Podcasts about standing committee

Energy transition of India, like any other country in the world is currently marred with wars, energy map reset and new challenges of AI and climate financing. Every nation is back on the drawing board to plan their energy future and climate action in a warming, conflicting world. As The India Energy Hour enters the century club, informed conversations tracking the transition, especially of the Global South led by India become more important than ever. To get an overview of how far India has come in its transition journey, the lessons that have been learnt along the way and what lies ahead, we hosted a guest who has seen the inside and outside of policymaking and its real-world implementation. From working in the IT sector to the corridors of the Parliament, from India's federal ministry of finance to civil aviation and now in the global climate finance universe, Jayant Sinha has donned several hats. He is currently President, Everstone Group and Visiting Professor in Practice, London School of Economics. He is the former minister of state for finance and civil aviation, Government of India (2014 to 2019) and was also chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Parliament of India (2019 to 2024). Sinha is also a prolific writer and his columns on green finance, transition modelling and AI have appeared in leading mainstream publications and research organisations. Full transcript of the episode is available in English. Presented by 101ReportersJayant Sinha  is on LinkedIn and Twitter. Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

This Day in Legal History: The National Defense Act of 1916On this day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act, the law that quietly built the legal scaffolding for how the United States deploys soldiers, both abroad and at home, for the next century-plus. The Act roughly tripled the size of the regular Army, formally created the National Guard as a federalized reserve force out of the patchwork of state militias that had existed since the founding, and established the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at colleges and universities. The legal hook is the dual-status structure that the Act created and that we still use today: the National Guard belongs simultaneously to its state and to the federal government, normally takes orders from the governor, but can be “federalized” by the President under specific statutory authorities and pulled out of state command for federal missions. That structure has driven a long line of constitutional fights about the limits of presidential authority to call up the Guard, about whether and when the Insurrection Act applies, and about how the Posse Comitatus Act constrains the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement. June 3 is not a day most people associate with American military law, but the 1916 statute is doing quiet work behind every modern headline about troops at a border, troops in a city, or troops in a hurricane.The Eleventh Circuit on Tuesday handed down a ruling that strips hip-hop group 2 Live Crew of the copyrights it thought it had successfully clawed back to five of its albums, including “As Nasty as They Wanna Be,” because one member's bankruptcy from the 1990s swept his future termination rights into the bankruptcy estate. Federal copyright law has a wonderfully democratic provision in Section 203: an author who signed away a copyright can, 35 years later, send a termination notice and take it back, regardless of what the original contract said. The catch the Eleventh Circuit identified is Section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code, which scoops up almost everything you own into the bankruptcy estate when you file — including, the court said, the right to send that termination notice years later, even though the right cannot be sold or contracted away in any other context. The practical consequence for 2 Live Crew is that member Mark Ross, who performed as Brother Marquis, had unwittingly transferred his future termination interests to his bankruptcy trustee when he filed Chapter 7 years earlier, so when the group's heirs and surviving members later tried to take the copyrights back from Lil' Joe Records in 2020, they were one vote short of the majority the statute requires. The case, Lil' Joe Records v. Christopher Won Jr. et al., No. 24-13978, is described in the opinion as “a question of first impression at the intersection of copyright and bankruptcy” — which is lawyer-speak for “we just made up the rule, and now it's the rule.” Expect every copyright-termination case where any author has ever filed for bankruptcy to cite this decision for the next decade.11th Circ. Reverses 2 Live Crew's Copyright Clawback Win | Law360President Trump on Tuesday quietly signed a finalized version of the AI cybersecurity executive order that he had abruptly scrapped during a planned signing ceremony on May 21, and the final version is notably narrower than the one that was on the table a month ago. The new order asks Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and other federal agencies to design a voluntary framework under which developers of so-called frontier AI models — the largest and most general-purpose systems — would share their models with the federal government for up to 30 days before public release so the government can scan for security vulnerabilities. The legal posture is worth pausing on: this is a voluntary framework, not a regulation, which means it lives in the same constitutional space as a chamber-of-commerce best-practices document rather than as a binding rule subject to APA notice and comment. That structure is partly a workaround for the fact that there is no federal statute giving any agency authority to mandate pre-release safety testing of AI models, and partly a response to industry pressure: Trump explained on May 21 that he scrapped the earlier 90-day version because he thought it could be “a blocker” to U.S. leadership in AI. Whether developers actually opt in is the open question, and the order is structured so that participation will likely depend on a mix of national-security pressure, federal procurement leverage, and quiet diplomacy with the major labs. Expect the first real fight to be over what counts as a “frontier” model, and who decides.Finalized Trump Order Seeks Early Cyber Tests Of AI Models | Law360The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Katie Lane to be a federal district judge in Montana, making her the first judicial nominee of Trump's second term to be confirmed despite a “not qualified” rating from the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. The ABA's role here is informal but historically important: since 1953 the Standing Committee has rated federal judicial nominees as “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “not qualified” based on professional competence, integrity, and judicial temperament, and the rating has carried real weight with senators of both parties — until it didn't. The Trump administration formally cut ties with the ABA review process during the first term, on the theory that the ABA's ratings reflected an ideological bias against conservative nominees, and the second administration has been even more open about ignoring “not qualified” ratings as a matter of policy. The legal stakes of this are modest in any individual case — a “not qualified” judge serves the same lifetime appointment with the same constitutional power as a “well qualified” one — but cumulatively the practice changes the relationship between the bar and the bench in a way that is hard to undo, and it nudges the federal judiciary in a direction that depends almost entirely on the political branches' definitions of professional fitness. Lane, who is now confirmed, will join the District of Montana, a small but busy bench. Watch this space: there are several more nominees in the pipeline with similar ratings.US Senate confirms Trump judicial nominee deemed ‘not qualified' by ABA | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Host Amy Stasiewicz recaps the latest Finance & Administration Standing Committee meeting. Kristyn Lovato-Day, Policy and Research Analyst for Corporate Services, joins the Minutes studio to discuss the 2027 budget process and the new Incident Response Policy.

CBSE OSM security flaw exposed; IIT-M steps in for system audit A young ethical hacker, Nisarga Adhikary, has uncovered a serious vulnerability in CBSE's new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, part of its Digital India push. Developed by Hyderabad-based Coempt EduTeck Pvt Ltd, the platform was so poorly secured that unauthorized users could potentially access and alter scanned Class 12 answer sheets. Adhikary reported the flaw to CERT-In on February 25, 2026, but received only a generic acknowledgement and saw no corrective action for months. He eventually went public with the issue in a May 22 blog post, also highlighting institutional apathy. Amid growing concerns over glitches and weak access controls, a team from IIT Madras is now in Delhi conducting a third-party audit of the system. IIT-M director V. Kamakoti said the review will help identify what went wrong and guide fixes. Quad to mobilise $20 bn to strengthen critical minerals supply chain Countering China's tight grip on global supplies of critical minerals, Quad partners India, the US, Australia, and Japan have signed a framework to mobilise up to $20 billion to strengthen supply chains across mining, processing, and recycling. “The Quad partners intend to support the development of secure critical minerals supply chains, which are essential for advanced technologies, economic growth, and the resilience of our industrial bases,” a statement on the `Quad critical minerals initiative framework' issued by the MEA on Tuesday said. The four countries intend to work together to use economic policy tools and coordinated investment to accelerate the development of diversified and fair critical mineral markets and support the supply of critical minerals that are crucial to our region's economic growth and security, it added. The framework was finalised at the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi hosted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong, Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Airtel Priority sparks parliamentary scrutiny over net neutrality and equal access Amid a growing debate triggered by the launch of Airtel Priority post-paid plan, a Parliamentary panel on Tuesday asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to study the impact of 5G network slicing services in countries such as Singapore and the UK, while also examining whether the interests of India's largely prepaid mobile subscriber base are adequately protected. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, also decided to call major digital and social media companies, including Meta, X, Google and Amazon, for discussions on net neutrality and preferential access practices. The meeting was convened to review “Quality of Service (QoS) Standards and Consumer Protection in Telecom Sector,” with a specific focus on net neutrality, reports Shishir Sinha. India's bank education loans record decade-high 15% jump to ₹8.58 lakh crore in FY26 Rising tuition fees, growing overseas education aspirations, and wider lender participation pushed education loans from banks to their sharpest annual growth in a decade in FY26. Outstanding education loans from banks rose nearly 15 per cent year-on-year to ₹8.58 lakh crore in FY26 from ₹7.46 lakh crore in FY25, according to data from Reserve Bank of India's latest bulletin. The loan book had contracted in FY22 and FY23 before recovering in the last two fiscals. Experts attributed the rise to increasing education costs, rupee depreciation, and a growing willingness among families to finance higher education through borrowings, writes Yashaswani Chauhan. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to search for people who are still unaccounted for and save the injured after an explosion at a fireworks plant in Central China's Hunan province caused heavy casualties on Monday afternoon.Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an instruction ordering strengthened risk screening and hazard control in key sectors, enhanced public safety management, and efforts to safeguard people's lives and property.The explosion occurred at around 4:40 pm at the plant in Liu yang, a county-level city under Changsha, capital city of Hunan. Twenty-six people have died as of Tuesday afternoon.Xi demanded proper handling of the aftermath and a prompt investigation into the accident, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.Authorities across regions and departments must draw profound lessons from the accident and reinforce responsibility for workplace safety, Xi stressed.Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, urged efforts to strengthen workplace safety in key industries and sectors, and resolutely prevent the occurrence of major accidents.The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a team to Liu yang to guide the rescue and relief work. Local rescue forces have rushed to the scene to treat the injured and carry out on-site response efforts, which are still underway.

The Office of the Auditor General is today briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in Parliament on the latest audit outcomes of metropolitan municipalities. The Auditor-General's business unit leader for the Free State, Odwa Duda, has reported to members that the audit findings for the Mangaung Metro in the Free State reveal ongoing weaknesses in financial control. Duda, says the audit outcome in Mangaung Metro has remained unchanged for three consecutive years with growing areas of concern.

Zoe and Macca are joined live on-air by Dr. Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong, Deputy Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability; as they discuss the cuts and changes to the NDIS, ANZAC Day and politics. Dr Monique Ryan is an Australian politician and former paediatric neurologist who serves as the independent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Division of Kooyong in Victoria. She was first elected in May 2022, defeating the then-Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and was re-elected in 2025. Monique, Zoe and Macca discuss the recent announcement of changes and cuts to the NDIS. The post ANZAC Day 2026: Dr Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong, Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability; Changes and cuts to the NDIS appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Rudyard Griffiths, publisher and co-founder of The Hub, testifies before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage about the state of Canada's journalism and media sectors. During his testimony, he argued that government funding creates an uneven playing field favouring legacy media over startups, undermines public trust in journalism, and stifles innovation. He proposed the following reforms: ending anonymity for subsidy recipients, rewarding audience growth over headcount, requiring transparency disclosures, and ensuring funds support journalism rather than corporate profits. The committee hearing was held on April 23rd, 2026.Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaFollow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=enCREDITS:Amal Attar-Guzman - ProducerElia Gross - EditorRudyard Griffiths - HostAdrian Wyld/The Canadian Press - Photo Credit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opposition to FY 2027 drastic Pentagon budget increase, Brethren Disaster Ministries grants, Deportation Defense Response Team update, National Youth Sunday worship resources, open registrations, Director of Ministry position listing, Standing Committee special meeting on Eder Financial, invitation to the upcoming Intercultural Cafe. News presented by Aly Heckeroth. Special invitations from Donna Kline and Founa Augustin Badet. Piano played by Nancy Sollenberger Heishman. 

