Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KYIV, June 29 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Sunday that puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the country’s withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). The text of the decree was published on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
As the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry explained later in its statement, official Kyiv took this step because Russia, not being a signatory to the Ottawa Convention, has been widely using anti-personnel mines in the armed conflict against Ukraine since 2022. The statement points out that because of this, Ukraine has found itself in an unequal and unfair situation that limits its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Verkhovna Rada deputy Roman Kostenko, in turn, stated on Facebook that in order for V. Zelensky’s decree on Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to come into force, the relevant bill must be approved by the country’s parliament.
The Ottawa Convention was signed in December 1997. Ukraine acceded to the treaty in February 1999 and ratified it in May 2005. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, June 29 (Xinhua) — The passenger traffic through two major airports in southern China’s island province of Hainan is expected to exceed 8.3 million during the summer tourism season that starts on July 1 this year, airport authorities said.
Haikou Meilan International Airport is expected to handle nearly 4.6 million air passengers in the next two months, with about 30,400 flights scheduled to operate through the airport.
The airport has expanded its international network with new routes to Tokyo, London and Jakarta to meet growing demand for travel to these destinations. It is expected to operate 2,196 international flights this summer, carrying some 254,000 passengers, an estimated 13.3 percent increase from a year earlier.
Sanya’s Phoenix International Airport is expected to handle about 3.73 million passenger trips and 22,900 flights during the period.
To fully respond to the summer rush, Phoenix Airport has increased domestic capacity to major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen by using wide-body aircraft.
Hainan Island, known for its year-round sunshine and pristine beaches, is looking to revive its tourism industry. China aims to turn the island into a globally renowned tourism and consumption destination by 2035.
In all of 2024, Hainan received more than 97.2 million tourists, both domestic and foreign, up 8 percent from 2023. Total tourism revenue grew 12.5 percent to 204 billion yuan (about $28.48 billion), according to official data.
More than 100 million Chinese and foreign tourists plan to visit Hainan Province this year.
As part of its broader economic strategy, China is pursuing a plan to transform Hainan into a free trade port (FTP). With the Hainan FTP set to launch a separate customs regime by the end of the year, it aims to become not only a tourist haven but also an important gateway to China’s high-level opening-up. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HARBIN, June 29 (Xinhua) — The 37th Harbin Summer Music Festival, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Harbin Municipal People’s Government, opened in Harbin, capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Thursday.
The festival will include three international music tournaments, namely the 2025 Alisa and Eleonora Shenfeld International String Competition, the 20th World Saxophone Congress and the 7th International Bayan and Accordion Art Week, which attracted more than 800 participants from 39 countries and regions of the world.
Peter Paul Kainrath, President of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), said that Harbin has a century-long musical history, where Eastern and Western cultural traditions are synthesized. Music has given this city a special charm and uniqueness. By holding the annual assembly of the WFIMC in Harbin, the federation hopes to continue friendly and close contacts with Harbin and other Chinese cities, to develop dialogue and deepen cooperation in a wider range of areas.
The current festival is held under the motto “Let the World Hear the Harbin Summer”. Its program is presented in seven blocks: performances at the opening ceremony, performances from all over China, the art week of the “Cultural Capital of East Asia”, etc. In addition to three international competitions, the festival, which will last until September, also includes 79 performances by Chinese and foreign groups and over 3 thousand mass cultural and artistic events.
Harbin is one of the cradles of modern Chinese music, and the Harbin Summer Festival is a national music event with a long history. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LANZHOU, June 29 (Xinhua) — A train loaded with 36 containers of 980 tons of chrysotile asbestos departed from Dunhuang City in northwest China’s Gansu Province for Uzbekistan on Thursday.
This is the first special train carrying asbestos from Gansu Province to Central Asia, and a new international corridor for asbestos export opened by Dunhuang City after the launch of trains on the China-Laos Railway, the Dunhuang-Qinzhou Port-Indonesia Western Land-Sea Corridor, and the Dunhuang-Ningbo-Thailand Railway-Sea Route.
It is reported that the new special train operates under the “single document list” and “single window” scheme, and there is no need to repack containers en route. Dunhuang Airport Customs, in cooperation with several departments, provides comprehensive support in registration of qualification documents, packaging inspection, logistics support, customs declaration, etc.
In the first five months of this year, China’s total import and export volume to the five Central Asian countries rose 10.4 percent year-on-year to more than 286.4 billion yuan (over $39.98 billion), hitting a new historical high for the same period, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.
Gansu Province is a golden section of the Silk Road Economic Belt. Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, it has accelerated its opening up to the west and south. The province has now launched international freight train services on routes covering more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WUHAN, June 29 (Xinhua) — A Chinese company has launched an intelligent laser weeding robot that works 24 hours a day, which it says may be the first of its kind in the country.
The robot, code-named Hg LaserWeeder, was unveiled Saturday at an event hosted by Huagong Technology Industry Co., Ltd. (Hgtech), one of the robot’s developers, in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province.
Equipped with data models covering thousands of crop and weed varieties and an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered computer vision system, the robot can dynamically and precisely adjust the laser intensity to kill weeds without damaging crops, said Xiong Bian, head of the AI algorithms department at the company’s research institute.
