Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Cutting Lead Exposure and Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act to protect the health of communities near airports by reducing harmful lead emissions from aviation fuel and accelerating the transition to unleaded alternatives. The full text of the CLEAR Skies Act can be found here.
“As the former Mayor of Long Beach, we led efforts to create a more sustainable airport and supported federal efforts to lower emissions that impact neighboring communities,” said Congressman Garcia. “Harmful emissions from leaded airplane fuel continue to pollute the air in neighborhoods near airports, putting children and families at risk. This bill will help accelerate the adoption of cleaner and safer aviation fuel.”
“As both a pilot and a representative of a district that is at the forefront of aviation and technological innovation, I’m proud to lead the CLEAR Skies Act alongside Congressman Robert Garcia,” said Congressman Obernolte. “This bill is more than just a commitment to cleaner skies—it is smart policy that drives innovation and safeguards public health. By incentivizing the production of unleaded aviation gasoline, we are not only reducing harmful lead emissions but also empowering American businesses to lead in sustainable aviation technology. It’s a win-win for both our environment and our economy.”
The CLEAR Skies Act will support the aviation industry’s transition away from leaded gasoline by creating a federal production tax credit to reduce the cost of unleaded aviation gas. In November 2024, the City of Long Beach approved a new subsidy program of up to $200,000 in reimbursements to offset unleaded fuel costs for general aviation users, funded by airport revenues. The American Association of Airport Executives has endorsed this bill.
Congressman Garcia has been a strong advocate for climate and environmental justice and is proud to expand investments in sustainable technologies for the future. Last Congress, Congressman Garcia introduced a bill to address port pollution and champion environmental justice for local port communities impacted by shipping emissions. In October, Congressman Garcia sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to add Exide Technologies, Inc. to the National Priorities List (NPL) for a Superfund designation to facilitate a long-term comprehensive cleanup of the affected communities and to secure environmental justice for the residents of Southeast Los Angeles. As Mayor of the City of Long Beach, his signature ballot initiative, Measure A, launched the largest infrastructure repair program in a generation, promoting good-paying union jobs.
Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Prepare for Federal REAL ID Enforcement in Less Than One Month
With the start of federal REAL ID enforcement beginning in less than a month, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and the American Automobile Association (AAA), are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now These efforts reflect the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to be ready for federal REAL ID enforcement.
Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019.
“We know that people look forward to traveling with friends and family,” said Carroll. “But after May 7, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight. We’re strongly encouraging everyone to make sure you have what you need to travel before you arrive at the airport, especially if you already have flights planned for the summer.”
Speakers Include: Carl Beardsley, Executive Director for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Kara Templeton, Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services, PennDOT Nina Waskevich, Vice President, Brand and Membership, AAA North
Headline: Fast-Growing Snack Brand Selects Rutherford County for New Manufacturing Hub
Fast-Growing Snack Brand Selects Rutherford County for New Manufacturing Hub lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Wow Bao, a fast-growing Asian street food company, will create 88 jobs in Rutherford County. The company will invest $6.45 million to establish its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City.
“North Carolina welcomes Wow Bao to our state where businesses find a strong infrastructure and ready workforce,” saidGovernor Stein. “Wow Bao’s decision to expand here strengthens our state’s vibrant food industry and brings new opportunities and jobs to Rutherford County.”
Wow Bao was founded in 2003 as a fast-casual restaurant brand and became known for its unique Asian-inspired menu, including bao (steamed buns), potstickers, and soup dumplings. Since then, the brand has grown rapidly, offering fresh, flavorful, and high-quality snacks in restaurants, airport locations, hundreds of Delivery Only kitchens and thousands of grocery stores, nationwide. The company is set to meet growing demand by opening its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City, which will increase production capacity, modernize operations, and expand its reach.
“Wow Bao is thrilled to bring our operations to Forest City,” said Matt Fallon, CFO of Wow Bao. “With a world-class workforce and vibrant food and beverage industry, it became clear that Forest City and the State of North Carolina were the perfect home for this exciting phase of Wow Bao’s expansion. We are excited to begin cooking up America’s Number One Bao in Forest City and shipping it out to the rest of the country. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Stein, and our many partners throughout North Carolina, and we look forward to joining the community and catapulting this great brand forward.”
“With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and the fourth largest food and beverage industry in the country, North Carolina is the ideal place for companies like Wow Bao to thrive,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our economic development teams at the state, regional, and local level will continue to provide strong support as the company expands their cutting-edge business.”
Positions at Wow Bao’s new facility will include maintenance engineers, production supervisors, sanitation associates, and other personnel. While wages vary by position, annual salaries for the new positions will average $49,648, exceeding the Rutherford County average of $46,673. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $4.3 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $180,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Wow Bao Service, Inc. will help facilitate the company’s location to North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Congratulations to Wow Bao on choosing Rutherford County for its new manufacturing facility,” said N.C. Senator Timothy D. Moffitt. “We look forward to the continued success and impact of their presence in North Carolina.”
“This expansion is a tremendous win for Forest City, bringing more jobs and strengthening our position as a leader in food production,” said N.C. Representative Jake Johnson. “I’m excited to see Wow Bao expand and thrive here.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, North Carolina Community College System, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County, and the Town of Forest City.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rich Grenyer, Associate Professor in Biogeography and Biodiversity, University of Oxford
One of the biotech company’s ‘dire wolves’.Colossal
With wildlife populations globally 73% smaller on average than in 1970 and large mammals missing from much of the world, surely there’s never been a better time to “de-extinct” species? US biotech company Colossal Biosciences Inc claimed to do just that recently by resurrecting the dire wolf from Game of Thrones (a species that also lived in our world, several thousand years ago).
The potential seems huge. A species in trouble? Get a high-quality genome and you’ve made it a save game point, ready to replay when the environment improves. Didn’t get there in time? Never mind – you can use frozen remains in the permafrost, or shotgun-blasted specimens in a museum collection. And pretty soon, even if you don’t have those, a dose of generative AI and you can probably infer some of that genome anyway. A little genetic engineering and you have a species back from the dead, ready to go.
What’s the problem? Well, pretty much everything. These aren’t species returned from extinction. They aren’t going to be very useful, and in fact may well not survive at all. Most worrying of all, like the Freys and Boltons hidden in the hall before the Red Wedding, it’s the ethos of de-extinction hidden in these “dire wolf” puppies that will likely do the most damage to biodiversity if it establishes itself.
Extinction has not been reversed
The dire wolf was a very large carnivore that lived in the Americas about 10,000 years ago. Anatomically, it resembled a big, muscular, extra-toothy grey wolf: the species alive today that everyone thinks of when they say “wolf”.
The two pups revealed by Colossal Biosciences are not dire wolves. They are grey wolves, with 14 genes modified to produce an animal that resembles what we think a dire wolf looked like. Actually, only one of the 14 was a gene directly from a dire wolf specimen – the others were gene variants from existing grey wolf populations chosen to give physical features that made the engineered wolves bigger and whiter.
Over time, gene editing technology could increase the possible number of genes that can be engineered into a host species, and increase the complexity of the traits being inserted. But it’s not species being revived, it’s a few of their characteristics being borrowed by a species from today. It’s like claiming to have brought Napoleon back from the dead by asking a short French man to wear his hat.
The argument for this kind of genetic engineering revolves around the notion that the new hybrids might be useful for environmental restoration. As a top predator, the dire wolf could in theory bring the same revolutionary changes to ecosystems that reintroducing grey wolves to Yellowstone national park in the US famously caused in the 1990s. In other words, a more complete ecosystem, with wolves checking the voracious appetite of deer such that more complex and biodiverse habitats rebound.
However, in ecosystems where the dire wolf would reign supreme the grey wolf can very clearly fill the same role (just as it did in Yellowstone) without any of the unnecessary technology – if only people stopped trying to shoot them and exempt them from endangered species legislation.
There’s also the problem that captive breeding programmes seeking to release endangered species into the wild today regularly butt against: that the new animals have little or no idea what to do or how to live in their new habitat.
Operation Migration, dramatised in the 1996 film Fly Away Home, saw a dedicated team of pilots teach endangered migratory birds how to traverse North America by having them chase microlight aircraft for thousands of miles. This is just one example of the intensive training necessary, and which is never guaranteed to be successful. It’s obviously more difficult to train apex predators by example – I will not be volunteering for the “intro to pack hunting” session.
No quick fixes
The word “de-extinction” is not just itself untrue, but it seeks to diminish the inconvenient truth of the biodiversity crisis: we know what causes extinction, and it’s us.
Food systems have to destroy less habitat and use much less protein from animals, wild and farmed. Energy systems have to burn less carbon, so that there are fewer deaths among species (including ours) trying to adapt to higher temperatures and the changes they bring. To do both these things, our landscapes have to leave more space for nature and much of what remains must be used more efficiently to provide food, fuel and living space.
There are definite signs that we can make good on these promises: conservation does work, for humans and for other species.
But these changes require us to recognise that certain economic and political philosophies are no longer tenable. They require sacrifice by everyone and a willingness by rich people and countries to pay with money, trade policy, intellectual property rights and energy supply, so that many of the poorest people and countries can flourish while avoiding the environmental damage that those rich countries caused over their own histories.
What motivates people to cope with these changes is a desire for justice, a need to nurture, a drive to make things better and a recognition that while habitats can sometimes be restored, species extinctions are irreversible dead-ends which can only be avoided. That recognition is under threat.
The Trump administration is trying to defang the US Endangered Species Act. In the UK, a wholesale revision of legislation to prevent biodiversity loss has begun with the targeting of the habitat regulations, in preemptive defence of the government’s need to “build, build, build” in a desperate search for more economic growth. How useful would it be if the risk of extinction could be averted with a simple “don’t worry, we’ll pay to de-extinct it afterwards”?
There won’t be a dire wolf, and even if there were to be one, we’d have no idea what it was for (and neither would it). We’ll all pay for the mistaken belief that extinction is a solved problem, and that the business-as-usual global economy that has caused the sixth mass extinction is no big deal, because its casualties aren’t actually dead – just temporarily inconvenienced by an extinction that is no longer forever.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Rich Grenyer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Fighter jet crews from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy are fully prepared for a significant international deployment as the UK’s F-35 Lightning Force steps confidently toward declaring full operational capability.
