Author: tnpump.com

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Beijing’s paired assistance to Tibet. Over these three decades, Beijing has played a crucial role in helping Lhasa overcome various development challenges. A standout achievement is the Lhasa Mass Cultural and Sports Center, which began construction in 2012. This facility is the largest, most advanced, and best-equipped public cultural and sports venue in Tibet.

Locally referred to as the “bird’s nest,” the Lhasa Mass Cultural and Sports Center comprises a stadium, gymnasium, yaks museum, and swimming pool—collectively known as “one stadium and three halls.” Since its opening in 2014, this complex has become a vital hub for residents seeking fitness and leisure options.

One frequent visitor, Danzen, shared, “I often come here to run. The facilities are really nice, with a great track and everything I need. I truly feel this place is perfect for working out and staying healthy.”

In recent years, the center has continued to enhance its athletic offerings by adding fitness trails, children’s areas, and table tennis facilities, ensuring year-round support for the community’s fitness and leisure activities.

Liu Ming, the director of the Lhasa Mass Cultural and Sports Center, explained, “The venue is open year-round for both large-scale events and individual reservations from fitness enthusiasts. This year alone, we have hosted over 3,300 sessions, welcoming more than 170,000 fitness fans.”

A month-long summit at the Vatican has concluded with a call for increased leadership roles for women in the Catholic Church, though it stopped short of endorsing the ordination of women as priests, a hope some progressives had harbored at the beginning of the discussions. This synod marked the culmination of a four-year consultation aimed at capturing the perspectives of practicing Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis made a noteworthy decision to include nearly 60 women among the 368 voting delegates, breaking from the traditional all-bishop conference format.

Each of the 151 proposals was voted on, and while all received the necessary two-thirds majority, the proposal advocating for greater leadership roles for women received the highest number of “no” votes in the assembly, which is traditionally male-dominated in clergy.

Among the voting delegates were nearly 60 women. Advocates for women’s roles in the Church had hoped the synod might pave the way for women to serve as deacons. However, while this specific initiative did not advance, the final document expressed that “there is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church.”

Currently, the Catholic Church restricts deacon ordination to men, and while reform groups sought concrete steps to better include LGBTQ+ individuals, the final document did not specifically reference the LGBT+ community. The document only briefly acknowledged those who feel “excluded or judged” based on their “marital status, identity, or sexuality.”

Reverend James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest known for his outreach to the LGBT community, remarked that the omission of explicit mention of this group was “not a surprise.” While progressives may feel disheartened by the outcome, some conservatives had already expressed discontent with the summit from its inception.

Pope Francis, now 87, referred to the final text as a “gift” to the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Yet, traditionalists raised concerns over the inclusion of laypeople in this consultation process, questioning the value of collecting perspectives from non-clergy. Pope Francis believes that grassroots Catholics should have a pivotal role in shaping the Church’s future, a viewpoint that has earned him criticism from some traditionalist factions.

For the Pope and supporters of this initiative, the mere act of outreach and the participation of individuals with differing views was seen as a significant success, a foundation they hope will be built upon in the future.

Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, the summit’s chief spiritual advisor and an influential theologian from Oxford, emphasized the importance of building relationships in a divisive world. “We live in a highly fractured world in which there’s ever more war and violence, and this polarization affects the Church,” he stated. “I’ve forged friendships with people globally, including African bishops who hold vastly different views, particularly regarding the welcome of LGBT people. These friendships allow us to transcend disagreements and deepen our faith.”

However, it remains uncertain how these discussions will translate into actionable steps following the summit. Observers note that amid the compromises and avoidance of contentious issues, they see little that’s bold in the proposals. Consequently, an initiative intended to unify may have inadvertently left many feeling just as marginalized within the Catholic Church as they did prior to the summit.

On October 25, 2023, we marked the 74th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army’s participation in the Korean War. The city of Shenyang hosted a memorial event at the Shenyang Martyrs’ Cemetery under the theme “Great Victories and the Legacy of Spirit.”

Early that morning, attendees stood in solemn silence before the heroic monument, paying their respects with a moment of reflection and laying a floral wreath to honor the fallen heroes resting there.

Mr. Wu Dawei, a member of the Red Propaganda Team, vividly recounted the dramatic history of the Korean War, transporting the crowd back to that heroic era where brave soldiers emerged. The Starry Youth Red Drama Troupe presented scenes from the book “The Frozen Snow of Changjin Lake,” powerfully reenacting the tragic yet magnificent Battle of Changjin Lake during the Korean War.

