At the 2024 MedTech Conference in Toronto, Canada, a central theme emerged in discussions on the future of healthcare delivery: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations and improve patient outcomes. The integration of AI is poised to transform how healthcare professionals work, potentially alleviating physician burnout and creating a more patient-centric experience, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Joselia Carlos, Senior Medical Device Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Approximately 30% of the world’s data is created within hospitals, but an alarming 90% of this data goes unused, which is resulting in healthcare providers missing the opportunity to harness insights that could lead to more efficient operations and improved patient care. Hospitals are data-rich environments, and leveraging AI algorithms to process and analyze this information can pave the way for enhanced patient care and operational efficiencies.”
At the MedTech Conference, Vaughn Schouten, global head of medtech advisory and innovation at Salesforce, mentioned that inefficiencies cost medtech companies an estimated 4% of their revenue annually. These inefficiencies are linked not just to lost productivity but also to physician burnout—a growing crisis in the healthcare sector. Burdened with administrative tasks and paperwork, physicians find themselves spending less time with patients, impacting the critical patient-doctor relationship at the heart of effective care.
Carlos continues: “AI solutions have the potential to automate repetitive administrative tasks and optimize workflows, thereby reducing the strain on physicians. This, in turn, would enable them to focus on what they do best—developing the patient-doctor bond and providing quality healthcare service.”
According to GlobalData’s Thematic Intelligence report on AI in Healthcare, the healthcare sector is poised to be a major driver of the AI market’s explosive growth by 2030. Valued at $103 billion in 2023, the AI market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 39%, surpassing $1 trillion by 2030. From automating data entry and real-time documentation to leveraging predictive analytics for resource allocation, AI has the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency, freeing up physicians to focus on direct patient care. By alleviating administrative burdens, AI can lead to higher job satisfaction among healthcare professionals and improved patient outcomes.
Carlos concludes: “The integration of AI in healthcare delivery is not just about automation but it is also about creating a more human-centered approach to medicine. When physicians are liberated from routine tasks, they can spend more meaningful time with patients, which ultimately results in better diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient satisfaction.”
The UK furniture and floorcoverings market is set to return to growth in Q4 2024 after six quarters of decline as the October Budget should remove a dampener on consumer confidence, and the 10.9% uplift in housing transactions between April and August 2024 and real wage growth filter through. This presents an opportunity for retailers with shorter lead times, such as IKEA, Argos, and John Lewis, and those who have invested in domestic manufacturing, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Matt Walton, Senior Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Furniture and floorcoverings has had a challenging 2024 as shoppers have prioritized essentials and consumer confidence has been brittle. Future consumer sentiment has taken a sharp downturn recently, after a recovery in H1 2024, mainly due to concerns about how the Budget will affect shoppers’ finances. However, should its impact be marginal, the recovery in consumer confidence will boost spend on big-ticket categories.”
An increase in housing transactions since April 2024 and a full year of real wage growth will also help release pent-up demand. There are signs of this release starting, with DFS reporting year-on-year order growth since July and figures from GlobalData’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker showing that a greater proportion of shoppers will spend more on furniture and floorcoverings over the next six months on a year-on-year basis, with a particular uplift since July 2024. However, weak consumer confidence is currently inhibiting spend.
Walton continues: “Once the Budget has been announced and consumers can gauge their financial position, the current pent-up demand will start to be released. IKEA, Argos and John Lewis are among the retailers who will benefit from this. The Budget will occur after the deadline for Christmas delivery has passed for many furniture specialists, so retailers with shorter lead times will benefit initially from the recovery. Retailers who have invested in domestic manufacturing, such as DFS, Bensons for Beds and Dreams, will also benefit as they can circumnavigate the current Red Sea disruption.
Walton concludes: “Retailers with shorter lead times, like John Lewis, will be among the main beneficiaries from the improving conditions in Q4, and it will also benefit from Marks & Spencer exiting furniture, the return of Never Knowingly Undersold and the launch of new upholstery ranges.”
The UK non-food online market is set to grow by 2.9% to reach £106m in 2024, with online penetration forecast to climb to 39%, marking an improvement for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData anticipates the non-food online market growth will outpace the total retail market, which is expected to increase by 2.1% in 2024.
Tash Van Boxel, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Retailers must diversify online capabilities to take advantage of increased online demand. Enhancing online services will be essential, such as implementing AI powered tools to strengthen apps and websites and improving fulfilment services. Not doing so will expose retailers to fluctuations in footfall, impacting offline demand. A strong online proposition can help retailers convert online browsers to purchase through services such as Click & Collect.”
As online growth is set to continue, retailers must ensure that delivery services provide good value for money and high efficiency. 85% of frequent online shoppers* would switch away from their favourite online retailer if they could find faster delivery for the same item elsewhere, according to GlobalData’s September 2024 Consumer Views survey**. A further 60% of frequent online shoppers stated that the delivery experience impacts whether they shop at the retailer again.
Van Boxel continues: “Online shoppers value the delivery experience and will switch away to competitors if the experience goes sour. Prioritising cost-effective delivery methods is crucial for retailers to retain customers, ensuring shoppers have options, such as next-day delivery and nominated-day delivery at reasonable prices. Retailers must also be cautious about which couriers they partner with, as shoppers will look elsewhere if the only available courier has proved to be unreliable in the past.”