The cutting-edge F-35 jets, operated by 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF, will take to the skies aboard the HMS Prince of Wales for Operation Highmast, also known as Carrier Strike Group 25.
This dynamic mission will not only showcase the UK’s advanced carrier strike capabilities but also assert the Royal Navy’s flagship and UK jets as they travel through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific. This represents a crucial turning point for the F-35 program, affirming the UK’s power to project air superiority anywhere in the world, in the air, at sea or from land.
Operation Highmast is poised to be a landmark event, with plans to declare full operational capability (FOC) for both the jets and the Carrier Strike Group within the year.
“Achieving full operational capability is a substantial leap for 809. It empowers us to operate independently on a global scale at the request of the UK Government, delivering decisive air power from both land bases and aircraft carriers.”
Commander Nick Smith 809 Squadron
While the F-35 jets have already proven their mettle in operational settings, this new capability will enable sustained deployment of multiple squadrons from land and sea, enhancing the UK’s rapid response capabilities significantly.
Group Captain Butcher, Commander of the Lightning Air Wing noted, “Operation Highmast marks a pivotal milestone for the Lightning program. We are on track to achieve full operational capability for F-35 in the UK, with the ability to deploy two squadrons to the maritime operating base.”
The 809 Naval Air Squadron, known as The Immortals, was re-established in December 2023 and consists of top-tier personnel from both the Royal Navy and RAF, exemplifying the strength of joint force operations. Commander Smith asserted, “about half of our personnel are from the Royal Air Force, and the other half are from the Royal Navy. We operate as a cohesive unit within the UK Combat Air Force.”
During Operation Highmast, 809 Squadron will collaborate with 617 Squadron, in the largest F-35 Lightning deployment the UK has seen to date. This mission will involve exercises with allies across Europe and Asia, solidifying the UK’s crucial role in NATO and global defence.
Lieutenant Colonel Carty, in command of 617 Squadron, underscored the strategic importance of this deployment for the UK’s defence capabilities. “The F-35 program is imperative to our defence. Its cooperation with Typhoon enhances our combat effectiveness considerably,” he stated with confidence.
As the first Royal Marine to command a UK fighter squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Carty took pride in the collaborative nature of their operations.
“Partnering with other F-35 nations, especially our NATO allies, significantly extends our reach and potency around the world.”
Lieutenant Colonel Carty
The deployment is set to demonstrate the impressive interoperability of the UK’s F-35 squadrons with allied forces, particularly in high-end strike operations and defensive missions from sea-based platforms.
“Whether operating in Europe or the Indo-Pacific, we are fully equipped to work seamlessly with all partners flying F-35s.”
Group Captain Butcher
The F-35B Lightning is a formidable multi-role aircraft capable of executing air-to-surface strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence gathering—all at once. The Lightning Force, based at RAF Marham and comprising elite personnel from both the RAF and Royal Navy, oversees operations involving the UK’s F-35B aircraft. To date, the UK has received 33 of the anticipated 48 fifth-generation fighter jets, with a clear pathway to achieving full operational capacity of 74 aircraft by 2033.
As the UK steps into this extensive deployment, the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning, alongside its collaboration with allies, will play a pivotal role in fortifying the nation’s defence posture on the global stage, ensuring readiness and resilience in an ever-evolving security environment.
Secretary for Transport & Logistics and chair of the Logistics Development Council Mable Chan, listened to the logistics industry’s views on the US’ reckless tariff imposition at a council meeting held today.
She also discussed with the trade ways to tackle the situation together, including a further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs.
Ms Chan noted that although the industry is worried about the ongoing uncertainty of the trade environment, it remains firm against the adversary and is actively exploring ways to cope with the situation.
She emphasised that the Transport & Logistics Bureau will be in solidarity with the trade and counter the challenge to Hong Kong and the industry together with determination and confidence, adding that the bureau will play a leading role in providing more specific guidance on industry development and assisting the industry in coping with market restructuring.
To this end, the bureau will adopt five major strategies: exploring emerging markets; strengthening collaboration with ports located in the Greater Bay Area with a view to developing new cargo sources together; exempting the import and export licence requirements for certain products to attract more transshipment cargo; deepening international port and shipping co-operation; and expanding the maritime and aviation networks.
The ultimate aim is to identify new growth points for Hong Kong’s logistics industry, thereby consolidating and enhancing the city’s status and competitiveness as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.
Meanwhile, the bureau will also work with Customs and other relevant government departments to implement more initiatives to facilitate the industry’s development, thereby further enhancing the city’s role as a transshipment hub.
Such trade facilitation measures include the expansion of the Single E-lock Scheme, the Free Trade Agreement Transshipment Facilitation Scheme and the Air-Land Fresh Lane.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Ukrainian border guards enhance ability to detect forged documents on OSCE study tour to the Netherlands
Participants in a site visit on an OSCE study tour to the Netherlands enhancing border guards’ ability to detect forged documents, 9 April 2025. (OSCE) Photo details
Senior officers from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service (SBGS) strengthened their document fraud detection capability and explored ways to enhance border control operations at airports and maritime ports during a study tour to the Netherlands organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, from 7 to 10 April.
The participants worked with experts at the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee’s Identity Fraud and Documents Centre of Expertise (ECID) to learn about emerging trends in document forgeries, advanced forensic examination techniques and the development of training programmes with forensic document experts. Since ECID experts also provide training to first-line border guards, these exchanges will directly support Ukraine’s Main Forensic Center in developing new training programmes, modelled after ECID’s training structure, and enabling them to deploy trainers previously prepared through the OSCE’s training-of-trainers courses for SBGS.
During a site visit at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the officials learned about the integration of modern screening technologies such as automated border control e-gates (ABC e-gates). This supports the intensified efforts by Ukrainian authorities to reopen Ukraine’s civilian airports upon the cessation of hostilities and to deepen the understanding of these technologies toward supporting the country in updating its legislation for implementing ABC e-gates.
Given the role of Ukraine’s maritime ports in its grain exports, the SBGS officials also benefitted from a site visit at Rotterdam Port, one of the world’s busiest ports, to explore its modernized operations, including the implementation of automation procedures and cargo container screening processes.
A visit to Keesing Technologies, an identification technologies company, in Amsterdam was an opportunity for participants to learn more about the role of public-private engagement for ensuring document experts are up to date on the latest advances in passport security, including passport features that are the intellectual property of commercial companies.
The study visit was part of an ongoing project supporting the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing illegal border crossings with a fake or stolen identity, which is funded by the United States of America.
Hong Kong teams participating in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva won about 300 prizes, including two Grand Awards, seven Special Awards, about 55 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury and about 80 Gold Medals.
In particular, the Prize of the Republic & Canton of Geneva, one of the Grand Awards, went to the “Two-Phase Immersion Cooling System for High Performance Computer Workstation” jointly developed by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). This prize represents a governmental level of honour and recognition, marking the first time for departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to receive this prestigious award.
The CAD-EMSD innovation provides a highly efficient heat dissipation capability for the CAD’s high-performance air traffic control tower simulator by immersing heat-generating computer components into a sealed container filled with a non-conductive cooling liquid. Heat dissipation is achieved through the vaporisation of the cooling liquid, providing a more efficient energy saving system with an extended equipment life time compared with traditional air cooling.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force’s “Scameter Series” won another Gold Award named the International Press Prize.
The Tracking Solution for Outdoor Activity Safety, also jointly developed by CAD and EMSD, won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury prize at the exhibition.
Furthermore, local public research and development (R&D) institutes, including the Productivity Council, the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute as well as the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, also achieved outstanding results at the Edison Awards 2025, winning a total of four Gold Awards and three Silver Awards.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their remarkable achievements.
He said: “I am proud of the number of international awards received by Hong Kong teams. This is not only a significant recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlights Hong Kong’s strong innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities as well as our rich pool of talent.
“The achievements of the Hong Kong teams on the global stage further solidify our position in the I&T landscape in the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to invest resources and strive to build Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
(Joshua Quek and Edmund Tan, Operations Managers of Primech A & P)
SINGAPORE, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: PMEC), an established technology-driven facility services provider in the public and private sectors operating mainly in Singapore, today announced its strategic transformation initiatives that are revolutionizing the industry through cutting-edge innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth strategies.
“We’re not just adapting to the future of facility services—we’re actively creating it,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Primech Holdings. “Through our comprehensive integration of AI, robotics, and digital solutions, Primech A & P is establishing new benchmarks for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the facility services sector.”
Pioneering Smart Cleaning Through Technology Primech A & P has invested significantly in AI-powered cleaning robots and IoT-enabled monitoring systems operating across high-traffic commercial spaces. These autonomous solutions ensure consistent hygiene standards while effectively addressing labor shortages in the industry.
The Company’s technological ecosystem includes:
Cloud-based workforce management systems for real-time operations tracking
Equipment health monitoring via software API to minimize downtime
Resource allocation optimization through performance metrics analysis
This digital transformation has enhanced service delivery while optimizing operational costs, directly benefiting customers through higher quality and more reliable facility services.
Excellence Through People and Performance Primech A & P’s market leadership is built on a foundation of workforce development and superior service standards. The Company has implemented comprehensive training and upskilling programs that equip employees with cutting-edge industry knowledge and technological expertise.
The Company currently maintains facilities at several of Singapore’s most prestigious locations, including:
Singapore’s internationally acclaimed airport
Premium commercial office buildings
Essential public spaces, including food courts
Private residential condominiums
Government housing developments
Strategic Expansion into High-Value Sectors As part of its growth strategy, Primech A & P is actively expanding into specialized sectors requiring advanced cleaning solutions:
Healthcare and Hospitals: Providing hygiene-critical cleaning for medical facilities, laboratories, and pharmaceutical environments
Road Sweeping Innovation: Conducting in-depth assessments to drive technological advancements in public infrastructure maintenance
High-Tech Environments: Delivering precision cleaning for semiconductor cleanrooms and cloud data centers
Luxury Residential and Commercial: Increasing market share in premium property segments
Environmental Leadership Primech A & P has integrated substantial eco-friendly practices into its operations, including:
Deployment of an electric vehicle fleet to reduce carbon emissions
Installation of solar panels at company headquarters
Development of sustainable cleaning methodologies
With a strong market presence, a commitment to AI-driven innovation, and a roadmap for expansion, Primech A & P presents an exciting investment opportunity. The Company’s leadership team continues to drive operational excellence, digital transformation, and sustainable growth—paving the way for the next era of smart cleaning and automation.
