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Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived on Thursday for talks with Keir Starmer and the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte. No 10 is hosting the Ukrainian president, who has been pressing western governments for more military support and the green light to fire long-range weapons into Russia.
Starmer said on Thursday it was important to show the UK’s continuing support for Ukraine, while Zelenskyy said he would share his ‘victory plan’ and thanked the UK.
Zelenskyy is also due to meet the French president, Emmanuel Macron, the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, his office said
Zelenskyy at No 10 for talks with Starmer and Nato secretary general
Minister strongly rejects claim from business lobby ‘chaotic’ workers bill will cost jobs – UK politics live
Source: ReutersThu 10 Oct 2024 06.48 EDTLast modified on Thu 10 Oct 2024 07.05 EDTShare

During a recent interview, we discussed the appeal of McDonald’s iconic Filet-O-Fish sandwich, which has captured the hearts of even those who aren’t typically fond of fish burgers. The sandwich features a crispy, tender filet of fish, topped with cheese and a savory sauce, making it a simple yet delicious offering. According to Daily Meal, the fish used in this beloved menu item is one of the most abundant catches in Alaska.

What’s particularly interesting is that the fish in the Filet-O-Fish is fresher than many consumers might expect. Just moments before you take a bite of that hot sandwich, the fish was swimming in the waters surrounding Alaska and the Bering Sea. McDonald’s uses wild-caught Alaska Pollock, also known as yellowfin cod, which is sustainably sourced rather than farmed. Stringent industry regulations ensure that this species remains plentiful and that other marine life is not harmed during fishing operations.

Historically, the Filet-O-Fish was conceived with a different type of fish in mind. Initially, the plan was to use halibut, which was later switched to cod. For nearly 50 years, the Filet-O-Fish has been made from cod, but today, customers delight in the sustainable and nutrient-rich Alaska Pollock.

As one of McDonald’s top-selling items—with annual sales reaching 300 million units as of 2023—the sustainability efforts behind the Filet-O-Fish are crucial. In 2013, the sandwich’s packaging featured the blue fish logo of the Marine Stewardship Council, making McDonald’s the only national chain in the United States with this distinction. This certification indicates that every step of the process, from ocean catch to customer delivery, adheres to sustainable fishing practices.

Not many people know that this popular burger was the result of franchise operator Lou Groen’s dedication to creating a meatless product that would appeal to the Catholic community in Cincinnati during Lent. The sandwich was such a hit that it saved Groen’s store and allowed him to open 43 more locations. Although Groen initially believed his halibut burger was far superior to McDonald’s previous Atlantic cod version, the importance of sustainability is undeniable given the staggering annual sales of the Filet-O-Fish.

Alaska Pollock is not only celebrated for its sustainability but also for its mild flavor, tender texture, and nutritional value. It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is frozen immediately upon capture, ensuring its freshness.

As the crisp autumn month of October unfolds, the news of bountiful harvests echoes across the nation: “Autumn grain yields are increasing,” and “Winter wheat and oilseed rape sowing are off to a good start”…

According to the latest agricultural updates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of October 12, about 59.8% of the autumn grain has been harvested nationwide, which is 1.6 percentage points ahead of last year’s pace. For the last eight consecutive days, approximately 30 million acres have been harvested daily. As the autumn harvest accelerates, meteorological agencies are closely monitoring weather conditions, offering timely forecasts during critical periods to enhance agricultural disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, ensuring robust support for harvest weather services.

In Heilongjiang, known for its fertile black soil, golden rice waves sway gently, and heavy ears of corn droop low, reflecting the joy of a fruitful harvest after a year of hard work. This region is the heartland of autumn grain production in China. As the country’s top grain-producing province, Heilongjiang leads the country in total grain output, commercial production, and export volume. Agricultural reports indicate that this year, Heilongjiang has planted 22.9 million acres of grain crops, with overall growth conditions looking promising for a bountiful harvest.

“Overall, the climatic resources for crop growth during the key development periods in 2024 are abundant,” said Wang Liangliang, a senior engineer at the Heilongjiang Meteorological Science Research Institute. “Despite some early low temperatures, heavy rain, and limited sunlight during the nutrient growth phase, timely heat during later stages has compensated well. The current weather conditions are favorable for crop growth and yield formation. With all crops showing good growth, we can confidently say that a harvest is assured for the entire province this year.”

