Getty ImagesJudges said the Elizabeth line "sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure"The Elizabeth line, London's newest train line, has been awarded the UK's most prestigious architecture prize.
The Stirling Prize is normally awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) to the country's best new building, but this year it has gone to the entire 62-mile network and its 10 new stations.
The judges praised its "slick suite of architectural components", in which "the typical commuter chaos is transformed into an effortless experience".
Not all passengers will share that view. Some have complained about delays and overcrowding, and three have told BBC London they were injured at Ealing Broadway station because the gap between the platform and the trains is too big.
Getty ImagesRiba president Muyiwa Oki called the design "a triumph"The line, which runs from east to west via central London, opened in 2022 and transports more than 700,000 passengers every weekday.
New station areas were built at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf, among other locations.
"It is an extraordinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity," Riba said.
RIBA Stirling Prize: president on London finalistsRiba president and jury chair Muyiwa Oki said: "The Elizabeth line is a triumph in architect-led collaboration, offering a flawless, efficient, beautifully choreographed solution to inner-city transport.
"It's an uncluttered canvas that incorporates a slick suite of architectural components to create a consistent, line-wide identity – through which thousands of daily passengers navigate with ease.
"Descending into the colossal network of tunnels feels like entering a portal to the future, where the typical commuter chaos is transformed into an effortless experience."
He added that it is "architecture of the digital age", which "utilises cutting-edge technology to create distinctive spatial characteristics and experiences", and "sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure".
Getty ImagesThe Elizabeth line includes 62 miles of track and 26 miles of tunnelsThe Elizabeth line was formerly known as Crossrail before being renamed after Queen Elizabeth II.
It was designed by a group of architects, engineers and designers including Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis.
Neill McClements, a partner at Grimshaw, said: "The Elizabeth line is a piece of infrastructure that has been transformative, not only for London’s transport network but also for many people’s lives, highlighting the role design plays in elevating our every day."
The award comes almost a year after London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the Elizabeth line had "not met the consistently high standards" expected by Londoners.
Previous Stirling Prize winners include Goldsmith Street council housing in Norwich and The New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
The other Stirling Prize 2024 nominees:Chowdhury Walk, London (designed by Al-Jawad Pike)King’s Cross Masterplan, London (Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates)National Portrait Gallery, London (Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell)Park Hill phase two, Sheffield (Mikhail Riches)Wraxall Yard, Dorset (Clementine Blakemore Architects)
London’s Elizabeth line wins top architecture prize
Gloucestershire MPs to present bills in Parliament
Kristian Lam-Clark / Zero HourOcean rower Dr Roz Savage is campaigning to pass the Climate and Nature BillThree Gloucestershire MPs are set to present separate bills before Parliament after being among 20 backbenchers drawn from a ballot to get the chance to do so.
Max Wilkinson (Cheltenham, Lib Dem) Roz Savage (South Cotswolds, Lib Dem) and Alex McIntyre (Gloucester, Lab) will put forward issues that matter to them on Wednesday.
The two Liberal Democrats are focusing on energy and the environment, with Wilkinson wanting mandatory solar panels on all new homes, and Savage attempting to bring the Climate and Nature Bill back to Parliament. McIntyre will submit a bill on controlled drugs to target spiking.
The first seven backbenchers drawn from the ballot are the most likely to get a day of debate in the House of Commons.
Those drawn highest in the ballot to present their bills usually have the best chance of making progress. The first seven backbenchers in the list of 20 are the most likely to get a day of debate in the House of Commons.
Of his solar panel plan, Wilkinson said: "Unofficially, we're calling this the sunshine (cost of living) bill."
He added the bill would "mean we're generating from our nation's rooftops much more renewable energy, but also it will help to lower the energy bills of people moving into those new homes".
The Climate and Nature Bill was first tabled by Green MP Caroline Lucas in 2020 before now being presented by Savage.
"It is really pushing for a joined-up strategy that recognises that our issues around climate, nature loss and diversity are absolutely interconnected," she said.
'Drug-related crime'"We absolutely have to put the environment at the heart of all of our decision-making across the board from now on."
Those drawn highest in the ballot to present their bills usually have the best chance of making progress.
McIntyre was the ninth MP drawn and his controlled drugs bill is aimed at supporting the government and police to tackle drug-related crime, building on former Gloucester Conservative MP Richard Graham's work on spiking.