Primech A & P is not just shaping the future of facility services—it is revolutionizing the industry through technology, excellence, and forward-thinking solutions.
About Primech Holdings Limited Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev familiarized himself with the work of the new airport terminal building at the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport (Elizovo).
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport (Elizovo) is the main air gate of the Kamchatka Territory. The airport is certified according to the ICAO Category II meteorological minimum and guarantees the reception of airplanes and helicopters of any type. The length of the runway is 3.4 thousand meters and provides the ability to receive the largest aircraft.
“The main thing is that people like the new terminal, that it is convenient, that it helps increase the tourist flow to the wonderful territory of Kamchatka. Some things need to be finished, but the terminal is working. It was a difficult, long and expensive construction, but the finish, in my opinion, was beautiful. We argued for a long time during the construction. The investor said that he wanted to build the most beautiful airport in Russia, but it was important that the construction be carried out with private funds, and not at the expense of the federal budget. In the end, the construction was completed. People are using the finished airport complex,” said Yuri Trutnev.
The construction of the new airport complex began in December 2020. The first flights in the new building were received by Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport (Elizovo) on March 31 of this year. The new terminal increased the capacity of the airport, which made it possible to expand the geography of flights and increase the airport’s passenger flow. Since the start of its operation, the new terminal has received 126 flights and served more than 27.3 thousand passengers.
The construction of a new airport terminal is the most modern and large-scale transport project in the history of Kamchatka. The previous airport building did not meet modern requirements and the needs of local residents and guests of the peninsula. Queues, cramped conditions and a limited range of services created discomfort for passengers. That is why the construction of a new modern terminal has become a priority task included in the people’s program for the development of Kamchatka Krai, which has been implemented since 2020 on the initiative of the Governor of Kamchatka Krai Vladimir Solodov based on requests from residents of the region.
“The new airport is certainly a symbol of the Kamchatka Territory. After all, it is of key importance for our region: all residents can fly on vacation only through it. This means that the services that the airport creates are incredibly important to every resident of Kamchatka, including opening up new opportunities to expand departure routes. The airport is still in the process of opening new zones – retail, catering, hotels, we are also waiting for the onset of warm weather and the improvement of the territory, the creation of additional parking. This work creates certain inconveniences, including for residents. In particular, the airport still has to, as they say, live in the building. Make it cozy, provide for all the nuances – like sockets, hooks, additional navigation signs, and so on. All this sounds like trifles, but it is these details that create a feeling of completeness and comfort. We will work on this together,” said Vladimir Solodov.
Thanks to the status of a resident of the Kamchatka Priority Development Area, the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation has provided external engineering infrastructure and built an access road to the construction site of the new airport complex.
The area of passenger service areas in the new terminal is 33 thousand square meters, which is five times more than in the old terminal. The capacity has increased from 360 to 687 passengers per hour, and after the launch of the international sector, it will be 1,145 passengers per hour. The check-in area is equipped with 30 check-in counters: 15 counters for domestic airlines and 15 for international ones (the old terminal had only 12 counters).
For the first time in Kamchatka, a scheme for moving passengers through closed galleries to the plane has been implemented, which is especially relevant for the harsh and changeable weather conditions of the region. In total, the terminal is equipped with five jet bridges with the possibility of increasing to eight.
The baggage claim hall for domestic flights is located on the first floor of the terminal and is equipped with two baggage carousels. A separate lane is allocated for public transport on the station square, and a parking space is also equipped.
“We have successfully implemented the first and most important stage of the project: the terminal began to serve passengers and provided them with a new level of service. Today, boarding and disembarking from aircraft is carried out via jet bridges, baggage is received in comfortable conditions, passenger check-in is carried out in a spacious hall, the number and area of cafes and shops have been increased. Unique innovations have been introduced, such as the ability to self-check in baggage,” said Evgeny Chudnovsky, General Director of the Management Company Airports of Regions.
The airport complex will also include a 120-room hotel with an area of 11,000 square meters, located directly in the terminal building, with a service level corresponding to five stars, and its own spa area, as well as a modern multifunctional congress hall with an area of 650 square meters in the center of the terminal’s courtyard. The total area of the airport complex, which will include a hotel, congress space and trade areas, will exceed 50,000 square meters.
“By the summer season, the improvement of the station square and the area around the terminal will be completed, during this year a five-star hotel and a multifunctional congress space for events will begin operating. All this will allow us to create a new cluster for the development of tourism potential and the hospitality industry in Kamchatka Krai,” said Evgeny Chudnovsky.
Let us recall that in 2018, JSC Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport (Elizovo) came under the management of the Airports of Regions Management Company.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, announced the release of two new legislatively mandated posters for use across the state. The first version of the poster was released 10 years ago when the General Assembly passed a law requiring hotline posters in certain business establishments.
South Carolina law (Code 16-3-2100) requires the national human trafficking hotline poster, including the specific language included, to be hung in the following locations:
Establishments that have been declared a nuisance for prostitution pursuant to law;
An adult business, including a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or another similar establishment in which a person appears in a state of sexually explicit nudity or semi-nudity, as defined by law;
Businesses and establishments that offer massage or bodywork services by any person who is not licensed under appropriate laws;
Emergency rooms within any hospital;
Urgent care centers;
Any hotel, motel, room, or accommodation furnished to transients for which fees are charged in this state;
All agricultural labor contractors and agricultural labor transporters as defined by law;
All airports, train stations, bus stations, rest areas, and truck stops.
The information must be posted in each public restroom for the business or establishment, and in a prominent location conspicuous to the public at the entrance of the establishment. The Department of Revenue, the State Law Enforcement Division, and the Department of Transportation, depending on regulatory control or authority, are authorized to issue a written warning and assess a fine of not more than fifty dollars. Each day that the poster is not hung in the establishment constitutes a separate and distinct violation, and the establishment may be fined appropriately.
The new designs were developed in conjunction with the State Task Force Survivor Advisory Subcommittee. The posters can be downloaded on the State Task Force website at humantrafficking.scag.gov. The 11 Regional Human Trafficking Task Forces across the state will also be provided with 1,000 copies to help distribute posters.
To report an incident or seek victim services, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The Hotline is confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of new terminal building of Hisar airport worth over Rs 410 crore Today, being the birth anniversary of the architect of our Constitution, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, is a very important day for all of us, for the entire country: PM
Today flights have started from Haryana to Ayodhya Dham, meaning now the holy land of Shri Krishna, Haryana, is directly connected to the city of Lord Ram: PM
On one hand, our government is emphasizing on connectivity and on the other hand, we are also ensuring welfare of the poor and social justice: PM
Posted On: 14 APR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi
In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport in Hisar, Haryana worth over Rs 410 crore today. Addressing the gathering, he extended his greetings to the people of Haryana, acknowledging their strength, sportsmanship, and brotherhood as the defining traits of the state. He expressed his gratitude to the large gathering for their blessings during this busy harvest season.
The Prime Minister paid respectful homage to Guru Jambheshwar, Maharaja Agrasen, and the sacred Agroha Dham. He shared his fond memories of Haryana, particularly Hisar, recalling his time working closely with many colleagues when he was entrusted with the responsibility of the state by his party. He highlighted the dedication and efforts of these colleagues in strengthening the party’s foundation in Haryana. He expressed pride in his party’s commitment to the goal of a developed Haryana and a developed India, working with utmost seriousness toward this vision.
“Today is a significant day for the entire nation as it marks the birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar”, said Shri Modi, highlighting that Babasaheb’s life, struggles, and message have been the cornerstone of the government’s 11-year journey. He emphasized that every decision, every policy, and every day of the government has been dedicated to Babasaheb’s vision. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the lives and fulfilling the dreams of the underprivileged, oppressed, exploited, poor, tribal communities, and women. He stated that continuous and rapid development has been the mantra of their government to achieve these goals.
Underlining the launch of flights connecting Haryana to Ayodhya Dham, symbolizing the direct link between the sacred land of Shri Krishna and the city of Lord Ram, the Prime Minister announced that flights to other cities will commence soon. He highlighted the foundation stone laying of the new terminal building at Hisar Airport, describing it as a step toward elevating Haryana’s aspirations to new heights. He extended his congratulations to the people of Haryana for this significant milestone.
Reiterating his promise that even those wearing slippers would fly in airplanes, a vision now being realized across the country, Shri Modi highlighted that in the past 10 years, millions of Indians have experienced air travel for the first time. He noted that new airports have been built even in areas that previously lacked proper railway stations, sharing that before 2014, India had 74 airports, a number achieved in 70 years while today, the number of airports has surpassed 150. He emphasized that nearly 90 aerodromes have been connected under the UDAN scheme, with over 600 routes operational, enabling affordable air travel for many. He remarked that this has led to record-breaking numbers of annual air travelers. He further highlighted that various airlines have placed record orders to the tune of 2,000 new aircraft, which will create numerous jobs for pilots, air hostesses, and other services. He also pointed out that the aircraft maintenance sector will generate significant employment opportunities. “Hisar Airport will elevate the aspirations of Haryana’s youth, providing them with new opportunities and dreams”, he added.
“Our government is focusing on connectivity while ensuring welfare for the poor and social justice, fulfilling the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the aspirations of the Constitution’s framers”, emphasised the Prime Minister. He criticized the Congress party for its treatment of Babasaheb Ambedkar, stating that while he was alive, they insulted him, orchestrated his electoral defeats twice, and conspired to exclude him from the system. He remarked that after Babasaheb’s passing, the party also attempted to erase his legacy and suppress his ideas. He highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar was the protector of the Constitution, whereas they became its destroyer. He stated that while Dr. Ambedkar aimed to bring equality, Congress spread the virus of vote-bank politics in the country.