“The robot is expected to replace chemical herbicides, known as the ‘number one soil killer,’” Xiong Bian said.
The technology, which removes weeds with an efficiency of over 95 percent, not only completely eliminates the threat of crop damage from traditional chemical herbicides by stopping their use, but also blocks the penetration of toxic chemicals into soil and water bodies, significantly reducing pollution of the agricultural environment.
According to Hgtech, the highest-performance weeding configuration for the robot is equipped with 32 laser heads, which allows it to kill up to 320,000 weeds per hour, which is five to nine times more effective than traditional methods that combine manual labor and herbicides.
The recognition and targeting process takes less than five milliseconds – from the moment the image is captured to the elimination of the weed.
Hgtech Chairman Ma Xinqiang noted that forming a new development architecture and promoting high-quality development requires strengthening innovation as the core driving force more than ever.
He added that their company will continue to increase investments in innovation, increase the number of talented specialists and expand the network of like-minded friends in the field of innovation.
According to Hgtech, the weeding robot has already completed algorithm validation in experimental fields in Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces, and global pre-orders for the device are now open.
Mass production of the Hg LaserWeeder is planned for 2026, Hgtech added. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 29 /Xinhua/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his congratulations to workers and veterans of the shipbuilding industry, emphasized that a special priority for the development of the Russian fleet is to increase the number of nuclear icebreakers for navigation in the Arctic and along the Northern Sea Route.
“A special priority is to increase the group of universal nuclear icebreakers, ice-class vessels necessary for year-round navigation along the Transarctic Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route. I expect that the United Shipbuilding Corporation and our other companies and enterprises will make a significant contribution to this large, systematic work,” Putin was quoted as saying in a message on the Kremlin website.
The Russian President noted that the shipbuilding industry faces large-scale, timely tasks: upgrading existing and deploying new production capacities, mastering competitive technologies, deepening international cooperation, and training qualified personnel. According to the Russian leader, their solution is of fundamental importance for ensuring the security of Russia’s maritime borders and the comprehensive, balanced development of the fleet.
“The development of shipbuilding had a huge impact on the development of Russia as a maritime power, opened up broad opportunities for strengthening its economic, industrial, defense, and scientific potential, and the names and achievements of outstanding domestic shipbuilders have forever entered the history of our country,” added V. Putin.
In 2025, the Russian government updated the Strategy for the Development of the Shipbuilding Industry. The new version of the document provides for an increase in the share of domestically produced civilian fleet. By 2036, it should amount to 61 percent, and by 2050, 64 percent. –0–
Even though the survey says these Americans are doing so “just for fun” and claim they rely on the information gained by divination “only a little,” the persistence — and apparent rise — of these practices suggests something deeper is at play.
Tarot card: The High Priestess (Waite–Smith deck), c. 1909. (Pamela Colman Smith), CC BY
I study ancient divination, but to better understand how diviners work, I have observed contemporary diviners at work and talked with them about their practices. They say their clients request tarot consultations more frequently than they did in the past.
Divination methods, including tarot and astrology, offer a way to ask questions when other systems fail to provide answers. These questions can be highly personal and difficult to address in a formal religious setting. The divinatory answers allow people to feel they’ve gained insight, which in turn gives a perception of control over an uncertain future.
Apart from astrology and tarot, some of the best known divination methods include: the interpreting of dreams, reading coffee cups or tea leaves, observing animals and nature, reading palms and other body features such as nose shape and eye placement.
When a diviner uses things, such as cards, tea leaves, dice or shells, the connecting thread to many of these methods is that people cannot control the signs they produce. For example, divination consultants typically mix the tarot card deck to make sure the result are randomized. People should not manipulate the results.
Many people turn to religion when they face the unknown in their lives. They address their insecurities in worship, asking for divine help.
But there have always been people who did not have access to organized religion. Divinatory practices can be especially appealing to those who have been excluded from traditional religion and had to come up with alternative ways to address uncertainties.
In an age marked by ongoing anxiety, political instability and waning trust in institutions, centuries-old divination rituals offer alternative ways for folks to seek entertainment but also to gain a sense of insight, agency and connection. What may seem like harmless fun can also serve as a serious response to a chaotic world. Divinatory practices can provide both spiritual exploration and emotional validation.
Besides increasing political insecurity, another reason for the increased interest in tarot may be the visual aspect. Increased interest in the decorated cards may be a reflection of our highly visual culture. Interest in the cards with images may reflect interest in other images we watch. They are like photos with messages.
The fascination with tarot may also speak about a need to control the consultation as a diviner and their client see exactly the same thing. The images in the cards are also symbolic, and they can be interpreted in different ways.
In principle, the cards can be consulted anywhere without particular preparations. The only material one needs is a deck of cards. The accessible materiality may be adding to their popularity.
Even though the survey says these Americans are doing so “just for fun” and claim they rely on the information gained by divination “only a little,” the persistence — and apparent rise — of these practices suggests something deeper is at play.
Tarot card: The High Priestess (Waite–Smith deck), c. 1909. (Pamela Colman Smith), CC BY
I study ancient divination, but to better understand how diviners work, I have observed contemporary diviners at work and talked with them about their practices. They say their clients request tarot consultations more frequently than they did in the past.
