October 2024 – Page 9

UNIFIL- Israeli troops deliberately demolished its watchtowers

On October 20th, a statement was released by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), according to reports from Al Jazeera and the UN’s official website. The statement condemned the Israeli military for deliberately dismantling one of its observation towers and a surrounding fence along Lebanon’s southern border.

The statement indicated that earlier that day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had deployed bulldozers to intentionally destroy a lookout tower and the associated fencing at the UNIFIL camp located in the village of Marwahin in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL emphasized the responsibility of the IDF and all parties involved to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property while upholding the sanctity of UN premises at all times.

Furthermore, the statement reiterated that violations of UN camps and the destruction of UN assets constitute a blatant breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The actions taken by the Israeli military not only contravene international humanitarian law but also jeopardize the safety of peacekeeping personnel.

Despite these challenges, UNIFIL asserted its commitment to maintaining its presence at all positions.

Byzhengerya.com

A group of Indonesian Xianyou folks return to their hometown to find their roots and start a cultural journey in Putian

Recently, Yang Zongqing, President of the Indonesian Xianyou Association, led a delegation of 184 Indonesian expatriates from Xianyou on a journey back to their roots in Putian, Fujian, driven by deep emotional ties to their homeland. This cultural journey was themed “A Hundred Years of Heartfelt Bonds, Deep Love for Our Hometown,” and marked their first visit after crossing oceans to reconnect with their heritage.

During their stay, the delegation engaged in the “Caring for Our Mother River, Strolling along the Mulan Creek” event. They took a leisurely walk along the creek, joined local residents in square dancing and fitness activities, and enjoyed the local cuisine at the Lantian Bridge Square, all while learning about the cultural stories behind traditional dishes like rice cakes and peanut soup.

Yang Zongqing expressed that through healthy walking and group fitness activities, they truly experienced the transformation of the Mulan Creek and their hometown. He emphasized the importance of encouraging more overseas Chinese communities to return, promote, and support their hometown.

In a highlight of the event, members of the delegation performed traditional Indonesian music using the “Angklung” instrument and showcased Indonesian dance, even collaborating with locals to demonstrate Tai Chi.

The following day of their cultural journey took them to Meizhou Island to commemorate the 1,037th anniversary of the Mazu Festival. The group participated in a grand sea ceremony, observing performances of intangible cultural heritage from both sides of the strait and a large-scale cultural tourism show titled “Origin of Meizhou.” They gained comprehensive insights into the preservation and promotion of Mazu beliefs, recognized as a “World Intangible Heritage.”

The group also visited the picturesque and culturally rich Jiuli Lake area, walking along pavilions and bridges, and paying respects at the Jiuxian Temple while appreciating inscriptions and the stunning Jiuli Waterfall, which deepened their understanding of dream culture.

During their itinerary, the delegation toured the Sanfu Art Museum and the Xianzhou Museum, learning about the craftsmanship, styles, history, and appreciation methods related to Xianyou’s classical furniture-making techniques. They were particularly impressed by the artistry of traditional Chinese home decor and the stories behind the artisans.

Additionally, a promotional and cultural exchange event titled “From Mountains to Waters, Sharing Our Love for Our Hometown” was held. It highlighted Xianyou County’s development plans, policy advantages, public services, and rich history, emphasizing nine key industries such as new energy materials, electronic information, arts and crafts, textiles, advanced equipment, health and wellness, cultural tourism, and modern services. The event included the screening of a promotional video, “Fortune Awaits in Xianyou,” which allowed expatriates to witness the positive changes in their hometown and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

Byzhengerya.com

Jinshan Ximen implements safety upgrades after tragic car accident involving 4 people

During a recent press conference, Mayor London Breed emphasized her commitment to ensuring the safety of the city’s streets and public spaces for everyone. This declaration came in the wake of a tragic accident in the West Portal neighborhood, igniting community calls for enhanced safety measures. In response, Mayor Breed, alongside Supervisor Myrna Melgar and officials from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), jointly announced on November 11 the initiation of the West Portal Safety and Community Space Improvement Project.