Shri Modi remarked that Babasaheb Ambedkar envisioned a life of dignity for every poor and marginalized individual, enabling them to dream and fulfill their aspirations. He criticized the previous government for treating SC, ST, and OBC communities as second-class citizens during its long tenure. He highlighted the disparity under its rule, where water reached the swimming pools of some leaders but failed to reach villages. He noted that even after 70 years of independence, only 16% of rural households had tap water connections, disproportionately affecting SC, ST, and OBC communities. He shared that in the past 6-7 years, their government has provided tap water connections to over 12 crore rural households, raising the coverage to 80% of rural homes. He expressed confidence that, with Babasaheb’s blessings, tap water will reach every household. He also addressed the lack of toilets, which severely impacted SC, ST, and OBC communities. He highlighted the government’s efforts in constructing over 11 crore toilets, ensuring a life of dignity for the underprivileged.
Criticising the previous dispensation’s rule, during which the SC, ST, and OBC communities faced significant barriers, with even access to banks being a distant dream, the Prime Minister said that insurance, loans, and financial assistance were mere aspirations for them. He highlighted that under their government, the largest beneficiaries of Jan Dhan accounts are from SC, ST, and OBC communities. He proudly noted that today, these individuals confidently showcase their RuPay cards, symbolizing their financial inclusion and empowerment.
Shri Modi further criticised the Congress party for turning the sacred Constitution into a mere tool for gaining power. He remarked that whenever they faced a crisis of power, it crushed the Constitution. He highlighted the Emergency period, during which the then Government undermined the spirit of the Constitution to retain power. He emphasized that the essence of the Constitution is to ensure a uniform civil code for all, but the then Government never implemented it. He pointed out the opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, despite its alignment with the Constitution’s principles.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that the Constitution provided for reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities, but Congress turned it into a tool for appeasement. He highlighted recent reports of the present government in Karnataka granting reservations in government tenders based on religion, despite the Constitution not allowing such provisions. He stated that appeasement policies have significantly harmed the Muslim community, benefiting only a few extremists while leaving the rest of the society neglected, uneducated, and impoverished. He pointed to the Waqf Act as the biggest evidence of the previous Government’s flawed policies. He noted that in 2013, just months before elections, Congress amended the Waqf Act to appease its vote bank, elevating it above several constitutional provisions.
Criticising the Congress for claiming to work for the welfare of Muslims while failing to take meaningful actions, Shri Modi remarked that if the party truly cared for the Muslim community, they would have appointed a Muslim as their party president or allocated 50% of their tickets to Muslim candidates, stating that their intentions were never aligned with the genuine welfare of Muslims, exposing their true nature. Highlighting the vast tracts of land under Waqf, meant to benefit the poor, destitute women and children, were instead exploited by a handful of land mafias, Shri Modi pointed out that these mafias were encroaching on lands belonging to Dalits, backward classes, and tribals, leaving the Pasmanda Muslim community without any benefits. He mentioned that amendments to the Waqf Act will put an end to such exploitation, emphasizing a significant new provision in the amended law, ensuring that tribal lands cannot be touched by Waqf boards. He described this as a major step in protecting tribal interests. He stated that the new provisions will honor the sanctity of Waqf, ensuring that the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslim families, women, and children are upheld. He affirmed that this reflects the true spirit of the Constitution and genuine social justice.
Underlining the numerous steps taken by the government since 2014 to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and inspire future generations, the Prime Minister pointed out that places associated with Babasaheb, both in India and abroad, were neglected for years. He noted that even for constructing Babasaheb’s memorial at Indu Mill in Mumbai, people had to protest. He emphasized that their government has developed all key sites, including Babasaheb’s birthplace in Mhow, his educational site in London, his Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and his Diksha Bhoomi in Nagpur, transforming them into the “Panchteerth.” He shared his privilege of recently visiting Diksha Bhoomi to pay homage to Babasaheb. The Prime Minister criticized Congress for making lofty claims about social justice while failing to honor Babasaheb and Chaudhary Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna during their tenure. He proudly stated that Babasaheb was awarded the Bharat Ratna only when a BJP-supported government was in power at the center, and it was also their party when in power honored Chaudhary Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna.
Lauding the Haryana government for consistently strengthening the path of social justice and welfare for the poor, the Prime Minister highlighted the dire state of government jobs in Haryana under previous administrations, where individuals had to rely on political connections or sell family assets to secure employment. He expressed satisfaction with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s government, which has eradicated these corrupt practices. He praised Haryana’s remarkable track record of providing jobs without bribes or recommendations. He noted that previous governments had made every effort to prevent 25,000 youth in Haryana from receiving government jobs. However, as soon as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini took office, thousands of appointment letters were issued to deserving candidates. He described this as an example of their good governance and commended the government’s roadmap for creating thousands of new jobs in the coming years.
Highlighting Haryana’s significant contribution to the nation, with a large number of youth serving in the armed forces, Shri Modi criticized previous dispensations for decades of deception regarding the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and emphasized that it was his government that implemented OROP. He shared that ₹13,500 crore has been disbursed to Haryana’s ex-servicemen under OROP. He pointed out that the previous Government had allocated only ₹500 crore for the scheme while misleading the nation’s soldiers. He remarked that the previous government has never truly supported Dalits, backward classes, or soldiers.
Expressing confidence in Haryana’s role in strengthening the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister praised the state’s global impact, whether in sports or agriculture. He conveyed his trust in Haryana’s youth and described the new airport and flights as inspirations for fulfilling Haryana’s aspirations and concluded by extending his congratulations to the people of Haryana for this new milestone.
The Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. With scheduled flights from Hisar to Ayodhya (twice weekly), three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, this development will mark a significant leap in Haryana’s aviation connectivity.
The inauguration of Hisar Airport marks a significant milestone in Haryana’s development journey. It will boost regional connectivity and catalyse economic growth across the state. https://t.co/8DtkTWUEXD
Headline: Huawei Launches Five Solutions to Accelerate Aviation Intelligence
[Madrid, Spain, April 14, 2025] During the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Madrid, Huawei launched five aviation solutions, notably including the Smart Airport Intelligent Operation Center (IOC) to advance intelligent industry upgrades. Huawei executives, including Mr. Dong Fangshuo, Vice President of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU, Mr. Yang Guojie, Director of Transportation Industry Solution Domain from Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, Eric Liu, Chief Engineer of Huawei Optical Network Business, and Dr. Rachad Nassar, Director of Global Business & Strategic Partners of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU attended the launch event.
Huawei launches five aviation solutions
The five solutions unveiled will lay a solid foundation for aviation to “go broadband, go cloud, and go AI.” They are:
Huawei’s Smart Airport Intelligent Operation Center (IOC) enables precise and efficient decision-making through all-domain situational awareness. With Total Airport Management (TAM) concept at its heart, the IOC streamlines management and operations systems and seamlessly connects more than 30 airport production systems, providing a holistic view on one map. Capitalizing on AI algorithms, the IOC accurately predicts the time when an aircraft moves into the stand, optimizes resource allocation, and improves the rate of aircraft docking to jet bridges. This results in a 5% increase in flight departure punctuality and ground support efficiency. The system monitors operation in real time, deploys service resources in advance, proactively handle disruptions, strengthens security management, and improves passenger experience, helping airports go digital and intelligent.
Huawei’s Smart Airport Perimeter Security Solution with fiber sensing technology elevates airport operational security. Using innovative technologies like Huawei’s distributed optic fiber sensing and AI sensing algorithms, the solution can precisely identify airfield intrusions under harsh weather conditions. It detects the vast majority of intrusions and generates very few false alarms (hundreds of alarms per day reduced to less than 1 alarm/km/day).
Huawei’s Digital and Intelligent Platform for Airports based on cloud, data, and AI makes airport operations smarter, more efficient, and more secure.
● Cloud: Core services are migrated to the cloud for active-active deployment, ensuring zero data losses. The recovery time is shortened from 1 hour to just 5 minutes, meeting the 99.99% availability requirement.
● Data: The platform builds a comprehensive data governance system alongside a robust data foundation to deliver high-quality data for intelligent applications.
● AI: Huawei provides advanced AI capabilities and supports open and compatible mainstream models and engines. Together with its partners, the company looks to create optimal industry models to accelerate aviation intelligence.
Huawei’s Xinghe Intelligent Airport Integrated Data Network Solution builds a high-quality and highly reliable communication network. Wi-Fi 7 enhances the passenger experience, and with its VIP assurance technology, Wi-Fi 7 improves the bandwidth for VIP passengers by 20%. Huawei’s exclusive Wi-Fi Shield adopts noise superposition to prevent data from being stolen during air interface transmission and protect data. It also automates access authentication and authorization, and can automatically detect and block spoofing and unauthorized access behavior within 30 seconds, eliminating terminal access risks. The solution fully boosts production and operational efficiency and ensures airport networks are stable.
Huawei’s Smart Airport All-Optical Network utilizes IP + POL (Passive Optical LAN). It introduces the first 10G M45 panel-type Optical Network Unit (ONU) – the OptiXstar P892M – for airports, which supports multiple installation modes such as tabletop, wall embedding, and floor cylinder. One optical fiber allows for integrated access of voice, Wi-Fi, and HD video services, providing more reliable, agile, and green infrastructure to high-quality carry multiple airport service systems.
The solutions reflect that ICT has evolved from a side support system into one of air cargo’s core mission-critical production systems, with intelligence being at the heart of the ongoing transformation of the aviation sector. This evolution is prompting airports to rethink how they allocate resources and evolve toward smart airports. Huawei works with aviation partners to deeply integrate novel technologies and create the architecture of intelligent digital twins that synergizes connectivity, cloud, AI, computing, and applications. This architecture aims to significantly enhance operational efficiency, business value, safety and passenger experience.
Dr. Rachad Nassar, Director of Global Business & Strategic Partners of Huawei’s Smart Transportation BU, noted at the launch event that the advancement of aviation relies on digital and intelligent technologies. He stated that Huawei is committed to building safer and more efficient airports providing a seamless experience. “Moving forward, we will collaborate with more industry partners who have best practices to establish a new ecosystem for airport innovation and development. Together, we can help customers streamline existing industry systems, maximize data potential, and improve productivity within the aviation sector.”