Social media will play a vital role in the growth of the non-food online market, as consumers increasingly shop directly through social media platforms. 49.0% of UK consumers use Instagram, and 30.9% use TikTok, according to GlobalData’s October 2024 survey. Usage is highest among Gen Z consumers, with 88% using Instagram and 74% using TikTok.
Van Boxel concludes: “Social media is growing as a retail channel, but given the variation in usage among the generations, retailers need to cater their content on each platform to reach their target audience. As younger consumers utilise Instagram and TikTok more than their older counterparts, retailers must tailor content to this demographic. For example, collaborations with content creators are more likely to resonate with younger consumers who are more trusting of social media reviews than sponsored posts announcing new product launches, which may capture all age groups. Personalising marketing campaigns and content will be key to growing retailers’ customer bases and bolstering online traffic.”
*A frequent shopper is defined as a consumer who shops online every few days or once a week
**GlobalData’s October 2024 and September 2024 monthly surveys were conducted with 2,000 respondents
Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has spent a total of 320 million yuan (about 45 million U.S. dollars) in recent years on 56 projects for the protection of movable cultural heritage, according to the regional cultural heritage bureau on Friday.
Xu Shaoguo, deputy director of the bureau, highlighted the progress that has been made in the preventive conservation of movable relics.
Xizang has launched several key digital preservation projects, including projects digitizing ancient manuscripts such as the palm-leaf manuscripts of the Potala Palace. These projects facilitate the comprehensive viewing, archiving and management of movable cultural relics.
It has also prioritized the restoration of movable relics, forming partnerships between regional cultural authorities and national institutions.
Xizang’s museum system has seen continuous expansion and now has a network of 43 museums, including state-owned institutions, private institutions, memorial halls, and relic exhibition halls in monasteries. These museums have reported a steady rise in visitor numbers, surpassing 3.66 million visitors in 2023 and topping 3.25 million in the first nine months of 2024.
Data shows that Xizang is home to 2,373 protected cultural heritage sites, over 1,000 of which house registered movable relics. In total, more than 510,000 individual or sets of movable cultural relics have been documented across the region.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has discovered and reported a number of large-scale confirmed mineral resources, including gold, copper, phosphorus as well as other minerals in the first three quarters of this year, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Friday.
Tang Zhengguo, an official of the geological exploration management department of the ministry, said that the uncovered mineral resources are distributed across five provinces and autonomous regions.
These discoveries include 57.8 tons of gold, 3.83 million tons of copper and 137,000 tons of molybdenum in Heilongjiang province; new phosphate resources amounting to 367.5 million tons in Sichuan province; a new phosphate resource quantity of 78.86 million tons in Guizhou province; an increase of 5.89 million tons in fluorite resources in Inner Mongolia autonomous region and a newly added fluorite resource of more than 1 million tons in Zhejiang province.
Regarding solid mineral resources, from January to June this year, 138 prospective mining areas were outlined, 374 mining target areas were identified and 50 new mineral deposits were discovered, according to Tang.
Moreover, in terms of oil and gas mineral resources, two deep coal bed gas reserves of billion-cubic-meter scale have been discovered, Tang said.
Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan 2024-10-26
On October 25 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the US$1.988 billion sale to Taiwan of three military packages, including an advanced surface-to-air missile system and two upgrade packages for L-band and non-L-band radar systems. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on October 26 stated that strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability. The spokesperson said that the Presidential Office is grateful to the US government for continuing to provide Taiwan with the weaponry it needs in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Spokesperson Kuo stated that this marks the 17th military sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration since 2021, as well as the largest single military sale since President Biden took office, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the US government to the security of Taiwan. She emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities as it works to maintain the rules-based international order, ensuring the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
The powerful explosions heard around Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Saturday were linked to air defense responses against attempted Israeli airstrikes on three locations outside the city, according to state-run IRIB TV.
The dimensions and details of the air defense responses are under investigation, according to a statement by the Tehran Province Air Defense’s public relations, as reported by IRIB TV.
The source of the blasts has not yet been identified and seemed to have originated in the suburbs of Tehran, said IRIB TV.
The TV quoted security sources as saying that some of the explosions pertained to the activities of the air defense systems deployed near the capital.
The situation remains normal in the capital, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency report.
Israel confirmed it had launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” early Saturday morning local time, with the Israel Defense Forces saying that the strikes were in response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran.
The Israeli military said later that it had completed its “targeted” attacks against military targets in Iran after three waves of strikes.
On Oct. 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets, describing the action as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of regional resistance groups, among other grievances.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and vowed retaliation.
Iran’s aviation authority announced that it had suspended all flights until further notice. The air defense headquarters of Iran said that it had successfully countered the Israeli attack, with only “limited damage” to some areas, according to Tasnim news agency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to enhance inclusive public services for the people. In a recent instruction on civil affairs work, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the need to strengthen public services aimed at meeting the essential needs of the people and ensuring basic living standards for those facing difficulties.
Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar speaks during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]
Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar stressed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with China during an event on Thursday celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
In an interview with Xinhua during the event, Magyar reflected on the development of Hungary-China relations and their significance. He highlighted Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” policy, initiated over a decade ago to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with Eastern countries, particularly China.
Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao speaks during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]
Magyar said that Hungary is committed to seizing opportunities to collaborate with China, highlighting cooperation across business, culture, and infrastructure, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He described the last decade as a “very successful period of confirmed and determined relationship building,” with current ties stronger than ever.
Chinese investment has played a key role in this partnership, he said, noting that China ranks among the largest investors in Hungary, particularly in sectors such as the battery industry. This has established Hungary as a critical link between Western and Eastern economic interests, he added.
Artists perform during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]
Commending China-Hungary ties as a model for international relations, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao emphasized China’s willingness to work with Hungary to enhance the well-being of the two peoples and promote world peace and development.
The celebration included cultural performances, featuring piano, guitar, and guzheng recitals, as well as Hungarian folk dances.
Israel has completed what it called a retaliatory attack on military targets in Iran, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) early Saturday morning.
The IDF launched “precise and targeted” air strikes on targets in several areas in Iran, in response to the attacks from Iran in recent months, it said in a statement.
The IDF statement was issued about three and a half hours after it announced the start of the operation.
Israeli aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays, and additional Iranian aerial capabilities, according to the statement.
Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that dozens of jets, including F35, F16 and F15, attacked 20 military targets in Iran.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video statement that the operation has foiled immediate threats to Israel, warning Iran against further response if there’s a new round of escalation.
Iranian eyewitnesses said early Saturday that big explosions were heard around the country’s capital Tehran. Shortly afterward, Iranian state-run IRIB TV reported that Iran’s air defense was engaged against Israeli strike attempts.
On Oct. 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets, describing the action as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of regional resistance groups, among other grievances.
The Syrian Defense Ministry reported early Saturday that Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes against military sites in Syria’s southern and central regions.
The strikes, reportedly carried out around 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Friday), involved missiles launched from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanese airspace.
According to the ministry, Syrian air defenses intercepted and downed several missiles, and efforts to assess the full impact of the strikes were ongoing.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that Israeli aircraft entered Syrian airspace to target locations linked to Iran. The monitor added that while Syrian air defenses attempted to intercept the jets, they were unable to prevent them from reaching their targets.
Also on Saturday, Israel announced it launched “precise strikes” on military targets in Iran and the operation had concluded. Iran reported it had successfully countered the attack, with initial reports from local media indicating there was limited damage to some areas.
The China-Aid Project of Improving School Environment and Educational Facilities in Cambodia (CPISEEF) was inaugurated in southeast Kampong Cham province.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the inauguration ceremony held at the Hun Sen Peam Chi Kang High School in Kang Meas district, with more than 1,000 participants.
The project had constructed school buildings, resource buildings, dorms for teachers, sanitary facilities, wells, football pitches, basketball courts, fences, roads and sewage at 26 high schools and the Hun Sen Kandal Regional Teacher Training Center, located in the capital Phnom Penh, Kandal province and Kampong Cham province, Hun Manet said.
Besides helping develop hard infrastructure, the China-aid project has also supported the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development project for education in Cambodia.
The Cambodian prime minister said these achievements are a new testament to excellent ties and close cooperation between Cambodia and China, particularly in the education sector.
“This China-aid project has significantly contributed to improving the quality of education in Cambodia, benefiting both teachers and students,” he said.
Ambassador Wang was confident that the CPISEEF would importantly contribute to improving the quality of high school education in the Southeast Asian country.
“Youth represent the future. Investing in the education sector of Cambodia is investing in the future of the China-Cambodia relations,” he said.
Wang added that the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy would help deepen cooperation in the education sector between the two countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 16th BRICS Summit from Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan, where he also had in-depth exchanges with world leaders on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and the current international situation.
The following are some of the highlights of Xi’s remarks and statements.
On Global South
— The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization.
— Standing at the forefront of the Global South, we should use our collective wisdom and strength, and stand up to our responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
— We should strengthen global security governance, and explore solutions to address both symptoms and roots of hotspot issues.
— The Global South emerges for development and prospers through development. We should make ourselves the main driving force for common development.
— We should play an active and leading role in the global economic governance reform, and make development the core of international economic and trade agenda.
— Diversity of civilization is the innate quality of the world. We should be advocates for exchanges among civilizations.
— China will coordinate with others to form a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.
— No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South.
— We support more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the “BRICS Plus” format so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind.
On China-India relations
— China and India should strengthen communication and cooperation, enhance strategic mutual trust, and facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations.
— China-India relations are essentially a question of how the two large developing countries and neighbors, each with a 1.4-billion-strong population, treat each other.
— The two sides should continue to uphold their important understandings, including that China and India are each other’s development opportunity rather than threat, and cooperation partner rather than competitor.
— The two countries should maintain a sound strategic perception of each other, and work together to find the right and bright path for big, neighboring countries to live in harmony and develop side by side.
On China-Iran relations
— No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.
— The Chinese side supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national dignity, steadily advancing its own economic and social development, and improving and deepening good-neighborly and friendly relations with neighboring countries.
— China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Iran within BRICS and other multilateral frameworks, further volume up the influence and voice of the Global South, and push forward the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.
On China-Egypt relations
— China is willing to be a sincere friend that looks out for each other and a close partner for joint development with Egypt.