Divination methods, including tarot and astrology, offer a way to ask questions when other systems fail to provide answers. These questions can be highly personal and difficult to address in a formal religious setting. The divinatory answers allow people to feel they’ve gained insight, which in turn gives a perception of control over an uncertain future.
Apart from astrology and tarot, some of the best known divination methods include: the interpreting of dreams, reading coffee cups or tea leaves, observing animals and nature, reading palms and other body features such as nose shape and eye placement.
When a diviner uses things, such as cards, tea leaves, dice or shells, the connecting thread to many of these methods is that people cannot control the signs they produce. For example, divination consultants typically mix the tarot card deck to make sure the result are randomized. People should not manipulate the results.
Many people turn to religion when they face the unknown in their lives. They address their insecurities in worship, asking for divine help.
But there have always been people who did not have access to organized religion. Divinatory practices can be especially appealing to those who have been excluded from traditional religion and had to come up with alternative ways to address uncertainties.
In an age marked by ongoing anxiety, political instability and waning trust in institutions, centuries-old divination rituals offer alternative ways for folks to seek entertainment but also to gain a sense of insight, agency and connection. What may seem like harmless fun can also serve as a serious response to a chaotic world. Divinatory practices can provide both spiritual exploration and emotional validation.
Besides increasing political insecurity, another reason for the increased interest in tarot may be the visual aspect. Increased interest in the decorated cards may be a reflection of our highly visual culture. Interest in the cards with images may reflect interest in other images we watch. They are like photos with messages.
The fascination with tarot may also speak about a need to control the consultation as a diviner and their client see exactly the same thing. The images in the cards are also symbolic, and they can be interpreted in different ways.
In principle, the cards can be consulted anywhere without particular preparations. The only material one needs is a deck of cards. The accessible materiality may be adding to their popularity.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Beatrix Beisner, Professor, Aquatic ecology; Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Plankton have inspired and influenced art, science and architecture.(Shutterstock)
Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton.
The etymology of “plankton” originates from the ancient Greek word for “drifter.” Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents.
There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton).
Phytoplankton are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems. (Shutterstock)
Understanding plankton
We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet.
In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton.
Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton.
Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around.
Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump.
Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers.
Jellyfish are plankton because they are carried by currents through the water. (Shutterstock)
Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that’s now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts.
Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton.
Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods.
Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research.
On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes.
Plankton benefits for humans
Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important.
Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry.
An illustration from the 1887 book ‘Report on the Radiolaria collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-76.’ (Illus. by E. Haeckel/engraving by A. Giltsch)
Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity.
Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth’s ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity’s living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture.
Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world.
We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being.
Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network.
Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board.
Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF).
Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Beatrix Beisner, Professor, Aquatic ecology; Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
Plankton have inspired and influenced art, science and architecture.(Shutterstock)
Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton.
The etymology of “plankton” originates from the ancient Greek word for “drifter.” Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents.
There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton).
Phytoplankton are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems. (Shutterstock)
Understanding plankton
We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet.
In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton.
Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton.
Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around.
Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump.
Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers.
Jellyfish are plankton because they are carried by currents through the water. (Shutterstock)
Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that’s now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts.
Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton.
Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods.
Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research.
On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes.
Plankton benefits for humans
Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important.
Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry.
An illustration from the 1887 book ‘Report on the Radiolaria collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-76.’ (Illus. by E. Haeckel/engraving by A. Giltsch)
Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity.
Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth’s ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity’s living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture.
Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world.
We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being.
Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network.
Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board.
Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF).
Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Water Resources on Sunday activated a Level 4 emergency response to floods in Chongqing City, Sichuan Province and Gansu Province amid a new round of heavy rain.
Heavy rainfall is expected in the three provincial-level administrative units over the next few days, which may lead to rising river levels.
The relevant departments of the above-mentioned regions are called upon to strengthen real-time monitoring of rivers and precipitation, promptly issue early warning information and, if necessary, carry out evacuations to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property, the ministry said in a statement.
Let us recall that China has adopted a four-tier emergency response system for flood-related emergencies, with level 1 being the highest. -0-
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Experts comment on a new press release sent out by the government entitled ‘Healthy food revolution to tackle obesity epidemic’.
Prof Andrew Prentice, Professor of International Nutrition at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
“I’m delighted to see government working hand in hand with food manufacturers and retailers. As industry is perceived by many as being part of the problem in creating an obesogenic environment, they must be part of the solution.’
“The devil will be in the detail and it is a bit concerning to read that ‘large retailers including supermarkets will set a new standard’ but this may be careless wording in the press release. Elsewhere it is clear that the Food Strategy Advisory Board will lead the charge.
“Mandatory reporting of healthy/unhealthy food sales is an important first step but will presumably only affect the largest outlets. Other initiatives will be required for the thousands of smaller food producers and outlets.’
“The issue of government creating a level playing field is key. This will help companies reduce sugar and fat from products without fear of losing out to competitors who do not.”
Prof Tom Sanders, Professor Emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics, King’s College London, said:
“The claim made in the Press Release that Public Health experts believe that reducing daily diet by just 50 calories would lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity is not a view that most experts in nutrition would share.