Episode #357 with Fraser Tolmie, Member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, is now available!Fraser and Mark discuss inaction and its consequences, Duolingo, Politics, Accountability, Christine Gauthier, and much more!Link here:Link in Stories and Bio.#Veteran#FirstResponder#PTSD#VeteransAffairs#CanadianGovernmentMERCH: ⁠https://www.wgy6.ca/Operation-Tango-Romeo.html⁠Sponsored by ShopVeteran.ca by Canadian Legacy Project-Support Veteran owned businesses and register your Veteran owned business for free.All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host.The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Creator and Host Mark MeinckeSponsored by ⁠ShopVeteran.ca⁠ by Canadian Legacy ProjectProduced by Jessika DupuisSupport a Hero ⁠HERE⁠Recover Out Loud!Book your Guest Appearance ⁠HERE⁠Find the OTR podcast onFacebookInstagramSpotifyYoutube

What will it take for things to change? Michael Ford, Ontario premier’s nephew, decides against Toronto mayoral run GUESTS: Michelle Cooper - Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Caryma S’ad - Toronto Lawyer and Independent journalist Michael Ford - nephew of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and a former MPP

This week Steve and Yvonne interview Natalie Woodward of Warshauer Woodward Atkins (https://warlawgroup.com/) and Dax López of DelCampo Grayson Lopez Attorneys at Law (https://dglattorneys.com/).   Remember to rate and review GTP in iTunes: Click Here to Rate and Review   View/Download Trial Documents   Guest Bios: Natalie Woodward Anyone who meets Natalie Woodward feels like they have known her their entire life. It is this ability to put people at ease that makes her such an effective trial lawyer. Natalie secured a $77.7 million psychiatric malpractice verdict in September 2022 for the Carusillo family who's son was forced out of a mental health facility without his medication in 2017. Watch the News Nation interview about the case. In 2010, she tried her first jury trial as lead counsel in a wrongful arrest case and secured a $1 million verdict which is the largest verdict of its kind in Georgia history. In 2021, she was interviewed about this trial. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-e8jnd-101dc94 Her cases have made international and national news including her fight to protect the rights of children on social media. https://youtu.be/cfGYpv8iKIE In 2014, she argued before the Georgia Court of Appeals to obtain increased protection for children targeted on social media. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ga-court-of-appeals/1680364.html Natalie has also led the fight to secure justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Natalie is a proud native of Powder Springs, Georgia and is a venerable “Double Dawg.” She received undergraduate degrees in Journalism and Political Science from UGA and then graduated from UGA Law in 2002. While in law school, she was a member of the 2001 Champion Intrastate Moot Court Team, President of her Second Year Class and Chair of the Moot Court Board. Natalie serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Bench and Bar Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. She has been recognized by her peers as one of the best lawyers in the State for the past six years and was selected as one of the Best Young Lawyers in Georgia by Atlanta Magazine. Read Full Bio Here Dax López For nearly 11 years, Dax served as a judge on the State Court of DeKalb County where he presided over complex criminal and civil matters.  As only the second Hispanic judge on a court of record in the history of Georgia, Dax was known to be an efficient, fair, and just jurist who earned the respect of lawyers and litigants alike. A native of Ponce Puerto Rico, Dax attended Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Law School where he was an editor on the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law and the president of the Vanderbilt Bar Association.  After law school, Dax served as the law clerk for federal judge Hector M. Laffitte in the Federal District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Dax was a trial lawyer at three prestigious law firms in Atlanta specializing in complex civil matters, business litigation, product liability, and employment law. Throughout his legal career, Dax has received numerous recognitions.  Dax has been named as one of the Top Fifty Industry Leaders by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, as among Georgia's Legal Elite by Georgia Trend magazine, and as a Rising Star in 2009 and 2010 by the SuperLawyer Magazine.  In 2010, Mundo Hispanico named Dax to be the Funcionario Destacado del Aňo.  In 2011, Dax was named by Georgia Trend Magazine to be among the best and brightest 40 Under 40 and by The Fulton Daily Report to be among those in the legal profession who were “On the Rise.”  He is also the recipient of the Justice Benham Community Service Award. Dax served on the Board of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials for 15 years, and as President of the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association from 2006-2008.  He is also a past president of the Cooper Inn of Court.  Currently, he is a Trustee on the Board of Leadership Georgia, a member of the Board of Councilors for the American Jewish Committee, and a member of the Anti-Defamation League's regional board.   He is also a member of the State Bar of Georgia's Board of Governors and a member of the Standing Committee of Interpreters. In 2015, President Barack Obama nominated Dax to a vacant seat on the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.  Unfortunately, Dax did not receive a hearing in the U.S. Senate and his nomination expired at the end of President Obama's term. Read Full Bio   Show Sponsors: Legal Technology Services - LegalTechService.com Harris Lowry Manton LLP - hlmlawfirm.com   Free Resources: Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 1 Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 2

On today's show Andrew and Bill begin with last week's indictment of Wally Liaw, the co-founder of Super Micro, and its implications for US chip policy. Topics include: Incredible details from the indictment, US enforcement options, and bipartisan calls for government action on Nvidia exports to China and Southeast Asia. Then: Xi takes three Standing Committee members and three other Politburo members to inspect the progress at Xiong'an, signaling continued commitment to the “new area” 60 miles south of Beijing. At the end: Reports that the US visit to China is delayed indefinitely, the PRC's delicate diplomatic calculus as the Iran war continues, and tech news on Manus, Apple, OpenClaw, and an FCC ban on routers.

“Toxic” social media apps are preying on vulnerable young people. That's the warning being given today by the Irish Medical Organisation at a meeting of the Standing Committee of European Doctors Speaking to Anton this morning Professor Matthew Sadlier Vice-President and Chair of the Consultants' Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation.

“Toxic” social media apps are preying on vulnerable young people. That's the warning being given today by the Irish Medical Organisation at a meeting of the Standing Committee of European Doctors Speaking to Anton this morning Professor Matthew Sadlier Vice-President and Chair of the Consultants' Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sandile Swana about recurring questions around money, power and accountability in South African politics. From historical investigations to modern controversies such as the Phala Phala scandal, and oversight by bodies like the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the discussion explores whether democratic institutions are effectively holding leaders accountable or if the country remains stuck in a cycle of scandal and inquiry. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National political advisers have been urged to build consensus and pool wisdom for the country to achieve a good start for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).全国政协委员为“十五五”开好局、起好步广泛凝心聚力，贡献智慧和力量。The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, opened on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, raising the curtain on this year's two sessions of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies.3月4日，全国政协十四届四次会议在北京人民大会堂开幕，标志着今年两会正式拉开帷幕。President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other leaders attended the opening meeting, joining around 2,100 CPPCC National Committee members from across the country and various sectors.中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平等党和国家领导人出席开幕会，与来自全国各界、各领域的约2100名全国政协委员共同参会。Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, saying that 2025 was a pivotal year for China's path to modernization.全国政协主席王沪宁代表政协第十四届全国委员会常务委员会作工作报告，指出2025年是中国式现代化进程中具有重要意义的一年。Amid complex global and domestic challenges, China concluded the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) successfully, with strength in the economy, technology and defense reaching new heights, he said.面对错综复杂的国际形势和艰巨繁重的国内改革发展稳定任务，我国 “十四五” 圆满收官，经济实力、科技实力、国防实力迈上新台阶Over the past year, the CPPCC National Committee contributed to the country's development by organizing 98 consultative and deliberative activities. It received 5,992 proposals from members, of which 5,061 were accepted for processing and the response rate for the accepted proposals reached 99.9 percent, providing reference for the government, according to the report.一年来，全国政协共举办各类协商议政活动98场次，收到提案5992件，立案5061件，办复率99.9%，为政府决策提供了重要参考。Wang called for suggestions and deliberation during the session to be centered on the implementation of the new five-year plan.王沪宁指出，要围绕“十五五”规划实施议政建言。"We should focus on key issues in fields including economic development, scientific and technological innovation, reform and opening-up, social construction and people's livelihoods, and reflect social conditions and public opinion in a practical manner," he said.要围绕经济发展、科技创新、改革开放、社会建设、民生保障等领域重点问题，实事求是反映社情民意。Wang said the CPPCC National Committee will implement a democratic supervision work plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period to help promote the implementation of major decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee.全国政协要实施好“十五五”时期全国政协民主监督工作计划，助推中共中央重大决策部署贯彻落实。The CPPCC National Committee will also hold activities to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, a revered national hero and pioneer of the country's democratic revolution. It will strengthen foreign exchanges and better tell the stories of China's democracy, he added.要办好纪念孙中山先生诞辰160周年活动。要加强政协对外友好交往，讲好中国故事、中国全过程人民民主故事。Jiang Ying, CPPCC National Committee member and chairwoman of Deloitte China, said that as the nation gets ready to start the 15th Five-Year Plan, its push for high-level opening-up and win-win cooperation shows it is committed to high-quality growth through openness.全国政协委员、德勤中国主席蒋颖表示，在"十五五"规划即将开启之际，我国持续推进高水平对外开放和互利共赢合作，彰显了以开放促高质量发展的决心。"This is good news for global businesses — giving them more confidence and new opportunities," Jiang said, adding that China's continuous progress in areas like the digital economy and green transformation is attracting more multinational enterprises to base their research and development in China."这为全球企业带来更多信心与机遇，我国在数字经济、绿色转型等领域的持续突破，正吸引越来越多跨国企业将研发中心落户中国。"She said that managing cross-border data flows has become a key issue in high-level opening-up and her proposal this year highlights the problems enterprises face in cross-border data flows, aiming at making it easier and more convenient for enterprises to comply with regulations.蒋颖指出，跨境数据流动已成为高水平对外开放的关键议题，今年她重点关注企业数据跨境流动痛点，助力提升企业合规便利化水平。Li Shufu, a CPPCC National Committee member and chairman of Geely Holding Group, identified the "new trio" — electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaics — as pivotal trends for social progress.全国政协委员、吉利控股集团董事长李书福认为，电动汽车、锂电池、光伏产品"新三样"已成为社会发展的重要趋势。While noting that the auto industry is shifting from "involution-style" competition toward sustainable growth through technology and quality, Li said that Geely is working to convert unstable wind and solar energy into stable liquid fuels for storage and transportation.当前汽车行业正从"内卷式"竞争转向依托技术与质量的可持续发展，吉利正探索将不稳定的风光资源转化为稳定的液态燃料，实现能源的跨时空存储与运输。Clarence Ling Chun-kit, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong, said that given current cross-Strait tensions, frequent communication is more important than ever and he will focus more this year on youth exchanges.来自香港的全国政协委员凌俊杰表示，面对当前两岸关系形势，加强交流沟通至关重要，今年他将重点关注两岸青年交流。Noting that cross-Strait integration in scientific areas like artificial intelligence and computing during the 15th Five-year Plan period is essential, Ling said Hong Kong serves as a "natural bridge" to help Taiwan compatriots understand the "real situation on the Chinese mainland" through shared cultural and trade ties.他强调，在"十五五"规划期间推动人工智能、算力等科技领域的两岸融合发展尤为重要，香港可发挥天然桥梁作用，通过深化文化经贸纽带，帮助台湾同胞更好了解大陆真实发展情况。cross-border data flows /ˌkrɒsˈbɔːdə ˈdeɪtə fləʊz/跨境数据流动 photovoltaics /ˌfəʊtəʊvɒlˈteɪɪks/光伏 involution /ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/内卷