— The two sides should continue to firmly support each other, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push bilateral relations toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.
— China appreciates Egypt’s efforts to promote a ceasefire and end of war, and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Egypt to jointly push for an early end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the easing of the regional situation.
Twenty-three of the 35 students injured in an explosion inside a school in the Chilean capital on Wednesday are still hospitalized, the Ministry of Health said on Friday.
Of the injured, two remain in a state of “extreme gravity” and eight are in “critical condition,” the ministry said in a news bulletin.
The ministry said there were no deaths in connection with the detonation.
Nicolas Cataldo, the minister of education, told the local press that 12 students were discharged on Friday.
Cataldo ruled out that the incident was an “isolated event,” as head of the school Maria Alejandra Benavides previously told the press.
According to local police, a group of students from the Barros Arana National Boarding School, located in the historic center of Santiago, were making preparations on Wednesday to launch explosive devices on public roads. However, the explosion of the devices occurred in a bathroom under unknown circumstances.
An investigation continues following a stabbing in Dagenham.
Police were called at approximately 17:35hrs on Friday, 25 October to reports of three people injured in First Avenue, Dagenham.
Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.
A woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, and two children, a girl believed aged eight and a boy believed aged two, were found suffering stab injuries – they were all taken to hospital for treatment where they remain.
None of their injuries are thought to be life threatening.
A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He was also taken to hospital after being taken unwell. After being assessed he has been discharged into police custody.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said:
“This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident.
“At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
“A crime scene will remain in place for some time while our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns or information that could assist police then please speak to an officer or call police on 101.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD5931/25Oct. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
European Commission Press release Washington, DC, 26 Oct 2024 The Commission welcomes the consensus reached by the EU and G7 partners to collectively provide loans for €45 billion to support Ukraine’s urgent needs, facilitated by the EU’s creation of the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism.
Police have staged the first inter-departmental tabletop exercise for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), aimed at ensuring the park’s smooth operation when it is officially commissioned in the first quarter of 2025.
Over 150 representatives from various government departments and related organisations participated in the exercise. Codenamed WINGEDTIGER, it was held yesterday at the force’s Kowloon East Regional Headquarters.
The exercise simulated a series of potential incidents during concerts and international football matches, seeking to ensure that all stakeholders can respond to emergencies within the park effectively.
Stakeholders were required to allocate manpower, adopt contingency measures, and co-ordinate actions with other units in response to different emergencies in real-time. Experts were invited to share their professional knowledge after the exercise.
Police said the exercise not only strengthened communication and co-operation among various organisations, but also improved overall crowd management, collaboration, and responsiveness when handling large-scale incidents.
It served as a rehearsal for various test events and on-site drills scheduled that will be carried out between now the first quarter of next year, the force added.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The Budget will deliver more affordable housing, ensure social housing is available for those who need it and turbocharge the delivery of 1.5 million homes.
A housing package announced today will deliver up to 5,000 new affordable social homes with £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme. This brings total investment in housing supply to over £5 billion and supports the delivery of 33,000 new homes through £128 million for housing projects across the country.
Meanwhile, the stock of social housing will be increased through a new 5-year social housing rent settlement that will give the sector more long-term certainty on funding and allow them to invest in tens of thousands of new homes. The existing stock will also be protected by reducing Right to Buy discounts so that thousands more council homes remain in the sector.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:
We need to fix the housing crisis in this country. It’s created a generation locked out of the property market, torn apart communities and put the brakes on economic growth.
We are rebuilding Britain by ramping up housebuilding and delivering the 1.5 million new homes we so badly need.
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:
We have inherited a housing system which is broken, with not enough homes being built and even fewer that families can afford.
This is a further significant step in our plan to get Britain building again, backing the sector, so they can help us deliver a social and affordable housing boom, supporting millions of people up and down the country into a safe, affordable and decent home they can be proud of.
The £500 million to deliver thousands of new social and affordable homes is a top-up to the existing Affordable Homes Programme and comes ahead of the Government’s Housing Strategy due in the Spring.
The Government will set out details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review. This will lay the foundations for the manifesto commitment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, and to support councils and housing associations to build their capacity and make a greater contribution to affordable housing supply.
It will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and home-ownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for Social Rent.
The Government will also consult on a new 5-year social housing rent settlement, which caps the rents social housing providers can charge their tenants, to provide the sector with the certainty it needs to invest in new social housing. The intention would be for this to increase with Consumer Price Index inflation figures and an additional 1%. The consultation will also seek views on other potential options to give greater certainty, such as providing a 10-year settlement.
These measures to increase affordable housing come alongside changes to the Right to Buy scheme, which will protect existing social housing stock to meet housing need and deliver a fairer and more sustainable scheme.
England’s existing social housing supply is depleted every year by the scheme while also disincentivising councils to build new social housing.
Discounts will be reduced alongside greater protections for newly-built social housing and councils will be able to keep 100% of the receipts generated by a Right to Buy sale. This will enable councils to scale-up delivery of much needed social housing whilst still enabling longstanding tenants to buy their own homes.
The £128 million will support the delivery of new housing projects – including up to 28,000 new builds currently blocked by river pollution – cleaning up our rivers in the process – 3,000 energy efficient homes across the country and 2,000 new homes in North Liverpool.