Keynote speech by Dr. Rachad Nassar
During the exhibition, Huawei also showcased its range of scenario-based solutions for airport operations, security, and services alongside airlines’ operating scenarios. The solutions ensure smooth passenger and flight flows, improve travel experience, and increase the operational efficiency of both airports and airlines.
To date, more than 210 airports, airlines, and air traffic management authorities all over the world have chosen Huawei. Looking ahead, Huawei will work with industry customers and partners to build a digital and intelligent foundation for civil aviation, develop smart airports that are safe, green, and passenger-friendly, and accelerate the intelligent development of aviation.
For more information about Huawei’s Smart Aviation Solution, visit: https://e.huawei.com/en/industries/aviation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $11.9 million In the first case, a local female, aged 19, arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 12kg of suspected ketamine inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.
The arrestee has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 14).
In the second case, through risk assessment, customs officers intercepted a 57-year-old female passenger who planned to depart from Hong Kong to Brussels yesterday. Upon a search, Customs officers found about 7kg of suspected cocaine from her check-in luggage. The woman was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:38
Industry Stakeholders Should Embrace Sustainability and Set Global Benchmarks:Shri Goyal Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri PiyushGoyal addresses CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025
Posted On: 13 APR 2025 12:21PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri PiyushGoyal addressed the CAPEXIL’s Vibrant Buildcon 2025 here today. He asked industry stakeholders to adopt best practices in sustainability, reduce import dependency, focus on clean and green construction, and work towards earthquake-resistant and modular infrastructure.
Shri Goyal highlighted India’s growing strength in the construction ecosystem—from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to domestic manufacturing under Make in India. He underlined the importance of key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, commercial real estate, railways, airports, highways, and energy. “Every element, from cement and electricals to security systems and automation, plays a part in this ecosystem,” he said.
Shri Goyal said the rapid infrastructure development has happened under the leadership of the Prime Minister. “PM Modi conceptualised world-class convention centres like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, both of which were built during the pandemic. These state-of-the-art venues have hosted global events such as the G20 Summit, BharatTex, Bharat Mobility and Startup Mahakumbh,” he pointed out.
The Minister listed several major government initiatives, including 20 new smart industrial cities, improved tourism infrastructure across 50 destinations, and 100 new industrial plug-and-play hubs. “If we are to move from a $4 trillion economy today to a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, every citizen must contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Commerce and Industry Minister noted that today India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. “Vibrant Buildcon is only the beginning of the transformation of our construction ecosystem under one umbrella,” Shri Goyal said.
Greeting the gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi, the Union Minister talked about the role of farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that despite global disruptions, India ensured uninterrupted food distribution, month after month, under the leadership ofPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “Even during the peak of the pandemic, India continued its mission of feeding the poor and bringing millions out of deprivation,” he noted.
Drawing a connection between India’s food security and infrastructure growth, Shri Goyal said that Vibrant Buildcon exemplifies the country’s ability to support rapid urbanisation, housing for all, and logistics transformation. “This platform showcases our manufacturing and infrastructure strength, which is crucial to attract global investments and reduce logistics cost,” he added.
In conclusion, Shri Goyalemphasised India’s potential to emerge as a global superpower. “We must aim for audacious goals, ensure our labour force receives fair wages, and innovate continuously. Let there be no doubt—India will lead the world in growth, innovation, and inclusive development,” he said.
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, PM to visit Haryana on 14th April PM to flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of new terminal building of Hisar airport
PM to lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant and a Compressed Biogas Plant at YamunaNagar
PM to inaugurate Rewari Bypass project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana
Posted On: 12 APR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Haryana on 14th April. He will travel to Hisar and at around 10:15 AM, he will flag off commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Hisar airport. He will also address a public meeting.
Thereafter, at around 12:30 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects in YamunaNagar and address the gathering on the occasion.
In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen airport in Hisar worth over Rs 410 crore. It will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and an ATC building. He will also flag off the first flight from Hisar to Ayodhya. With scheduled flights from Hisar to Ayodhya (twice weekly), three flights in a week to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, this development will mark a significant leap in Haryana’s aviation connectivity.
Boosting power infrastructure in the region along with the vision of electricity reaching the last mile, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 800 MW modern thermal power unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at YamunaNagar. This unit, spread across 233 acres, worth around Rs 8,470 crore, will significantly boost Haryana’s energy self-sufficiency and provide uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Taking forward the vision of GOBARDhan, i.e. Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, in YamunaNagar. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes and will help in effective organic waste management, while contributing to clean energy production and environmental conservation.
Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 14.4 km Rewari Bypass project, worth around Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It will decongest Rewari city, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by around one hour, and boost economic and social activity in the region.
The fourth edition of bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 between India and the United States culminated with a Distinguished Visitors’ (DV) Day at Kakinada, on 11 Apr 25. The DV Day was attended by the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), US Consul General, Commander US Navy Strike Group Five and Deputy General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, along with other senior dignitaries.
The DV Day witnessed seamless execution of complex operations at and off the coast of Kakinada including Standoff and Hard Beaching, Slithering Operations by Special Operations Forces from SC and Mi-17 V5 helicopters, participation of C-130 aircraft and integrated air operations by the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, US Navy, US Army, and US Marine Corps.
The operations reflected the enhanced degree of combined combat drills, jointmanship and interoperability achieved between the Armed Forces of India and United States of America.
Conducted from 01 to 11 Apr 25, the exercise provided invaluable training in HADR operations and familiarised participants with each other’s capabilities, techniques, and procedures. Notably, Ex Tiger Triumph was first held in 2019, with the primary aim of strengthening operational synergies, facilitated by logistics exchange under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and towards integrating emerging technologies between the two militaries.
The harbour phase of the exercise was conducted from 01 to 07 Apr 25 at Visakhapatnam. The phase commenced with an opening ceremony attended by Mr. Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy, and Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. Activities during this phase included Pre-Sail Conferences, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) on key technologies including medical, drone, and space. The harbour phase also included cross-deck visits, ship boarding drills and friendly sports fixtures.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, April 13 — Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday, marking his first overseas trip of the year. The journey underscores the emphasis China places on its Southeast Asian neighbors — partners bound not only by geographical proximity, but by decades of cooperation and mutual support.
The visits aim to deepen ties and chart the course for future cooperation. From infrastructure to trade, China and its neighbors are aligning their modernization efforts. At each stop, the two sides will work together to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation.
The trip reflects China’s broader vision of building a community with a shared future with its neighboring countries. In an era of global uncertainty, Asia’s unity, coupled with the promise of common development, presents a model of stability and progress.
“CAMARADERIE PLUS BROTHERHOOD”
In October 2024, the China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cross-border tourism cooperation zone was officially launched. Tourists from both sides of the border can now leisurely walk through the streets that seamlessly blend Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, while enjoying the magnificent vista of the shared waterfall. This landmark project, China’s first cross-border tourism cooperation zone, stands as a testament to the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations. From their early revolutionary struggles to their current modernization efforts, the two countries have forged a profound bond featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.”
During Xi’s visit to the country in December 2023, bilateral ties were elevated to a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Xi proposed the six major goals of “greater political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer multilateral coordination and collaboration, and more proper management of differences.” That laid the groundwork for the vision of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.
In August 2024, then Vietnamese President To Lam chose China as the destination for his first overseas visit only two weeks after being elected general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. During the visit, the two sides reaffirmed the six goals and emphasized joint efforts to advance shared development.
Trade remains the engine of their relationship. China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and infrastructure links from rail to ports are expanding fast. Fruit from Vietnam frequents Chinese tables while Chinese raw materials and machinery fuel Vietnamese industry. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy are increasingly aligned.
Under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, Vietnam-China relations have developed rapidly in recent years, said Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, deputy director at the Institute of Chinese Studies of Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. She expressed confidence that the profound friendship between the two countries will be passed down from generation to generation.
FRIENDSHIP FORGED IN HISTORY
At the Gombak station site along Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link, cranes swing vigorously under the scorching sun while Chinese and Malaysian workers assemble steel girders together. This railway, slated for completion in 2027, stands as a prestigious project within the BRI cooperation framework. It will link Malaysia’s east and west coasts for the first time, emerging as a powerful symbol of the deepening partnership between these two nations.
China-Malaysia ties run deep. From the voyages of renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He (1371-1433) to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, the two countries have long enjoyed cultural affinity and strategic trust. During Xi’s 2013 visit, they upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, the relationship was elevated again to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
Economic cooperation continues to thrive. China has maintained its position as Malaysia’s leading trading partner for 16 consecutive years. On top of that, bilateral initiatives like the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” program, which pairs industrial zones in Qinzhou and Kuantan, have emerged as a model for regional collaboration. This partnership has spurred the expansion of port collaboration and infrastructure connection. Furthermore, Malaysian fresh durians have been on sale in the Chinese market since last August, witnessing rising popularity among Chinese consumers.
People-to-people exchanges are also flourishing. From international students to visa-free travel arrangements, cultural exchanges are growing deeper and more meaningful. Collaborative efforts now span a wide range of activities, from panda research to the joint pursuit of getting the lion dance recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
With Malaysia serving as the 2025 chair of ASEAN and a BRICS partner country, the two countries are working more closely on regional cooperation, with an eye on stability and shared prosperity in a shifting global landscape.
“The bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China is currently at its best,” said Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian ambassador to China.
IRONCLAD FRIENDSHIP
Through towering pillars and glass walls, sunlight streams into Techo International Airport, evoking a tranquil ambiance reminiscent of standing beneath the sugar palm trees that dot the Cambodian landscape.
Scheduled to commence operations in July, the new airport constructed by a Chinese company is expected to significantly enhance the tourism capacity of Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. This project marks yet another notable milestone in China-Cambodia cooperation within the framework of the BRI.
China and Cambodia are ironclad friends who always support each other and stand together through thick and thin. Under the care of the leaders of both nations, the tree of China-Cambodia friendship has flourished, yielding a bountiful harvest of cooperation and mutual trust.
