extend to everyone around them. Secondhand smoke raises children’s risk of asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Children of smokers are up to four times more likely to become smokers themselves. One switch removes almost all of that from the home.

The countries that understood this are now reaping the results. Sweden is smoke-free. The UK halved its smoking rate. New Zealand cut smoking among under-25s to around 3 percent and has the first smoke-free generation.

“Every country that has cut smoking fast did it by giving smokers real alternatives. World Vape Day exists to remind policymakers that the evidence is there. That we consumers are not anecdotes, we are the evidence. The tools are there. The only thing missing is the political will in too many countries,” Landl added.

For media enquiries: info@worldvapersalliance.com www.worldvapersalliance.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01526a12-daff-4be4-aa21-2454f91a5e71

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9729184

The post World Vape Day 2026: One Switch – Everyone Wins appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

12B SPORTS announces its appointment as Main Sponsor of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team for the 2026 MotoGP World Championship season

LONDON, May 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 12B SPORTS, a next-generation sports media platform, today announced its appointment as Main Sponsor of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team for the 2026 MotoGP World Championship season. The 12B SPORTS brand will appear prominently on both the team’s bikes and race suits, marking the platform’s most significant motorsport partnership to date.

Founded by nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, VR46 Racing Team is one of the most celebrated and passionately supported outfits in the MotoGP paddock. With riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli competing at the pinnacle of the sport, the team commands a dedicated global following that spans generations and continents. It is precisely this community that 12B SPORTS is committed to serving, connecting, and inspiring.

“12B SPORTS brings a fresh and dynamic energy to our partnership portfolio. Together, we look forward to reaching new audiences and giving fans around the world a deeper connection to VR46 and the world of MotoGP,” said Alessio Salucci, Team Director VR46 Racing Team.

“We are very happy to welcome 12B SPORTS as main Sponsor of our MotoGP Team. The brand represents passion for sports information and it’s a hub for many fans all over the world. We cannot wait to start working together and reach a global audience,” said Gianluca Falcioni, CEO of VR46 Agency, managing sponsorship and partnership for VR46 Companies.

“VR46 is more than a racing team. It is a symbol of passion, authenticity, and the spirit of MotoGP,” said Rory Anderson, spokesperson for 12B SPORTS. “As Main Sponsor, we are proud to stand alongside one of the sport’s most iconic teams and bring fans even closer to the moments that define it.”

When sport moves people, it moves the world. 12B SPORTS and VR46 Racing Team share that belief, and this partnership marks the beginning of a journey to bring fans everywhere closer to the stories, rivalries, and moments that make MotoGP extraordinary.

About 12B SPORTS

12B SPORTS is a next-generation sports media platform built on the belief that sport has the power to unite, inspire, and connect. By bringing fans together through shared passion and immersive content, 12B SPORTS is creating a global community that celebrates the moments, stories, and personalities that make sport extraordinary.

About Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team

VR46 Racing Team is a MotoGP team founded by Valentino Rossi, nine-time World Champion. The project was created with the mission of developing young racing talent and guiding them from Moto3 to MotoGP. Based in Tavullia, Italy, the team represents one of the most dynamic and recognizable organizations in the MotoGP paddock, combining sporting performance, innovation, and a strong brand identity. The VR46 Racing Team has competed in the MotoGP junior categories since 2014 and made its debut in the premier class in 2022. Since entering the MotoGP class, the team has partnered with Ducati and, in just four seasons, has achieved third place in both the Riders’ and Teams’ World Championship standings. In 2026, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team competes with a rider line-up featuring Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c83d9ca-abfe-42f2-a56c-8a68ea1d2abb

Contacts

Jeffery Tan
Marketing Manager
enquiries@12bsports.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001184920

The post 12B SPORTS Named Main Sponsor of VR46 Racing Team for the 2026 MotoGP Season appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meeting with the Prime Minister of the Peoples Republic of China Mr Li Qiang receiving at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 25 May 2026

PM Shehbaz with PM Li Qiang

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was presented guard of honour upon arrival at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of the Peoples Republic of China Mr Li Qiang, Beijing, 25 May 2026

ISLAMABAD, May 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) is responsible for promoting and managing the official narrative surrounding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

For most of the last decade, Pakistan-China engagement was defined in terms of highways, energy infrastructure, ports, and the broader CPEC-based infrastructure projects, all of which revolutionized Pakistan’s economy, enhanced connectivity, and solved long-drawn energy crises. However, the Islamabad-Beijing partnership today is transcending into something much wider and a great deal more strategic.