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Songezo Zibi, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), about plans to strengthen oversight of municipal finances. They discuss how dysfunction at the local government level is hampering infrastructure spending and economic recovery, the systemic failures contributing to the country’s water crisis, and the importance of conducting lifestyle audits for municipal executives. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Songezo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi and chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in Parliament, tells Peter Bruce in this wide-ranging edition of Podcasts from the Edge that the ANC and US President Donald Trump might have been made for each other. "I never expected the kind of disruption that we see from Donald Trump,” he says, "and this is an ANC problem (because) the ANC doesn't perceive the world in the way that the rest of the normal world perceives the world. … they're stuck in the eighties and nineties, fighting an old Cold War and they found the perfect adversary in Donald Trump because in some ways he takes them back. He validates their failure to kind of move forward and, and understand the word for what it is.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The ANC is calling for the 2026 National Budget to drive growth, jobs and social protection. With economic momentum building and inflation under control, the party wants reforms in electricity, logistics, and water to boost employment. The ANC also wants to protect social services and extend the Social Relief of Distress grant. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dr. Joe Maswanganyi, ANC MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance

Assemblywoman Paula Kay is going to be on the Standing Committee for Environmental Conservation.Sullivan County doing its part in January during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.Two homeless people located during Wayne County's one-night county survey of homelessness. Fun times on Valentine's Day in Sidney with Jim Sebastian of Mid-Hudson ​News.     

I sat in a committee hearing and testified about my experience as a veteran entrepreneur and what can be done to improve the "vetrepreneur" landscape. The reality is we're not even on the radar in Canada. There's lots of work to be done. Speaking of entrepreneurship, have you bought anything of mine yet? Or have you just been freeloading this whole time? Make my day and join my FREE community HERE

Our lead story: Arctic premiers appear before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Relations to share their perspectives on what Canada's Arctic strategy should look like moving forward. >Interstitial: zapsplat.com

New Episode of Operation Tango Romeo is now available!Episode #350 with Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament, Member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.Join Mark and Cathay as they discuss MAID being offered to veterans, Service dogs, sexual assault in the military, budget cuts and the power of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.#MAID#CathayWagantall#Veterans#Servicedogs#recoveryMERCH: ⁠https://www.wgy6.ca/Operation-Tango-Romeo.html⁠Sponsored by ShopVeteran.ca by Canadian Legacy Project- Support Veteran owned businesses and register your Veteran owned business for free. All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Creator and Host Mark MeinckeSponsored by ⁠ShopVeteran.ca⁠ by Canadian Legacy ProjectProduced by Jessika DupuisSupport a Hero ⁠HERE⁠Recover Out Loud!Book your Guest Appearance ⁠HERE⁠ Find the OTR podcast onFacebookInstagramSpotifyYoutube#MAID#CathayWagantall#Veterans#Servicedogs#recovery

Host Amy Stasiewicz gives an update at what happened at Standing Committee this week, and has an interview with Housing Program Manager Summer Stevenson to get more information on the Vacant and Dilapidated Buildings, and Housing Accelerator Fund Programs

The MK Party has taken the ANC to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, SCOPA accusing the party of misusing public funds for a January 8th event in Bloemfontein. The event, branded as a heritage programme, reportedly featured ANC regalia and messaging with state-funded transport and logistics across 51 wards. The party claims this is a violation of constitutional principles and has called for an urgent investigation. Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party MP and SCOPA Member, Kwenza Madlala

The Senate didn't attract much attention last month, when, on Dec. 8, the Standing Committee on Human Rights wrapped up its public hearings about antisemitism. Over the course of a full year they held eight meetings, heard from over 40 witnesses and received about 37 briefs. Now the senators and staffers are drafting their report. But while communal Jewish leaders welcome the Senate's attention to antisemitism, they maintain they don't need another study that gathers dust on the shelves. Lawmakers have a mandated deadline of the end of 2026 to release the report—but one committee member, Senator Leo Housakos, the leader of the Conservative party in the Senate, wants the final document of non-binding recommendations to come out much sooner. He believes it is urgent to convince the Carney government to tackle “a terrible crisis, and we need action quickly to start protecting our Jewish community.” Housakos feels he represents the voice of Canada's mainstream Jewish community on the nine-member permanent committee, which currently lacks any Jewish senators. Four of those committee members, including the chair, have either signed open letters critical of Israel's conduct in Gaza, or spoken about it in the Senate. Housakos wasn't thrilled by some of the anti-Zionist witnesses nvited to testify. He clashed with one witness, who said any groups that support the State of Israel should be destroyed. He also frowned on those who urged Canada to scrap the current IHRA definition of antisemitism, which the government adopted in 2019. The committee also heard that antisemitism is being exaggerated and in some cases, carried out by Jews on themselves. On today's episode of The CJN's North Star podcast, Senator Leo Housakos joins host Ellin Bessner to explain his urgent priorities for the expected antisemitism report. Related links Take a deep dive into the  Senate's hearings on antisemitism , which wrapped up Dec. 9, 2025. Why U of T professor Robert Brym told the Senate committee studying antisemitism they had been given “weaponized” information from some anti-Zionist witnesses, on  North Star . Read what the House of Commons committee studying antisemitism recommended in its report on antisemitism in Canada, published in Dec. 2024, in  The CJN . Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner info@thecjn.ca Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Subscribe to North Star https://thecjn.ca/arts/podcast-how-to/ Watch our podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/user/CanadianJewishNews Donate to The CJN + get a charitable receipt https://www.youtube.com/user/CanadianJewishNews

Infosys Q3 results: Revenue jumps 8.9% to ₹45,479 crore; beats expectations Infosys reported a decline in profit for the December-ended quarter of FY26, with PAT falling 9.6% sequentially and 2.2% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 6,654 crore. Despite the dip, the IT major raised its constant currency revenue growth guidance for FY26 to 3–3.5%, up from the 2–3% forecast issued in the previous quarter. Revenue rose 8.9% YoY and 2.2% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 45,479 crore. In constant currency (CC) terms, revenue grew 1.7% YoY and 0.6% QoQ. Large deal momentum improved, with total contract value (TCV) reaching $4.8 billion during the quarter, including 57% net new deals, up from $3.1 billion in the September quarter. PM Internship scheme falters as funds go unused Data from Controller General of Accounts (CGA) showed as against the budget allocation of over Rs 11500 crore, the Ministry spent little over Rs 500 crore. The allocation for the full year has a 94 per cent share, or over Rs 10,800 crore, for the PM Internship Scheme. During FY25, budget allocation was revised to around Rs 1,078 crore from Rs 2,667 crore. The ministry had admitted before the Standing Committee that it was largely because the funds were surrendered under the PM Internship Scheme. CGA data showed actual expenditure was around Rs 680 crore only. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu top performers in Niti Aayog's export preparedness index 2024 Maharashtra has topped the Niti Aayog's Export Preparedness Index (2024) in the large States category followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat in the second and third places respectively.  Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland bagged the top three spots among small States, North East and Union Territories. The report was released by Niti Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam on Wednesday. EPI 2024 assesses the export capabilities (performance and readiness) and potential of Indian States and Union Territories covering the period FY2022-FY2024 and has been prepared with the support of Deloitte. India steps up bunker construction along LoC after Operation Sindoor  Following Operation Sindoor, the central government has intensified its focus on strengthening border infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. In north Kashmir's Uri sector, the government is constructing at least 500 new bunkers to protect civilians living along the Line of Control (LoC), officials said, as part of broader measures aimed at enhancing safety in border areas vulnerable to cross-border shelling. The lack of adequate bunkers in border areas across Jammu and Kashmir during the Operation Sindoor operation laid bare the risks faced by residents during periods of heightened tension along the 740-km-long LoC.

Discipline inspection and supervision bodies are urged to advance full and rigorous Party self-governance with higher standards and more effective measures, to provide a strong guarantee for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to a key Communist Party of China leadership meeting on Thursday.据周四召开的中国共产党重要领导会议要求，纪检监察机关要以更高标准、更有力举措推进全面从严治党，为“十五五”时期（2026—2030年）经济社会发展提供坚强保障。The meeting was convened by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss and plan the Party's efforts to improve conduct, build integrity and combat corruption for the next year. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.会议由中共中央政治局召开，研究部署明年党的作风建设、廉政建设和反腐败工作。中共中央总书记习近平主持会议。The meeting acknowledged that in 2025, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, discipline inspection and supervision authorities at all levels intensified their efforts to improve conduct, build integrity and combat corruption, maintaining a tough stance against corruption.会议指出，2025年，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，各级纪检监察机关持续加大作风建设、廉政建设和反腐败斗争力度，始终保持反腐高压态势。Emphasis was placed on reinforcing political oversight, thoroughly studying and implementing the guiding principles of the CPC Central Committee's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct, decisively fighting corruption and undesirable work styles, rectifying misconduct affecting the public, and completing inspections across all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, the meeting said, noting that new progress and results have been achieved in the high-quality development of discipline inspection and supervision work.会议强调，要强化政治监督，深入学习贯彻中央八项规定精神，坚决纠治腐败和不正之风，持续整治群众身边的不正之风和腐败问题，完成对所有省、自治区、直辖市的巡视工作。会议指出，纪检监察工作高质量发展取得新的进展和成效。Looking ahead to 2026, the meeting stressed the need for all levels of disciplinary inspection and supervision bodies to uphold stricter standards and adopt more effective measures in advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance.展望2026年，会议强调，各级纪检监察机关要坚持更严标准、采取更实举措，持续推进全面从严治党。Key tasks include deepening political oversight to ensure the fulfillment of the objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and prompting leading Party officials to foster and practice a correct attitude toward performance in their work and faithfully implement major decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, the meeting said.会议指出，重点任务包括深化政治监督，保障“十五五”规划目标任务落实，引导各级领导干部树立和践行正确政绩观，确保党中央重大决策部署不折不扣贯彻落实。The meeting emphasized the need to consolidate and expand the achievements in Party-wide education on the eight-point decision on improving conduct, intensify efforts to battle misconduct and corruption affecting the public, and restrain power in an institutional cage. It reiterated the Party's firm commitment to combating corruption, and urged integrated deterrence measures to ensure that Party officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to engage in corruption.会议强调，要巩固拓展全党深入贯彻中央八项规定精神学习教育成果，持续加大整治群众身边不正之风和腐败问题力度，把权力关进制度的笼子里。会议重申了党坚定不移反腐败的决心，要求综合运用惩治震慑、制度约束和思想教育等手段，确保党员干部不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐。The meeting also called for strengthening the strict management and supervision of the disciplinary inspection forces to cultivate a capable disciplinary and supervisory team.会议还指出，要加强对纪检监察队伍的严格管理和监督，打造一支忠诚干净担当、敢于善于斗争的纪检监察铁军。Prior to the meeting, Xi presided over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during which reports were heard on the work of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision for 2025, as well as preparations for the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.会议召开前，习近平主持召开中共中央政治局常委会会议，听取了中央纪委国家监委2025年工作情况和二十届中央纪委五次全会筹备情况的汇报。The session is scheduled for Jan 12 to 14.会议定于1月12日至14日召开。discipline inspection and supervision/ˈdɪsɪplɪn ɪnˈspekʃən ænd ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒən/纪检监察full and rigorous Party self-governance/fʊl ænd ˈrɪɡərəs ˈpɑːti ˌself ˈɡʌvənəns/全面从严治党Party conduct/ˈpɑːti ˈkɒndʌkt/党的作风combat corruption/ˈkɒmbæt kəˈrʌpʃən/反腐败correct attitude toward performance/kəˈrekt ˈætɪtjuːd təˈwɔːdz pəˈfɔːməns/正确政绩观integrated deterrence measures/ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd dɪˈterəns ˈmeʒəz/一体化惩治震慑措施Standing Committee/ˈstændɪŋ kəˈmɪti/常委会