This year, Heilongjiang is ramping up its plan to increase grain production by ten million tons, prioritizing not only the quantity of grain produced but also its quality, aiming to be the nation’s most stable and reliable “granary.” The meteorological department, leveraging national key R&D projects, is conducting monitoring and assessments of low-temperature damage to corn and rice while developing predictive models for optimal planting and transplanting times, providing farmers with scientifically grounded advice to enhance planting strategies and improve crop yield and quality.

In Henan Province, advanced agricultural practices are taking root, with automatic weather observation stations and seedling monitoring devices acting as vigilant “sentinels” in the fields. The integration of smart irrigation systems allows farmers to manage watering with just a touch on their smartphones, showcasing a palpable shift towards agricultural modernization.

As the first county in Henan to pilot high-standard farmland construction comprehensively, Lankao has established 320,000 acres of demonstration fields, creating scenarios of vast, productive landscapes.

Meteorological support is crucial for growing and securing sufficient grain. In 2022, Henan integrated meteorological services with agriculture, land, water management, transport, forestry, electricity, technology, and management to enhance its agricultural capabilities. They have installed 554 automatic soil moisture stations and 143 small climate monitoring stations, gathering 28 types of agricultural meteorological data while establishing 118 ground verification points to ensure accurate satellite observations, aggregating 7.8 million historical data points in the cloud for comprehensive monitoring of crop production conditions.

“To ensure food security, we need to stay ahead and employ effective strategies,” said Ji Xingjie, director of the Henan Meteorological Science Research Institute. “We’ve developed 60 algorithm models utilizing big data for crop condition classification, risk assessment, and disaster forecasting. By predicting potential threats like late frost, rust diseases, and dry winds, we issue timely agricultural meteorological disaster risk warnings. Additionally, by combining soil moisture levels, crop water demands, and future precipitation forecasts, we’ve devised water-saving irrigation technologies that provide precise irrigation instructions to support food production throughout the growing season.”

In Shandong Province, an agricultural powerhouse, grain production has steadily increased for three consecutive years. The region is alive with vibrant rice fields and bountiful gardens.

“The late grain filling period is critical for determining the yield and quality of high-quality wheat varieties,” stated Wang Yan, head of the agriculture extension station in Jining’s Yanzhou District. “Effectively predicting and preventing natural disasters like dry winds is essential. Since early May, a coalition of meteorology and agriculture experts has been actively involved in this effort.”

“The warnings issued by the meteorology and agriculture departments regarding dry winds and other potential disasters have provided us with crucial guidance for proper irrigation and protective measures,” remarked Ning Hongdi, general manager of Jining Hongdi Seed Industry Co., as she pointed to her phone screen.

In recent years, Shandong’s meteorological department has made significant strides in providing agricultural meteorological services, deeply exploring service needs and employing multiple strategies to ensure a plentiful harvest.

In Qingdao, collaboration with a smart village development service center has led to the integration of agricultural meteorological data into an intelligent machinery management platform, enhancing agricultural insurance services. In Taian, a comprehensive meteorological service strategy is in place to monitor each critical agricultural production stage precisely. In Dongying’s Hekou District, partnerships with agricultural departments have illuminated the climatic characteristics of saline-alkali lands, discovering optimal meteorological conditions tailored for various crops while jointly developing superior varieties and scientific planting models to boost agricultural productivity in these challenging conditions.

As I walked through the harvest-laden fields, the faces of farmers radiated happiness. They expressed their gratitude, saying, “This year’s harvest is largely thanks to the meteorological department’s accurate forecasts. Their timely assistance has given us more confidence in our farming.”

On October 14, the Shenyang Publishing House announced the release of a new book titled “Searching for Cao Chengying,” which commemorates the life of China’s first female professor in agricultural science. This work provides a detailed and vivid account of the remarkable life of an outstanding female scholar through rich historical materials, authentic details, and a clear narrative of her journey.