The two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and strategic communication. In September 2023, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited China on his first official trip abroad after taking office. One month later, Hun Manet was in China again to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
In December 2024, Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen visited China. Xi said in a meeting with Hun Sen that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia is of high quality, while Hun Sen described China as Cambodia’s most trusted friend.
Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future has progressed into a new era characterized by high quality, high level and high standard.
China has remained Cambodia’s biggest source of foreign investment and biggest trading partner for years. The China-Cambodia free trade agreement, along with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, has given a substantial boost to trade growth between the two nations.
The two countries have seen frequent people-to-people exchanges. In 2024, various events were held to celebrate the China-Cambodia people-to-people exchange year, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
With the collaborative efforts of scholars from both countries, a new Khmer version of The Customs of Cambodia, an ancient Chinese travelogue that serves as a crucial source for studying Cambodia’s history, was released in April last year.
Over the decades, Chinese experts have been working with their Cambodian peers in preserving and restoring Angkor temples to revive the invaluable treasures of Cambodia.
Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the deeply rooted Cambodia-China ties are rock-solid and unbreakable, serving as a paragon of South-South cooperation
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University
A weather station in Santa Cruz, Calif. Cuts to government agencies monitoring the weather will increase the impacts of extreme weather events.(Shutterstock)
The strategy addresses the risks to lives, property, economies and ecosystems that are increasing at an alarming rate due to the warming planet. It highlights that U.S. citizens are in harm’s way, infrastructure is increasingly outdated and at risk and, in many places, not designed for new environmental realities and extreme weather events.
In February 2025, Donald Trump’s administration reduced the government’s size. The NOAA was severely affected, experiencing budget cuts and the termination of about 800 employees’ positions. NOAA is a critically important government organization, and includes the National Weather Service (NWS).
Recent developments regarding science and scholarship in the U.S., including major reductions in federal research funding and censorship around topics such as climate change and gender, are forcing many U.S. science agencies and research organizations to abruptly suspend normal operations.
As former assistant deputy minister of the Meteorological Service of Environment Canada between 1994 and 2000, I regularly met with my colleagues at the NWS and other weather agencies. We worked together to share information to provide the best weather services possible in our countries.
Climate and misinformation
In January of this year, the World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report. This ranked the global risks that could have major impacts on the global population, GDP or natural resources in the short term (two years) and long term (10 years).
For the short term, the top risk identified is “misinformation and disinformation,” with “extreme weather events” being the second-highest risk. Extreme weather events include storms, floods, wildfires, heat and others, with a warming climate leading to more severity and impacts. By geography, extreme weather events is ranked as the highest risk for Northern America and most other regions.
The risks due to misinformation and extreme weather events are interconnected. If an extreme weather event is about to occur and people are not informed, or are misinformed, about the occurrence and risks, they do not take actions to reduce exposure and vulnerability, resulting in higher impacts.
Impacts of layoffs
Because of the importance of the NOAA, NWS and other climate research bodies, many have spoken out about the negative impacts of these job terminations and budget reductions.
The NWS has developed leading weather forecast models by working with the academic and global science communities, and partners with others beyond national borders to share their data. The multi-year development and implementation of these weather systems has led to high quality and reliable information for weather, climate and ocean situations.
“There’s an enormous, and justified surge of criticism from private-sector and academic meteorologists from across the political spectrum over the purge of expertise and supporting staff under way at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service.”
Meteorologists Jeff Masters and Bob Henson wrote that “cuts to U.S. weather and climate research could put public safety at risk… and slow emergency disaster response and weaken resilience efforts.”
Ilan Kelman, professor of disasters and health at University College London, stated that the “mass job termination” will have major negative impacts across the U.S. and nearby countries, such as Canada. This will be due to reduced aviation and shipping safety; lack of information for communities to respond to severe weather; safety assessments for search-and-rescue; and other concerns.
Alarming increases
With a warming climate, the impacts of extreme weather events are rising around most of the world. The year 2024, the warmest on record, was also the single-most expensive year on record in terms of Canadian insurance payouts of C$8.5 billion, with the number of catastrophe claims exceeding 273,000. Disaster costs in the U.S. also increased with many billion-dollar events.
On Oct. 17, 2024, NOAA shared initial imagery from the GOES-19 lightning mapper showing lightning activity in two extremely hazardous hurricanes – Helene and Milton — on Sept. 24. (GOES-19/NOAA)
The U.S. Air Force Weather Reconnaissance Squadron provided information for the NHC to upgrade the storm to Tropical Storm Helene. Follow-up research by the World Weather Attribution concluded with “high confidence” that Helene was made worse by climate change.
Reliance on observation and collaboration
Forecasting extreme weather events relies on observational systems that provide weather information over a significant area which extends beyond a country. In North America, the U.S. weather forecasts rely on information from Canada, Mexico and countries across the Gulf of Mexico, and vice versa.
The World Meteorological Organization, the UN’s lead agency on weather and climate, co-ordinates international co-operation for the free and unrestricted exchange of data and information, products and services in real time. This is critical for the safety and security of society, economic welfare and protection of the environment.
With the NOAA’s reductions in resources, there will be negative impacts across all services in the U.S. and on the effective sharing of data between internationally collaborating weather services.
Gordon McBean receives funding from Western University and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction to undertake research on building climate resilient communities. None of my affliations are relevant to this paper.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, April 13 — A seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies into daily life is taking center stage at the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in south China’s Haikou City, painting a vivid picture of a smarter, more interconnected future.
Slated from April 13 to 18, this year’s expo features dedicated exhibition zones for groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and low-altitude economy for the first time.
Tech giants like Huawei and China Mobile are showcasing futuristic solutions. Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem demonstrates cross-device synergy across “people, vehicles, and homes,” featuring AI-powered eye-tracking technology for hands-free e-book navigation.
China Mobile’s smart home ecosystem includes quadruped robotic companions for elderly care and AI-driven home security systems.
“AI is accelerating its integration into everyday scenarios. The expo is undoubtedly a major platform to showcase these advances,” said Zhan Wenyu, vice president of AI company iFLYTEK, which has participated in the expo for five consecutive years.
The expo’s dedicated AI zone displays humanoid robots capable of complex tasks, such as dancing in traditional local Li ethnic brocade costumes or handling delicate objects.
Tesla’s latest humanoid robot boasts enhanced mobility and tactile sensitivity, while the Ti5 Robot unveils breakthroughs in electric drive technology with lightweight joint modules and smart dexterous hands.
Health and wellness technologies also claim a prominent spotlight. Continuous glucose monitors and light therapy glasses under various brands further spotlight the fusion of tech and well-being, while brain-computer interfaces highlight advancements in medical accessibility. Companies like SenseTime and Asus are presenting smart health ecosystems at the event.
Brands like OSIM and Ogawa have debuted AI massage robots. Air Nutri Solution Inc., a Vancouver-based non-medicinal sleep solutions provider, introduces its “deep sleep cabin,” which uses charged particle waves to create immersive rest environments.
The OSIM sees the expo as a key platform for engaging in meaningful conversations with global consumers, said Lin Xiaohui, deputy general manager of brand management and marketing of OSIM North Asia.
Making its debut this year, the low-altitude economy zone showcases electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, flying cars, and drones.
Autonomous vehicles served expo attendees, offering driverless shuttles and cleaning services around key venues, providing a glimpse into smart city logistics.
United Aircraft brought the TD550, which obtained the first type certificate for unmanned helicopters in China, to the exhibition. “China is entering an era of rapid development of the low-altitude economy,” said Zhou Xiaoyue, director of the firm’s public relations.
“The Hainan Free Trade Port provides unprecedented opportunities for the innovation of the drone industry,” Zhou said, adding that the firm will work with global partners through the expo platform to promote the industrial implementation of the low-altitude economy.