Meanwhile the £56 million investment at Liverpool Central Docks will also deliver office, retail, leisure and hotel facilities alongside the new homes. As well as demonstrating our brownfield-first approach, it will transform Liverpool’s former docklands into a thriving waterfront neighbourhood.
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, says:
We strongly welcome the £500m top-up to the affordable homes programme. This vital injection of funding, which we’ve been urgently calling for, will support housing associations to continue to deliver much needed affordable homes in the immediate term and prevent a collapse in delivery.
We share the government’s ambition to build 1.5million homes over this parliament and stand ready to deliver the social homes needed, which is why we welcome a consultation on a new rent settlement. This will provide both transparency for residents and long term certainty and financial stability for social housing providers. We also support the government’s decision to review right to buy discounts.
To achieve the affordable homes needed across the country, alongside this short term top-up, we look forward to a new long term housing strategy announced at the next spending review, including a significant boost in funding for social housing.
Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, said:
As the biggest supporter of social housing in the UK, we welcome the announcement of the funding boost for the Affordable Homes Programme and the plans to consult on a long-term social housing rent settlement.
A safe and lasting home is the foundation for so many essential needs and strong socio-economic outcomes. We need greater provision of housing which is both sustainable and genuinely affordable to enable our communities to thrive.
Councillor Louise Gittins, LGA Chair, said:
We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to increase Affordable Homes Programme funding. We have made the case for councils to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly and at scale and this will boost councils’ ability to build desperately-needed affordable housing for local communities.
It has become increasingly impossible for councils to replace homes as quickly as they’re being sold through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme. The LGA has long-called for reform to RTB and these positive measures will support the replacement of sold homes and to stem the continued loss of existing stock.
A 5-year rent settlement is a step in the right direction in providing certainty for councils on rental income, but to really strengthen and provide stability to Housing Revenue Accounts, a minimum 10-year rent settlement is needed, alongside restoration of lost revenue due to the rent cap and a review of the self-financing settlement of 2012. This would better support long-term business planning to ensure councils can deliver high quality homes and associated support for their tenants.
Councils stand ready to work with the Government to increase affordable housing and help people on council housing waiting lists and record numbers stuck in temporary accommodation.
Additional information
The government is confirming £128 million of funding to deliver the following projects which will deliver much-needed new homes at complex brownfield sites as well provide long-term solutions to improve the supply of homes:
Confirmation of a £56 million investment at Liverpool Central Docks which is expected to deliver 2,000 homes in North Liverpool, along with office, retail, leisure, and hotel facilities. This will transform Liverpool’s former dockland into a thriving waterfront neighbourhood.
A £25 million investment in a joint venture to establish a new fund with Muse Places Limited and Pension Insurance Corporation to deliver 3,000 energy-efficient new homes across the country, with a target of 100% of these being affordable.
The confirmation of £47 million to local authorities to tackle pollution in our rivers, which has halted housebuilding in highly polluted areas. This funding could support the delivery of an estimated 28,000 homes that cannot be built currently due to these restrictions. This funding will not only unlock much needed new housing but also clean up our rivers in the process.
China and the European Union(EU) have reiterated willingness to solve the dispute over EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue.
The two sides have decided to continue to make price commitment as the solution to the case, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce after a talk held via video link on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
There are strong calls and high expectations from various sectors in China and Europe for the proper handling of the case, said Wang.
Since Sept. 20, intensive negotiations have been conducted between the two sides regarding the price commitment, with some positive progress made in certain aspects, but significant differences still exist on issues of core concern to the business communities in China and Europe, he said.
Wang noted that China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises. He also expressed the hope that both sides will continue to advance negotiations based on the previous stage of consultations, and achieve substantive breakthroughs as soon as possible.
In the next stage of price commitment negotiations, consultations should be conducted based on mutual consideration of core concerns, and in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, said Wang, adding that both the effectiveness of the agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account.
A bilateral communication mechanism should be established for the implementation and supervision of price commitment on the basis of mutual trust, he explained.
The European side has put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and proposed that technical teams from both sides engage in video consultations on this matter. The Chinese side agrees to immediately start the next stage of negotiations and welcomes the European technical team to come to China as soon as feasible.
The two sides also exchanged views on the trade remedy investigations initiated by China against certain EU goods, such as brandy, pork and dairy products.
The Chinese side emphasized that these investigations were initiated at the request of domestic industries, in full compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as Chinese laws and regulations.
China will continue to conduct the investigations in accordance with the law and regulations, and fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, according to the ministry.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SJ to visit Singapore SJ to visit Singapore *********************
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Singapore tomorrow (October 27) afternoon to attend the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference and related events. Mr Lam will speak at a plenary session of the conference. As a member of the Chinese delegation, he will attend bilateral meetings between the delegation and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will include the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, and government counsel. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 30. During Mr Lam’s absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.
Ends/Saturday, October 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Update on cluster of Rhinovirus/Enterovirus cases in Tuen Mun Hospital Update on cluster of Rhinovirus/Enterovirus cases in Tuen Mun Hospital **********************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus in a paediatrics and adolescent ward, the spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) gave the following update today (October 26): One more patient, a 11-month-old male, in the ward concerned presented with respiratory symptoms since October 24. Appropriate testing was arranged for him and his test result was positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. He is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the wards are under close surveillance. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Saturday, October 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:00
France has been criticised for the “alarming” death toll in New Caledonia during recent protests and its “cold shower” approach to decolonisation by experts of the UN Human Rights Committee.