This change was abundantly clear in the recent visit to China by the Prime Minister. The meeting with the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, attendance at the Pakistan-China Third B2B Investment Forum and meetings with China’s tech giants were evident symbols of this shift in the Pakistan-China cooperation away from the traditional economic cooperation toward the newer dimensions like technology, innovation, industry and strategic cooperation.

The atmosphere of the visit itself was meaningful. Pakistan and China were not just looking at the volume of trade or individual deals. Instead, they were discussing a convergence in vision and future-focused industries and development plans in an era of fast-changing technological and political global economy.

The PM during his talks with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, stated that the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership would continue to remain the centerpiece of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The two sides expressed happiness with the gradual progress in the relationship and assured each other of support on each other’s core issues. Although this is a standard boilerplate statement made at diplomatic negotiations, however the context of the visit itself suggests that the two sides are moving ahead with the relationship to a new plane.

That transition is evident in CPEC too. It has been evolving from a focus mainly on large-scale infrastructure and connectivity to a model that encompasses industrialization, modernization of agriculture, digitization, clean energy, science, and high technology cooperation. This trend itself mirrors the realities of global developments. In today’s world, economic power and influence do not solely rely on locations or routes of trade but on technology, innovation and digital connectivity.

It seems that the Pakistani leadership has taken notice of that too. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the necessity of bringing China’s 15 th Five-Year Plan into sync with Pakistan’s “Uraan Pakistan” development agenda in order to speed up the practical cooperation and long-term economic coordination between the two countries. It has become clear that the discourse from Islamabad is that it is an aspiring participant in Asia’s technological and industrial future rather than restricted to traditional economic models.

An obvious manifestation of that increasing cooperation was evident during the Prime Minister’s visit to the headquarters of the Alibaba Group in Hangzhou. Pakistani delegation was given a warm welcome by Chairman Joe Tsai where both sides saw the signing of number of strategic MOUs between Alibaba Group and Pakistani public/private sector institutions. The areas of cooperation are mainly the digitalization process, technological enhancement and developing further cooperation in emerging sectors.

Yet the importance of the meeting extended beyond business alone. Joe Tsai acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts toward regional and global peace and stability while also appreciating the government’s focus on technological innovation and creating an environment attractive for international investment. Such remarks reflected growing Chinese confidence in Pakistan’s direction and broader regional role.

As such, Alibaba’s activity in Pakistan should be contextualised not simply as an isolated corporate venture, but as an extension of a broader pattern. Pakistani institutions and businesses are beginning to consider China not merely as the source of investment in physical infrastructure, but as a partner for enduring economic and technological development.

This macro-level transformation was in evidence during the entire visit. Repeated conversations revolved around digital transformation, science, connectivity, industrial growth and new technologies. The youth in Pakistan, with an increasing digital economy and growing tech sector, will increasingly become vital to its future ties with China.

The momentum was again deepened at the Pakistan-China Third B2B Investment Forum. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proudly proclaimed that 30 percent of the MOUs between the two nations had “already converted to formal agreements,” and that this was an unprecedented event. Most international investment forums are fraught with lofty declarations that never follow through. It seemed the priorities between Islamabad and Beijing remained constant: implementation, persistence, and results.

The symbolic aspect of the visit also counted. At the forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that Pak-China friendship is “deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas,” but with the launching of the space program, the friendship was now “touching the skies.” While at any other time, such comments could easily be dismissed as nothing more than rhetoric, given recent circumstances, they pointed towards a relationship that has now entered sectors that would eventually define the future global economy.

Collaboration in space appears as one of the most direct illustrations. PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke of Pakistani astronauts’ selection to the China space station program as a demonstration of growing trust and cooperation in the strategic, high-technology areas. Collaboration in space is not just of scientific and technological interest but of symbolically great value: it is a show of trust, long-term perspective and readiness to work on extremely strategic, hi tech areas.

The same is true of discourse on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. No nation will freely allow cooperation in strategic technology fields without genuine political trust. It seems that Pakistan and China are moving into a phase where they appear not only economically aligned but in how they perceive long term regional stability and development.

Of course, security remains a key element. The assurances given by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the safety and security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan were still relevant, as a sustained economic partnership depends on confidence, stability, and continuity on both sides.