Following this, attendees approached the monument with reverence, honoring the memory of the martyrs by cleaning their graves and laying down flowers as a tribute to their enduring legacy. Veterans of the Volunteer Army, young volunteers, and members of the Young Pioneers shared heroic stories, emphasizing that their narratives are not only a remembrance of bravery but also a commitment to preserving history.

A representative from the organizing committee remarked that 74 years ago, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army proudly marched across the Yalu River, rallying under the banner of defending their homeland. With unwavering resolve, they erected an indelible monument to spirit with their lives and sacrifices, crafting a stirring epic of heroism. Today’s ceremony serves to honor this illustrious history and to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of countless heroes. Their valor and noble spirit are not only a precious part of the Chinese nation’s cultural heritage but also a powerful source of motivation for future generations.

PA MediaMichelle O'Neill has said there are "no questions" over her party president's leadership of Sinn Féin.
On Tuesday, Mary Lou McDonald defended Sinn Féin's decision not to reveal that former Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile had been suspended for sending inappropriate texts to a teenage boy when he stepped down last year.
O'Neill said she was "very confident" her party can stand over how it dealt with the issue.
The party has come under pressure in recent weeks over its handling of child safeguarding issues.
"I think Mary Lou has set out very categorically everything that we knew and when we knew it in the Dáil statement yesterday," O'Neill said.
"Everything that we know is now on the public record," she added.
O’Neill said she is “trying to be as transparent, and open, and frank” as possible.
"We are a human organisation made up of people; any organisation will have many challenges at different times," she said.
Asked whether there are any outstanding cases where party members are being, or have been, investigated over similar concerns, she replied there are “certainly no other” cases that the party is engaged in.
'Crisis within Sinn Féin'PAEmma Little-Pengelly says there are "transparency" issuesThe deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, said that "ultimately this isn't a crisis of institutions, it is a crisis within Sinn Féin".
Little-Pengelly said Sinn Féin need to "get their house in order" and that "no organisation should operate with a cloak of secrecy".
"There are very serious questions for Sinn Féin to answer when it comes to the safeguarding of children", she said.
"It is really important that everyone steps up with full transparency and honestly and transparently answer these serious questions."
She added that there are "serious concerns" about the internal mechanisms of Sinn Féin and a "lack of transparency".
The deputy First Minister said that the party faced a "crisis of confidence" and that there are "legitimate political questions" to be asked.
However, she said it was her intention to "continue to try to ensure stability" at Stormont.
'Context of mental health crisis'Mr Ó Donnghaile confirmed in a statement to the Irish News on Tuesday that he sent an inappropriate text to a youth member of the party, a 17-year-old boy in Northern Ireland.
The message is believed to have been personal in nature but not sexually explicit.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has said he accepts that "full information" around Niall Ó Donnghaile's resignation was not provided by the party.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Doherty said this decision was made in the context of someone who has been through a mental health crisis.
Doherty said that given there was no finding of illegality or criminality, a decision was made that it would not be in Mr Ó Donnghaile's mental health interests to name him at that time.
However he added: “Mr Ó Donnghaile faced the full rigours of the party and the matter was referred to the PSNI as soon as it was established that the complainant was under the age of 18.
“He would have been suspended immediately from the party.”
Doherty said that "people now know why that full information was not provided".
'Hiding behind excuses'PA ImagesMáiría Cahill says she has been "disturbed" by the recent behaviour of Sinn FéinFormer Irish Labour senator Máiría Cahill has said McDonald hid behind the "excuse of mental health".
She says she was raped as a teenager by an IRA man and that Sinn Féin and the IRA tried to cover it up.
The former senator has been outspoken in her criticism of how the party handled the allegations.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, she said she was "disturbed" by the recent behaviour of Sinn Féin.
"I’d just like to remind people that there’s a young person at the centre of all of this watching it all play out so Sinn Féin have a responsibility to conduct itself properly and I don’t believe that they have done so," she said.
The former Labour senator was in the Dáil (Irish Parliament) public gallery on Tuesday during the statements made on child protection.
Reflecting on McDonald's statement, she said: "What the party did yesterday was try to excuse and explain away its behaviour."
"I don’t think that’s acceptable," she added.