The UN committee met this week in Geneva for France’s five-yearly human rights review with a focus on its Pacific territory, after peaceful protests over electoral changes turned violent leaving 13 people dead since May.
French delegates at the hearing defended the country’s actions and rejected the jurisdiction of the UN decolonisation process, saying the country “no longer has any international obligations”.
Almost 7000 security personnel with armoured vehicles have been deployed from France to New Caledonia to quell further unrest.
“The means used and the intensity of their response and the gravity of the violence reported, as well as the amount of dead and wounded, are particularly alarming,” said committee member Jose Santo Pais, assistant Prosecutor-General of the Portuguese Constitutional Court.
“There have been numerous allegations regarding an excessive use of force and that would have led to numerous deaths among the Kanak people and law enforcement,” the committee’s vice-chair said on Wednesday.
Months of protests Violence erupted after months of protests over a unilateral attempt by President Emmanuel Macron to “unfreeze” the territory’s electoral roll. Indigenous Kanaks feared the move would dilute their voting power and any chance of success at another independence referendum.
Eleven Kanaks and two French police have died. The committee heard 169 people were wounded and 2658 arrested in the past five months.
New Caledonia’s economy is in ruins with hundreds of businesses destroyed, tens-of-thousands left jobless and the local government seeking 4 billion euros (US$4.33 billion) in recovery funds from France.
Santos Pais questioned France’s commitment to the UN Declaration on Indigenous People and the “sufficient dialogue” required under the Nouméa Accord, a peace agreement signed in 1998 to politically empower Kanak people, that enabled the decolonisation process.
“It would seem that current violence in the territory is linked to the lack of progress in decolonisation,” said Santos Pais.
Last week, the new French Prime Minister announced controversial electoral changes that sparked the protests had been abandoned. Local elections, due to be held this year, will now take place at the end of 2025.
Pacific mission Tomorrow, Tonga’s prime minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni will lead a Pacific “observational” mission to New Caledonia of fellow leaders from Cook Islands, Fiji and Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs, together known as the “Troika-Plus”.
The PIF leaders’ three-day visit to the capital Nouméa will see them meet with local political parties, youth and community groups, private sector and public service providers.
“Our thoughts have always been with the people of New Caledonia since the unrest earlier this year, and we continue to offer our support,” Sovaleni said in a statement on Friday.
The UN committee is a treaty body composed of 18 experts that regularly reviews compliance by 173 member states with their human rights obligations and is separate from the Human Rights Council, a political body composed of states.
Serbian committee member Tijana Surlan asked France for an update on investigations into injuries and fatalities “related to alleged excessive use of force” in New Caledonia. She asked if police firearms use would be reviewed “to strike a better balance with the principles of absolute necessity and strict proportionality.”
France’s delegation responded saying it was “committed to renewing dialogue” in New Caledonia and to striking a balance between the right to demonstrate and protecting people and property with the “principle of proportionality.”
Alleged intimidation by French authorities of at least five journalists covering the unrest in New Caledonia was highlighted by committee member Kobauyah Tchamdja Kapatcha from Togo. France responded saying it guarantees freedom of the press.
French Ambassador for Human Rights Isabelle Rome addresses the UN Human Rights Committee meeting in Geneva, pictured on 23 October 2024. Image: UNTV
France rejects ‘obligations’ The French delegation led by Ambassador for Human Rights Isabelle Rome added it “no longer administers a non-self-governing territory.”
France “no longer has any international obligations in this regard linked to its membership in the United Nations”, she told the committee on Thursday.
New Caledonia voted by modest majorities to remain part of France in referendums held in 2018 and 2020 under a UN-mandated decolonisation process. Three referendums were part of the Nouméa Accord to increase Kanaks’ political power following deadly violence in the 1980s.
A contentious final referendum in 2021 was overwhelmingly in favor of continuing with the status quo. Supporters of independence rejected its legitimacy due to a very low turnout — it was boycotted by Kanak political parties — and because it was held during a serious phase of the covid-19 pandemic, which restricted campaigning.
“France, through the referendum of September [2021], has therefore completed the process of decolonisation of its former colonies,” ambassador Rome said. She added that New Caledonia was one of the most advanced examples of the French government recognising indigenous rights, with a shared governance framework.
Another of its Pacific territories — French Polynesia — was re-inscribed on the UN decolonisation list in 2013 but France refuses to recognise its jurisdiction.
No change in policy After a decade, France began attending General Assembly Decolonisation Committee meetings in 2023 to “promote dialogue” and that it was not a “change in [policy] direction”, Rome said.
“There is no process between the French state and the Polynesian territory that reserves a role for the United Nations,” she added.
Santos Pais responded saying, “what a cold shower”.
“The General Assembly will certainly have a completely different view from the one that was presented to us,” he said.
The “1+” mechanism for drug registration and approval will be expanded from November to cover all new chemical entities, with a view to giving patients more choices of drugs at lower costs, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said today.