Any bill that gets debated will have to get a majority in the Commons to pass and get through to the House of Lords.
Among the other bills being formally introduced to Parliament on Wednesday is one that proposes giving terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life, which has received much attention in the media.
Shaolin Kungfu uses -martial arts- as a medium to promote cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia
Interviewer: Can you tell us about the role of Shaolin Kung Fu in enhancing cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia?
Shi Yanshu, the head of the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Cambodia and the 34th generation disciple of Shaolin, stated, “We hope to use martial arts as a medium to build a bridge of friendship between the people of China and Cambodia through exchange and mutual learning.”
Recently, Shi participated with a team of Cambodian lion dancers in the 13th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival in China, and engaged in cultural exchange activities related to Shaolin Kung Fu. Before departing from Phnom Penh, he shared with us that this event is significant for strengthening cultural interactions between China and Cambodia and enhancing collaboration between Cambodia and the Shaolin Temple in China.
The Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Phnom Penh occupies over 2,000 hectares and is surrounded by a blend of Chinese bamboo and Cambodian greenery, offering a serene atmosphere. Since its establishment in May of this year, the center has attracted numerous martial arts enthusiasts.
Shi explained, “From the very beginning, our center has focused on meeting the interests of the local community by offering various martial arts classes, including foundational and competitive training, allowing people to learn about Chinese culture and traditional martial arts.” Many people have come to learn from Shi, including local youth, Chinese expatriates, and even individuals of Chinese descent from Malaysia.
Shaolin Temple and its martial arts have garnered popularity in Cambodia through films and television. In April, an event called “When Shaolin Martial Arts Meets Cambodian Lion Dance” was held in Siem Reap, where Shaolin Kung Fu and Khmer boxing competed on the same stage, a thrilling experience that people still talk about.
Reflecting on that event, Shi said, “It was my first opportunity to exchange skills with Cambodian practitioners, with the performance backdrop being the world-renowned Angkor Wat. I was profoundly moved by Cambodia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.”
When discussing the similarities between Shaolin Kung Fu and Khmer boxing, Shi noted that both boast deep historical roots and unique qualities, serving various purposes such as physical fitness, self-defense, mental training, competitions, and entertainment. “Both are invaluable forms of intangible cultural heritage, carrying rich historical messages and contributing to modern human civilization,” he added.
Shi disclosed plans for the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center to collaborate with local departments in creating a national martial arts team and sanda (Chinese kickboxing) team, utilizing the cultural center as a training base to promote Khmer boxing on a global scale.
As a significant branch of the Songshan Shaolin Temple in Southeast Asia, the Cambodia Shaolin Temple Cultural Center also plans to invite Shaolin monks and other martial arts masters for exchange visits in the future. Shi concluded, “Our center will continuously promote cooperation between China and Cambodia in cultural exchanges and sports education to deepen the friendship between our two countries.”
San Jose police crack down on illegal casinos, seize contraband, weapons
San Jose police have successfully shut down an illegal gambling operation during a drug investigation, uncovering a trove of illegal items and weapons in the process. Initially, the investigation focused on drug sales in the 1400 block of Meadow Glen Way, but it soon revealed a more complex criminal enterprise.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that the location was not just involved in drug sales but also in operating illegal gambling activities. With detailed evidence collected, police identified two primary suspects: Glenn Jingco and Sophana El, both of whom have prior convictions related to drugs and illegal possession of firearms.
On October 3, the San Jose Police Department’s Special Operations Division executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence. When they arrived, officers seized a range of illegal items, including a loaded, custom-made firearm without a serial number, a sawed-off shotgun, various rounds of ammunition, a large quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and significant cash. Additionally, approximately seven large illegal gambling machines were found on site, further confirming the suspects’ involvement in illegal gambling operations.
A police spokesperson highlighted that both Jingco and El are prohibited from possessing firearms due to their criminal records. The weapons recovered were confirmed to be illegally owned. Both suspects are currently in custody, facing charges related to illegal gambling and drug trafficking, and have been transferred to the Santa Clara County Jail.
This operation has not only disrupted drug and gambling activities in San Jose but also bolstered community confidence in local safety. Police have stated they will remain vigilant regarding criminal activities in the area to protect residents from such threats.