People walk in the wind in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, April 12, 2025. Many parts in northern China are experiencing gale-force winds and temperature drops on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua] A sweeping cold front has brought fierce winds across northern China since Friday evening, prompting widespread weather warnings, transport suspensions and emergency response measures. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Saturday renewed an orange alert for strong gales that are expected to sweep the country’s northern and coastal regions over the weekend, warning that winds of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 meters per second) on the national wind scale will hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and Beijing from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. China has a four-tier weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. From 5 p.m. Friday to noon on Saturday, 109 weather stations in Beijing recorded gusts above force 10 (24.5-28.4 meters per second), and 296 stations registered winds at or above force 9 (20.8-24.4 meters per second). Gusts exceeding force 10 were recorded in 13 districts of the national capital, including Haidian, Chaoyang and Fengtai, according to municipal meteorological authorities. At 8 p.m. Saturday, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a regional orange alert for high winds. Forecasts for 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday predict winds ranging between force 9 and force 11 (28.5-32.6 meters per second) in most areas in the districts of Yanqing, Huairou, Changping, Mentougou and Fangshan, and parts of the districts of Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai and Tongzhou, with mountainous areas potentially experiencing gusts above force 12 (32.7-36.9 meters per second). The gale alert has been lowered to yellow in other districts of Beijing. To ensure public safety, Beijing has temporarily shut 15 overground railway sections, affecting a total of 106 stations and over 200 kilometers of tracks, including Beijing Subway Capital Airport Express tracks. The Beijing-Tianjin intercity high-speed trains, and bullet trains between Beijing and major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Harbin, as well as some non-high-speed passenger trains running through mountainous areas, will temporarily suspend service on Sunday, given the scope of the gale winds, the China Railway Beijing Group said on Saturday. In Beijing, two airports have cancelled hundreds of flights scheduled for Saturday, and a humanoid-robot half marathon that was set to take place on Sunday has been postponed to April 19. Numerous parks and museums have been closed, including the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park, and fueling operations at gas stations and oil depots have been suspended. A number of museums, including the National Museum of China, announced on Saturday evening that they would remain closed on Sunday. As of 10 a.m. Saturday, a total of 288 trees were toppled across the city due to the strong winds, damaging 19 vehicles, according to Beijing’s emergency management authorities. There have been no reports of damage to ancient trees. According to the local administration of financial regulation, as of 11 a.m. Saturday, the property insurance institutions in Beijing had handled 101 insurance claims involving gales, with an estimated loss worth over 1.6 million yuan (about 221,954 U.S. dollars). No injuries or fatalities related to the extreme winds have been reported in Beijing. In the neighboring Tianjin Municipality, peak gusts of 43.2 meters per second were recorded in Jizhou District’s Panshan area — the strongest winds since records began in 1951. In the city’s urban center, record-high winds reached 25.3 meters per second, and authorities have warned that the extreme conditions are expected to persist through Monday. Farther northeast, in Liaoning Province’s Dalian, local authorities have issued yellow alerts for strong winds that will affect both land and sea areas. In northern Shanxi Province, the State Grid branch has deployed over 3,000 personnel to inspect and reinforce electrical facilities. Emergency repair teams and mobile generators were positioned across the province in advance to ensure rapid power restoration in the event of outages. In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, strong winds have disrupted rail, road and air traffic. Beijing-bound high-speed rail services departing from the region’s central and western areas have been temporarily suspended, and airports in cities like Hohhot, Xilinhot and Hulunbuir have canceled dozens of flights due to adverse weather conditions. Experts say that as the strong cold air hits northern China, most parts of Inner Mongolia have seen strong winds. Many places in the east have experienced heavy rain and snow, while blizzards swept across some areas, with the temperature dropping by 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The regional meteorological authorities forecast on Saturday that rain and snow will continue in eastern Inner Mongolia over the next two days. Meanwhile, in central China’s Henan Province, extreme winds have triggered a Level-III emergency response and prompted the issuance of over 100 meteorological warnings. Multiple tourist attractions, including the Zhengzhou Fantawild Resort, have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
People walk in the wind in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, April 12, 2025. Many parts in northern China are experiencing gale-force winds and temperature drops on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua] A sweeping cold front has brought fierce winds across northern China since Friday evening, prompting widespread weather warnings, transport suspensions and emergency response measures. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Saturday renewed an orange alert for strong gales that are expected to sweep the country’s northern and coastal regions over the weekend, warning that winds of up to force 13 (37.0-41.4 meters per second) on the national wind scale will hit parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and Beijing from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. China has a four-tier weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. From 5 p.m. Friday to noon on Saturday, 109 weather stations in Beijing recorded gusts above force 10 (24.5-28.4 meters per second), and 296 stations registered winds at or above force 9 (20.8-24.4 meters per second). Gusts exceeding force 10 were recorded in 13 districts of the national capital, including Haidian, Chaoyang and Fengtai, according to municipal meteorological authorities. At 8 p.m. Saturday, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a regional orange alert for high winds. Forecasts for 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday predict winds ranging between force 9 and force 11 (28.5-32.6 meters per second) in most areas in the districts of Yanqing, Huairou, Changping, Mentougou and Fangshan, and parts of the districts of Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai and Tongzhou, with mountainous areas potentially experiencing gusts above force 12 (32.7-36.9 meters per second). The gale alert has been lowered to yellow in other districts of Beijing. To ensure public safety, Beijing has temporarily shut 15 overground railway sections, affecting a total of 106 stations and over 200 kilometers of tracks, including Beijing Subway Capital Airport Express tracks. The Beijing-Tianjin intercity high-speed trains, and bullet trains between Beijing and major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Harbin, as well as some non-high-speed passenger trains running through mountainous areas, will temporarily suspend service on Sunday, given the scope of the gale winds, the China Railway Beijing Group said on Saturday. In Beijing, two airports have cancelled hundreds of flights scheduled for Saturday, and a humanoid-robot half marathon that was set to take place on Sunday has been postponed to April 19. Numerous parks and museums have been closed, including the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park, and fueling operations at gas stations and oil depots have been suspended. A number of museums, including the National Museum of China, announced on Saturday evening that they would remain closed on Sunday. As of 10 a.m. Saturday, a total of 288 trees were toppled across the city due to the strong winds, damaging 19 vehicles, according to Beijing’s emergency management authorities. There have been no reports of damage to ancient trees. According to the local administration of financial regulation, as of 11 a.m. Saturday, the property insurance institutions in Beijing had handled 101 insurance claims involving gales, with an estimated loss worth over 1.6 million yuan (about 221,954 U.S. dollars). No injuries or fatalities related to the extreme winds have been reported in Beijing. In the neighboring Tianjin Municipality, peak gusts of 43.2 meters per second were recorded in Jizhou District’s Panshan area — the strongest winds since records began in 1951. In the city’s urban center, record-high winds reached 25.3 meters per second, and authorities have warned that the extreme conditions are expected to persist through Monday. Farther northeast, in Liaoning Province’s Dalian, local authorities have issued yellow alerts for strong winds that will affect both land and sea areas. In northern Shanxi Province, the State Grid branch has deployed over 3,000 personnel to inspect and reinforce electrical facilities. Emergency repair teams and mobile generators were positioned across the province in advance to ensure rapid power restoration in the event of outages. In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, strong winds have disrupted rail, road and air traffic. Beijing-bound high-speed rail services departing from the region’s central and western areas have been temporarily suspended, and airports in cities like Hohhot, Xilinhot and Hulunbuir have canceled dozens of flights due to adverse weather conditions. Experts say that as the strong cold air hits northern China, most parts of Inner Mongolia have seen strong winds. Many places in the east have experienced heavy rain and snow, while blizzards swept across some areas, with the temperature dropping by 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The regional meteorological authorities forecast on Saturday that rain and snow will continue in eastern Inner Mongolia over the next two days. Meanwhile, in central China’s Henan Province, extreme winds have triggered a Level-III emergency response and prompted the issuance of over 100 meteorological warnings. Multiple tourist attractions, including the Zhengzhou Fantawild Resort, have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government acts to save British steel production
Urgent action by the Government sees vote on emergency powers to save British steel production.
Parliament recalled to introduce emergency powers that will allow the Government to protect the Scunthorpe site
Unique action to gives the best chance of safeguarding steelmaking, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains.
This strategic decision aims to secure domestic steel production for nationally important projects like airports, rail and housing and deliver growth at part of the Plan for Change.
Steelmaking is set to continue in Scunthorpe following urgent action by the UK Government on Friday 11 April.
The Prime Minister requested the recall of Parliament to vote on emergency legislation to prevent the blast furnaces being shut down.
The move will maximise the chances of securing domestic steel production – a crucial national capability which was at risk of collapse under the site’s current ownership. This is a very specific intervention taken in exceptional circumstances.
British Steel’s owners Jingye confirmed their intention to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe immediately, despite months of negotiations in good faith and a generous offer of co-investment from the UK government of £500 million.
If the blast furnaces were to be immediately switched off, this would put at severe risk the future of steelmaking at this unique site.
The legislation will give the Government the power to direct the company’s board and workforce, ensure they get paid, and order the raw materials to keep the blast furnace running.
In the meantime, the Government has instructed the company’s UK management to continue the running of the plant to ensure the furnaces keep burning. This legislation means that anyone employed at the plant who takes steps to keep it running, against the orders of the Chinese ownership, can be reinstated if sacked for doing so.
Steel is vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing, and crucial for the Government’s mission to build 1.5 million new homes in the UK as part of its Plan for Change, with construction projects requiring millions of tonnes of steel.
Given global economic instability, it is crucial that manufacturing is protected at home. That’s why the Government took action earlier this week to support the car industry by easing the path to the EV mandate and deliver a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“We will always do what is necessary to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We are doing what previous governments have failed to, acting in the national interest to help secure UK steelmaking for the future.
“We negotiated with British Steel’s owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We made a generous offer of support to the company and I am deeply disappointed that we have been forced to take these measures, but Jingye have not been forthright throughout this process, and left us no choice but to act.
“We’re in a new and changing world where it’s never been more important to support our security and build our resilience, so that we can have strength abroad and renewal at home, and that’s what this government has done.”
A Bill was voted on by MPs on Saturday 12 April to ensure continuity of production at the Scunthorpe site – avoiding the danger and cost of allowing it to stop.
Funding for the site will come from the Government’s £2.5bn steel fund, to help rebuild the industry over the next five years.
NOTES TO EDITORS
All funding required for the site will come out of existing budgets, within the departmental spending envelope set out by the government at Spring Statement 2025.No further government borrowing is envisaged to support any intervention
As the Chancellor and PM have made clear, the UK’s fiscal rules remain non-negotiable.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
PM statement on British Steel: 12 April 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on British Steel this afternoon.
Today, my government has stepped in to save British Steel. We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry. Delivering security and renewal for working people is at the heart of my Plan for Change.
This government is turning the page on a decade of decline, where our manufacturing heartlands were hollowed out by the previous government.
In recent weeks alone, we have announced the expansion of Heathrow airport and the building of the biggest theme park in Europe in Bedford. We are reforming our planning rules to build 1.5 million homes, and the infrastructure the nation desperately needs. New roads, railways, schools, hospitals, grids and reservoirs. British steel will be the backbone as we get Britain building once more.
This is a government of industry. That’s why we’ve secured a better deal for the workers of Port Talbot. It’s why we fought to secure the future of Harland & Wolff. It’s why we’ve pledged £200 million to Grangemouth. Our industry is the pride of our history – and I want it to be our future too.
A secure future. A Britain rebuilt with British steel, in the national interest.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), voted against H. Con. Res. 14, a partisan budget resolution that would result in cuts to Medicaid, student loans, and nutrition assistance for American families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. At the same time, implementation of the budget resolution will add trillions of dollars to the national debt which even extremist, Republican critics of the legislation have pointed out.
“I have never seen a more partisan and fiscally irresponsible budget,” said Congressman Bishop. “This measure will result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance. Seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families will bear the brunt of this budget’s harmful cuts. Public schools across the country – from rural to urban communities – will lose billions of dollars that help them afford teachers, textbooks, and supplies. Cuts to nutrition programs will see families, school children, seniors, disabled persons, and even young active-duty military families and veterans go hungry.”
Among the cuts in the Republican budget resolution are:
$880 billion in cuts from the budget covering healthcare, interstate commerce, conservation, energy, public health and healthcare, including Medicaid;
$330 billion in cuts in the budget sections that support America’s students and schools across the country, including school lunch and breakfast programs;
$230 billion in cuts from agricultural and rural development programs, which support our farmers and other ag producers as well as food banks and other programs that help feed America’s families – especially during this period of astronomically high food prices; and
Additional cuts to the budget covering infrastructure programs that help improve and make our roads, railways, bridges, and airports safer as well as other investments that help lower costs for Americans everywhere.