Responding to media questions after appearing on a radio programme this morning, Prof Lo said that it will be possible for any new chemical entity, including vaccines and advanced therapy products, to get registered in Hong Kong through the new “1+” mechanism,.
“Advanced therapy products mean not just drugs in the usual sense, but self-therapy or gene therapy, which involve the processing of patients’ own blood for treatment of very advanced cancers or diseases. This is very important.
“We anticipate that with more and more drug companies aware of this, we are able to allow patients in Hong Kong, and even in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), to enjoy more advanced therapy products or new drugs of the most advanced (kind), thus elevating and improving the healthcare standard in the whole area.
“And secondly, with more choices of drugs, the cost of these new treatments, drugs or new advanced therapy products will be lowered.
“Thirdly, it will promote the development of R&D, research and development, in the area. This will be very important for the development of the R&D in the whole GBA.”
Elaborating on the GBA dimension, Prof Lo said that through a “connect” measure, drugs and medical devices which have not yet been registered in the Mainland but are already registered and used in Hong Kong, can be used in specific healthcare institutions in the GBA.
“This is very attractive for pharmaceutical companies because once the drugs or medical devices are approved and registered in Hong Kong and used in the public hospitals, these drugs and devices will be able to have a ‘green channel’ for use (among) the 68 million population in the GBA.”
The Scottish Government must ensure record climate investment.
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The SNP must commit to continuing the record level of climate and nature investment previously delivered by the Scottish Greens if they are to get the support of Green MSPs for the forthcoming Budget, says the party’s finance spokesperson, Ross Greer MSP.
In giving the keynote opening speech of the Scottish Green conference at the Beacon theatre in Greenock, Mr Greer insisted that there must be no going back from the £4.7 billion that his party secured for climate and nature in this year’s budget. He insisted that this sum was just the start of what is needed to meet the scale of the crisis.
Addressing the party’s conference, Mr Greer said: “When the Greens were in Government we delivered a huge escalation in Scottish Government action for our environment. We secured a record £4.7 billion annually for climate and nature programmes this year alone.
“Today we are making clear to the SNP that if they want our support for the next budget there can be no going back on that record level of support. £4.7 billion is the very minimum that our planet needs at this time of crisis.”
China will further promote the sound and steady development of military-to-military relations with Vietnam, said Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, during his visit to Vietnam from Thursday to Saturday.
Zhang met respectively with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Luong Cuong, Vietnamese president, and Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnamese prime minister.
Vietnam bears in mind China’s help in its struggle for national independence and socialist construction, said To Lam, adding that his country regards the development of friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy.
Vietnam always firmly abides by the one-China policy, he said.
Noting that bilateral defense relations have taken new steps, Lam expressed hopes to further deepen practical cooperation, enhance strategic mutual trust, work together to cope with threats and challenges, and jointly safeguard regional and world peace and stability.
Zhang said China cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, countries and militaries.
China is willing to work with Vietnam to fully implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and keep strengthening exchanges and cooperation in fields like politics, economy, security and culture, Zhang said.
China will further promote the sound and steady development of military-to-military relations with Vietnam to support the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future to a new level, he added.
During the visit, Zhang also held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, exchanging views on the international and regional situation and relations between the two militaries. They witnessed the signing of agreements on strengthening defense cooperation.
The data released today shows that the number of opioid-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency service (EMS) responses in the first quarter of 2024 was lower than the same period in 2023, however the rates remain at critically high levels.
Advertising, of course, is a part of most broadcasts. And we recognize that gambling advertising is part of the landscape since the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act came into effect in August 2021. The bill before the committee today asks the CRTC to review advertising regulations and policy, in particular those involving the promotion of gambling in Canada.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging drivers to avoid all non-essential travel as surface flooding, snow and fallen trees have forced several road closures and resulted in treacherous conditions on roads across the South Island.
Contractors will be working hard to restore access to closed roads progressively from tomorrow morning (Sunday 27 October), as flood waters recede and snow is cleared.
NZTA Transport Systems Manager Mark Pinner says drivers are urged to plan ahead, avoid non-essential travel and take extra care.
“We’re asking drivers to avoid stopping on snow-affected roads, and to be aware that ice may begin to form as snow melts in the early hours of Sunday. Potholes may also start to appear due to the saturated ground, there are likely to be fallen trees, slips and other debris on the road surface.
“Our crews will be working hard to clear roads and restore access as soon as possible, but we need drivers to do their part by slowing down and take exta care when driving on South Island highways for the rest of the long weekend.
The situation
A slow-moving low lies just to the west of the South Island while an associated front directs cool and moist easterlies over the southern South Island bringing heavy rain to the West Coast and Marlborough regions, and headwaters of Otago and Canterbury rivers. It has also brought heavy snow to inland passes from Canterbury south. Rain is expected to ease after 6pm and rivers remain below flood warning levels. Further bad weather is forecast for Sunday and more snow is forecast.
Multiple surface flooding is reported in all regions, as well as fallen trees, rockfalls and slips.