Cao Chengying, also known as Juan with a courtesy name of Peisheng, was born in 1902 in Wangchuan, Jixi, Anhui Province. A member of the Chinese Kuomintang and a pioneering figure, she was the first woman to be appointed as a professor of agricultural science in China and one of the founding members of the Chen Guang Society, an early new literature group in Zhejiang Province. After graduating from Hangzhou Normal School in 1925 and Central University in 1931, she pursued further studies in the United States at Cornell University, specializing in genetics, where she obtained her Master’s degree in plant breeding in 1937. She returned to China the same year and went on to teach at various institutions, including Anhui Agricultural University, Sichuan Agricultural University, and Fudan University. In 1952, she relocated with the Fudan Agricultural College to Shenyang Agricultural University, where she continued to teach until her retirement. She returned to her hometown of Jixi in 1969 and passed away in Shanghai in 1973.

Cao Chengying is recognized as the founder of the genetics and breeding discipline at Shenyang Agricultural University. She made significant contributions to potato variety selection and cultivation techniques in northern China, successfully developing high-yield potato varieties that became widely cultivated in the northeast region. Throughout her life, she demonstrated resilience and a patriotic spirit, contributing to education and research in post-revolutionary China. Her heartfelt essay “Motherland Loves Me; I Love My Motherland” reflects her profound love for her country and party. A talented poet, her works predominantly survived in fragments, yet the lines that remain are celebrated for their quality, standing alongside the best of her time. Despite her health struggles, she yearned for independence and freedom, ultimately leading a solitary life.

The new book is an updated edition of “The First Female Professor in China’s Agricultural Science – Cao Chengying,” published in 2012. Over the 12 years since the first edition, the quest to uncover Cao’s legacy has continued. From 1983 to 2024, a dedicated group of her descendants, acquaintances from her hometown, and cultural scholars have spent 41 years searching for her academic papers, essays, letters, poems, and commemorative articles—totaling 5 scholarly papers, 8 essays, 11 letters, 50 poems, and 32 memorial articles, making this compilation one of the most comprehensive collections of her works.

By following the insights in “Searching for Cao Chengying,” readers will discover the unwavering spirit of modern Chinese scholars, especially women, who refused to succumb to fate. They will also witness the dedication and admiration of the editors and younger scholars who have invested over four decades in honoring the legacy of this extraordinary female agricultural scientist.

On October 15, the Chengdu Housing Provident Fund Management Committee announced the implementation of a new regulation, titled “Management Measures for the Conversion of Commercial Personal Housing Loans to Housing Provident Fund Personal Housing Loans.” Starting today, residents can apply for commercial-to-public loans.

This policy adjustment sees an increase in the maximum loan amounts for both single and joint contributors. A single contributor can now borrow up to 600,000 yuan, while joint contributors can access up to 1 million yuan. Additionally, the previous differences in loan limits for first and second homes for joint contributors have been eliminated, creating a unified standard of 1 million yuan. Families with multiple children and those looking to upgrade their homes can benefit from loan amounts that are raised by 20%, reaching a maximum of 1.2 million yuan. This aims to support residents in meeting their housing needs and alleviating the pressures of home purchasing.

Moreover, the policy expands the eligibility for withdrawal support for home purchasing. Contributors who buy property in Chengdu before the end of 2025 can now have their parents and children apply to withdraw funds from the provident fund as well. This initiative encourages family cooperation in purchasing homes, lightening the financial load, and lowering the barriers for young people and new residents establishing themselves in Chengdu. The existing rule that allows contributors and their spouses to withdraw funds monthly for five years post-purchase remains in effect. Previously, if a contributor had made a rental withdrawal in a given year, they couldn’t apply for a withdrawal for home purchase or loan repayment within the same year. To address the typical financial strain faced during home buying, the Chengdu Provident Fund Center has optimized these withdrawal regulations. Notably, rental withdrawal amounts from the past 12 months can now be included in the loan calculation, effectively supporting transitions from renting to owning.

Additionally, the policy removes restrictions for contributors purchasing homes outside their working or registered locations within the province, reflecting new trends in regional development and personnel movement. This change is expected to promote a steady and healthy growth in the Sichuan real estate market and support the development strategy of simultaneous urban-rural integration and the collective advancement of five districts.

Finally, the new regulation allows contributors to convert eligible commercial housing loans into housing provident fund personal loans. Contributors buying homes within Chengdu can withdraw provident funds for their parents or children within the stipulated time frame. The updated provident fund policy demonstrates a commitment to facilitating transitions from renting to owning. Contributors who have withdrawn for renting within the same year may also apply for withdrawals for purchasing homes or repaying mortgages. Furthermore, amounts withdrawn for rent in the past year can count towards the loan amount when applying for housing provident fund loans.