As part of the project, several safety upgrades will be implemented based on extensive community engagement and social meetings facilitated by the SFMTA. These discussions aimed to identify the government’s priorities regarding transportation safety. Following the approval from the SFMTA Board in July, a range of traffic safety measures has already been set in motion. These include the installation of traffic calming features on Ulloa, Vicente, and Wawona streets, restrictions on vehicle turns, the introduction of dedicated bus lanes, and the conversion of Lenox Way to a southbound one-way street. Additionally, speed bumps and wider calming zones will be added on Wawona Street between Taraval Street and 14th Avenue to deter speeding.

New vehicle restrictions have also been established on West Portal Avenue. These measures include the prohibition of left turns from West Portal Avenue onto Ulloa Street for northbound traffic, limitations on westbound vehicles on Ulloa, and a ban on left turns from southbound West Portal Avenue onto Vicente Street. As part of the project, the semi-circular area outside the West Portal Station will undergo redesign to enhance the entryway, featuring flower beds, a shared bicycle station, and street art murals. Implementation of these improvements is scheduled to begin later this fall.

The San Francisco city government hopes these designs will facilitate smoother traffic flow in the West Portal community while reminding drivers to reduce speed near high pedestrian activity areas.

Mayor Breed described West Portal as a vibrant community, home to some of the city’s most popular and unique shops and restaurants, and a vital transit hub for many traveling to and from downtown and various neighborhoods throughout San Francisco. Notably, the city ranks among the safest urban environments for pedestrians and cyclists in the United States, and the administration remains dedicated to ensuring the city’s streets and public spaces are safe for everyone.

The area surrounding West Portal is bustling with restaurants, shops, West Portal Elementary School, parks, and the West Portal Library. The West Portal Station serves as a crucial connection point within the San Francisco transportation system, where three rail lines and two bus routes converge at the intersection of West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street. Approximately 50,000 passengers utilize this station daily, with the Twin Peaks Tunnel linking the light rail line to the Market Street subway station. An additional 5,000 passengers board near the West Portal Station each day.

Byzhengerya.com

Dad’s WW2 fork found 84 years after last meal

Kevin Shoesmith/BBC David Balfour with his father Robert's Army-issue silver-coloured fork and brown-coloured Bible. He has short, dark hair and wears glasses and a blue jacket and jumper. He is standing in front of the Hull war memorial Kevin Shoesmith/BBCDavid Balfour with his father Robert's Army-issue fork and BibleDavid Balfour was stunned after a fork belonging to his soldier father Robert, who was reported missing in action in 1940, was found hidden in a house in northern France.
"I can imagine my father eating his rations," says David Balfour, holding a fork that has become a treasured family heirloom.
Close to tears, the 84-year-old, who is standing in front of Hull's memorial to the war dead, adds: "It's the only thing of my father's that I have – apart from his Army Bible."
Stamped on the fork, which belonged to Pte Robert Balfour, are the letters BW and 4095.
"BW is for the Black Watch, which was my father's Army unit," he explains, running a finger along the tarnished metal. "And here is his Army service number."
David BalfourRobert Balfour with his wife Doris on their wedding day in 1938In June 1940, during the opening salvos of World War Two, Pte Balfour was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) fighting in France and Belgium.
Following the German advance, the BEF found itself in retreat, leading to a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of troops from the beaches around Dunkirk, and later from Normandy.
Little is known about Fife-born Pte Balfour's fate; his wife Doris was told he was missing in action. She would wait a year before learning, officially, that he was believed to have been killed on or around 12 June.
His body was never found.
Kevin Shoesmith/BBCThe fork is engraved with Pte Balfour's regiment and Army numberEarlier this year, a fork was discovered in the village of Houdetot during a house renovation.
"It's a traditional, Norman house," says Mr Balfour, who was born days after his father was lost.
"During the work, three forks were found within the foundations. Two of the forks had 'BW' and numbers stamped on them.
"The homeowner didn't know who they belonged to, so contacted a local writer and historian called Herve Savary."
Recognising the forks to be British Army-issue, Mr Savary made inquiries that took him to Kent, where Pte Balfour and his family lived before the war. He was then able to trace the family.
"I was absolutely amazed when I had a call to say, after all these years, here was his fork," says Mr Balfour.
David BalfourPte Balfour's fork was found in the foundations of a house in the French village of HoudetotIn July, Mr Balfour was invited to Houdetot, where he was formally presented with the fork in a presentation box fashioned from a whisky case – a nod to the soldier's Scottish roots.
He was also given a jar containing soil from the village.
"Five members of the family went over there to collect the fork," says Mr Balfour. "We were shown the house where the fork was found. It was very emotional. Very moving.
"The French people were very welcoming and appreciated what my father had done."
David BalfourMr Balfour, facing away from the camera, is presented with his father's fork during a ceremony in HoudetotMr Balfour has "no idea" why the cutlery was found seemingly hidden inside the property.
According to Mr Savary's research, the owner of the other stamped fork was a soldier called Collins. His family has not been traced.
Mr Balfour reaches into a satchel and retrieves a stack of black and white photographs.
"That's him," he says. "That's my mother and father on their wedding day. She was 18. He was 25.
"He was in the Army when they married. He'd then left the Army but was called back at the start of the war because he was a reservist. He was sent to France with the 51st (Highland) Division."
According to Mr Balfour's own research, and a version of events given to his mother at the time, his father and others had been heading to the port of Le Havre to be evacuated.
"He never made it," he says. "They were trapped [by German forces]."
David BalfourMr Balfour with his mother Doris in Dunkirk in 1957Pte Balfour is one of 4,528 soldiers who died in the campaign and have no known grave. They are remembered at the Dunkirk Memorial.
Mr Balfour brings out more photographs, along with his parents' wedding certificate, completing the picture of a devoted family man whose life was cut short by war.
A final picture shows Mr Balfour as a 17-year-old, his arm around his mother.
"When I hold this fork and look at the pictures, I think of what my father missed out on," he says, placing the fork back in its box.
Codenamed Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940.
A flotilla of 900 naval and civilian craft was sent across the Channel under the protection of the Royal Air Force.
Together, they rescued 338,226 people, despite resistance from the German air force.
Later in June, evacuations were staged in Normandy and western France, when about 220,000 Allied troops were rescued.
Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