“In theory, very small reductions in daily calorie intake (50 kcal) should stop unhealthy weight gain. But there is little evidence to support this because in practice individuals adapt to small reductions or increases in calorie intake by reducing or increasing energy expenditure. Put into perspective, 50 kcal is the energy expended by 10 minutes brisk walking.
“There is very limited evidence from one randomised controlled trial in children showing that swapping a can of full sugar drink for a can of diet drink consumed five times a week for a year and a half reduced unhealthy weight gain by just over 1kg. The results of that study found the weight gain was far less than predicted.
“Most randomised controlled trials show you need to reduce calories intake by at least 300 kcal for a sustained period time to lose weight. Weight gain also tends to occur during periods of excessive consumption (e.g. Christmas and festive periods) or when physical activity is low.
“Discretionary foods consumed outside the home (crisps, morning goods, cakes, ice-cream) as well as alcoholic drinks are particularly fattening and recent reports suggest we need to focus on these and change eating behaviours, which continue to get worse.
“Food manufacturers have already reduced portion sizes of foods by ‘shrinkflation’ (less food at higher prices) but so far this has had little impact on obesity.
“Tackling obesity can only be effective if it changes the obesogenic environment which is characterised by sedentary behaviour and over-exposure to high calorie food.”
Prof Tom Sanders: “I have received grant funding for research on vegans in the past. I have been retired for 10 years but during my career at King’s College London, I formerly acted as consultant for companies that made artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes.
“I am a member of the Programme Advisory Committee of the Malaysia Palm Oil Board which involves the review of research projects proposed by the Malaysia government.
“I also used to be a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Global Dairy Platform up until 2015.
“I did do some consultancy work on GRAS affirmation of high oleic palm oil for Archer Daniel Midland more than ten years ago.
“My research group received oils and fats free of charge from Unilever and Archer Daniel Midland for our Food Standards Agency Research.
“I was a member of the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee that recommended that trans fatty acids be removed from the human food chain.
“Member of the Science Committee British Nutrition Foundation. Honorary Nutritional Director HEART UK.
“Before my retirement from King’s College London in 2014, I acted as a consultant to many companies and organisations involved in the manufacture of what are now designated ultraprocessed foods.
“I used to be a consultant to the Breakfast Cereals Advisory Board of the Food and Drink Federation.
“I used to be a consultant for aspartame more than a decade ago.
“When I was doing research at King’ College London, the following applied: Tom does not hold any grants or have any consultancies with companies involved in the production or marketing of sugar-sweetened drinks. In reference to previous funding to Tom’s institution: £4.5 million was donated to King’s College London by Tate & Lyle in 2006; this funding finished in 2011. This money was given to the College and was in recognition of the discovery of the artificial sweetener sucralose by Prof Hough at the Queen Elizabeth College (QEC), which merged with King’s College London. The Tate & Lyle grant paid for the Clinical Research Centre at St Thomas’ that is run by the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Trust, it was not used to fund research on sugar. Tate & Lyle sold their sugar interests to American Sugar so the brand Tate & Lyle still exists but it is no longer linked to the company Tate & Lyle PLC, which gave the money to King’s College London in 2006.”
Andrew Prentice: “I sit on the Global Nutrition Science Council for the Nestlé Nutrition Institute (NNI), an educational initiative, and create content for them (lectures, articles and podcasts for health care professionals).”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ISLAMABAD, June 29 (Xinhua) — Three people were killed and two others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday night, official sources said.
The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. local time (17:40 GMT) when the pro-government militiaman was riding in a car with others, police sources told Xinhua.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but police suspect local militants with whom the militia has had long-standing tensions were involved, the sources added.
The victims were taken to the nearest hospital.
Police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area to conduct an investigation. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW DELHI, June 29 (Xinhua) — At least 34 people have been killed, four are missing and 74 others have been injured due to monsoon rains in northern India’s Himachal Pradesh state over the past nine days, officials said on Sunday.
According to a report released by the State Emergency Operations Centre, the total damage to infrastructure during the period is estimated at US$8.32 million.
The center also confirmed that homes, livestock pens, government buildings, roads, water systems and power lines were damaged.
The Himachal Pradesh state government has put emergency services on high alert.
Officials said the rains had caused water levels in all major rivers and streams in the state to rise.
Around 40 roads in the affected areas are reported to remain closed due to landslides.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state over the next two days. –0–
Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark has warned the country needs to maintain its nuclear-free policy as a “fundamental tenet” of its independent foreign policy in the face of gathering global storm clouds.
Writing in a new book being published next week, she says “nuclear war is an existential threat to humanity. Far from receding, the threat of use of nuclear weapons is ever present.
Writing before the US surprise attack with B-2 stealth bombers and “bunker-buster” bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, Clark says “the Middle East is a tinder box with the failure of the Iran nuclear deal and with Israel widely believed to possess nuclear weapons”.
The Doomsday Clock references the Ukraine war theatre where “use of nuclear weapons has been floated by Russia”.
Also, the arms control architecture for Europe is unravelling, leaving the continent much less secure. India and Pakistan both have nuclear arsenals, she says.