On October 25th, Olympic diving champions Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie visited Beijing Institute of Technology’s Liangxiang campus for the “Chinese Sports Spirit Lecture Hall” and the “Champion Sports Class” events. They provided in-depth insights into the essence of Chinese sports spirit and shared valuable tips on diving techniques and sports knowledge.

During the “Chinese Sports Spirit Lecture Hall,” Cao Yuan recounted his journey from joining the national team to standing on the Olympic podium. He emphasized the challenges faced throughout his four Olympic appearances, stating, “I stand on the shoulders of giants and feel the responsibility to carry the baton of the ‘Dream Team.’ As long as I have the energy, I will sprint towards the finish line.”

Beijing Institute of Technology introduced its first sports elective course, “Chinese Sports Spirit,” in 2022, open to all students. Cao Yuan noted that learning about Chinese sports spirit is beneficial for youth development. “As an athlete, I have felt the power of these 24 words: representing my country, selfless dedication, scientific rigor, adherence to laws, teamwork, and tenacious effort.”

Lian Junjie also shared his thoughts, stating, “The times we fail far outnumber our successes. Every perfect move and every precise jump is the result of countless repetitions.” He attributed the Chinese diving team’s status as the “Dream Team” to this reality. Lian encouraged students by sharing his own growth story, highlighting how all the foundational years have contributed to their success. “I started as a student and climbed my way up; I hope my experiences inspire you to chase your dreams boldly.”

In the subsequent “Champion Sports Class,” Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie took on the role of “special sports teachers,” engaging directly with students from Beijing Institute of Technology. They thoughtfully explained the rules for calculating diving difficulty and guided participants through warm-up techniques.

During the event, both champions joined 16 students from the university in a spirited recitation of the “Ode to Chinese Sports Spirit.” As footage of thrilling Olympic moments played on a big screen, it evoked powerful memories among the audience. Vice President Li Zhenjian presented coaching certificates to Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie, along with mementos from the university.

Student Liu Zhenjia from Ruixin College expressed how lucky he felt to enroll in the “Chinese Sports Spirit” course, which comprises 32 class hours. Students participate in diverse practical activities and engage directly with Olympic champions and experts. “This course integrates sports with moral education, allowing us to learn sports theory and internalize the essence of Chinese sports spirit through practice.” Another student, Ge Jiarong from Mingde College, noted that interacting closely with Olympians and hearing their pursuit stories enriches their learning of perseverance and character.

The “Chinese Sports Spirit Lecture Hall” and “Champion Sports Class” events at Beijing Institute of Technology were jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the General Administration of Sport of China and the university, with support from China Sports Media Group and other partners.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has declared her intention to return to Russia to run for president once Vladimir Putin is no longer in power. “When the time is right, I will enter the election as a candidate,” she stated firmly.

In an interview with the BBC, Navalnaya identified Putin as her primary political opponent, emphasizing her commitment to doing everything in her power to bring down his regime as quickly as possible.

Since Navalny’s death in February while imprisoned in a Russian facility in the Arctic Circle, no leader has emerged to unite the diverse factions of the opposition within Russia, and infighting among Russian dissident groups abroad persists.

Navalnaya made it clear that she will not return to Russia while Putin remains in office. Having taken over as Russia’s supreme leader on December 31, 1999, Putin has now been in power for over 24 years, celebrating his 72nd birthday earlier this month.

Alexei Navalny, who passed away unexpectedly on February 16 at the age of 47, was seen as the most charismatic and popular leader among the opposition. He had been serving a sentence that totaled over 30 years, a conviction he claimed was fabricated by Russian authorities to suppress his criticisms of Putin.

Navalny described Putin’s Russia as a fragile criminal state governed by thieves, sycophants, and spies, where those in power are primarily concerned with wealth. He frequently warned of potential political upheaval, including the possibility of a revolution.

The Kremlin has labeled Navalny’s political allies as dangerous extremists representing the West and has sought to expel them from the country.

Navalnaya has accused Putin of ordering her husband’s assassination, a claim the Kremlin vehemently denies. According to reports from the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that Putin did not order Navalny’s killing.

In response to ongoing investigations, she dismissed the dismissal of claims and asserted that she now leads the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by her husband, which holds evidence that she plans to reveal to the public once she has a complete understanding of the situation.