How to make battenberg cake – recipe – Felicity Cloake’s Masterclass

Step by step, square by square, here’s how to make a perfect version of this old-school teatime favourite
Felicity CloakeWed 16 Oct 2024 07.00 EDTShareMark Kermode once claimed that this gaudy, chequerboard cake exists solely in Alan Bennett dramas. And though it has since popped up on Bake Off, and was tipped to make a comeback for the Queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022, I still rarely see battenberg for sale, unless you count the exceedingly good variety. Not to throw any shade on Mr Kipling, but mine’s even better.
Prep 10 min Cook 1 hr Makes 2 cakes, or 1 large one
175g room-temperature butter, plus extra for greasing175g caster sugar 1 pinch salt 170g plain flour 2¼ tsp baking powder 20g freeze-dried raspberries (see step 3)3 eggs, beatenA little milk A few drops of almond essence 75g blanched almonds Raspberry jam, to coat For the marzipan (or use 450g shop-bought)200g ground almonds 100g icing sugar, sifted100g caster sugar 1 egg, separated1 tbsp amaretto, or brandy, whisky or lemon juice
1 A note on the kitView image in fullscreenYou don’t need a bespoke battenberg tin to make this cake, but it does guarantee evenly-sized blocks.You can buy special battenberg tins, and if you develop a taste for chequerboard cakes in general, they can be a good investment, but you certainly don’t need one to make a respectable battenberg. For this, grease and line the base of a roughly 18cm x 28cm tin, and heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6.
2 Beat the butter, sugar and saltView image in fullscreenPut the butter in a large bowl or food mixer, beat briefly to soften, then add the sugar and salt and continue to beat until the mix is pale and voluminous – this will take about five minutes with mechanical beaters, and longer by hand. In a second bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder.
3 Crush the dried raspberriesGrind the raspberries, if using, to a powder in a mortar, or with a rolling pin or mini chopper, then pass through a sieve.
View image in fullscreenFreeze-dried raspberries are easily found online and on the baking aisle of large supermarkets, but you could just tint the cake with colouring, if you prefer, or swap in rose, cherry or another fruit or flower of your choice.
4 Combine the batter ingredientsGradually beat the eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, then, with a large metal spoon or thin, flexible spatula, gently fold in the flour mix until you see no dry patches, taking care to knock out as little air as possible.
View image in fullscreenThe batter should drop slowly from a raised spoon, so add a little milk if it’s too thick.
5 Divide and flavour the batterDivide the batter in half between two bowls, weighing them to ensure they’re even. Gently fold a few drops of almond essence (or vanilla or other suitable flavouring) into one of the bowls of batter and the raspberry powder (or colouring) into the other.
View image in fullscreenIf using powder, the batter will probably need a splash more milk to bring it back to the correct consistency.
6 Bake and coolCarefully spoon the uncoloured batter mixture into one half of the tin and level the top.
View image in fullscreenSpoon the pink batter mixture into the other half of the tin and do the same. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
View image in fullscreenRemove, leave to cool for a couple of minutes, then turn out on to a rack to cool.
7 Make the almond toppingWhile the cake is cooling, toast the blanched almonds in a dry pan, then coarsely chop. If making marzipan, whisk the ground almonds and sugars in a bowl, then stir in the egg yolk.
View image in fullscreenAdd the amaretto and just enough egg white to create a smooth, dry paste, adding more almonds if it feels sticky.
8 Cut and trim the cakesView image in fullscreenSeparate the two cakes, then trim the edges of both to neaten.
View image in fullscreenCut each cake into four equal strips, then cut each of these in half (unless you particularly want one large cake), not least because smaller strips are much easier to work with.
Roll out the marzipan on a clean, dry surface to make a large, roughly 3mm-thick rectangle, then cut it in half.
9 Assemble the battenbergView image in fullscreenWarm the jam (you can use another flavour, if you prefer) to loosen it, then spread it on all sides of the cakes.
View image in fullscreenSandwich the cakes together in alternating pairs, then stack half the pairs on top of the other half. Roll in the almonds to coat, then roll up tightly in the marzipan. Trim the ends to neaten.
View image in fullscreen