President Xi Jinping has underlined the strategic importance of intellectual and moral development for minors, and called for joint efforts to create a sound social environment conducive to the healthy growth of young people.习近平主席强调了未成年人智力与道德发展的战略重要性，呼吁各方共同努力，营造有利于青少年健康成长的良好社会环境。Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction on work to raise minors' moral standards.同时担任中共中央总书记和中央军事委员会主席习近平在关于提高未成年人道德水平工作的指示中作出上述表述。He noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to the intellectual and moral development of minors and implemented various measures to advance related work, achieving new progress and outcomes.习近平主席指出，自2012年党的十八大以来，党中央高度重视未成年人的思想道德发展，采取多项措施推进相关工作，取得了新的进展和成效。On the new journey, work to raise minors' moral standards should be carried out as a strategic and fundamental task, Xi said, adding that it is essential to persistently use the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to nurture and shape young minds.习近平主席指出，在新征程上，要把提高未成年人道德水平作为一项战略性、基础性工作来抓，坚持用新时代中国特色社会主义思想来塑造和塑造年轻人的思想。He called for improving the collaborative educational mechanism involving schools, families and society to guide minors in fostering lofty ideals, practicing core socialist values, and developing a good moral character and behavior in order to nurture a new generation of capable young people with an all-around moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic grounding and a hardworking spirit, who will fully develop socialism and carry forward the socialist cause.习近平主席呼吁完善学校、家庭、社会三方协作的教育机制，引导未成年人树立崇高理想，践行社会主义核心价值观，培养良好品德和行为习惯，为培养全面发展、德智体美劳全面发展、勤奋好学的新一代青年人才奠定基础，使他们能够全面建设社会主义、继承并发扬社会主义事业。Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels, as well as relevant departments and organizations, to work together to foster a sound social environment for the healthy growth of minors.习近平主席敦促各级党委政府以及相关部门和组织共同努力，为未成年人的健康成长营造良好的社会环境。Xi's instruction was conveyed at a symposium on work regarding the intellectual and moral development of minors, which was held in Beijing on Monday.习近平主席的指示是在周一于北京召开的未成年人思想道德发展工作座谈会上传达的。Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium and delivered a speech.中共中央政治局常委、中共中央书记处书记蔡奇出席座谈会并讲话。Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the symposium.中共中央宣传部部长李书磊主持座谈会。

The election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday marks another important moment in the SAR's steady advance toward high-quality democracy under the guiding principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".香港特别行政区第八届立法会选举于周日举行，标志着香港在”爱国者治港”的指导原则下，朝着高质量民主稳步前进的又一重要时刻。This is the second LegCo election since the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress amended Hong Kong's electoral system in March 2021 to ensure the full and faithful implementation of the principle of Hong Kong should be governed by Hong Kong people, with patriots as the main body.这是自2021年3月全国人民代表大会常务委员会修订香港选举制度以来举行的第二次立法会选举，旨在确保全面准确贯彻”港人治港、爱国者担任主体”的原则。The improved electoral system has enabled the formation of a legislature that is broadly representative, politically inclusive and balanced in participation—characteristics that align with Hong Kong's actual circumstances and governance needs. The current LegCo consists of 90 seats, with 40 returned by the Election Committee constituency, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections. This structure, which has functioned smoothly since the reform was implemented, enhances both representation and efficiency, reflecting the interests of all segments of Hong Kong society and the SAR as a whole.经改进的选举制度使立法机构能够广泛代表社会各界，在政治上具有包容性，并在参与方面保持平衡——这些特点符合香港的实际情况和治理需求。现行立法会由90个席位组成，其中40席由选举委员会界别选举产生，30席由功能界别选举产生，20席由地方选区通过直接选举产生。自改革实施以来，这一架构运行顺畅，既增强了代表性又提高了效率，充分反映了香港社会各阶层及整个特别行政区的利益。This year's LegCo election is competitive. A total of 161 candidates—including senior academics, Olympic champions, managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, cultural workers, community organizers and rising professionals from innovation and technology sectors—are vying for the 90 seats. According to the Electoral Affairs Commission of Hong Kong, 51 nominations were received for geographical constituencies, 60 for functional constituencies, and 50 for the Election Committee constituency. That means competition is particularly strong in geographical constituencies, where 51 candidates are contesting 20 seats, ensuring that no one can "win easily" and that the LegCo election returns to its essence: selecting the virtuous and capable based on political platform, professionalism and service commitment.今年的立法会选举竞争激烈。共有161名候选人，包括资深学者、奥运冠军、中小企业管理者、文化工作者、社区组织者以及创新科技领域的新锐专业人士等，角逐90个席位。据香港选举事务委员会统计，地方选区收到51份提名，功能界别60份，选举委员会界别50份。这意味着地方选区的竞争尤为激烈，51名候选人角逐20个席位，使得无人能“轻松获胜”，使立法会选举回归本质：依据政治纲领、专业素养及服务承诺选拔贤能之士。More than 600 polling stations, including newly added ones at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint and Hong Kong International Airport, have made voting more convenient, further highlighting the people-oriented and pragmatic nature of Hong Kong's electoral arrangements.超过600个投票站，包括港珠澳大桥口岸和香港国际机场新增的投票站，使投票更加便捷，进一步彰显了香港选举安排以民为本、务实高效的特点。The broad diversity of candidates and political platforms—ranging from innovation and technology, finance, medical services and housing, to youth development, labor rights, district administration and integration into national strategies—demonstrates that the new electoral system not only upholds the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" but also provides a wider stage for patriots of different backgrounds to contribute fresh ideas and practical solutions. As LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen noted, the candidates' varied expertise will inject new dynamism into the legislature and bring a renewed vitality to policymaking.候选人和政治纲领的广泛多样性，从创新科技、金融、医疗服务和住房，到青年发展、劳工权益、地区行政和融入国家战略都表明新选举制度不仅坚持了“爱国者治港”的原则，也为不同背景的爱国人士提供了更广阔的舞台，让他们贡献新思路和切实可行的解决方案。正如立法会主席梁君彦所言，候选人多元化的专业背景将为立法机构注入新活力，为政策制定带来新气象。The election carries special significance in light of the recent deadly fire in Tai Po. Voters in the district, including those directly affected, said that participating in the election is an active commitment to rebuilding their homes and strengthening Hong Kong's resilience.鉴于近期大埔发生的致命火灾，此次选举具有特殊意义。该区选民，包括直接受灾者，表示参与选举是重建家园、增强香港韧性的积极承诺。Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for the Hong Kong SAR government, stressed that electing capable and aspirational LegCo members is essential for post-disaster reconstruction and to maintaining the continuity and effectiveness of governance. From Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's repeated calls for civil servants to set an example, to large enterprises granting time off for employees to vote, and patriotic groups on the mainland organizing members to return to Hong Kong to cast their ballots, society's strong support has created an enthusiastic election atmosphere.香港特别行政区政府政务司司长陈国基强调，选举出有能力、有抱负的立法会议员，对灾后重建以及维持管治的连续性和有效性至关重要。从行政长官李家超多次呼吁公务员带头示范，到大型企业为员工安排投票假期，再到内地爱国团体组织成员返港投票，社会各界的鼎力支持营造出热烈的选举氛围。The four-year term of the eighth Legislative Council will largely overlap with the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) of the country. As Hong Kong enters a new stage of transitioning from stability to prosperity, the new LegCo will shoulder heavy responsibilities: accelerating economic transformation, improving people's livelihoods, strengthening district governance, advancing integration into national development, and ensuring that "one country, two systems" is steadily practiced for the long term.第八届立法会的四年任期将与国家第十五个五年规划（2026-2030年）的实施期基本重合。随着香港进入从稳定走向繁荣的新阶段，新一届立法会肩负着重大责任：加速经济转型、改善民生、加强地区治理、推进融入国家发展，并确保“一国两制”长期稳定实施。The design and improvement of Hong Kong's electoral system are purely internal affairs of China, and no foreign country has the right to interfere in them. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR summoned representatives of some overseas media in Hong Kong regarding recent false information and malicious smear campaigns surrounding the Tai Po fire and the LegCo election. This is a timely reminder that some external parties are still looking for opportunities to make trouble in the SAR despite the implementation of the National Security Law of Hong Kong.香港选举制度的设计和完善纯属中国内政，任何外国都无权干涉。中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区维护国家安全办公室就近期围绕大埔火灾及立法会选举的虚假信息和恶意抹黑活动，约见部分驻港海外媒体代表。这及时提醒我们，尽管香港《国家安全法》已实施，某些外部势力仍在寻找机会在特区制造事端。A fair, honest, safe and orderly election environment is indispensable for safeguarding the dignity of the electoral system and the rights of all voters. The SAR government has made it clear that it will resolutely crack down on illegal acts aimed at disrupting the election.一个公平、公正、安全、有序的选举环境，对维护选举制度的尊严和全体选民的权利至关重要。特区政府已明确表示，将坚决打击旨在破坏选举的违法行为。