This new set of regulations is effective immediately upon issuance and supersedes any existing regulations that conflict with it.

PA MediaHwang Ui-jo says he is sincerely sorry to the women that he filmed without their consentSouth Korean football player Hwang Ui-jo has apologised for secretly filming sexual encounters with his partners.
Prosecutors say the 31-year-old striker filmed sexual encounters with two of his partners without their consent on four occasions between June and September 2022.
In his first court appearance in Seoul on Wednesday, Hwang said he was "deeply sorry" for causing "disappointment".
The former striker had just last month left England's Nottingham Forest for Turkey's Alanyaspor.
The videos came to light after Hwang's sister-in-law shared them on social media last June, in an attempt to blackmail him.
She was sentenced to three years in prison in September for the blackmail after Hwang sued her.
However, the charges against him proceeded as prosecutors said he filmed the videos illegally.
Prosecutors refused to provide details on the women in the videos to prevent further harm.
"I will not do anything wrong in the future and will do my best as a footballer," Hwang told the court in Seoul.
"I sincerely apologise to the victims who have been affected by my actions, and I am deeply sorry for the disappointment I have caused to all those who have cared and supported me," he added.

On October 6, Japan’s former Empress Michiko experienced a fall that resulted in a fracture to her right femur. She was hospitalized for surgery on October 8 and has since been discharged this afternoon, with plans to continue her rehabilitation at home. Remarkably, Michiko is set to celebrate her 90th birthday on October 20.

According to NHK, the incident occurred at the Akasaka Palace, one of her residences in the Minato ward of Tokyo. Following the fall, she was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital on October 7, where she underwent surgery.

The Imperial Household Agency has reported that her recovery post-surgery is proceeding well, and she will be focusing on rehabilitation in the comfort of her home.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time she’s faced health challenges; Michiko was previously hospitalized in September 2019 for the removal of early-stage breast cancer.

Watch: Liam Payne fans hold vigils around the worldLiam Payne fans have gathered at vigils around the world – from Birmingham to Manila – to grieve, sing, and cry in memory of the former One Direction star who died on Wednesday.
Police estimated that between 800 and 1,000 people gathered in London's Hyde Park on Sunday to remember the 31-year-old who died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Argentina.
The crowd sang One Direction songs, such as the chart-topping hit What Makes You Beautiful, with many fans in tears.
Groups of fans have also come together in Glasgow, Paris, Sydney, and elsewhere.
It is not yet known when his body will be repatriated to the UK.
Payne rose to global fame as part of the boyband One Direction – created on The X Factor TV show in 2010 – and sang together with bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.
PA MediaA crowd has gathered in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoonFans showed up in London's Hyde Park, braving the drizzly weather on Sunday afternoon, and brought with them letters, pictures and flowers.
Many were placing them at the Peter Pan statue where the memorial was being held.
Organiser Alicia Sinclair, 22, from Hertfordshire, said One Direction was "a light in a lot of people’s lives, especially mine".
"There are a lot of people upset and it’s a good time for us to come together and be with people who understand," she told BBC 5 Live.
"My favourite memories with my sister are almost entirely revolving around One Direction," she added.
"So for me it feels like, I guess like the end of us growing up together. That's what makes it so hard."
Noor Nanji / BBCEmily and Olivia in London said One Direction bonded them togetherIn London, fans Emily and Olivia first fell in love with Payne and One Direction when they were at school.
“Growing up, it’s hard to put it in words, but being a Directioner became such an important community for me,” said Emily, 25.
“Being young at the time, it was my first feeling of being in love, my first feeling of crushing on a boy, of being excited about boys,” added Olivia, who is 23. “I kissed the posters every night. We all did.”
“It felt like you were part of the best club in the world and it’s a huge part of why we bonded together.”
She added that part of the reason why Payne’s death has hit so hard, is because she “always hoped for a One Direction reunion one day”.
“We took it for granted,” she said.
Peter Gillibrand / BBCJamie Parker in Birmingham said One Direction helped him process griefArriving with flowers in their hands and some people with tears in their eyes, hundreds of fans of One Direction and Payne arrived in Chamberlain Square in the centre of Birmingham.
Some fans paying tribute to the singer were upset while others were dancing and singing One Direction songs and sharing their memories of Liam Payne and the band.
Jamie Parker, 27, was one of many leaving flowers and a handwritten note in tribute.
Parker said his mother died from cancer in 2013 and that he and his sister "relied on the One Direction albums to help us process our grief and navigate our feelings".
He added: "When I woke up to the news that he'd died, I was just in utter disbelief."