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

‘Music, friendship, opportunity, freedom’- the rise in clubs and gigs for neurodivergent people

Autistic people and those with ADHD can feel stressed at regular gigs, prompting a wave of carefully tailored new events. But can they cater to incredibly diverse needs?
Liam KonemannWed 16 Oct 2024 07.34 EDTShareOn a grey Sunday in September, windows still manage to let shafts of afternoon light into Hackney music venue EartH Kitchen. People dip in and out of the dancefloor as DJs play pulsing, amorphous dance music, while in the lounge area others cluster around tables to paint landscapes or self-portraits. This is Out of Body Pop, billed as “London’s first neuro-inclusive music event series”.
Neurodiverse is the umbrella term for a range of diagnoses and experiences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, and which often occur together – it’s estimated that one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent. Out of Body Pop is part of a growing clutch of music events geared towards these audiences, many of whom find regular nights out difficult. My own experience as a music journalist with ADHD has been marked by festival meltdowns: sudden bursts of anger or tears after days of sensory and social overwhelm.
“For weeks before I go to a show, I will be stressed out about it and going over every single potential outcome,” says Marianne Eloise, a writer whose book Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking explores the convergence of autism, fandom and fixation. “Everything about it is overwhelming, no matter how many times I do it: travelling there, getting inside, standing around annoying people, finding a space, leaving. I hate every second of a show that isn’t the precise 90 minutes I am watching the band, but that time is so precious and feels so good that all the other bullshit is worth it.”
View image in fullscreenMaking artwork at Out of Body Pop. Photograph: Rita SimaoThe aim of neuro-inclusive gigs is to reduce these obstacles, and let autistic fans and those with other neurodivergences access music spaces without such a physical and mental toll.
From dedicated events such as Out of Body Pop and Disco Neurotico to relaxed performances from the London Symphony Orchestra, and queer-centric events like Dalston Superstore’s Spectrum club night, the neuro-inclusive live music scene is as diverse as the people who make it. As charities like Stay Up Late campaign to increase nightlife access for autistic people and adults with learning disabilities, neurodivergent promoters are taking matters into their own hands, informed by lived experience and community research.
View image in fullscreen‘It’s trying to create an environment where you can sink into something in various different ways’ … Will Soer. Photograph: PR“In terms of my own neurodivergence, I feel like I experience things at quite a low level of intensity,” says Out of Body Pop creator Will Soer. “So part of Out of Body Pop is trying to create an environment where you can sink into something in various different ways” – hence the painting as well as dancing.
Accessibility for neurodivergent people often revolves around making spaces feel less overwhelming, and brands are taking notice. Take earplug manufacturers Loop: while their products were initially positioned as an aesthetically pleasing way to prevent hearing loss among concertgoers, recently the brand have made the neurodiversity angle explicit, with their Loop Engage 2 earplugs marketed as “earplugs for ADHD”.
However, many neurodivergent people actively seek out highly sensory experiences, finding comfort or joy through texture, sound or movement. When it comes to music we might be fans of black metal, EDM or the looping rhythm of shoegaze; anything you can lose yourself in. Live, the music and the crowd can block out other mental input and positively overwhelm the senses, leaving little space for the looping, intrusive thoughts neurodivergent minds can be so prone to. “I do also enjoy a pop show and have seen a ton of pop girlies live, but there is nothing like a rock show,” says Eloise. “Something about the chaos, the wall of sound, the bodies crashing into each other – it doesn’t really leave room for getting irritated or overwhelmed. Most of the time.”