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is willing to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence, as he met with King Felipe VI of Spain, the first Spanish monarch to make a state visit to China in 18 years.The four-day trip, which started on Monday, comes as the highlight of a series of high-level interactions between the two countries, following a visit in April by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made three visits to China in the past three years.Xi said that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Spain have always viewed and developed bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, respected and supported each other, and contributed to each other's success.This has set a model of pursuing amicable ties and common development by countries with different histories, cultures and social systems, Xi said.The Chinese president stressed that the two countries have played an important role in promoting openness and cooperation in the world and in upholding international fairness and justice.Xi lauded the remarkable contributions made by the Spanish royal family in developing China-Spain relations, and emphasized that King Felipe VI's visit is of great significance to the further advancement of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.Noting that China cherishes its traditional friendship with Spain and values Spain's unique role in international and regional affairs, Xi said both sides should further consolidate mutual support, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic guidance, and ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track.On practical cooperation, Xi said China is willing to import more quality products from Spain, explore the potential of cooperation in emerging areas, expand mutual investment, and build more signature projects.Xi called on the two countries to leverage their complementary strengths and jointly explore third-party markets such as Latin America.Statistics showed that bilateral trade volume between China and Spain exceeded $50 billion last year, while two-way investment surpassed $11 billion. China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain is one of China's key trading partners within the EU.China and Spain should enhance exchanges in culture and education, and support each other in the operation of cultural and language institutions in each other's country, Xi said, adding that China will continue its visa-free policy for Spain to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Xi explained his vision on building a community with a shared future for humanity, saying he hopes that countries could rise above differences in social systems and ideologies, build consensus through dialogue and consultation, and work together to turn the aspirations of people around the world for a better life into reality.During the talks, the Spanish king expressed his pleasure in visiting China and praised the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, as well as China's remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation and green development.He acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in fueling Spain's economic growth and green transition, and expressed Spain's willingness to strengthen its cooperation with China in the areas of economy, trade, technology and renewable energy.He said Spain and China share highly similar philosophies on many international affairs, and both support multilateralism and the settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation.Spain highly appreciates the four major global initiatives put forward by Xi, and is going to work with China to respond to uncertainties in the international situation with a view to upholding international trade order and promoting the steady development of the global economy, he said.Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 10 cooperation documents in areas including the economy and trade, science and technology, and education.Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji also met separately with King Felipe VI on Wednesday.Before traveling to Beijing, King Felipe VI visited Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where he attended a business forum on Tuesday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has emphasized that formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) is of great significance for facilitating China's sustained and sound development, and for putting the country on firmer foundations for basically achieving socialist modernization as planned.The remarks were made in Xi's explanatory speech on the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, delivered at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which concluded last week in Beijing.Both the speech and the recommendations, which were adopted at the plenum, were made public on Tuesday.In his speech, Xi said the recommendations were drafted to make systematic plans and strategic arrangements for China's economic and social development in the next five years.The recommendations were initiated in line with the country's strategic development goals, recognizing the pivotal role of the next five years, and based on an in-depth analysis of both the domestic and global landscapes, he added.He highlighted that the drafting process placed particular emphasis on staying oriented toward both goals and problems, applying systems thinking, further deepening reform comprehensively, and opening wider to the outside world."Socialist modernization can only be realized through a historical process of gradual and ongoing development. It requires the unremitting hard work of one generation after another," Xi said.He noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period will serve as a critical stage in building on past successes to break new ground for basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035.Elaborating on important points and major measures in the recommendations, Xi pointed out that a key development objective for the 15th Five-Year Plan period is to maintain an appropriate rate of economic and social development.He also defined promoting high-quality development as the main focus in this period, stressing that the recommendations highlight the guiding role of scientific and technological innovation and make overall plans for modernizing the industrial system, boosting self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and accelerating the green transition across the board.A group was established in January for the purpose of drafting the recommendations, with Xi serving as its chief. The group convened its first plenary meeting in February, marking the official start of the drafting work.Throughout the drafting process, the CPC Central Committee followed a democratic approach and drew on a vast pool of wisdom, conducting in-depth surveys and studies, and seeking opinions from within and outside of the Party, Xi said.The CPC Central Committee organized six teams to conduct research projects in 12 provincial-level regions. In addition, 35 key research projects were assigned to Party and government bodies, and multiple symposiums were held. An online campaign was launched to gather public suggestions, receiving more than 3 million comments.During the drafting process, the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee met three times and the Political Bureau convened on two occasions to review and revise draft versions of the document, before the final draft recommendations were submitted to the plenary session for deliberation."It is fair to say that the drafting work for this document is yet another vivid example of intra-Party democracy and whole-process people's democracy in action," Xi said.Jiang Jinquan, director of the CPC Central Committee Policy Research Office, told a news conference on the outcomes of the fourth plenary session that participants of the plenum agreed that the recommendations represent another major programmatic document in the Party's history.Yan Yilong, deputy dean of the Institute for Contemporary China Studies at Tsinghua University, said the recommendations provide political guidance for formulating the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan.The drafting of the outline has officially begun and the draft outline is scheduled to be submitted to next year's two sessions for deliberation, Yan noted.Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Politics of Kyrgyzstan, said in a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency that China's development experience demonstrates its ability to mobilize resources effectively to achieve national goals.He expects China to become more technologically advanced, self-sufficient and confident on the global stage, with the 15th Five-Year Plan playing a critical role in advancing the second centenary goal — to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful by 2049.

President Xi Jinping has called for giving full play to the role of the Palace Museum and turning it into an important window for the world to better understand Chinese civilization and the Chinese nation, as he visited an exhibition marking the museum's 100th founding anniversary on Monday.Once China's imperial palace from 1420 to 1911, and also known as the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum was established in October 1925, when it opened to the public.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived at the Palace Museum in Beijing at 10 am to visit the centennial exhibition.More than 200 carefully selected exhibits, including paintings, calligraphy, jade, bronzeware, gold artifacts, porcelain and architectural components, are on display, bearing witness to the splendid history and unbroken cultural lineage of the Chinese nation.Xi listened attentively to the explanations during his visit, pausing from time to time to observe the exhibits closely and inquire about relevant details.He said that the Palace Museum embodies the cultural genes of the Chinese nation and stands as a hallmark of Chinese civilization.Protecting the Palace Museum well and giving full play to its role is a matter of national importance and a glorious mission for those who work at the museum, he said.Xi encouraged the Palace Museum, which is at a new starting point in its centennial journey, to carry forward its fine traditions, stay committed to the principle that cultural relics belong to and serve the people, and further strengthen the protection and restoration of cultural relics.He also called for efforts to enhance adaptive utilization of cultural relics, making the Palace Museum an important base for patriotic education and a key window through which the world can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese civilization and the Chinese people.Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, also visited the exhibition.Titled A Century of Stewardship: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum, the exhibition is in three parts: "A Lineage of Civilization", "A Century of Endeavor" and "Myriad Visions of Splendor". It opened on Sept 30 and will run until the year's end.centennial/senˈteniəl/adj.百年的lineage/ˈlɪniɪdʒ/n.脉络adaptive/əˈdæptɪv/adj.适应的、有适应能力的

People from both sides of the Taiwan Strait said that no separatist forces can erase the shared history and national identity that bind people across the Strait, as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China was commemorated in Beijing.在北京纪念台湾光复80周年之际，海峡两岸同胞表示，任何分裂势力都无法抹去联结两岸同胞的共同历史与民族认同。A grand gathering celebrating the anniversary was held in Beijing on Saturday. It marked the first Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, following an official designation on Friday by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.周六，北京举行纪念台湾光复80周年盛大集会。此前一日（周五），中国最高立法机关——第十四届全国人民代表大会常务委员会正式设立“台湾光复纪念日”，本次集会是该纪念日设立后的首次纪念活动。Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed the event, calling on compatriots on both sides of the Strait to work together to advance national reunification and to firmly oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.全国政协主席王沪宁在集会上发表讲话，呼吁海峡两岸同胞共同努力推进祖国统一大业，坚决反对任何形式的“台独”分裂活动。Wang stressed that the establishment of the commemoration day demonstrated the unwavering commitment of all Chinese people to uphold the one-China principle and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.王沪宁强调，设立“台湾光复纪念日”，彰显了全体中国人民坚定维护一个中国原则、捍卫国家主权和领土完整的不变决心。After the event, several guests from Taiwan said the commemoration had strengthened their confidence in the nation's eventual reunification.集会结束后，多位台湾嘉宾表示，此次纪念活动增强了他们对祖国最终实现统一的信心。Justin Lin Yifu, a Taiwan-born economist and professor at Peking University, said that Taiwan's restoration to China and the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) should be remembered by all Chinese people.出生于台湾的经济学家、北京大学教授林毅夫指出，台湾光复回归中国与中国人民抗日战争（1931-1945年）的胜利，是全体中国人民应当铭记的历史。"The course of history will not be altered by the obstruction of a small handful of people," he said, adding that the commemoration day strengthens pride in being Chinese.“历史进程不会因少数人的阻挠而改变，”林毅夫表示，“设立这一纪念日，进一步增强了我们的民族自豪感。”WuRong-yuan, chairperson of Taiwan's Labor Party, said the establishment of the commemoration day demonstrated to the world that commemorating Taiwan's restoration is the heartfelt, shared wish of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.台湾劳动党主席吴荣元表示，“台湾光复纪念日”的设立向世界表明，纪念台湾光复是海峡两岸同胞共同的深切心愿。"Our shared bonds and memories cannot be severed by any external forces or separatists," he emphasized.“我们之间的血脉联结与共同记忆，任何外部势力和分裂分子都无法割裂。”他强调道。Wu added that the decision provided strong legal and political support for all patriotic forces committed to advancing the cause of national reunification.吴荣元补充称，这一决定为所有致力于推进祖国统一事业的爱国力量提供了坚实的法律与政治支撑。On Oct 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in the Taiwan province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei. From that moment, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were restored to China's sovereign jurisdiction.1945年10月25日，同盟国中国战区台湾省受降仪式在台北举行。自那一刻起，台湾及澎湖列岛重新回归中国主权管辖之下。Shaw Kai-ping, honorary president of the association for relatives of patriots in Taiwan who fought against Japanese aggression, said it was a great honor for Oct 25 to be established as a national commemoration day. Shaw's father and grandfather both took part in the resistance against Japanese occupation.台湾抗日爱国志士亲属联谊会荣誉会长萧开平表示，将10月25日设立为国家级纪念日，是一件意义重大的事。萧开平的父亲与祖父均曾参与反抗日本殖民统治的斗争。"This decision shows that the motherland has not forgotten the people of Taiwan, and that reunification is destined to be achieved," Shaw said.“这一决定表明，祖国没有忘记台湾同胞，统一大业注定实现。”萧开平说。Chi Hsing, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said he had long awaited the establishment of the commemoration day. "As the historical truth comes to light, more and more people are gaining a clearer understanding of what really happened," Chi said.台湾统一联盟党荣誉主席纪欣表示，她一直期盼“台湾光复纪念日”的设立。“随着历史真相的不断揭示，越来越多的人开始清晰了解当年的真实情况。”纪欣说。The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council hosted a reception in Beijing on Saturday, attended by guests from both Taiwan and the mainland who had participated in the earlier gathering.中共中央台湾工作办公室、国务院台湾事务办公室于周六在北京举办招待会，出席此前纪念集会的两岸嘉宾受邀参加。Song Tao, head of both offices, said at the reception that establishing the commemoration day on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration fully reflects the will of the people and the resolve of the nation.两办主任宋涛在招待会上表示，在台湾光复80周年之际设立这一纪念日，充分体现了人民的意愿与国家的决心。"We are confident in advancing the great cause of national reunification and enhancing the well-being of our Taiwan compatriots," Song said.“我们有信心推进祖国统一伟大事业，增进台湾同胞福祉。”宋涛说。Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine in Taiwan, said the decision reflects the shared aspirations of the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots.台湾《观察》杂志发行人纪欣表示，设立“台湾光复纪念日”的决定，反映了绝大多数台湾同胞的共同心声。"It will carry forward the patriotic tradition, reaffirm that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and inspire pride in being Chinese," she said.“这将传承爱国传统，重申海峡两岸同属一个中国，激发民族自豪感。”她说。Ji Bin, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, said the restoration of Taiwan is solid evidence of the Chinese government's resumption of sovereignty over Taiwan and a crucial link in the historical and legal chain of Taiwan being part of China.中华全国台湾同胞联谊会副会长纪斌指出，台湾光复是中国政府恢复对台湾行使主权的铁证，也是台湾作为中国一部分的历史与法律链条中的关键一环。"No matter how the Democratic Progressive Party and its politicians distort the truth of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, deny the achievements of the war victory, downplay or deny the historical significance of Taiwan's restoration, and collude with external forces to promote the fallacy of 'Taiwan's undetermined status', they cannot distort or undermine the historical and legal fact that Taiwan belongs to China," Ji said.“无论民进党及其政客如何歪曲抗日战争史实、否认抗战胜利成果、淡化甚至否定台湾光复的历史意义，勾结外部势力宣扬‘台湾地位未定论'谬论，都无法歪曲和改变台湾属于中国的历史与法律事实。”纪斌说。In Taipei, the memorial association of the Chinese war of resistance against Japanese aggression in Taiwan and the Chinese Kuomintang party jointly held a celebration on Saturday marking the anniversary of Taiwan's restoration.在台北，台湾抗日民族统一战线纪念会与中国国民党于周六联合举办台湾光复80周年纪念活动。Overseas Chinese from both sides of the Strait also celebrated the commemoration day in various forms. Chinese embassies in countries including the United States, Japan, Brazil and Indonesia held symposiums marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration on the day of commemoration.海外两岸侨胞也以多种形式庆祝这一纪念日。中国驻美国、日本、巴西、印度尼西亚等国的大使馆，均在纪念日当天举办台湾光复80周年座谈会。In New York City, hundreds of Chinese compatriots from both sides of the Strait gathered in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens borough on Friday to celebrate the anniversary.在纽约，数百名两岸同胞于周五齐聚皇后区法拉盛社区，共同庆祝台湾光复80周年。separatist/ˈseprətɪst/adj.分裂主义的，分离主义的sovereignty /ˈsɒvrənti/n.主权；最高统治权jurisdiction/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/n.管辖权，司法权