365 Solar is excited to announce its “Solar Battery Energy Savings Program,” offering an incredible promotional deal. With government subsidies and tax reductions, the prices are slashed to less than half of the original cost. You can get one Tesla Powerwall 3 battery for just $5,700, or two for $10,000. For more details, feel free to call 626-672-1668 for a free assessment or visit their website at www.365solar.net. Their office is located at 398 Lemon Creek Dr, Suite I, Walnut.

The Tesla Powerwall 3 is an outstanding energy storage solution packed with benefits ideal for both homes and businesses. Firstly, it enhances energy self-sufficiency by storing excess power generated from solar panels. This means users can rely on stored energy during the night or in case of a power outage, significantly reducing dependence on the grid.

Additionally, the Powerwall 3 comes equipped with a backup power feature that automatically kicks in during outages, providing continuous power to households during natural disasters or other emergencies. Its increased energy storage capacity also allows it to hold more power than its predecessors, enabling users to utilize solar energy collected during the day even longer into the night or during blackouts.

Smart energy management is another highlight of the Powerwall 3. Users can monitor their power consumption in real-time and optimize settings through Tesla’s mobile app, ensuring efficient and economical energy use. Ultimately, the Powerwall 3 is an ideal choice for helping users save on energy costs while promoting clean energy usage and sustainable living.

365 Solar operates as an authorized direct dealer for mainstream solar brands, serving customers across Northern California, Southern California, and the San Diego area.

In a bid to deepen cross-strait integration and strengthen the sense of shared national identity, over 80 scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Fuzhou to discuss the construction of a common homeland.

On October 19, the Minjiang University Cross-Strait Integration Development Forum hosted an academic seminar focused on building a shared community for the Chinese nation.

Professor Huang Qingxian, director of the Taiwan Politics Research Center at Nankai University, emphasized the deep-rooted connections between the people of both sides, stating that they share a common heritage and culture. He argued that this established a “common destiny” awareness, which should drive cross-strait compatriots to reinforce their sense of national community, seize opportunities for modernization in China, and collaboratively create a shared homeland for both sides while pursuing national rejuvenation.

Associate Professor Wang Mengjun from Guangxi Normal University delivered a keynote speech on “The Pathways to Building a Shared Community for Young Taiwanese People through Cyberspace.” She noted that social media platforms from mainland China, such as WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, have gained significant popularity among Taiwanese youth. These platforms create opportunities for communication and interaction, allowing mainland China to share historical narratives, favorable policies, and collaborative initiatives with young people in Taiwan.

“Engaging young people from both sides in online spaces can help build consensus, enhance interaction, and foster a deeper understanding, leading to a new community of ‘cross-strait netizens.’ This is essential for deepening national identity and reinforcing the sense of a shared ethnic community,” Wang stated.

In the afternoon, experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on three key topics: the goals of building a shared community for the Chinese nation, the pathways to achieving this, and the practical efforts involved.

Researcher Zhang Guanhua from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic ties between both sides as part of the Chinese national economy. He highlighted that gradually establishing a common market and an economic community is critical for maintaining and building a shared homeland, advancing national unification, and realizing national rejuvenation.

Professor Zheng Xiaoxue from Minjiang University remarked, “Our shared roots and common historical memories and cultural heritage provide a solid foundation for the people on both sides to build a common homeland.” Additionally, Professor Wang Heting from Suzhou University suggested a need for enhancing national unity and ensuring the rights and welfare of Taiwanese citizens in various contexts while promoting social integration between both sides.

This seminar, organized by Minjiang University and hosted by its Institute for Cross-Strait Integration Development, is considered an important step towards exploring new paths for cross-strait integration in Fujian, constructing a demonstration area for integrated development, and fostering a better community for all Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.