“North Korea continues to develop its nuclear weapons capacity.”
‘Serious ramifications’ Clark, who was also United Nations Development Programme administrator from 2009 to 2017, a member of The Elders group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, and is an advocate for multilateralism and nuclear disarmament, says an outright military conflict between China and the United States “would be one between two nuclear powers with serious ramifications for East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and far beyond.”
She advises New Zealand to be wary of Australia’s decision to enter a nuclear submarine purchase programme with the United States.
“There has been much speculation about a potential Pillar Two of the AUKUS agreement which would see others in the region become partners in the development of advanced weaponry,” Clark says.
“This is occurring in the context of rising tensions between the United States and China.
“Many of us share the view that New Zealand should be a voice for de-escalation, not for enthusiastic expansion of nuclear submarine fleets in the Pacific and the development of more lethal weaponry.”
Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior . . . publication July 2025. Image: Little Island Press
In the face of the “current global turbulence, New Zealand needs to reemphasise the principles and values which drove its nuclear-free legislation and its advocacy for a nuclear-free South Pacific and global nuclear disarmament.
Clark says that the years 1985 – the Rainbow Warrior was bombed by French secret agents on 10 July 1985 — and 1986 were critical years in the lead up to New Zealand’s nuclear-free legislation in 1987.
“New Zealanders were clear – we did not want to be defended by nuclear weapons. We wanted our country to be a force for diplomacy and for dialogue, not for warmongering.”
Chronicles humanitarian voyage The book Eyes of Fire chronicles the humanitarian voyage by the Greenpeace flagship to the Marshall Islands to relocate 320 Rongelap Islanders who were suffering serious community health consequences from the US nuclear tests in the 1950s.
The author, Dr David Robie, founder of the Pacific Media Centre at Auckland University of Technology, was the only journalist on board the Rainbow Warrior in the weeks leading up to the bombing.
His book recounts the voyage and nuclear colonialism, and the transition to climate justice as the major challenge facing the Pacific, although the “Indo-Pacific” rivalries between the US, France and China mean that geopolitical tensions are recalling the Cold War era in the Pacific.
Dr Robie is also critical of Indonesian colonialism in the Melanesian region of the Pacific, arguing that a just-outcome for Jakarta-ruled West Papua and also the French territories of Kanaky New Caledonia and “French” Polynesia are vital for peace and stability in the region.
Building a better world takes more than good will – it takes investments in people, the planet and progress. World leaders gather in Sevilla, Spain to take up the challenge of securing resources to turn pledges into reality. On the eve of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, officials call it the chance to renew commitments and achieve lasting change.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
St. Petersburg, June 29 (Xinhua) — The annual Scarlet Sails school graduates’ festival took place in St. Petersburg on the night from Saturday to Sunday, bringing together almost 100 thousand schoolchildren from all regions of Russia.
This year, the stage space of the festival was divided into three zones, which created a single architectural image. The area of all the multimedia screens on the stage was about 1 thousand square meters. More than a hundred artists took part in the concert program, and they worked both on stage and in the air and water.
The culmination of the celebration was the appearance of the brig “Russia” with scarlet sails accompanied by salutes and fireworks in the waters of the Neva.
The Scarlet Sails festival originated in Soviet times and has been held annually at the end of June since 2005. It is included in the register of world event tourism. In 2024, the Scarlet Sails concert and water-pyrotechnic show was watched by almost 37 million people around the world. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BISHKEK, June 29 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the Kyrgyz city of Cholpon-Ata on Sunday. The parties discussed current issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as interaction within the framework of integration associations, the press service of the Kyrgyz president reported.
S. Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan attaches priority importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation with Russia, which is consistently strengthened in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership.
The President of Kyrgyzstan noted that Russia remains the most important trade and economic partner of Kyrgyzstan. Direct investments from Russia demonstrate positive dynamics, and the Russian Federation continues to be the largest investor in the country’s economy.
S. Lavrov conveyed greetings from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. He also emphasized that in addition to bilateral plans, there are regular tasks that are being solved within the framework of integration processes in the common CIS space. This includes the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO, where Kyrgyzstan currently presides.
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry also noted the importance of the reforms being carried out in Kyrgyzstan and expressed Russia’s readiness to further expand cooperation in key areas.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WASHINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at Israeli prosecutors over the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year, far more than any other nation, to protect and support Israel. We will not tolerate this,” Trump wrote on the Truth Social social network.
He said the case would distract the prime minister from negotiations with Iran and Hamas.
An Israeli court on Friday rejected Netanyahu’s request to postpone testimony in a corruption case, ruling that he had not provided sufficient grounds.
The trial against B. Netanyahu has been going on for more than five years. In one of the cases, B. Netanyahu and his wife were accused of receiving luxury goods worth more than $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political patronage.
In two other cases, Netanyahu is accused of trying to get more positive coverage of his policies in two Israeli media outlets. –0–
International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Ronald Lamola will lead South Africa’s delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit, scheduled to take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June – 3 July 2025.
The conference is convened at the invitation of President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón of the Government of Spain and United Nations Secretary – General António Guterres.