Closures and restrictions
Tasman
SH60 Takaka – between Pupu Valley Road and Waitapu Wharf Road – closed due to flooding No Detour
SH6/SH65 Murchison – Closed and will remain closed overnight due to slips and flooding
Marlborough
SH6 Pelorus Bridge to Havelock – Closed due to flooding – high tide due 8pm
SH63 Renwick to between Brydon St and Angelsea St Closed due to flooding – local detour
SH63 St Arnaud – near Kowhai Point Camping Area – flooding across both lanes
There are a number of local road closures on the Marlborough District Council network including Queen Charlotte Sound due to flooding/slips.
West Coast
SH6 Inangahua (Upper Buller Gorge), between intersection SH69 and Brown Creek Road – flooding, local detour in place.
SH6 Lower Buller Gorge – Closed due to flooding.
SH7 Stillwater to Dobson – Stillwater Underpass – Closed due to flooding.
SH65 Closed at Springs Junction
SH73 Arthurs Pass – Closed due to snow
Canterbury
SH73 Porters Pass – Closed Due to snow
SH7 Springs Junction – closed from midday Sunday to 3pm for vehicle recovery (subject to SH73 reopening)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Buildings Department (BD) launched Building Safety Weeks 2024 today (October 26), with a view to promoting building safety messages to the public through a series of activities, as well as working continuously with the public and the building industry to create a safe and sustainable living environment for the community.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Building Safety Weeks 2024 held at the BD Headquarters, West Kowloon Government Offices, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), Ms Doris Ho, said that the Government is committed to enhancing building safety in Hong Kong, particularly addressing the issue of building dilapidation. A regular inspection programme has been implemented by the BD since the first quarter of this year to inspect the external walls of 360 higher-risk buildings each year, and to use drones and smart technologies to quickly assess the condition of building external walls and carry out emergency works where necessary. The Government also continues to implement a series of building rehabilitation assistance schemes to assist owners in fulfilling their maintenance responsibilities. Moreover, the Government is reviewing the Buildings Ordinance (BO) to explore, among others, increasing penalties and streamlining enforcement procedures. As stated in the Policy Address just delivered, the Government will soon put forward elderly-friendly building design proposals for consultation. One of the themes is to foster a safe and comfortable living environment for the elderly.
Ms Ho said that while it is the Government’s responsibility to improve building safety through policy review and measures, members of the public should also enhance their awareness of building safety and comply with government policies, so that the intended policy objectives can be achieved. She hoped that through the Building Safety Weeks 2024 promoting building safety, the community would work together to build a more liveable environment for Hong Kong.
The Director of Buildings, Ms Clarice Yu, outlined the future direction of the BD at the opening ceremony. She said that the Government will put forth proposals to amend the BO and launch a public consultation later this year. The proposed amendments will include enhancing the deterrent effect against non-compliance with notices under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, repair orders, removal orders and unauthorised building works, as well as strengthening the registration and disciplinary systems of contractors. It will also propose to increase the types of exempted works and minor works under the BO. The BD will render full support to the Development Bureau in taking forward the work. Meanwhile, the BD will step up enforcement in accordance with the current BO and continue to work with the industry to promote preventive building maintenance through various promotional and educational activities to enhance owners’ awareness of the importance of proper maintenance of their own properties to avoid building dilapidations.
Ms Yu said that the BD has long committed to enhancing its services through innovative technologies, including the launch of Stage 3 of the Electronic Submission Hub (ESH) on June 30 this year to accept all types of plan submissions and related applications, facilitating the instant transmission of documents and communication between relevant departments, organisations, and building professionals, thereby enhancing work efficiency and significantly reducing paper consumption. The BD also launched in March this year the Building Information Modeling Area Tool to enable the industry to conduct automated checking of floor areas against the requirements under the BO, thereby enhancing quality and accuracy of the submissions of building plans. The BD will continue to play the role as a facilitator and strive to streamline the vetting procedures to assist the building industry in enhancing speed and efficiency in building developments. The industry is also encouraged to make use of innovative technologies to improve the built environment.
Building Safety Weeks is a major event of the BD’s annual public education and publicity efforts, which include the BD Inno Tech Open Day held today at the BD headquarters. In addition to thematic talks, the Open Day also included various exhibitions covering the ESH, the “WIN SAFE” mobile application, digital rebound hammer tests for concrete, water seepage tests, the use of drones and artificial intelligence to assist in external wall inspections of old buildings, etc to enable the public to have a more comprehensive understanding of the BD’s daily operation, as well as to promote building safety and foster a building safety culture.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Open Day featured “Learning about 75 Building Plans” as a special activity for the public to learn how to inspect building and minor works records through the BD’s Building Records Access and Viewing On-line system. The first 75 successful registrants were given a copy of the building plan, the structural plan and the drainage plan of their own residential unit for free.
Another highlight of Building Safety Weeks is the Building Safety Symposium, which will be held on November 1 at the Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Chai Wan. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Building for Our Future: Smart Technologies for Building Safety and Sustainability”. Representatives from the building industry, the property management sector, the Government and academia will exchange views on the application of innovative technologies to enhance the safety of buildings and construction works.
Moreover, the BD will hold the Building Safety Carnival on November 9 and 10 and November 16 and 17 at Tuen Mun Town Plaza and Olympian City 2 respectively, with an aim to help members of the public acquire proper building safety knowledge through playing simple games.
For the latest information regarding Building Safety Weeks 2024, please visit the BD’s website (www.bd.gov.hk/en/whats-new/events-and-publicity/index.html).