Two years ago, Taiwan bartender Danny Hsu brought his 12 years of mixology experience from Taichung, a city in China's Taiwan region, and opened Stirred Bar in the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a historical architectural complex in downtown Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province.两年前，中国台湾地区台中市的调酒师许丹尼（Danny Hsu）带着12年的调酒经验，在福建省会福州市中心的历史建筑群三坊七巷开设了“Stirred Bar”酒吧。Hsu enjoys experimentally incorporating fresh fruits, tea, coffee and even unexpected ingredients like vinegar and chili into his cocktails, conveying unique tastes and his understanding of life.许丹尼喜欢在调酒中尝试加入新鲜水果、茶、咖啡，甚至醋、辣椒等非常规原料，以此传递独特的口感和他对生活的理解。His latest creation is a cocktail symbolizing the fusion of cultures across the Taiwan Strait, blending full-bodied Kaoliang liquor, a specialty from Taiwan, with the gentle aroma of Fuzhou's jasmine tea.他最新创作的一款鸡尾酒象征着两岸文化融合，将台湾特产的醇厚高粱酒与福州茉莉花茶的淡雅香气相融合。"The fiery spirit meets the sweet jasmine flowers, just like the ongoing cross-Strait integration," he said.他表示：“浓烈的酒香邂逅清甜的茉莉，就像正在推进的两岸融合发展一样。”Oct 25 marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's retrocession. Since its return to the motherland in 1945, cross-Strait relations have experienced twists and turns, but integrated development has always been the main historical trend.10月25日是台湾光复80周年纪念日。自1945年回归祖国以来，两岸关系虽历经波折，但融合发展始终是历史主流。Fujian and Taiwan are connected by a single body of water, and share the same ancestry, culture and customs, with about 80 percent of Taiwan's population tracing its ancestry back to Fujian. Such closeness gives the coastal province an irreplaceable role in promoting peaceful cross-Strait development and reunification.福建与台湾隔海相望、同根同源、文化相通、习俗相近，约80%的台湾民众祖籍在福建。这种特殊的亲缘联系，让福建在推动两岸和平发展、促进祖国统一进程中具有不可替代的作用。Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made three field trips to Fujian, consistently emphasizing cross-Strait integrated development.自2012年中国共产党第十八次全国代表大会以来，中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平已三次赴福建考察，始终强调推动两岸融合发展。In his latest tour to the province last year, Xi reiterated the call for Fujian to make greater progress in exploring the new path for cross-Strait integrated development.在去年最新一次福建考察中，习近平总书记再次强调，要推动福建在探索两岸融合发展新路上迈出更大步伐。Statistics showed that Fujian has become a top choice for a growing number of Taiwan businesspeople and young entrepreneurs, thanks to innovative integration policies.数据显示，得益于创新性的融合发展政策，福建已成为越来越多台商和台湾青年创业者的首选地之一。From January to August, Fujian saw 1,653 new enterprises funded by Taiwan investment, with $660 million in utilized capital from Taiwan, the highest among all mainland provinces, according to data from the provincial Taiwan affairs authority.福建省台办数据显示，今年1月至8月，福建新增台资企业1653家，实际使用台资6.6亿美元，两项数据均居大陆各省份首位。In the first eight months of this year, passenger traffic between Fujian and Taiwan surged 36.4 percent to 1.73 million trips, compared with the same period last year, while cross-Strait events saw 28,000 Taiwan participants, a 40 percent increase, data showed.数据还显示，今年前8个月，闽台旅客往来量达173万人次，同比增长36.4%；两岸各类交流活动中，台湾参与人数达2.8万人次，同比增长40%。Chen Lishuang, a deputy researcher at the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Modern Taiwan Studies, said the province has achieved notable results in economic cooperation and social integration with Taiwan through pilot policies.福建省社会科学院现代台湾研究所副研究员陈丽霜（音译）表示，福建通过一系列试点政策，在两岸经济合作与社会融合方面取得了显著成效。While working in Fujian for about 17 years, from 1985 to 2002, Xi attached great importance to Taiwan-related work, tirelessly promoting cooperation and cultivating affection between people on both sides of the Strait, Chen said.陈丽霜指出，1985年至2002年，习近平总书记在福建工作的17年间，高度重视对台工作，不懈推动两岸合作，增进两岸同胞情谊。In 1997, a 102-day tour of Taiwan by a statue of the sea goddess Mazu saw millions pay their respects to the deity across the island, becoming the longest and most influential cross-Strait exchange at the time.1997年，海神妈祖雕像赴台巡游102天，全台数百万民众前往瞻仰，成为当时持续时间最长、影响最广的两岸交流活动。In 2001, limited direct transportation, trade and postal services began between Fujian's coast and the islands of Jinmen and Matsu, administered by Taiwan, and this was warmly received. An exchange agreement signed later that year, by representatives from the two sides, included the one-China principle for the first time, causing a stir.2001年，福建沿海与台湾地区管辖的金门、马祖地区开启局部直接通航、通贸、通邮，受到两岸民众热烈欢迎。同年晚些时候，两岸代表签署的一项交流协议首次纳入一个中国原则，引发广泛关注。"Xi made many statements regarding work related to Taiwan from the historical perspective of achieving the peaceful reunification of the motherland, along with a series of forward-looking and strategic explorations and practices while working in Fujian," Chen said.陈丽霜表示：“在福建工作期间，习近平总书记从实现祖国和平统一的历史高度，就对台工作作出许多重要论述，并开展了一系列具有前瞻性、战略性的探索与实践。”The innovative concepts and practical advancements in Taiwan-related work proposed by Xi during his tenure in Fujian constitute an important source of his later significant discourse on Taiwan affairs, she said.她指出，习近平总书记在福建工作期间提出的对台工作创新理念和实践成果，是其后来关于台湾问题重要论述的重要思想源头。In his speech on the 40th anniversary of the issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, in January 2019, Xi emphasized the need to deepen integrated development between the two sides to lay a foundation for peaceful reunification.2019年1月，在全国人大常委会《告台湾同胞书》发表40周年纪念会上，习近平总书记强调，要深化两岸融合发展，为实现和平统一奠定坚实基础。"Just as loved ones wish each other well, we Chinese should help each other. We treat our compatriots in Taiwan as equals, and will continue paving the way for them to share first the mainland's development opportunities," Xi said.习近平总书记表示：“亲人之间，没有解不开的心结。两岸同胞是一家人，有困难就要互相帮助。我们始终把台湾同胞当作一家人，愿意继续率先同台湾同胞分享大陆发展机遇。”He called for enhanced connectivity in trade, infrastructure, energy and industry standards, suggesting initial projects such as supplying water, electricity and gas, and constructing sea-crossing bridges from Fujian to Jinmen and Matsu.总书记呼吁，要加强两岸贸易、基础设施、能源、产业标准等领域互联互通，提出从福建向金门、马祖供水供电供气，建设跨海大桥等先期项目。In 2023, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, announced plans to make Fujian a "demonstration zone" for the integrated development across the Strait, offering policies like infrastructure connectivity and incentives for Taiwan residents to create their careers.2023年，中共中央、国务院印发方案，决定支持福建建设海峡两岸融合发展示范区，推出基础设施互联互通、鼓励台湾同胞来闽就业创业等一系列政策举措。"Fujian's supportive policies for Taiwan compatriots have given me a real sense of belonging," said Lin Chun-ying, who operates a tea mountain company in suburban Fuzhou and exports high-mountain oolong tea to countries including the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.在福州郊区经营茶山企业、向英国、德国、日本等国出口高山乌龙茶的林春英（音译）表示：“福建对台湾同胞的扶持政策，让我真正有了归属感。”"My father often told me when I was a child that we are Chinese, because he was born on the mainland before my grandfather took him to Taiwan," Lin said. "My father said his mission was to bring us back to our motherland."林春英说：“小时候父亲常跟我说，我们是中国人。因为父亲出生在大陆，后来爷爷才带他去了台湾。父亲说，他的心愿就是带我们回到祖国母亲的怀抱。”Back in the 1990s, Lin and her father arrived in the provincial capital to clear a barren mountain to plant tea.上世纪90年代，林春英便和父亲来到福州，开垦荒山种植茶树。"Growing up, making and learning about tea in Fuzhou, I fell in love with Fuzhou's mountains," Lin said. She has now taken over management of the company from her father.“在福州长大，学着种茶、制茶，我早已爱上了这里的山山水水，”林春英说。如今，她已从父亲手中接过公司管理的重任。Wu Yongping, director at the Institute for Taiwan Studies at Tsinghua University, said that Taiwan lacks the economic hinterland for further development, given its limited population and small local market, but the mainland could offer it a much broader space for growth.清华大学台湾研究院院长巫永平表示，台湾人口有限、本地市场规模较小，缺乏进一步发展的经济腹地，而大陆能为其提供更广阔的发展空间。After the launch of reform and opening-up, Taiwan businesses that entered the mainland have contributed to the economy and have been beneficiaries as well, Wu said, adding that economic ties are a fundamental link of cross-Strait relations, so it's important to keep the link strong.巫永平指出，改革开放以来，进入大陆的台商不仅为大陆经济发展作出了贡献，自身也成为受益者。他强调，经济联系是两岸关系的重要基础，必须牢牢巩固这一纽带。Fujian's "demonstration zone" aims to ease the settlement of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland by leading efforts to overcome constraints on specific matters like obtaining phone cards, bank cards and residence permits, he said.他表示，福建建设“海峡两岸融合发展示范区”，旨在率先破解台湾同胞在大陆申领电话卡、银行卡、居住证等具体生活便利化问题，让台湾同胞在大陆生活更便捷。As a veteran Taiwan businesswoman developing on the mainland for decades, Lin has also become a facilitator for cross-Strait youth exchanges, sharing her experiences on employment and entrepreneurship in Fuzhou with young people from Taiwan.作为在大陆发展数十年的资深台商，林春英还成为两岸青年交流的桥梁，经常向台湾青年分享自己在福州就业创业的经验。She met her husband, who is from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in Shanghai in 2018. They now have two children and live in Fuzhou.2018年，林春英在上海结识了来自黑龙江哈尔滨的丈夫，如今两人已育有两个孩子，在福州定居生活。Taiwan compatriots in Fujiann.在福建的台湾同胞 /ˌtaɪˈwɑːn kəmˈpeɪtriəts ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn/Taiwan businesspeople (investing in Fujian)n.（在福建投资的）台商/ˌtaɪˈwɑːn ˈbɪznɪsˌpiːpl (ɪnˈvestɪŋ ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn)/