Recently, the Beijing Art Center launched its inaugural performance for the “Second Site of Art” series. This concert, a collaboration between the Beijing Art Center and Steinway, promises to deliver a transcendent musical feast that spans across time, while also heralding the upcoming “Second Site of Art” brand project set to debut in 2025.

The concert featured world-renowned pianist Lang Lang, who performed simultaneously at the Beijing Art Center Concert Hall and the Zhihui Hall of the Beijing Urban Library. Through cutting-edge ultra-high-definition live streaming technology, the event enabled audiences in both locations to experience an immersive and unparalleled audio-visual experience akin to attending a live performance.

That evening, Lang Lang began the concert with Fauré’s “Pavane” at the Beijing Urban Library, performance that skillfully unfolded a timeless classical narrative. He continued with Schumann’s “Blumenstück,” where his poetic and profound interpretation guided the audience through a spectrum of emotions. As the “Second Site,” the Beijing Art Center Concert Hall provided an identical auditory experience to a live performance, enhanced by a screen connected to the piano that captured Lang Lang’s engaging performance style, resulting in an extraordinary “audio-visual experience.”

Lang Lang then surprised the audience by appearing on stage at the Beijing Art Center Concert Hall, where he performed a selection including the Winter Olympics theme song “Snowflake,” the Chinese piece “Bright Moon,” and three mazurkas by Chopin, showcasing his versatility across various musical styles.

During the transitions, several winners of the Steinway National Youth Piano Competition entertained the audience at both venues with diverse performances. The concert concluded with an encore of the final “theme reprise” from Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.”

Looking ahead, the Beijing Art Center will launch 12 performances as part of the “Second Site of Art” brand project in 2025. This initiative includes two main segments: ultra-high-definition live broadcasts of Steinway’s “New Joy Piano” concerts, world-class music transmissions, and live productions from the National Centre for the Performing Arts; as well as screenings of opera films and live performances from the National Theatre in the UK.

The “Second Site of Art” serves as one of the Beijing Art Center’s initiatives to promote art accessibility. By leveraging cutting-edge 8K ultra-high-definition technology, 5G networks, and immersive audio, alongside the venue’s exceptional audiovisual capabilities, the project aims to provide audiences with an intimate view of high-quality performances—capturing the best angles and details often missed in traditional viewing settings. Moreover, the project will utilize subsidized ticket pricing to maximize audience reach, promoting the dissemination of diverse performance arts while delivering an artistic experience that transcends time and space.

In a recent report from Khabarhub, an English-language media outlet in Nepal, it’s been announced that the Nepalese government has established a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive review of its civil aviation sector. The committee was formed during a Cabinet meeting held on October 18 and will be led by Anil Kumar Sinha, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Nepal.

The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has emphasized that this committee will conduct a thorough assessment of the civil aviation sector, aiming to help build a safe and reliable aviation system in Nepal. The committee consists of five members, including several experts from various fields such as aviation management, safety, and operations.

Ramkrishna Lamichhane, the committee’s joint secretary and spokesperson, mentioned that the committee will provide recommendations for improvements to Nepal’s national aviation sector and will propose measures to ensure aviation safety in the country.

The urgency for such a review comes in the wake of two aviation accidents that occurred between July and August of this year, which resulted in a total of 23 fatalities. Notably, one of these incidents involved a helicopter crash in the northern district of Rautahat, leading to the tragic deaths of four Chinese nationals.

Recently, a popular financial blogger known as Da Lan, who had millions of followers, was banned from Douyin after his investment advice led to significant losses for many. Despite his downfall, the surge of self-proclaimed stock market “gods” in live-streaming rooms has not ceased, with these newcomers representing themselves as masters of the market. But what lies beneath the façade of these so-called “gods”?

Since October, the fluctuating A-share market has made stock-related content exceedingly popular on short video platforms. Some bloggers have set up blackboards to passionately discuss market trends while presenting themselves as economic “experts.” Others, like a housewife claiming to have helped her husband recover from a 3 million yuan loss in just one day, boast about their supposed earnings. There are even individuals asserting they are shareholders of large agricultural groups with over two decades of market experience, teaching others how to read candlestick charts to “spot a bull market.”

A dive into these live-streams reveals a chaotic scene. On the evening of October 21, the search for “stock market” on a popular platform flooded with various predictions and trading instructions. One blogger declared, “Who else besides me is fully invested at the bottom?” while showcasing their impressive “real-world results” and claiming a 70% profit on their main account this year. Recommendations for quick trades flowed freely, with pitches like, “What are you waiting for, newbies? Buy in at the tail-end of the first big drop and sell the next day; it’s your only chance!”