The U.S. House Budget Committee estimates if the budget proposed by H. Con. Res. 14 is enacted, Georgia’s Second Congressional District will see:
Nearly 200,000 people on Medicaid will lose coverage, including an estimated 133,300 children under the age of 19 and 30,000 senior citizens over the age of 65;
More than 200,000 people will lose SNAP and be at risk of going hungry;
320,000 school children will lose school meals; and
26,000 students will lose Pell Grants that makes it possible for them to get their education.
The Congressman has also highlighted that the Trump Administration fired department and agency Inspectors General, within days of taking office.
The Congressman concluded, “The Administration says they want to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse and reduce the deficit – which we all support – but this budget resolution does neither. What they are doing is eliminating transparency and dismantling the government, as outlined last year in Project 2025. This is a reverse Robin Hood scheme that steals the federal resources needed to adequately meet the needs of the American people, in order to pay for tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit billionaires.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today,Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement after being on a plane that was clipped by another aircraft on the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
“My colleagues and I are safe after the minor accident between two planes on the taxiway at Ronald Reagan Airport this afternoon.
“This unsettling event is a clear reminder of the dangerous effects of the Trump Administration’s DOGE-era cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Undermining the agency’s staffing and operational capacity jeopardizes the safety of the flying public and the integrity of our air traffic systems. These cuts have strained the remaining workforce, potentially compromising the safety of the flying public and the integrity of our air traffic systems.
“I will be calling on my colleagues in the relevant House Committees to hold a hearing to thoroughly investigate this incident and restore confidence in our air traffic safety.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows pet transport cases with air circulation, noise reduction and deodorization functions as well as oxygen, temperature and moisture sensors in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
BEIJING, April 11 — Liu Yifan, who often takes her three-year-old corgi on weekend adventures by car or taxi, is now embracing a new travel option — high-speed rail — opening the door to longer, farther journeys with her furry companion.
Starting Tuesday, 10 designated trains running between five stations in the cities of Beijing, Jinan, Nanjing, Shanghai and Hangzhou along the Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway launched a pilot pet consignment service, allowing qualified domesticated cats and dogs to board with their owners and receive special care during the trip.
Passengers can book the service at least two days in advance through 12306, the China Railway booking platform. Each traveler is allowed to bring one healthy pet weighing no more than 15 kilograms and standing no taller than 40 centimeters at the shoulder, accompanied by a valid quarantine certificate, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
Liu, a resident of Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, was among the first to try the new service, spending around 500 yuan (about 69 U.S. dollars) to book tickets for herself and her pet on the inaugural day. On Thursday, they enjoyed a one-hour journey to Nanjing, capital of eastern Jiangsu Province.
“I started with a short trip to see if my dog could adapt,” said Liu, 24. “I was pleasantly surprised by the professional pet transport case, which features real-time video monitoring and an air circulation system.”
According to Wang Lin, a manager of China Railway Express’s Hangzhou branch, the Beijing-Shanghai line has the country’s highest passenger volume and train frequency, making it a valuable testing ground for broader pet-friendly service expansion.
The rollout of the high-speed railway pet consignment service reflects a surge in China’s pet population and the growing influence of the pet economy, said Wu Yi, an associate professor at the College of Animal Science and Technology at China Agricultural University. “The demand has prompted the transport sector to facilitate pet-friendly trips, including the development of specialized travel equipment.”
According to an industry white paper, the value of China’s urban pet (dog and cat) sector reached 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, up 7.5 percent year on year, with the pet population nationwide exceeding 120 million.
Driven by the growing pet-owning community, China has continued to expand travel options for pets. The aviation industry, for instance, has introduced pet-in-cabin services.
A Ragdoll cat owner Li Wei (pseudonym) recalled flying with her feline on Hainan Airlines during the Spring Festival holiday. “It was a pleasant experience. The pet security check was fast and could be done through either an X-ray or manual inspection in a private room. During the flight, a stewardess kindly checked in on us several times,” she said.
Hainan Airlines has been a pioneer in pet-in-cabin services since 2018. By November 2024, the carrier had transported more than 10,000 pets in-cabin across trips involving 27 major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Its subsidiary, Lucky Air, and other carriers such as Juneyao Air and China Southern Airlines introduced similar services last year.
Meanwhile, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport opened China’s first dedicated pet lounge in 2024, a spacious facility equipped with air quality monitors, species-specific zones and play areas.
“For many pet owners, pets are already considered part of the family and deserve better care and services. This is a market worth exploring,” said a staff member at the airport.
Short-distance travel providers are also stepping up. Last year, a pet-friendly bus began trial operations in Shenzhen, while popular ride-hailing platforms such as Didi Chuxing have launched “pet express” services.
According to Didi Chuxing, pet-designated vehicles are equipped with pet-friendly seat pads, safety belts, and cleaning tools. Drivers receive professional training in pet behavior and emergency handling, and are responsible for providing food and water for pets as needed.
According to Wu, expanding and optimizing pet-friendly public transport not only meets pet owners’ emotional needs but also reflects the growing emphasis on animal welfare in Chinese society. “This supports the development of a pet-friendly culture while stimulating related industries and contributing to economic growth,” she said.
Wu also stressed the need to ensure safety and hygiene, adding that regulations on pet transport should be established, pet owners should focus on training their pets for behavior in public spaces, and transportation staff must be well-equipped to handle any unexpected situations.
This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows a pet transport case with air circulation, noise reduction and deodorization functions as well as oxygen, temperature and moisture sensors in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]A staff member puts a pet dog into a pet transport case at Beijing South railway station in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A pet cat awaits its consignment in a pet transport case on train G134 travelling from Hongqiao Railway Station in east China’s Shanghai, to Nanjing South Railway Station in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on April 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A manager with China Railway Express’ Shanghai branch displays a pet transport case at Hongqiao Railway Station in east China’s Shanghai, April 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Main venue of upcoming 5th China Int’l Consumer Products Expo
Updated: April 12, 2025 07:29Xinhua
This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. The fifth CICPE, featuring eight exhibition halls, is scheduled for April 13 to 18 here. The expo, a key platform for global trade and consumption trends, has drawn the participation of over 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, this year’s expo will highlight emerging consumption trends, including artificial intelligence (AI) and low-altitude aviation, debuting innovations from global companies. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2025 shows the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows an unmanned aerial vehicle at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows a massage robot at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the mascot of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on April 10, 2025 shows the exhibition area of China’s capital Beijing at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue of the upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
This important annual event is anticipated to attract more than 400 representatives from 40-plus countries and regions worldwide. Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung said this equates to a record attendance for the event.
Apart from announcing that among those attending will be mayors, vice mayors, and officials from various tourism ministries, Mrs Cheung emphasised that the summit will serve as an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and discussing sustainable tourism development.
The event will feature several forums, including a mayors’ forum focusing on innovation and sustainability in tourism development. Additionally, a themed forum on aviation and tourism will be held, along with trade forums that will facilitate business discussions among tourism organisations and travel agencies from Hong Kong, Beijing, and other international cities.
Mrs Cheung highlighted that the summit presents a significant opportunity for these organisations to explore different tourism resources and products, as well as negotiate business agreements, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” in the global tourism landscape.
In addition to the tourism summit, cultural conferences are also making a splash on Hong Kong’s events calendar. The Museum Summit 2025 took place at the Convention & Exhibition Centre at the end of March. It garnered record-high participation from over 7,000 registrants who hailed from 39 countries. One-third of attendees were non-local.
The forum was organised by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, in partnership with The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France. Themed “Going Beyond”, it brought together over 30 experts and leaders in the sector, from 17 countries, to share experiences, research findings, and ideas. Delegates included more than 40 museum practitioners from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
Furthermore, the 13th Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum is scheduled to take place from April 22 to 23. The event will promote cultural co-operation across the Asian region, allowing attendees to share strategies for promoting culture and the arts. It will also reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
04.11.25
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of a $25 million investment in Alaska aviation safety from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in an interview with Alaska’s News Source yesterday. This investment is the result of a Sullivan-authored provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizing $25 million annually for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (DYAASI) from FY 2025 through 2028. The investment includes the increase of satellite use to improve communications and weather reporting at airports throughout the state.
Sen. Sullivan cited Alaska’s higher than average aviation accident rate—2.35 times the national average—and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s commitment to Sullivan to strongly support Alaska aviation safety for laying the groundwork for the investment.
Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s interview.
Sen. Sullivan celebrates multi-million dollar investment in Alaska aviation safety
By: John Thompson
April 10, 2025
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Sen. Dan Sullivan and the Alaska Congressional Delegation are welcoming a $25 million investment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve safety in Alaska’s skies.
The FAA will authorize $25 million annually from fiscal year 2025 through 2028 for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
“We launched this initiative last year in the FAA reauthorization bill — I was able to get this $25 million provision authorized to bring a lot more infrastructure,” Sullivan told Alaska’s News Source. “But it’s just a down payment.
“We need a lot more than that, and so this is the Trump administration working with us. You know, there’s been a lot of stories about the Trump administration cutting, but this is the Trump administration coming to Alaska saying, hey, we know this is a priority.”
Sullivan said that one of the reasons this was pushed through is his relationship with the new Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy.
“After the Bering Air crash, he called me, ‘Senator, what can we do?‘,” Sullivan said.
“Since that time, he’s reached out to me two different times, ‘Hey, what more can we do?’ And then they called just two days ago, saying we saw your FAA provision on the $25 million, we’re going to appropriate for it right now.
“And this is a down payment because they said we need to do more.”
The FAA investment was in direct response to a 2020 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report that showed aviation accidents in Alaska happen at a rate 2.35 times higher than the rest of the United States. The report also showed that Alaska’s fatal accident rate was 1.34 times higher than that of the rest of the U.S.
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Ultimately, Sullivan believes the stars are aligning for a bright and safe future when it comes to Alaska aviation safety.
“All of these things come together in terms of our aviation, but getting more weather reporting and the infrastructure to do so in all of our airports [is coming with this new funding].”