More broadly, the significance of the visit highlights where Pakistan is headed. For so long, the international dialogue with Pakistan was one of just security or economic crises and political instability. While all these remain present and accounted for, another narrative has been unfolding simultaneously.

Slowly but surely, Pakistan is moving towards its place in a globalized world of technology, connectivity, and economic partnerships. China’s constant faith in Pakistan provides more than just investment to Islamabad; it lends a sense of strategic credibility in a world which is becoming more fractured and unstable geostrategically.

The Pakistan-China relationship is not only about roads, ports and power plants anymore. Roads, ports, and power plants were and still are the basic building blocks of the relationship but it is clear that the collaboration is expanding into fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Trade, Industrial modernization, clean energy, science and space technology.

That transition may ultimately define the next chapter of Pakistan-China relations. The first phase focused on building physical connectivity across regions. The next phase appears focused on building technological, industrial, and strategic connectivity for the future.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60eb09f0-644c-4431-9994-42a8d520018a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6a16230-f821-4587-b375-c132f467ea9e

Muhammad Subayyal
+923477195027

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9729074

The post A New Chapter Is Emerging in Pakistan-China Relations appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

Corsican Bronze Age Hoard from the Ajaccio Area, Discovered c. 1880–1890

A rare Bronze Age Corsican hoard comprising a varied group of bronze objects, including a dagger or short sword, dagger pommel, crescent-shaped axe, harness fitting, several fibulae, and a group of rings. The collection gives a strong impression of Bronze Age metalworking, personal adornment, weaponry, and ritual or practical objects from the Ajaccio area.

HARWICH, United Kingdom, May 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TimeLine Auctions, the British saleroom known for museum-level antiquities, will hold its Antiquities & Ancient Art Auction on 2 June 2026. Day One has headline pieces from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and the western Mediterranean, within a wider sale spanning the Palaeolithic to the medieval period.

Large Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris with Lapis Lazuli Inlays

A large bronze mummiform figure of Osiris, shown wearing the central element of the Atef crown, with traces of lapis lazuli inlay still visible in the eyebrows and divine beard. The god is depicted in traditional form, with crossed arms holding the crook and flail, and fine details including a uraeus to the crown and recesses for further inlays. Mounted on a wooden base and supplied with a custom-fitted case, it is an impressive and highly decorative representation of Osiris.

Two named Mesopotamian kings sit at the top of the catalogue. A hemispherical bronze bowl carries the five-sign cuneiform name of Manishtushu of Akkad (c. 2270–2255 B.C., lot 249), one of the earliest named royal inscriptions to come to market in recent years. From the Kassite period come an agate eye-bead bearing the name of Kurigalzu II (lot 250), and a banded agate cylinder seal with a Sumerian prayer to the storm god Adad (lot 216).

The Egyptian section is headed by a forty-centimetre basalt figure of the Saite customs official Wahibre, kneeling to support a wide offering basin. Separated in the nineteenth century, the two parts moved through different collections and salerooms before coming together here for the first time at auction (lot 61). Other Egyptian highlights include a seventy-centimetre hollow-cast bronze Osiris of the 26th Dynasty (lot 81), and a painted wooden stele linking Amun at Luxor to Osiris at Abydos (lot 65).

Two Attic vessels lead the Greek section. A 6th-century B.C. black-figure pyxis shows the chariot procession of an Athenian bride, with the reception at her new house around the lid (lot 96). A fifth-century red-figure column krater pairs Europa with a Dionysiac triad, two scenes of divine power on one vessel (lot 88).

From the western Mediterranean come the Gravona bronzes, ten objects recovered from a railway cutting in Corsica in the 1880s and published by Robert Forrer in 1924.

Following Day One, the auction continues online-only from 3 June, with ancient art across multiple collecting categories. The programme concludes with an Ancient Coins sale on 9-10 June, alongside weights, tokens, medals and books.

Auction start time: 8am US Eastern / 1pm BST.

Bidding: Absentee, by telephone, or live online via TimeLine’s bidding platform, LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable or The Saleroom.

Payments: GBP accepted. Worldwide shipping available.

Questions: +44 (0) 1277 815121 or ah@timelineauctions.com.
Online: https://timelineauctions.com

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c350ee3-943d-4407-9634-d55fd6940c48

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d11d6df8-af6c-456d-a263-16a46d0e7564

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001184791

The post Two Babylonian Kings, an Egyptian Customs Official and a Corsican Hoard Lead TimeLine’s 2 June Antiquities & Ancient Art Auction appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALDX) between November 3, 2023 and March 16, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important May 29, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Aldeyra securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Aldeyra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=38697 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 29, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the results of the reproxalap (an Aldeyra drug candidate) clinical trials were inconsistent; (2) the inconsistency of the results rendered any purported positive findings from these trials unreliable and not meaningful; and (3) as a result, defendants’ statements about Aldeyra’s business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Aldeyra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=38697 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40^th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
case@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9728498

The post ALDEYRA DEADLINE: ROSEN, THE FIRST FILING FIRM, Encourages Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important May 29 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – ALDX appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, Rafique highlighted during a news conference that more than 41,000 citizens reached out to the helpline established for sanitation services. He also noted that operational vehicles traversed over six million kilometers as part of the cleanup campaign.

The Minister emphasized that the cleanliness operation during Eid was closely monitored through digital dashboards. He pointed out that “Suthra Punjab” became a trending topic on social media, reflecting the public’s engagement with the initiative.

Furthermore, Rafique announced a reward of 10,000 rupees for each sanitation worker as a gesture of appreciation for their work in maintaining clean surroundings during the festive
period.

The post Punjab Collects Over 365,000 Tons of Waste During Eid-ul-Azha: Zeeshan appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, during his interaction with the Japan-Pakistan Friendship League in Tokyo, Ambassador Hameed discussed the substantial opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. He identified key sectors such as IT, digital transformation, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals, advanced manufacturing, human resource development, and infrastructure as potential areas for bilateral cooperation.

The Ambassador further noted that Pakistan’s young and dynamic population, its strategic geographic location, and its growing focus on economic reforms make it an attractive destination for international partners and investors. The strengthening of Pakistan-Japan ties is seen as a mutually beneficial development, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors.

The post Pakistan-Japan Friendship Sees Growth in Economic and Cultural Sectors: Envoy appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized his commitment to providing relief to the nation whenever possible. The Prime Minister assured that the promise of reducing fuel prices, made to the public contingent upon the creation of fiscal space, has now been actualized.

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that easing the financial burden on the populace remains a top priority for his administration. He mentioned that the government had already reduced petroleum prices the previous week, aiming to alleviate the public’s financial strain.

The statement elaborated that the federal government has been steadfast in offering relief despite challenging conditions. This includes extending fuel subsidies to sectors such as public transport, goods transport, motorcycles, and rickshaws.

Furthermore, the statement noted that while citizens in some regional countries endure long queues to secure fuel, strategic actions taken by the Prime Minister have ensured a steady supply of petrol and diesel across Pakistan.

Additionally, the statement underscored that in the face of a significant spike in international oil prices during the global oil crisis, the Prime Minister managed to provide a substantial subsidy. This was aimed at preventing a rise in domestic petroleum prices, thereby ensuring that the people of Pakistan receive necessary relief.

The post Federal Government Slashes Petrol and Diesel Prices by Rs22 Per Litre as Eid Gift appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ISPR said Pakistan’s association with UN peacekeeping transcends six decades, reflecting its steadfast commitment to international peace. Since 1960, over 237,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served on UN missions worldwide, while 183 brave Pakistanis gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service to UN peacekeeping efforts.

The ISPR said Pakistani blue helmets are currently deployed in high-risk theatres, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), where they are performing a wide array of multidimensional operations ranging from active military operations to combating climate-driven challenges.

The ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the ideals and objectives of the United Nations Peacekeeping operations by investing in peace through a multifaceted commitment encompassing human capital, state-of-the-art training facilities, and systemic capacity building.

It said Pakistan stands resolute alongside the United Nations, reminding the global community that enduring peace is not a guaranteed phenomenon but requires continuous, collective investment.

The ISPR said Pakistan reiterates its foundational resolve to act as the vanguard for international stability, security and humanitarian relief under the United Nations flag.

The post Pakistan Honors Contributions of ‘Blue Helmets’ on UN Peacekeepers Day appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister said he had a cordial meeting with U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability. Terming his U.S visit highly successful, the Deputy Prime Minister said he held several important meetings with key international leaders.

Regarding the Palestine issue, Ishaq Dar said that he effectively highlighted Pakistan’s principled stance during his address at the United Nations. He said Pakistan maintains a position on the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous state of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

The post Global Community Respects Pakistan for Peace Efforts: DPM appeared first on AsiaNet-Pakistan.