The Lincoln statue in Chicago was spray-painted with red paint, leaving a large area of graffiti at the scene
On October 14, a significant statue of Abraham Lincoln in Chicago was vandalized, drawing attention from media outlets. The statue, located near the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park, was found covered in red paint, with extensive graffiti left on its base and back. The vandals also wrote messages including the term “slayer.”
Local police, as reported by the New York Post, suspect that the incident occurred during the night. As of now, no arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.
This incident isn’t the first time the Lincoln statue has faced damage. Back in October 2022, a group of anonymous individuals targeted the statue with paint to raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is regarded as one of the nation’s most esteemed leaders. He is famously known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which declared the freedom of enslaved people. Tragically, Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, while attending a theater performance, and he succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Suspected Cultists Kill Scores during Traditional Festival in Anambra
David-Chyddy Elekein Awka
Tragedy struck in Nibo, Anambra State, yesterday, as scores of lives mostly youths were lost in a brutal attack suspected to have been launched by cultists.
The perpetrators, reportedly arriving in a black Lexus SUV, stormed an eatery in the community and opened fire indiscriminately, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
Indigenes of the community,mostly youths who were in the public celebrating the Onea Asatfestival were gunned down.
The crime scene is a few distance away from the Governor’s Lodge, where the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, resides.
According to eyewitnesses, who spoke to THISDAY,at least a 16 people were confirmed dead, with fears that the death toll may rise.
“It was like a war zone. The gunmen came out of nowhere, shooting everywhere. People were running for their lives, screaming and crying. It was chaos.
“They killed about eight persons in one location and drove to another close to Eke Nibo market, where more people were killed,” a witness said.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities have been urged to launch a thorough investigation.
“We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking. We urge the government to take immediate action. We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security,” they added.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the attack. The state police public relations officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement attributed it to cult activities.
He said: “The Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LGA and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.
“Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy as the Command calls on the witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest. Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
Hubei Wufeng- -Ancient Tea Town- Shows New Look
On October 20, a celebration was held in Yichang, Hubei Province, to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County. The festivities also included a cultural performance to honor this milestone.
Located at the intersection of six counties in Hunan and Hubei provinces, Wufeng covers an area of 2,369 square kilometers and has a registered population of 190,400, with ethnic minorities making up 84.8% of the population. Known as one of China’s ancient tea-producing regions, Wufeng has earned the title of “Hometown of Famous Chinese Tea.” The county was established in 1984.
Over the past 40 years, Wufeng has seen remarkable economic growth, with its GDP, public budget revenue, and rural residents’ income increasing by 168 times, 322 times, and 44 times, respectively. In recent years, the county has successfully accomplished major initiatives, including poverty alleviation, urban relocation, the establishment of off-site parks, significant transportation improvements, and ecological advancements.
In his speech, Li Lunhua, the Secretary of the Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County Committee, highlighted how the diverse peoples of Wufeng embody the spirit of “breaking new ground, battling adversity, and being practical,” which has driven the county’s historic achievements and a vibrant narrative of shared unity and prosperous development.
Recently, Wufeng has been actively promoting industries such as tea, bee farming, traditional Chinese medicine, and regional tourism, innovating within a “tea, culture, and tourism” integrated development model. By the end of 2023, the county boasts 220,000 acres of tea plantations, including 40,000 acres of old tea gardens, generating an output value of 1.219 billion yuan from tea alone.
Xiao Shuguang, the leader of the Shuguang Rural Revitalization Innovation Studio in Yichang, reflected on his four years of service in Hongqiping Village in Wufeng Bay. He expressed hope that the county will leverage its unique characteristics and advantages to further improve Wufeng in the future.
INEC- 295,603 PVCs Uncollected Ahead Ondo Guber Poll, Distribution commences Thursday
•To deploy 17, 705 Adhoc staff, administer oath of neutrality on 11,799 security personnel
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, revealed that a total of 295,603 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were yet to be collected ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
This was as it announced that the collection of PVCs in all the 203 wards would commence on Thursday.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola stated this at the state headquarters of INEC in Akure while briefing Journalists on the level of preparedness towards election.
The REC also revealed that 11,799 Security personnel drawn from the Police, NSCDC, Immigration, Customs and Correctional Service would be administered oath of neutrality before participating in the election.