These self-styled experts vied for attention with phrases like, “Buy low, sell high; that’s how you win,” or dramatic assertions like “I’ve had success with almost all my stocks.” Such exaggerated claims drew a large audience, with some streams hitting the top 50 in both viewership and popularity during prime time.

“Precise” predictions have become the selling point for these bloggers. In one live-stream, a presenter earnestly operated a so-called secret calculator, suggesting it could predict not just the market movements but how much it would rise or fall the next day.

Notably, a stream by a blogger named “Financial Mai Mou Ji” attracted around 50,000 viewers who were given detailed trading strategies in no uncertain terms.

However, the term “black talk” comes into play when considering the ways these individuals attract investors without directly recommending stocks. The Chinese regulatory framework mandates that anyone offering stock investment consultancy must have qualified credentials. Unfortunately, an alarming number of these bloggers—approximately 70% according to our investigation—lack any form of certification or regulatory compliance, which might classify their advice as illegal promotion.

One veteran investor lamented that these influencers understand the allure of quick wealth, often flipping their stances on the market based on daily movements, leading unseasoned traders to potential losses. Many of these bloggers redirect viewers through convoluted “black language” to obscure direct references to specific stocks.

As the night progresses in these streams, multiple bloggers offer “exclusive” trading materials for as little as $0.99, claiming years of insights hidden within. However, those who pay often find themselves funneled into promotional consultations rather than receiving the promised materials.

When engaging with a consultant, responses are often vague, and substantial fees are pushed under various pretexts for more detailed stock recommendations. Many users report that, rather than making profits, they incur significant losses after following such advice.

This cycle of low-cost offerings is merely a marketing tactic. Those in the industry assert that it is an easy route for these brokers to collect fees while leading users back to their platforms for ongoing consultations.

As this troubling trend continues, experts urge caution among investors. The growing number of unqualified individuals broadcasting stock advice can easily mislead the unsuspecting. Observations indicate that platforms do recognize this trend and are taking steps to mitigate illegal activities, including banning accounts and removing unauthorized content.

However, users must remain vigilant, especially when they notice a lack of certified qualifications or the use of sensational promotional language. Advice from seasoned investment professionals suggests that platforms should maintain lists of qualified participants in various fields to ensure compliance with existing regulations. Ultimately, it’s essential for investors to scrutinize the credentials of anyone offering stock advice in live-streaming environments.

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, technological methods to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground may provide a viable solution to combat climate change. Recently, the Kern County Board approved California’s first underground carbon sequestration project. However, many environmentalists are concerned that this initiative could lead to increased air pollution and safety risks.

According to CalMatters, this marks a significant advancement for the “Carbon Terra Vault” project, which will be implemented by California Resources Corporation. The plan aims to capture millions of tons of CO2 and inject it into a vast oil and gas field located south of Buttonwillow, on the western side of the San Joaquin Valley. The Newsom administration recognizes that carbon capture and storage technology is crucial for California’s climate change response efforts and will play a key role in the state’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy over the next twenty years.

The project has sparked considerable controversy, highlighted by a recent meeting in Bakersfield that drew a large crowd. Community members and environmental advocates expressed serious concerns about the potential for air pollution and questioned the safety of injecting carbon dioxide underground. Ileana Navarro of the Central California Environmental Justice Network stated that the project could create another source of air pollution, worsening air quality in Kern County rather than improving it.

Conversely, representatives from the oil industry argue that the project could significantly boost the local economy. Francisco Leon, CEO of California Resources Corporation, pointed out that this initiative could reduce carbon emissions while preserving high-paying jobs, offering a dual benefit for the community.

Before formal engineering can begin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must give final approval for the project. Earlier this year, the agency granted preliminary permits for the construction of four carbon dioxide wells, and the company is seeking permission for two additional wells.

The construction of the carbon capture facility is expected to take about two years, while the pipeline construction will take approximately one year. Experts indicate that Kern County’s location is particularly significant, as the San Joaquin Valley is an ideal site for carbon storage. California Resources Corporation noted that this is the first permit issued by the EPA for a depleted oil and gas field in the nation, marking a new milestone in environmental management.