But even sensory-seekers may still feel overwhelmed at gigs, fuelled by other difficulties with things such as crowds, expectations and emotional regulation, so the challenge for promoters is how to best serve these often conflicting needs. Disco Neurotico, a reimagined rave series that puts on events for neurodivergent and anxious clubbers across England, are now looking to implement “chaos rooms”: spaces filled with soft-play structures, drum’n’bass and strobe lighting, which will provide a safe environment for sensory-seeking punters.
View image in fullscreenSensory stimulation at a Disco Neurotico event. Photograph: Wendy Gannon / wo0 Photography“It’ll be designed in a way that’ll be very hard to hurt yourself or anybody else,” says founder Byron Vincent. “So you can go and bounce around to your heart’s content without causing anxiety to people who definitely don’t want that, because there’ll be separate spaces.”
In a landscape of such diverse needs, the broader the offering the better – it’s almost impossible for individual events to accommodate all attendees, no matter their intentions. At EartH Kitchen for Out of Body Pop, for example, punters enter directly into the gig space. The volume can be overwhelming, and even in the more relaxed lounge area the sound level is more or less the same as the bar. However, other measures – such as the reduced audience size, the art provision and a good re-entry policy – mean that Out of Body Pop remains a more accessible alternative for many.
And when their needs are met, the impact on neurodiverse people is palpable, as Florence Little of Stay Up Late explains: “The reason we focus on a good night out is because it contains some of the most important things in life: music, friendship, opportunity, freedom.”
Back at Out of Body Pop, singer, songwriter and producer Kindness begins their headline DJ set. As they open with a gentle mix of Todd Rundgren’s Hodja, dancers fill the space in front of the stage. The light outside is fading and hands are raised in the air, everyone given the space to be in full flow.

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

Why are rainbows curved and why is cow’s milk white- Try our kids’ quiz

Five multiple-choice questions – set by children – to test your knowledge, and a chance to submit your own junior brainteasers for future quizzes
Submit a questionMolly OldfieldSat 12 Oct 2024 02.00 EDTShare","minScore":1},{"id":"bf72d383-2378-4aa6-b8bb-af871053ed80","title":" ","shareText":"I got _/_ in <quiz title>","minScore":0},{"id":"88b54530-3517-417f-9a82-8efe548c4add","title":" ","shareText":"I got _/_ in <quiz title>","minScore":2},{"id":"f1593fb9-e0d4-43d7-accd-0d82e0a2b14b","title":" ","shareText":"I got _/_ in <quiz title>","minScore":3},{"id":"a4fce33d-bbce-4c17-b49c-8299e5922985","title":" ","shareText":"I got _/_ in <quiz title>","minScore":4},{"id":"11b7092e-2d91-4cc1-865b-491f5e914c7e","title":" ","shareText":"I got _/_ in <quiz title>","minScore":5}],"sharingUrls":{"messenger":{"userMessage":"Share on Messenger","url":"fb-messenger://share?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz&app_id=180444840287&CMP=share_btn_me"},"linkedIn":{"userMessage":"Share on LinkedIn","url":"http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?title=Why%20are%20rainbows%20curved%20and%20why%20is%20cow%E2%80%99s%20milk%20white%3F%20Try%20our%20kids%E2%80%99%20quiz&mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz"},"whatsApp":{"userMessage":"Share on WhatsApp","url":"whatsapp://send?text=%22Why%20are%20rainbows%20curved%20and%20why%20is%20cow%E2%80%99s%20milk%20white%3F%20Try%20our%20kids%E2%80%99%20quiz%22%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz&CMP=share_btn_wa"},"email":{"userMessage":"Share via Email","url":"mailto:?subject=Why%20are%20rainbows%20curved%20and%20why%20is%20cow%E2%80%99s%20milk%20white%3F%20Try%20our%20kids%E2%80%99%20quiz&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz&CMP=share_btn_link"},"twitter":{"userMessage":"Share on Twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Why%20are%20rainbows%20curved%20and%20why%20is%20cow%E2%80%99s%20milk%20white%3F%20Try%20our%20kids%E2%80%99%20quiz&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz&CMP=share_btn_tw"},"facebook":{"userMessage":"Share on Facebook","url":"https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?app_id=180444840287&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Flifeandstyle%2F2024%2Foct%2F12%2Fwhy-are-rainbows-curved-and-why-is-cows-milk-white-try-our-kids-quiz&CMP=share_btn_fb"}},"theme":4}”>Molly Oldfield hosts Everything Under the Sun, a weekly podcast answering children’s questions, out now as a book.
Does your child have a question? Submit one here

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

Continuously increasing the “traction” of reform (commentator’s observation)

What benefits can reform bring? One way to understand the driving effect of reform is through the lens of “a single pill”—insulin for diabetes patients.

Insulin is an essential daily medication for managing blood sugar levels, yet it was once priced excessively high. With the advancement of drug procurement reforms, insulin has been included in centralized purchasing, leading to an average price drop of 48% for selected products.

These reforms not only improve accessibility and quality of medications for the public but also alleviate the financial burden on patients. Compared to the period before centralized procurement, the usage rate of third-generation insulin, known for its enhanced efficacy and safety, increased from 58% to 70%.

Moreover, the significance of centralized purchasing extends beyond just cost savings. It also stimulates cooperation among the three healthcare sectors—medical services, medical insurance, and pharmaceuticals—promoting industry upgrades. The chairman of a pharmaceutical company that has had multiple innovative products included in the insurance catalog remarked, “With these innovative drugs being covered, we not only reduce the financial burden on patients but also provide new momentum for our company’s innovation and stable development.” This underscores the “driving force” of medical procurement reforms, benefiting the public while fostering industry growth.

As we strive for development, addressing issues becomes vital; deepening reform is a tactic. President Xi Jinping emphasizes the need to leverage the breakthrough and guiding role of reform to dismantle development bottlenecks, consolidate advantages, and enhance growth momentum.

Identifying problems serves as the logical starting point for reform. Effective reform emerges from addressing pressing issues and becomes more profound as it resolves them. By focusing on problems and implementing targeted reforms, greater benefits can be unlocked.

Take the example of administrative service reforms. As high-quality development progresses, businesses not only require basic administrative services like licensing but also demand assistance in areas such as talent acquisition, finance, and technological innovation. The challenge is how to better meet these personalized and precise service needs while alleviating burdens. This reflects the expectations of businesses and guides the direction of reform. Some regions have initiated value-added administrative service reforms, offering better support through “basic services + ancillary services” and “comprehensive enterprise services + industry-wide services.” By aligning reforms with development needs, businesses experience increased benefits and renewed vitality.

From this perspective, maintaining a problem-oriented approach and focusing on solving critical challenges will allow us to treat problem lists as reform agendas, ultimately leading to a resulting outcomes list that effectively enhances the traction of reforms.

Reform is a complex, systemic endeavor. To achieve the effect of “one piece falling can activate the whole board,” it is essential to identify key areas of focus and breakthrough points.

In the border region between Hunan and Jiangxi, a river changes names from Ping Shui in Jiangxi to Lu Shui in Hunan. In an effort to address ecological protection issues in the watershed, both provinces have initiated collaboration. However, they faced challenges such as a lack of transparency, ineffective coordination, inconsistent law enforcement, and uncoordinated emergency responses. The solution? The two provinces targeted institutional development by promoting coordinated legislation, establishing rules for collaborative planning and enforcement, and addressing governance challenges stemming from administrative divisions within a legal framework. As a result, the quality of the river water has improved, allowing more residents in the watershed to benefit from ecological and cultural tourism.

This underscores the importance of identifying the right entry points and focal areas to promote deeper reform. Given the myriad aspects of reform, finding the key that can drive comprehensive change enables effective reform implementation.

To achieve more significant reform outcomes, tailoring approaches to local conditions is crucial. The reforms outlined in the 20th Central Committee’s third plenary session are strategic and forward-looking; however, successful implementation must closely align with local realities, avoiding mere replication or imitating others. Innovating within local contexts and seeking effective solutions to emerging contradictions and problems, while continuously exploring replicable and scalable best practices, is essential to strengthening the inherent “driving force” of reform.

Courage in the face of reform comes from the expectations and support of the people, as well as a sense of responsibility for advancing development. By adhering to a problem-oriented approach and identifying breakthroughs in reform, we can innovate continuously, act decisively in advancing China’s modernization, and drive continuous improvements in reform, thereby sustaining motivation and vitality for economic and social development.

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

US investigates leaked documents alleging Israel plans to attack Iran

US officials say documents appear to be legitimate and House speaker says leak is very concerning
Richard Luscombe and Dan SabbaghSun 20 Oct 2024 14.50 EDTFirst published on Sun 20 Oct 2024 10.26 EDTShareThe US government is investigating an unauthorised release of classified documents that assess Israel’s plans to attack Iran.
The US House speaker, Mike Johnson, confirmed the investigation in remarks to CNN’s State of the Union programme on Sunday, saying the leak was very concerning.
“There’s some serious allegations being made there,” the Republican from Louisiana said. “The investigation’s under way, and I’ll get a briefing on that in a couple of hours.”
A US official told the Associated Press the documents in question appeared to be legitimate, but the Guardian was not immediately able to verify their authenticity.
Why Sinwar’s ‘warrior death’ will win him martyr status in Gaza and beyondRead moreThe documents are attributed to the US Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. They are written in a style similar to documents previously leaked from the Pentagon, using classifications familiar to the national security community.
The first document has the title “Israel: air force continues preparations for strike on Iran and conducts a second large-force employment exercise” and the second “Israel: defense forces continue key munitions preparations and covert UAV activity almost certainly for a strike on Iran”. Both are dated 16 October and were first leaked a day later.
In general terms, they note that Israel was still positioning military assets as of the middle of last week to conduct a military strike in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on 1 October.
Based on monitoring from satellite imagery and other geospatial intelligence, they focus on Israeli preparations relating to air-launched ballistic missiles, refuelling aircraft and covert long-range drone surveillance in Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East.
That could imply that Israel was planning a long-range missile response to Iran’s attack, described at one point as similar to the long-range strikes it conducted against the Houthis in Yemen on 29 September.
It appears to reflect an effort by the US and its closest partners to independently monitor Israel’s plans to attack Iran, though they do not predict its scale or scope. No potential targets in Iran were mentioned in the documents.
The two documents appear to represent a snapshot in time, and are likely to represent the outcome of continuous monitoring. At one point, it is said there is no evidence that Israel is planning to use a nuclear weapon.
They refer to preparations to use long-range Rocks missiles, made by the Israeli company Rafael, which are designed to destroy targets above and below ground. Another ballistic system called Golden Horizon is also referred to, but no system of that name is publicly known.
Israeli media speculated that could refer to Blue Sparrow missiles, which have a range of about 1,200 miles (2,000km) and are thought to have been used in Israel’s limited strike against Iran in April in response to an previous attack by Tehran. Israel keeps elements of its long-range missile programme secret to avoid its enemies becoming fully aware of its capability.
Many elements in the two documents are described as shareable within the Five Eyes intelligence network made up of the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Others are marked as only shareable between the US and the UK.
The documents, which are marked top secret, were posted to the Telegram messaging app and first reported by CNN and Axios.
US officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. The investigation was also examining how the documents were obtained – including whether it was an intentional leak by a member of the US intelligence community or obtained by another method, like a hack – and whether any other intelligence information was compromised, one of the officials said.
As part of that investigation, officials were working to determine who had access to the documents before they were posted, the official added.
The US has urged Israel to take advantage of its elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and press for a ceasefire in Gaza, and has likewise urgently cautioned Israel not to further expand military operations in the north in Lebanon and risk a wider regional war. However, Israel’s leadership has repeatedly stressed it will not let Iran’s missile attack go unanswered.
In a statement, the Pentagon said it was aware of the reports of the documents but did not have further comment.
Johnson on Sunday said he spoke with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu – referring to him as “my friend” – and explained how he had made it a point “to encourage him”. He also said there would be “a classified level briefing, and then others, but we’re following it closely”.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the leak of the two documents. Israeli security officials were expected to meet on Sunday evening.
The documents first appeared online Friday via a channel on Telegram, claiming they had been leaked by someone in the US intelligence community, then later the US Department of Defense. The information appeared entirely gathered through the use of satellite image analysis.
One of the two documents resembled the style of other material from the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency leaked by Jack Teixeira, an air national guardsman who pleaded guilty in March to leaking highly classified military documents about Russia’s war on Ukraine and other national security secrets.
Analytical intelligence documents have a wide distribution within the US national security apparatus, but the Pentagon has been engaged in an effort to clamp down on leaks by restricting them after Teixeira leaked dozens of slides on Discord, a social media site popular with gamers, in April 2023.
The Telegram channel involved in the leak identifies itself as being based in Tehran, Iran’s capital. It previously published memes featuring Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and material in support of Tehran’s self-described “axis of resistance”, which includes Middle East militant groups armed by the Islamic Republic.
The Associated Press contributed to this report