Her words: “The distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State will commence from 17th October, 2024. This exercise will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level until October 21st , 2024, including the weekend.
“PVC distribution will take place across all 203 RAs in the state, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily after which it will continue at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from 23rd to 29th October, 2024. PVCs will be distributed at designated collection centers across all 203 Registration Areas within the state’s 18 LGAs.”
She urged registered voters, especially those who recently updated their details or newly registered, to take advantage of the opportunity to collect their PVCs.
Notably, Babalola said in line with statutory requirement to publish and provide copies of the voter register to all political parties, the Commission would present the updated register to political parties on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the INEC office in Akure.
At the same time, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement appealed to registered voters in the state to pick up their PVCs in person on the approved dates.
The Commission reiterated its policy that no cards would be collected by proxy.
Olumekun noted: “The PVCs for all categories of applicants will be available for collection in 221 centres across the State at two levels.
“First, in all the 203 Wards from Thursday 17th to Monday 21st October 2024. Secondly, in our 18 LGA offices from Wednesday 23rd to Tuesday 29th October 2024 from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily (including the weekends).”
The commission stressed that during the period, the backlog of uncollected PVCs from previous registrations would also be available for collection at the designated centres.
U.S. ultimatum threatens to stop weapons supplies if it blocks supplies to Gaza_2
On October 15, the United States issued a stark warning to Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, suggesting that if Israel fails to improve its humanitarian efforts, the U.S. may consider suspending arms shipments. In a firm ultimatum, the Biden administration has given Israel a 30-day deadline to ensure that humanitarian aid flows into Gaza, which is vital for providing food, medical supplies, and other essentials to the Palestinian population.
The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration has intensified its pressure on Israel this week, urging immediate action to alleviate the dire conditions faced by Gazans. High-ranking U.S. officials have conveyed that if no improvements are observed within the month, punitive measures, including a potential suspension of military assistance, may be on the table.
In a letter sent on October 13, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, demanding urgent steps to ensure that non-combatants in Gaza can access necessary supplies. The letter criticized Israeli actions, asserting that they have led to a severe deterioration of the situation in Gaza.
Austin and Blinken emphasized that if Israel remains unresponsive, the Biden administration will fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, which includes protecting civilians and humanitarian facilities during wartime. The U.S. may adjust its military assistance to Israel based on the circumstances.
The Washington Post analysis suggests that this letter allows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration a month to comply, hinting at a potential delay in action until after the U.S. presidential election.
While the letter did not explicitly mention suspending arms transfers, it warned that failure to commit to providing essential aid to the desperate people of Gaza could lead to a reduction or halt of military support from the U.S.
This communication highlights a growing tension between the U.S. and its close ally Israel. Following the October 7 attack by Hamas, backed by Iran, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has strained U.S.-Israel relations, even as the U.S. has remained supportive. Concerns are rising in Washington about the escalating unrest in the Middle East, particularly as Israel continues to target Hezbollah, an Iranian-supported Lebanese militia.
The Pentagon has deployed U.S. forces and provided defense equipment to support Israel. The U.S. contributes approximately $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually. An Israeli official has stated that they are currently assessing the implications of the Biden administration’s letter.
Recently, more than 40 countries condemned Israel for its actions that led to the deaths of UN peacekeeping forces.
Kora Launches Student Endowment Fund at Covenant University
LAGOS, Nigeria, October 2024 – Kora, a leader in the financial technology sector, announced the establishment of an endowment fund to support students at Covenant University. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring they can complete their higher education without financial constraints.
The Kora Endowment Fund, which is ₦200 million over the next ten years, is an investment that emphasizes Kora’s dedication to empowering students and fostering educational excellence for the purpose of building a greater future at scale in Africa.
The Fund is designed to create a lasting impact on Covenant University students by:
Providing Financial Relief: Directly assisting students struggling to cover tuition fees.Increasing Access: Ensuring that more students can complete their education, regardless of their financial background.Fostering Long-Term Opportunities: Enabling students to develop into high-growth and valued talents in the workforce and business landscape.Dickson Nsofor, CEO of Kora, said: “We are excited to make this endowment at Covenant University given that it reflects our commitment to empowering young people and fostering a future where education is accessible to those deserving, regardless of financial barriers. We believe investing in education is essential to unlocking opportunities for all as well as creating a brighter future.”