The Communist Party of China will convene a key leadership meeting from Oct 20 to 23 in Beijing to map out priorities of the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), a blueprint that will shape the nation's economic and social agenda and lay the groundwork for its long-term modernization goals.中国共产党将于10月20日至23日在北京召开重要领导会议，制定“十五五”规划（2026-2030年）的重点任务。该规划作为一份蓝图，将确定国家经济社会发展议程，并为国家长期现代化目标奠定基础。The date for the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee was set at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.五年规划是指导中国中长期发展的重要战略文件，明确了每个五年期间各领域的国家目标、主要任务和政策方向。中共二十届四中全会的召开日期是在周一召开的中共中央政治局会议上确定的，中共中央总书记习近平主持了此次会议。Five-year plans are crucial strategic documents guiding China's medium- and long-term development, which outline national goals, major tasks and policy directions in various sectors for each five-year period.五年规划是指导中国中长期发展的重要战略文件，明确了每个五年期间各领域的国家目标、主要任务和政策方向。During Monday's meeting, the Political Bureau was briefed about the opinions solicited from within and outside the CPC about a document on the CPC Central Committee's proposals for formulating the next five-year plan. It was decided at the meeting that the document will be revised based on the discussion at the meeting and submitted to the fourth plenary session for deliberation.在周一的会议上，政治局听取了关于《中共中央关于制定下一步五年规划的建议》文件的党内外意见征求情况汇报。会议决定，将根据会议讨论情况对该文件进行修改，并提交四中全会审议。The plenary session will take place as China nears the completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), which has yielded significant achievements. The country is now gearing up to establish priorities for the upcoming 2026-30 period.此次全会召开之际，中国正接近完成“十四五”规划（2021-2025年），该规划已取得显著成就，目前国家正着手确定2026-2030年的重点任务。The meeting highlighted the importance of upholding the Party's overall leadership during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. With a focus on putting people first, efforts should be made to ensure that more benefits of modernization are shared more fairly among all the people, the meeting said.会议强调，“十五五”时期必须坚持党的全面领导，坚持以人民为中心，努力让现代化建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民。It stressed the need to stay committed to high-quality development, foster new quality productive forces in line with local conditions, and comprehensively deepen reform while further expanding high-level opening-up.同时，要坚持高质量发展，因地制宜培育新质生产力，全面深化改革，进一步扩大高水平对外开放。China will promote better interplay between an efficient market and a well-functioning government, giving full play to the decisive role of the market in the allocation of resources and ensuring that the government plays its role better, said a statement released after the meeting.会后发布的声明指出，中国将推动有效市场和有为政府更好结合，充分发挥市场在资源配置中的决定性作用，更好发挥政府作用。In accordance with the strategic plan for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, as outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress in 2022, China will basically achieve socialist modernization by 2035 through the implementation of the 14th, 15th and 16th five-year plans.根据2022年党的二十大提出的全面建设社会主义现代化强国战略部署，中国将通过实施“十四五”“十五五”“十六五”规划，到2035年基本实现社会主义现代化。Since the start of this year, Xi has made a series of instructions to chart the course for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan.今年以来，习近平总书记就“十五五”规划编制作出一系列重要指示。During an inspection tour to Shanghai in April, Xi said at a symposium on China's economic and social development in the 2026-30 period that "the planning must focus on the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization, with a view to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation".4月在上海考察时，于2026-2030年中国经济社会发展座谈会上指出，“规划要聚焦基本实现社会主义现代化这一目标，着眼于建设强国、推进民族复兴”。In an instruction in May, he stressed sound, democratic and law-based decision-making to ensure high-quality formulation of the five-year plan.He also emphasized the importance of integrating top-level design with seeking advice from the public, enhancing research and discussions, and building broad consensus.5月在相关指示中强调，要坚持科学决策、民主决策、依法决策，确保五年规划高质量编制，同时重视顶层设计与问计于民相结合，加强研究论证，凝聚广泛共识。The General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, noted in a report released earlier this month that guiding economic and social development with medium-and long-term plans is an important approach adopted by the Party in governing the country.Practice has proved that medium-and long-term development plans can not only give full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation, but also better leverage the role of the government, the report said.中国最高立法机关——全国人大常委会办公厅在本月初发布的一份报告中指出，以中长期规划指导经济社会发展，是党治国理政的重要方式。实践证明，中长期发展规划既能充分发挥市场在资源配置中的决定性作用，又能更好发挥政府作用。In a report released on Sunday, China Galaxy Securities said it believes that the key focuses during the 15th Five-Year Plan period will include promoting technological innovation, boosting domestic demand, addressing "involution-style" competition, advancing market-based reforms for the allocation of production factors, building a green and low-carbon economy, and enhancing people's well-being.中国银河证券在周日发布的报告中表示，预计“十五五”时期的重点方向包括推动科技创新、扩大内需、应对“内卷式”竞争、推进生产要素市场化配置改革、发展绿色低碳经济以及增进民生福祉。convenev.召开/kənˈviːn/deliberationn.审议；深思熟虑；讨论/dɪˌlɪbəˈreɪʃn/leveragev.充分利用；发挥/ˈliːvərɪdʒ/

China's Victory Day commemorations have strengthened the nation's resolve and confidence in building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts, President Xi Jinping has said.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while delivering an address at a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.He delivered the speech after hearing a report summarizing activities on commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, during the Party leadership meeting.As Japan officially surrendered on Sept 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender, China designated Sept 3 as its V-Day.This year it held a massive military parade on Sept 3 at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing as part of its commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory.In his speech, Xi emphasized that the commemorations were solemn, grand, inspiring and motivating, further promoting the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, further boosting the confidence in advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation, and further demonstrating China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity.He pointed out that the leading group for the commemorative activities and the relevant institutions involved in the task force resolutely implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, adhered to high standards and strict requirements, and fulfilled the political task assigned by the CPC Central Committee with a pragmatic and meticulous approach.Xi stressed the need to harness the positive energy generated by the commemorative activities, and use them as a vivid tool for patriotic education. He called for injecting the confidence, pride, enthusiasm and vitality they inspired into efforts to implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and deployments and address various risks and challenges, and into mighty forces to promote reform, drive development and ensure stability.While emphasizing the importance of maintaining a correct historical perspective on the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as on World War II, he called for drawing wisdom and strength from the great victory in the whole nation's resistance against Japanese aggression led by the CPC.It is important to stand firm on the right side of history, and forge a brighter future by learning from history, he said.Xi urged the effective telling of the story of China's peaceful development, demonstrating to the world that China is a staunch defender of the postwar international order, and presenting China's image as a responsible major country committed to building a community with a shared future for humanity.It is important to thoroughly summarize the experiences and practices of organizing the commemorative activities, and to continuously enrich and improve the ceremonial system of a great Party and a great nation, he said.On Wednesday, Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with representatives from various sectors involved in organizing the commemorative activities. He expressed gratitude and greetings to them, highly praised their hard work and outstanding achievements, and encouraged them to strive for new success.After the meeting, a symposium was held to summarize the commemorative activities.Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative activities, attended the meeting and the symposium.

People from Taiwan said they felt a shared sense of pride in the nation's strength and prosperity as they watched the Chinese mainland's V-Day parade both online and in person on Wednesday.来自台湾的民众表示，周三他们通过线上或线下的方式观看了中国大陆的胜利日阅兵，感受到了对国家实力与繁荣的共同自豪感。"As Taiwan compatriots, our confidence in development stems from the strength of the motherland," said Lin Yen-chen, a Taiwan student who attended the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.在北京参加了纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年阅兵式的台湾学生林彦辰表示：“作为台湾同胞，我们对发展的信心源自祖国的强大。”Reflecting on the event, Lin said the 14-year resistance highlighted the true meaning of patriotism and national spirit through the sacrifices of countless martyrs.回顾此次盛典，林彦辰表示，十四年的抗战中无数先烈的牺牲彰显了爱国主义和民族精神的真谛。"In this great era, we, Taiwan compatriots, must firmly stand on the right side of history and actively contribute to the advancement of national reunification and rejuvenation," he said.他说：“在这个伟大的时代，我们台湾同胞必须坚定地站在历史正确的一边，积极为国家统一和民族复兴贡献力量。”Yuann Jeu-jeng, a professor from Taiwan University, expressed his excitement on social media after watching the parade in Tian'anmen Square. "The military parade aims to promote peace, and China always stands on the side of justice," he wrote.台湾大学教授苑举正在天安门广场观看阅兵后，在社交媒体上表达了他的激动心情。他写道：“此次阅兵旨在弘扬和平，中国始终站在正义的一边。”In Xiamen, Fujian province, more than 150 Taiwan compatriots gathered to watch the live broadcast of the parade. Cheng Chun-yuan, who brought his mother and children to watch the broadcast, said, "We feel the strength of our nation and the powerful development of our motherland, which made our family feel extremely proud."在福建省厦门市，超过150名台湾同胞齐聚一堂观看阅兵直播。带着母亲和孩子一同观看直播的郑纯媛说：“我们感受到了国家的力量和祖国的蓬勃发展，这让我们全家感到无比自豪。On Thursday, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met with Taiwan representatives attending the V-Day commemoration in Beijing.周四，中共中央政治局常委、全国政协主席王沪宁在北京会见了前来参加胜利日纪念活动的台湾代表。Wang stressed the importance of remembering the history of national resistance, upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and jointly opposing separatist efforts toward "Taiwan independence" as well as external interference.王沪宁强调要铭记全民族抗战历史，坚持一个中国原则和“九二共识”，共同反对“台独”分裂行径和外部势力干涉。Across the Strait, high viewership of the V-Day parade underscored enthusiasm for the commemoration. Various channels on the island broadcast the event live.在台湾，胜利日阅兵的高收视率体现了民众对纪念活动的热情高涨。岛内多个频道对活动进行了直播。Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang who was invited to attend the commemorations in Beijing, said Tuesday on social media: "If the DPP insists on using intimidation to prevent people from participating in the commemoration, it not only reveals their insecurity but also further alienates the sentiments of the Taiwan public regarding the history of the war of resistance.应邀参加北京纪念活动的中国国民党前主席洪秀柱周二在社交媒体上表示：“如果民进党坚持用恐吓手段阻挠人们参与纪念活动，不仅暴露了他们的不安，也进一步疏远了台湾民众对抗战历史的情感。"This is a national memory that must be passed down through generations," she said.她说：“这是必须代代相传的民族记忆。”Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te made remarks about the mainland's parade on Wednesday, saying "Taiwan does not commemorate peace with guns."台湾地区领导人赖清德周三就大陆阅兵发表言论，称“台湾不会用枪炮来纪念和平”。Lai also avoided directly mentioning Japanese aggression and China's victory in the war of resistance, instead twice referring to the events simply as the "end of World War II".赖清德还避谈日本侵略和中国在抗战中的胜利，仅以“二战结束”两次指代相关历史事件。In response, Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai on Thursday for remarks he said "glorified aggression and incited division" on a day meant to honor the pride and dignity of Chinese people worldwide.对此，国务院台办发言人陈斌华周四批评赖清德的言论，称其在全球华人纪念民族自豪与尊严的日子里，“美化侵略，煽动分裂”。"Lai's comments completely disregard the arduous and heroic struggle waged by the Chinese people both domestically and abroad to save the nation from peril, ignoring the great history forged by the blood and lives of the Chinese people for national independence and liberation," Chen said.陈斌华说：“赖清德言论完全无视海内外中华儿女为挽救民族危亡所进行的艰苦卓绝、可歌可泣的斗争，完全抹煞台湾同胞在这场全民族抗战中作出的重要贡献，是对中国人民用鲜血和生命争取民族独立和解放这一伟大历史的极不尊重。”prosperityn.繁荣/prɒˈsperəti/martyrsn.烈士/ ˈmɑːtəz /rejuvenationn.更新；复苏；复兴/ rɪˌdʒuːvɪˈneɪʃən /