24/10/2024

0

Byzhengerya.com

Emocom, Opentext Proffer Tech Solutions to Boost Productivity

Emma Okonji
Emocom Technology and Consulting Limited, in partnership with Opentext, an enterprise software company and Mitsumi Distribution, held a workshop on IT Operations Management (ITOM), where they showcased the latest technology solutions that will enhance productivity across Information Technology (IT) organisations.
In his opening remarks during the IT Operations Management Workshop, which held in Lagos recently, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at Emocom Technology and Consulting Limited, Adeleke, Emoruwa, introduced Opentext and Mitsumi Distribution as reliable partners with the latest technology solutions that can help IT organisations improve their productivity, while they remain protected from cyberattacks.
“Today we have showcased our unique solutions to IT Managers, Chief Executive Officers, and Chief Technology Officers of different IT companies and these are the solutions that will drive productivity at work place. We are unique in the way we provide our services to organisations, because we want to ensure that we align with their visions.We are also unique because we create value for organisations through our technology solutions.We are not in businessjust to drop boxes. We are in the business of creating values that last. After assessing the business environment, we will deliver 100 per cent value in IT Management Operations to businesses,” Emoruwa said.
Technical Consultant at Opentext, Roy Kimathi, said as specialist in IT automation, Opentext would provide solutions around developer tools, cybersecurity, among others.He spoke about the company’s IT automation portfolio, which covers a range of IT tools like Service Management, IT Service Fulfillment, IT Service Assurance and Governance, which are supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking about the interoperability of the company’s IT solutions, Kimathi said: “Asa principle, we always say, start from where you are, which means that we expect that organisations have some solutions they had deplored and are already working. So we build our solutions with interoperability in mind, to align with any existing solutions. We support open interfaces. Our solutions have to talk to other systems in order to get the business benefits that we promise,” Kimathi said.
In the area of cybersecurity, he said the company had put in place, cybersecurity team that addresses all issues relating to cybersecurity.
According to him, the company has frontline tools and a design principle of security first, with all its tools embedded in security functionalities.
Business Manager, Mitsumi Distribution, Arul Prashanth, said Mitsumi Distribution had been in the IT distribution market for the past 25 years. “We deal with IT solutions like hardware, laptops, desktops, servers and storages. With presence across Africa and Middle East, our core business is to add value to the growth of organisations. So anything with respect to information technology, we are there. It can be hardware, it can be support, it can be cloud services,” Prashanth said.In his keynote presentation, Kimathi spoke extensively about IT operations management and the use of AI. According to him, with IT operations management, smarter service management benefits from AI. “By adding AI into IT service management, we’re able to empower our users with conversational search capability and answers and also problem resolutions.We use a private large language model. With Information Management, we have advanced ITSM solution that reduces the total cost of running a business,” Kimathi said.

Posts pagination

1 … 8 9 10 … 30