In a statement on Saturday, The Presidency said the conference aims to address new and emerging issues in financing for development, including the need to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reform the international financial architecture.
“President Ramaphosa has delegated Minister Lamola as the Head of Delegation for the Summit following recent political developments that require close monitoring and management in the country.
“South Africa’s participation at the Summit aligns with its G20 Presidency objectives of solidarity, equality and sustainability in complementing and supporting the Summits’ goals of reshaping the global financial system in support of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency said.
On the margins of the 4th Financing for Development Summit, South Africa will convene a side event under the theme: “Forging a common agenda to achieve debt sustainability in developing economies”.
South Africa seeks to advance through cooperation and collaboration, sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges, and to extend debt relief to developing economies which disproportionately affects countries in Africa.
The side event will bring together leading voices from various debt-related initiatives to identify synergies and areas of convergence. It will seek consensus and highlight solutions that enjoy broad support.
South Africa’s delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit comprises the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
DAR ES SALAAM, June 29 (Xinhua) — At least 38 people were killed and 28 others injured on Saturday evening when two buses collided head-on and burst into flames in Moshi district of Kilimanjaro region in northern Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Noordin Babu told Xinhua by telephone on Sunday that the victims included members of a family who were on their way to a wedding in Moshi Municipality.
N. Babu said the accident occurred at around 5 p.m. local time /1400 GMT/ after a front tyre on one of the buses burst, causing a fire that engulfed both vehicles, killing all occupants of both buses.
N. Babu added that 22 of the 28 injured passengers received medical treatment and were discharged from the hospital, while six others remain under observation by doctors. –0–
The annual Eritrean community festival in Italy was officially opened by Mr. Fesehatsion Petros in Milano under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.” The opening event was attended by a large number of nationals and friends of Eritrea.
The festival, taking place on 28 and 29 June, features a photo exhibition, cultural and artistic programs, a fashion show of traditional Eritrean clothing, and seminars, among other activities.
A seminar focusing on educational progress in Eritrea, as well as the expansion of educational facilities, will be organized during the event.
Cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea will also be presented, adding vibrant color to the festivities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
TALLINN, Estonia, June 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the next-generation blockchain platform focused on scalability and real-world utility, has crossed a major milestone in its ongoing presale—raising over $5 million as it enters Phase 9. With the token price now at $9 and a public launch target of $20, early investors are eyeing a potential 150% gain before the scheduled launch in just under six weeks. Amidst ongoing crypto market volatility, Bitcoin Solaris is emerging as a rare opportunity grounded in technical innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is designed to offer scalability, energy efficiency, and everyday accessibility without sacrificing decentralization. By integrating a hybrid consensus model with cross-chain functionality and smart contract support, it delivers the tools needed for a sustainable and high-performance blockchain ecosystem.
One of the standout features is the dual-consensus architecture that merges Proof-of-Work for base-level security with Delegated Proof-of-Stake for speed and efficiency. This hybrid ensures that BTC-S remains secure while still handling up to 100,000 transactions per second on the Solaris Layer.
What Makes Bitcoin Solaris Technically Superior
The strength of BTC-S lies in its layered infrastructure. Let’s break it down:
Base Layer (PoW): Uses SHA-256, ensures security, and anchors validator data
Solaris Layer (DPoS): Processes blocks in 15 seconds, rotates validators daily, and enforces slashing for bad actors
Smart Contracts: Rust-based, compatible with Solana tools, and optimized for dApps and DeFi
Security: Defenses include 51% attack resistance, Byzantine fault tolerance, and optional zero-knowledge proofs
Scalability: Supports up to 3,000 TPS on the Base Layer and 100,000 TPS on the Solaris Layer
These features enhance performance and ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
Real Utility Across Multiple Industries
Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just theory. Its architecture is built to support:
DeFi platforms, lending markets, and high-speed DEXs
Tokenized real estate and digital ID systems
Healthcare apps, educational certifications, and supply chain solutions
Gaming ecosystems, NFT marketplaces, and content monetization
With such a vast application layer, BTC-S is more than a coin—it’s an ecosystem ready to support global infrastructure.
The Rewards System: Designed for Inclusion and Long-Term Value
Bitcoin Solaris uses an inclusive reward system that balances incentives across all key roles in the ecosystem:
40% of rewards go to miners securing the Base Layer
25% to validators on the Solaris Layer
20% to stakers supporting network stability
10% funds development for future growth
5% supports community initiatives
This dynamic approach evaluates factors like device type, network contribution, and user longevity. It ensures that rewards flow to those adding the most value. More details about the system can be seen through the official documentation.
Market Voices Are Taking Notice
A growing number of influencers are calling Bitcoin Solaris one of the most exciting projects of 2025. One detailed review by Token Empire breaks down why this hybrid model is capturing serious attention. Across Telegram chats and Twitter threads, more investors are highlighting BTC-S for its real-world potential and inclusive design.
Presale Performance Signals Massive Potential
Investors are acting fast. The presale is now in phase 9, with the current price at $9 and a launch target of $20 a 150% upside for early believers. Over $5 million has been raised, and momentum continues to grow.
Bonus currently sits at 7%
Less than 6 weeks remain before launch
Over 12,300 users have joined
One of the shortest and most explosive presales this cycle
This is not just a token drop – it’s a timed opportunity. One of the most talked-about presales across influencer platforms and audit trackers.
And yes, bothCyberscopeandFreshcoinshave completed extensive audits, making this one of the best-reviewed launches of 2025.
Final Verdict
Bitcoin Solaris doesn’t follow market hype—it rewrites the rulebook. At a time when most cryptocurrencies ride volatile waves, BTC-S is anchoring its value in real utility, community-driven validation, and inclusive mining. It offers something many thought was no longer possible in 2025: a fair shot at crypto wealth for the average investor.
Disclaimer:This content is provided byBitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented.We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article.This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital.It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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£11.7m fund to boost business investment and jobs at Port Talbot
New Economic Growth and Investment Fund announced by the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board
Over £11.7 million to boost business investment and jobs in Port Talbot from newly announced Economic Growth and Investment Fund
Backed by £11.78 million – including £6.78 million from the UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK.
Part of £80 million announced by the Transition Board just 10 months
A new £11.78 million fund will soon be available to businesses in Port Talbot and the surrounding area to help them grow, create high-quality jobs, and attract long-term investment.
The Economic Growth and Investment Fund is designed to support companies that offer skilled, well-paid employment opportunities that match the talents of the local workforce.
The fund includes £6.78 million from the UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK and will complement the work of the Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council to strengthen the local economy.
To ensure the fund delivers the greatest possible impact, a period of engagement with businesses will begin ahead of the fund opening for bids in the autumn. This will shape the fund’s design – ensuring it meets the needs of businesses and unlocks the conditions for long-term economic growth, job creation, and private sector investment. Once engagement has been completed, the fund is then subject to business case approval by UK Government.
This funding announcement is the latest from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and including representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments, local authorities, unions and business.
Since its first release of funding in August 2024, it has now announced £80 million to fund skills training for workers and regeneration projects as Tata Steel carries out its transition to electric arc steelmaking.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
This new fund is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government and business work together to deliver for communities. Backed by over £11.7 million, it will help local businesses grow, create high-quality jobs and attract more new investment to Port Talbot.
This announcement marks the full allocation of the UK Government’s £80 million contribution to the Transition Board – all delivered in less than a year. It’s a clear demonstration of this government’s determination to act swiftly and decisively in support of Port Talbot and its steelmaking community, ensuring that funding reaches the people and businesses who need it most.
We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and businesses dependent on Tata Steel and we have delivered on that promise.
Tata Steel UK’s Head of Public Relations Tim Rutter said:
We are delighted to support this new Economic Growth and Investment Fund from our £20 million commitment to the Transition Board. Local businesses play a vital role in the growth and economic prosperity of the region, and we are confident this fund will draw in further investment, providing jobs and opportunities for people across the area.
We continue to be committed to supporting those individuals impacted by our business transformation, and this fund will complement the existing support services that we have put in place, in addition to the most generous voluntary redundancy package in the company’s history.
We look forward to working with our partners on the Transition Board, trades unions, local businesses and the community to ensure this fund has a positive impact.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:
We welcome the new Economic Growth and Investment Fund announced today.
Delivery is the Welsh Government’s watch word. Working in partnership with the UK Government, local authorities, trade unions and businesses, we are supporting economic growth today and actively shaping its future direction for tomorrow.
We are also ensuring that cross-government investments such as Freeports and Investment Zones align with Welsh priorities and deliver real and lasting benefits and local job opportunities in communities such as Port Talbot.
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:
This announcement marks another major milestone in our response to a period of significant change for the local economy of the Port Talbot area.
A key aim for us as a council is to create more secure, green, and well-paid jobs and to develop the skills required for these roles. As such we are working hard to meet the current challenges and to move beyond these to future economic growth.
“Working alongside our Transition Board partners we will soon be engaging the local business community to ensure we make the most of the opportunity that this funding presents
The UK Government has committed £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK’s steel industry for decades to come as it decarbonises.
This is in addition to the £500 million allocated to Tata Steel in Port Talbot for an electric arc furnace, which recently received planning approval with construction due to begin in the coming months.
The new fund will build on this momentum—helping local people by supporting the creation of high-quality jobs, encouraging business growth, and attracting new investment to secure a strong economic future for Port Talbot.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) — The plenary session of the 14th committee of the All-China Youth Federation and the 28th congress of the All-China Students’ Federation will be held in Beijing from July 2 to 3.
The meetings will examine reports on the work of the two federations separately, discuss and revise their charters, and elect their new leadership. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Xinhua) — Three people were killed when a boat capsized off the east coast of Malaysia, authorities said Sunday.
The victims were identified as a 40-year-old man, his 3-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old relative, Besut district police senior superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad Abu said at a briefing.
The incident occurred late on Saturday when the boat capsized during a storm near Perhentian Island, a popular tourist spot in Malaysia’s Terengganu state, he said. –0–
Israel’s attack on the Evin Prison in Iran’s capital Tehran on June 23 killed 71 people, Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said on Sunday.
At the end of an air war with Iran, Israel struck Tehran’s most notorious jail for political prisoners, in a demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim at symbols of Iran’s ruling system.
“In the attack on Evin prison, 71 people were martyred including administrative staff, youth doing their military service, detainees, family members of detainees who were visiting them and neighbours who lived in the prison’s vicinity,” Jahangir said in remarks carried on the judiciary’s news outlet Mizan.
Jahangir had previously said that part of Evin prison’s administrative building had been damaged in the attack and people were killed and injured. The judiciary added that remaining detainees had been transferred to other prisons in Tehran province.
Evin prison holds a number of foreign nationals, including two French citizens detained for three years.
“The strike targeting Evin prison in Tehran, put our citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris in danger. It is unacceptable,” France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had said on social media X after the attack.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) — With its rapidly aging population, China is facing a new pressing health problem: cancer among the elderly.
According to the latest data, people over 60 now account for 60.7 percent of all new cancer cases in the country, making cancer care for the elderly one of the most urgent priorities in China’s efforts to ensure health for all.
A week-long national campaign has been launched in China to raise awareness of cancer among older people. Medical experts are calling for earlier detection, evidence-based treatment and more public education to combat myths that often cause older people to delay or avoid treatment.
China’s demographic shift is accelerating: People aged 60 and over now make up more than 20 percent of the population. That figure is expected to reach 30 percent by 2035, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million.
A report from the Chinese Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are most common among older adults, accounting for about 65 percent of malignancies in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers.
“Cancer is not uncommon among the elderly, and it is closely related to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,” says Xue Dong, a specialist in geriatric oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Cell aging, decreased immunity, and long-term exposure to carcinogens greatly increase vulnerability, Xue Dong explains.
Early diagnosis remains the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer, experts say.
In response, China’s National Health Commission has called for expanded public health services, including nationwide health checks for adults aged 65 and above, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups.
Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, east China’s Jiangsu Province, residents aged 60 to 69 are now being tested for 12 common tumor markers for free. In Daqing, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, authorities are offering citizens aged 45 to 74 free screening for five major cancers – lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal tract, and colon.
In addition to cancer screenings, doctors also promote healthy living. Zhang Tong, an oncology specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medicine, advises older adults to eat a balanced diet and engage in traditional Chinese fitness exercises such as tai chi and baduanjin, which are known to boost energy and immune function.
Doctors also emphasize that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a supporting role in combination with Western treatment methods.
During chemotherapy, treatments such as acupuncture and spot treatments can help reduce side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, and constipation. Herbal baths and steam therapy can help with radiation-related symptoms such as skin damage and mouth sores.
Li Yuanqing, Xue Dong’s colleague at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows that these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Experts also warn of deeply ingrained misconceptions. Many older patients believe in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that traditional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their deterioration.
“Treating older cancer patients requires a balance,” Xue Dong said. “We can’t just apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we discard treatments because of age. The key is individualized treatment based on both the patient’s medical needs and physical and emotional readiness.”
“Thanks to the science and compassion we use, more and more elderly cancer patients will be able to live a dignified life,” says Xue Dong. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HEFEI, June 29 (Xinhua) — The world’s first demonstration ship running on clean ammonia fuel, the Anhui, has successfully completed its maiden voyage in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, marking a major step forward in the development of green shipping.
Ammonia, a key raw material for the chemical industry, has a high energy density. Being a carbon-free substance, it produces only water and nitrogen when completely burned. This makes it a very promising fuel for decarbonizing shipping.
In recent years, several shipping companies in Japan, Norway and other countries have been actively investing in developing ammonia-fueled ships. A 2021 report by the International Energy Agency estimated that up to 45 percent of global marine fuel demand would be met by ammonia by 2050 to achieve a “net zero scenario.” However, ammonia fuel also faces challenges such as difficulty in ignition and combustion instability.
The ammonia-powered vessel Anhui was jointly developed by the Institute of Energy of Hefei National Comprehensive Science Center and its subsidiary Shenzhen Haixu New Energy Co., Ltd. It is equipped with a 200 kW high-speed gas combustion generator, two 100 kW electric motors and a twin-screw propulsion system. Its full deadweight is 50 tons and its rated speed is 10 knots.
Wu Dianwu of the aforementioned institute said that the research team has overcome several key technological difficulties. These include plasma ignition of pure ammonia fuel, stable combustion, efficient catalytic cracking of ammonia gas to produce hydrogen, and efficient combustion and combustion control of hydrogen-ammonia fuel mixture in internal combustion engines. In addition, the team has also developed a pure ammonia fuel burner and various catalytic cracking devices for ammonia gas.
During the maiden voyage, it was possible to achieve stable and complete combustion of pure ammonia fuel, almost zero carbon dioxide emissions and effective control of nitrogen oxides. This confirms the potential for widespread use of hydrogen-ammonia fuel in marine and land transport, industrial boilers and fuel cells, Wu Dianwu noted.
Wang Junli, secretary general of the China Society of Shipbuilding, said the vessel’s successful voyage marked a milestone in building a clean, low-carbon energy system for waterborne transport. With pure ammonia engines reaching megawatt-class power, there will be broad prospects for their deployment. This is of particular significance in the context of China’s efforts to achieve “dual carbon goals” of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. -0-