Clement Manyathela speaks to Dr Zweli Mkhize, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, about a joint parliamentary oversight mission currently underway. The two-day visit, involving the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, is being conducted in conjunction with the North West Provincial Legislature. The delegation is assessing key issues in Gauteng municipalities — including service delivery, governance standards, and the state of municipal finances. Dr Mkhize explains the significance of the mission and what Gauteng residents can expect in terms of accountability and potential interventions. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twelve months ago we heard the sobering news of a significant attendance drop in Sydney Anglican Churches. Over the decade from 2013 to 2023, weekly attendance fell by 7% – and when you factor in population growth, attendance was 14% behind.At last year's Sydney Anglican Synod, the mood was serious. A resolution was passed calling for confession and humble repentance – acknowledging that their hadn't been sufficient priority, attention, reflection, or resources to seeing the lost saved by Jesus. Synod called for a five-year focus to reverse the decline – putting prayer, evangelism, church health, and leadership development at the very centre of priorities.Ahead of this year's Synod, there is a response. The Standing Committee appointed a subcommittee, led by the Archbishop, to bring forward concrete proposals. And what they have come back with is significant:A galvanising target – to pursue 5% annual growth through conversion for the next five years.A range of initiatives and actions designed to support churches, leaders, and congregations in this mission.Our guests are Pete Stedman, senior minister at Norwest Anglican Church, and a member of the Archbishop's subcommittee that has proposed the new goal, Jon Kwan, lead pastor at St. David's Forestville and Jo Gibbs, senior consultant with Reach Australia.The Church Cothechurchco.com is a website and app platform built specifically for churches. Advertise on The Pastor's HeartTo advertise on The Pastor's Heart go to thepastorsheart.net/sponsorSupport the show

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will hold its 17th session in Beijing from September 8th to 12th, with lawmakers set to review draft laws, a package of amendments to existing laws and reports by the State Council.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Songezo Zibi, the leader of Rise Mzansi and Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts about parties consolidating support ahead of the 2026 local government elections and what he has described as a crisis of leadership in the country. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just the past few weeks there have been big changes at TRB that include the Winter Maintenance and the Road Weather Committees.  On this episode of the National Briefing Paul Pisano, former chair of the Road Weather Committee is here to share the changes and what you can do to stay engaged with the new committees.  If you want to submit your name to be considered for membership in the new Standing Committee on Winter Maintenance and Response to Weather Events follow this link to the interactive organization chart of committees and click on the Transportation Infrastructure Group (AK000) https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/other/trb/standing-technical-committees/. Once there click on Section-Management Systems for Construction and Maintenance (AKJ00), then to the Standing Committee On Winter Maintenance and Response to Weather Events (AKJ17).   You can also reach out to Paul Pisano at paul@allealle.com  Watch the video and presentation along with all the other briefings on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Talkinwinterops Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!

Lindsay Dentlinger from EWN joins Crystal Orderson to unpack the latest from Parliament, where the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) is being briefed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks. The session focuses on high-stakes corruption cases referred by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), spanning multiple government departments, public entities, municipalities, and other prominent institutions. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doc 1: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, A Student Demonstration of Sorts in Tiananmen Square (11/21/85) Doc 2: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Government Arrests Student Demonstrators (11/25/85) Doc 3: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, More Student Demonstrations (12/23/85) Doc 4: From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Student Demonstrations Update (12/24/86) Doc 5: IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 1-87, China: Student Demonstrations (01/02/87) Doc 6: IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 10-87, China: Hu Yaobang Resigns (01/17/87) Doc 7: Memorandum of Conversation, [George Bush] Meeting with Wan Li, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Member of the Politburo, People's Republic of China (05/23/89) Doc 8: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/0289, China: Stalemate Continues Doc 9: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/03/89, China: Police Use Tear Gas on Crowds Doc 10: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 27: Martial Law with Chinese Characteristics (06/03/89) Doc 11: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 28: Ten to Fifteen Thousand Armed Troops Stopped at City Perimeter by Human and Bus Barricades (06/03/89) Doc 12: Cable, From: Department of State, Wash DC, To: U.S. Embassy Beijing, and All Diplomatic and Consular Posts, TFCHO1: SITREP 1, 1700 EDT (06/03/89) Doc 13: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/04/89, China: Troops Open Fire Doc 14: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 32 (06/04/89) Doc 15: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 33 (06/04/89) Doc 16: Cable, From: Department of State, Wash DC, To: U.S. Embassy Beijing, China Task Force Situation Report No. 3 (06/04/89) Doc 17: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/05/89, China: After the Bloodbath Doc 18: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 35 (06/05/89) Doc 19: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/06/89, China: Descent into Chaos Doc 20: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01--SITREP No. 37 (06/06/89) Doc 21: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/07/89, China: Tense Standoff Continues Doc 22: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01--SITREP No. 38 (06/07/89) Doc 23: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/9/89, China: Uneasy Calm Doc 24: Department of State Intelligence Brief, "Current Situation in China: Background and Prospects" (Ca. 06/10/89) Doc 25: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/10/89, China: Mixed Signals on Purge Doc 26: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 49, (06/11/89) Doc 27: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/14/89, China: Back to Business, But Crackdown Continues Doc 28: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/15/89, China: Accusation over Fang Lizhi Doc 29: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/21/89, China: Swift Justice Doc 30: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Eyewitness Account of June 4 PLA Tank Crushing 11 Students and Related Early Morning Events in Tiananmen Square (06/22/89) Doc 31: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, What Happened on the Night of June 3/4? (06/22/89) Doc 32: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01: SITREP No. 65 (06/27/89) Doc 33: State Department document entitled "Themes" (06/29/89) Doc 34: State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, "Status Report on Situation in China as of 07/ 26/89" Doc 35: State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, "China: Aftermath of the Crisis" (07/27/89) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clement Manyathela speaks to Sinawo Thambo, EFF Member of Parliament and Mmusi Maimane, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations about the postponed adoption of the 2025 division of revenue bill. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live – The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) on 702 https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/the-clement-manyathela-show/audio-podcasts/the-clement-manyathela-show/ Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Dr Joe Maswanganyi who is the Parliamentary Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Mdumiseni Ntuli, the Chief Whip of the ANC and Tshidi Madia, EWN Associate and Editor as they the discuss the budget ongoing discussion and the budget related bills that MPs will need to vote on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest: Nikole Nelson is the founding CEO of Frontline Justice and former Executive Director of the Alaska Legal Services Corporation. She has dedicated 25 years to enhancing access to justice, especially in rural communities, by developing innovative legal aid solutions that are community-led and people-centered. Nikole was instrumental in launching the Partnering for Native Health initiative, a medical-legal partnership that received the 2019 World Justice Challenge Award. She has also driven significant reforms, including changes to unauthorized practice of law regulations that benefit justice workers in Alaska. Nikole is actively involved as a member of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigenous Defense (SCLAID) and the Legal Services Corporation's Rural Justice Task Force. Episode Summary: In this episode, Linda Odermott, host of the Paralegal Real Talk series, introduces Nikole Nelson, a pioneering advocate in the field of legal aid. Nikole shares insights into the development and success of Alaska's groundbreaking Community Justice Worker (CJW) project. Alaska's unique challenges, with vast remote areas and limited legal resources, led to innovative solutions that leveraged local community structures in bridging the justice gap. Nikole discusses how collaborations with the healthcare sector inspired strategies that train non-attorneys to deliver vital legal aid. The episode dives deeply into how these efforts first began with the establishment of the Partnering for Native Health project — a collaboration with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium — and how this initiative achieved remarkable success by extending legal assistance through trained community justice workers. This innovative model of delivering legal aid has not only enhanced accessibility in underserved regions but also set a precedent across multiple states now looking to emulate Alaska's success. Nikole passionately describes the vision of Frontline Justice to expand this approach nationwide, ensuring that every community receives the legal care they need. Key Takeaways: Alaska's Community Justice Worker project aims to bridge the justice gap by training non-attorney community members to provide essential legal services in rural and underserved areas. The success of this program leaned significantly on partnerships with existing healthcare infrastructures, demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaboration. Nikole Nelson emphasizes the importance of starting pragmatic, incremental steps in addressing legal needs rather than attempting to solve all complex legal problems at once. The program has enabled millions in SNAP benefits to be accessed and has seen a 100% success rate in the cases it has taken on. The discussion expands into the national landscape, where Frontline Justice is helping other states look to adopt similar community-led justice initiatives. Get more free paralegal resources:  https://paralegal-bootcamp.com/paralegal-resources 

Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis has one of the most illustrious resumés of all the guests on Pulling the Thread—and I think we're the same age. Lewis is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities and Associate Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University where she serves on the Standing Committee on American Studies and Standing Committee on Women, Gender, and Sexuality. It was at Harvard that Lewis pioneered the course Vision and Justice: The Art of Race and American Citizenship, which she continues to teach and is now part of the University's core curriculum—as it were, Lewis is the founder of Vision & Justice, which means that she is the organizer of the landmark Vision & Justice Convening, and co-editor of the Vision & Justice Book Series, launched in partnership with Aperture. Before joining the faculty at Harvard, she held curatorial positions at The Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Tate Modern, London. She also served as a Critic at Yale University School of Art. I'm not done—in fact, I could go on and on. She's the author of The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery, a book on Carrie Mae Weems, and innumerable important academic papers. Today, we talk about The Rise and how it dovetails in interesting ways with her brand-new book, The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America, which is about the insidious idea that white people are from the Caucasus, a.k.a. Caucasian—an idea that took root in the culture and helped determine the way we see race today.  MORE FROM SARAH ELIZABETH LEWIS, PhD: The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery Carrie Mae Weems Sarah Lewis's Website Vision & Justice Follow Sarah on Instagram To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices