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According to a recent announcement from the China National Railway Group Co., Ltd. on October 19, during the first nine months of this year, the national railway system transported a record-breaking 3.33 billion passengers, marking a 13.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

In an interview with the head of the passenger transport department at the railway group, it was revealed that the railway sector has effectively coordinated resources between high-speed and conventional rail services. By optimizing schedules and taking advantage of newly opened routes, the railways have increased the average daily operation of passenger trains to 10,792, up 9.8% from last year. During peak travel seasons such as the spring and summer holidays, as well as during holidays like Qingming, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, the railway authorities implemented several measures to accommodate the surge in passenger numbers and enhance service quality.

The department also reported that 1,430 tourist trains have been operated from January to September, contributing to the growth of both tourism and the silver economy.

On the cross-border passenger transport front, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway facilitated nearly 19.9 million cross-border travelers, a remarkable year-on-year increase of 43.1%. Additionally, the China-Laos Railway served 190,000 cross-border passengers.

Furthermore, the railway sector has made strides in promoting innovative ticketing services. The newly introduced tickets for multiple trips and periodic travel have already been implemented on 60 lines, while tourist packages are available on 11 routes. The “Railway Smooth Code” system is now in use across all high-speed trains, allowing for convenient transfers at 120 stations nationwide. More than 80 stations have introduced internet meal ordering services, and the “quiet carriage” service has expanded to include 92 high-speed trains.

Looking ahead, the official indicated that the China National Railway Group will continue to monitor changes in passenger demand closely, enhance transport organization, dynamically optimize train schedules, and expand the variety of passenger service offerings.

How effective is the old-for-new policy in driving domestic consumption and stimulating economic growth? Recently, governmental agencies conducted surveys across more than ten provinces and cities, revealing that over 80% of consumers are aware of the policy, and more than 70% express a willingness to participate actively. This indicates that the policy is making a significant impact on driving demand and promoting consumer spending.

In recent months, the old-for-new policy has gained momentum, particularly for large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods. The “Measures for Supporting Large-Scale Equipment Renewal and Old-for-New of Consumer Goods” have earmarked approximately 150 billion yuan in long-term special bonds to support local initiatives. Furthermore, detailed guidelines for replacing old vehicles, home appliances, and electric bicycles have been issued, with cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu unveiling their respective implementation plans. This comprehensive policy framework is fueling renewed interest in upgrading consumer goods.

The old-for-new scheme is a powerful tool for expanding domestic demand and boosting consumption. Data shows that the policy has broadened its reach, significantly driving sales in related sectors. In the first three quarters of this year, retail sales of new energy passenger cars surged by 37.4% year-over-year, while retail sales of home appliances and audio-visual equipment saw a 4.4% increase. Thanks to this initiative, big-ticket consumption remains stable, providing a solid foundation for ongoing consumer confidence. This illustrates how fiscal resources can leverage greater social investments and consumer spending.

While the overall economy is stabilizing, there remains insufficient effective domestic demand, necessitating continued efforts to bolster consumption and achieve a higher dynamic balance between supply and demand. Data indicates that by the end of 2023, the total number of registered passenger vehicles in China reached 336 million, with over 3 billion major household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners in use. Upgrading consumer goods, particularly vehicles and appliances, could unlock a market space worth trillions and promote industry transformation and upgrading. Companies can also leverage large-scale equipment renewal policies to optimize capacity, ensuring structural improvement and stable investment.

To maximize the effectiveness of the old-for-new policy, it’s essential to closely align with new consumer needs and tackle the challenges within the scheme. Incentivizing policies and facilitating smoother flows can create mechanisms that make it easier to trade in the old for new. On the demand side, it is crucial to respect consumer preferences and focus on practical scenarios such as replacing vehicles, appliances, and home decor. Optimizing recycling services and minimizing the time required to receive subsidies will make the process more convenient, regulated, and environmentally friendly, ultimately encouraging greater participation in the old-for-new initiative. On the supply side, there must be increased product innovation, introducing more green, smart, and healthy products that consumers find appealing.

Driving domestic demand and enhancing consumption are vital for economic functionality and improving livelihoods. Strengthening policies that encourage the old-for-new initiative can enhance the quality and scale of consumption, allowing consumers to purchase superior products at lower costs while effectively expanding demand and propelling high-quality economic development.

Nume Ekeghe
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has reinforced its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s education and health sectors through strategic collaborations and partnerships.
In a statement, Head of Workforce Management and Academy at the NESG, Gbemisola Ibrahim, reiterated the organisation’s focus on driving meaningful interventions in these critical sectors.
“The NESG, through its policy commission structure, has made considerable progress in both education and health. The NESG Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting these commissions, contributing to the development of knowledge products that are actively used in Nigeria today.
“One of our key long-term objectives is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. We have collaborated with NGOs to design curricula that have already been adopted in some Nigerian schools. Moving forward, we aim to expand these partnerships to increase our impact both in Nigeria and across Africa,” Ibrahim stated.
Ibrahim also underscored the NESG Academy’s essential role in preparing volunteers for the intricate landscape of policy reform. “The Academy was founded nine years ago to equip our volunteers—whether they are seasoned experts, mid-level professionals, or early-career individuals—with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex policy reform space. We focus on building their capacity to ensure they can effectively contribute to our mission,” she explained.

On October 15, 2023, the 2024 China New Media Conference officially kicked off in Changsha, themed “New Mission, New Mechanism, New Reform.”

This year’s conference is notable for inviting representatives from media outlets in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for the first time, focusing on discussions surrounding the proactive reforms and innovative measures in mainstream media, especially in areas like content innovation, international communication, social responsibility, and technological application.

Approved by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the China New Media Conference serves as a national, authoritative platform and annual industry event aimed at uniting and guiding new media and its professionals while promoting the deep integration and systematic transformation of media. Since its inception in 2018, the conference has held five sessions.

This year’s program features a main opening ceremony and forum, alongside six parallel forums addressing themes like “Promoting All-Media Production and Communication,” “Building a More Effective International Communication System,” and “New Ecologies in Cultural Heritage and Digital Expression.” Additionally, it includes thematic activities such as the “Integration of Culture and Technology Giving Rise to New Cultural Business Models” event and the 2024 China New Media Technology Exhibition.

The China New Media Technology Exhibition, a key highlight of the conference, has been hosted in Changsha for two consecutive years, becoming an essential showcase for technological advancements that empower media convergence. This year’s exhibition includes specialized sections for media technology, artificial intelligence, and audio-visual technologies, highlighting applications such as AI’s role in enhancing media integration and intelligent services in cultural tourism and digital cultural heritage.

At the Hunan Broadcasting System exhibit, three nationally treasured artifacts—a T-shaped silk painting, a bronze pig-shaped vessel from the Shang Dynasty, and a bronze square jar—are presented through high-precision replication and personalized interactive designs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural narratives behind these treasures. “We can also utilize our self-developed Chinese historical and cultural large model for AI-driven custom printing, maintaining the original texture and contours of the artifacts,” a staff member explained.

During the conference, the organizing committee of the China New Media Technology Exhibition, in collaboration with the Key National Laboratory for Media Convergence and Communication at Communication University of China, launched the “Intelligent Media Innovation Development Report (2023-2024),” focusing on the deep empowerment of media innovation through large models. The report also showcases outstanding innovative cases under themes like “Tech-Enabled Convergence” and “Media Plus.”

The conference is guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and co-hosted by the All-China Journalists Association and the People’s Government of Hunan Province, with execution responsibilities held by the New Media Professional Committee of the Chinese Journalists Association, the Propaganda Department of the Hunan Provincial Committee, and the Hunan Provincial Cyberspace Administration.

With Latin influences, inclusive nightlife and line-dancing saloons, Dallas is a melting pot where new experiences abound, says Jason Hanna, one half of influencers 2 Dallas Dads
Paid for byAbout this contentCynthia J DrakeTue 20 Aug 2024 11.02 BSTLast modified on Wed 25 Sep 2024 11.59 BSTShareWith its unmistakable cosmopolitan vibes mingling with southern charm, Dallas is one of the most quintessential Texas cities. Here you’ll feel equally comfortable dining in a five-star steakhouse as you will at the State Fair of Texas, the longest running state fair in the US.
We talked to Jason Hanna, who along with his husband, Joe Riggs, makes up the team behind 2 Dallas Dads, local influencers raising twin 10-year-old sons in the city, to share his favourite Dallas hangouts, both with and without the kids in tow.
Food and drinkDallas is known for its legendary steakhouses. These days, one of the best experiences you’ll find is SĒR Steak + Spirits on the top floor of the Hilton Anatole, where they specialise in perfectly marbled locally sourced steaks, in addition to bites such as octopus al pastor and diver scallops topped with a delicate béarnaise sauce. They’re all served with a phenomenal view of the Dallas skyline – perfect for a date night or an intimate meal with friends.
View image in fullscreenJason Hanna (left) and husband, Joe Riggs; SĒR Steak + Spirits at the Hilton AnatoleHanna says he and his husband love taking the kids to a beloved Texas chain called Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, which serves a menu of Salvadorian-inspired favourites. “It’s very kid-friendly,” he says. “The cuisine is always hot and fresh and the service is always impeccable, and the frozen meltdown margaritas are our favourites.” Bistro 31, located in the Highland Park neighbourhood, is an ideal brunch spot, says Hanna – with the bonus of great people-watching. Dallas’s shopping and fashion scenes are legendary, and in this high-end retail district, you’ll enjoy experiencing a little of those affluent vibes.
NightlifeHead to Dallas’s Oak Lawn district, “typically referred to as the Gayborhood”, says Hanna, for LBGTQ-friendly evening entertainment. “We enjoy going out there because there’s pretty much a flavour for everybody. It’s just a great diverse group of folks,” he says. Among some of his favourite picks are the Round-Up Saloon for country line dancing; S4 for more club dance vibes; and the Rose Room located upstairs inside S4 for drag shows. “Dallas’s drag queens, I think, are top in the country, so the drag shows they put on at the Rose Room are top-notch and always great entertainment,” says Hanna.
View image in fullscreenDallas’s ‘Gayborhood’: drag show at the Rose Room and Pride crossing in Oak LawnThe quaint neighbourhood of Lower Greenville is also an up-and-coming district with a lot of different bars and new restaurants opening all the time, he says. “The streets are always busy with nightlife and fun energy,” says Hanna. Outdoor sports and adventureDallas has positioned itself as a leading sports destination, recently investing nearly $300m (£240m) in improvements to AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play, hosting Major League Cricket for the first time, serving as the US’s golf home in nearby Frisco after the relocation of the PGA of America headquarters, as well as being the home base of many of the world’s esports companies.
“It’s amazing to go to AT&T Stadium, it’s such a great experience watching the Dallas Cowboys,” says Hanna. “But we are a soccer family – our kids play for FC Dallas Youth, and we’ve got season tickets to FC Dallas games. Going to the games is one of our favourite weekend activities.”
View image in fullscreenAT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys (left); family time in Klyde Warren Park. Photograph: AlamyOutside of sports, the Dallas dads spend their fair share of time getting the kids some fresh air at the city’s Klyde Warren Park, an urban park space built over a freeway. “They have yoga classes in the morning, there’s food trucks, and on weekends it’s packed with kids and families, and there’s a little bit of everything,” says Hanna.
History and heritageOne of the most notable moments in US history occurred in Dallas in 1963, with the assassination of John F Kennedy, the US president, while he rode in a motorcade through the city’s Dealey Plaza. “That’s an important gathering space for Dallas – you can go and visit the book depository at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The history around that is something that continues to be a story for Dallas.”
View image in fullscreenHot diggity dog: a day at the State Fair of TexasIf you are visiting Dallas in September or October, try to swing by the State Fair of Texas and pay a visit to Big Tex, the 17-metre iconic cowboy that welcomes visitors to the fairgrounds. State Fair vendors outdo each other each year in new and wild deep-frying accomplishments, from deep-fried butter to fried Coke. If you’re planning on going to the State Fair, Hanna recommends parking the diet for 24 hours. “I would definitely go on a cheat day,” he says.
Music, arts and cultureDallas has a tremendous number of art museums located within a short walk of each other in the Dallas Arts District – with the bonus that many of them are free of charge. In particular, visitors should check out the Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Museum of Asian Art (both located near Klyde Warren Park).
View image in fullscreenA performance hosted by the Crow Museum of Asian Art in the Dallas Arts District. Photograph: Kasumi Chow Photography“The Dallas Arts District is fantastic. There are 20 square blocks, and it’s walkable from downtown,” says Hanna. “There are so many award-winning museums. There’s the Nasher Sculpture Center, one of the finest collections of modern sculpture. And if there’s a show, I would strongly recommend heading to the Winspear Opera House.”Discover more and book with British Airways Holidays
View image in fullscreen

On October 15, during a press briefing, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, addressed recent military-related issues. He characterized the terms “exorbitant prices” and “obsolete equipment” as signature hallmarks of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

A reporter inquired about a recent accusation from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which claimed that Raytheon had engaged in fraudulent practices regarding the procurement of the Patriot missile system in 2013 and radar systems in 2017, selling overpriced missiles and radars to Taiwan. A representative from Taiwan’s Kuomintang has criticized these arms dealers, likening their actions to that of a scam operation. What’s your response?

In response, Wu Qian stated, “We firmly oppose the United States supplying weapons to Taiwan.” He noted that the reports merely scratch the surface of a larger issue. In recent years, the administration in Taiwan has gone to great lengths to curry favor with the U.S., lavishly spending the hard-earned money of Taiwanese citizens on weapons that turn out to be little more than useless scraps. This situation has stirred increasing dissatisfaction among the people of Taiwan, directing anger toward corrupt officials and arms dealers who profit from these transactions.

Wu Qian emphasized that “exorbitant prices” and “obsolete equipment” define U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. From moldy bulletproof vests to expired ammunition, and overpriced missiles and radars, it’s clear that the U.S. prioritizes its own interests above all else. He warned that pursuing “Taiwan independence” is a losing path, and reliance on foreign powers is misguided; those who attempt to seek independence through cooperation with the U.S. will ultimately face their own downfall.

Duro Ikhazuagbe
After subjecting the Super Eagles to the most dehumanizing torture of keeping them at a disused airport for 20 hours without food or water, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has threatened to sue the NFF for daring to pull out of the AFCON 2025 qualifier scheduled for last night in Benina, Benghazi.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the LFF condemned the boycott and said it will take legal measures against Nigeria to protect the interests of Libyan football.
The Libyan federation accused the NFF for not co-operating with them for both legs of the AFCON qualifiers.
They also alleged that all the confusion was created by the NFF.
The LFF posted yesterday on their social media platforms that it was match-day against the Super Eagles. Libya’s Mediterranean Knights even trained fully Monday night for the game now formally called off by CAF.
Meanwhile, A former African Player of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has blamed CAF for approving AFCON games inLibya with two different governments running the country.
Ikpeba fondly called Prince of Monaco in the sporting media, insisted that CAF will have to take most of the blame for how the Super Eagles and Nigeria were disrespected in Libya.
“CAF must clean up their act,” observed Ikpeba who was part of the Nigerian delegation that got trapped in the Al Abraq Airport for 20 hours in Libya.
“I still wonder who approved for Libya, a war zone with two different governments, to be hosting international matches.
“Also, I am shocked that after the horrible things the Super Eagles went through, CAF still wanted them to go ahead and play this game in Libya.
“They don’t care for the safety and wellbeing of the players, who are the main actors of the game and without them, there will be no CAF,” Ikpeba toldScorenigeria.com.ng.

Kayode Tokede
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), has announcedthe successful pricing of its $400 million 10.125 percent notes due October 15, 2029, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15, and October 15 in each year, commencing on April 15, 2025.
TheGroup Chief Financial Officer, ETI,Ayo Adepojuin a statement said, “The net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of the $350millionSenior Bridge-to-Bond Loan Facility entered into in March 2024.”
“The transaction was well-received with solid demand from International and African investors achieving a final orderbook oversubscription rate, reflecting the trust and confidence investors have in Ecobank’s Growth Transformation and Returns Strategy.
“We are thankful for the support and partnership from Absa, Africa Finance Corporation, African Export-Import Bank, Mashreq, and Standard Chartered Bank, who acted as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners, and Renaissance Capital Africa, who served as the Financial Adviser for the transaction.
“We deeply value and appreciate the strong support from our Development Finance Institution partners, including the Africa Finance Corporation, PROPARCO, and the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, who helped anchor the transaction,” the institution added.

On October 16, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize Committee awarded the 2024 prize to former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who is set to become the President of the European Council. This recognition honors his long-standing commitment to peace and development in countries around the world.

Michel Camdessus, the committee’s vice-chair and former president of the International Monetary Fund, commented, “We have decided to award this prize to Costa for his unwavering dedication to the advancement of peace and development during his distinguished political career.”

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of strong political leaders committed to building lasting peace in today’s challenging global landscape. “Costa has consistently been an advocate for dialogue and multilateralism, and I am genuinely pleased that the committee has recognized his efforts,” she stated.

The committee also commended the Afro-Ecuadorian Social Development Foundation for its significant contributions to promoting the rights of Afro-descendants in Ecuador and throughout Latin America, highlighting its successes in fostering recognition and respect for these communities.

Details regarding the time and location of the 2024 UNESCO Peace Prize award ceremony will be announced soon.

Established in 1989, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize aims to recognize individuals, institutions, and public or private groups that have made notable contributions to promoting, seeking, protecting, or maintaining peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and UNESCO’s founding principles. Notable past recipients include Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Angela Merkel, and Jimmy Carter.

The man is a living legend with nothing left to prove, he doesn’t need to work other than for the simple pleasure of being around talented people – and it’s a joy to watch
Stuart HeritageTue 15 Oct 2024 07.18 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Oct 2024 11.43 EDTShareImagine for a moment that you are Harrison Ford in the year 2024. You are 82 years old, and arguably one of the last living old-school movie stars, held aloft above an army of actors whose names don’t get people to buy tickets. You’re Han Solo. You’re Rick Deckard. You’re Indiana Jones, for crying out loud. How do you navigate through life with a legacy like that?
Some actors at this point would yank up the drawbridge and rest on their laurels. And who could blame them? They’ve earned their money. They’ve achieved immortality. Any more work on top of that would simply undermine all they’ve forged. Say what you like about Gene Hackman, but at least he’s never going to junk his reputation by coming out of retirement to appear in, say, Dirty Grandpa.
But this is not the path that Harrison Ford has chosen. Because right now Harrison Ford is everywhere. Last year he made his fifth Indiana Jones film. This week he’ll reprise his role as a cranky therapist on Apple TV’s Shrinking. He’s just finished filming the second season of the blockbuster western 1923, and next year he’s joining the MCU, pulling double duty as both the president of America and a literal Hulk.
Ford’s relentless work ethic came up during an interview with Vanity Fair recently. “What do you get out of acting nowadays?” he was asked. His response: “Oh man, I get out of it essential human contact.”
View image in fullscreenHe’s a doer … Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Photograph: Lucasfilm Ltd.There was more to it than that – he went on to say that he enjoys working with talented people – but the crux of it simply seems to be that working gets him out of the house. Sitting and festering is for other people. He’s a doer.
The result of this is that Ford is now doing work that pushes at the limits of his legacy. The most recent Indiana Jones might not have set the box office alight, but it let him tell a story about what happens to heroes when they get older and punch a bunch of Nazis in the face in the digitally de-aged prologue. 1923 saw him test the boundaries of his trademark gruffness over a long-form format. Shrinking is the most charming thing on television at the moment, in part thanks to Ford’s willingness to cut loose. And even if the next Captain America fails to restore the MCU to its former glory, there’s something extremely giddy about the thought of Harrison Ford running around in a mo-cap suit hulking out like he did that time at Comic-Con.
There’s now a looseness to Ford that hasn’t always been there. For a while his reputation was that of a hunched and grumpy recluse who couldn’t quite find his place. He made action films like Firewall and Paranoia that aimed to be throwbacks but ended up drifting dangerously close to straight-to-DVD fare. In interviews he was guarded and brittle, and perhaps a little lost. In retrospect, this hesitance seems to stem from a desire to protect his legacy. Watching him back then was like watching a boxer in the 12th-round, trying to last the course in the vain hope that he’d be able to snatch a win on points.
What a difference to today. The reason why he is working so much at the moment is because he has stopped gripping the reins so tightly. If your motivation to work is to simply be around people, that means you get to do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter if you fail or not, because that isn’t the reason you entered into it.
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It’s paying off, too. Especially on Shrinking, which is so warm and endearing that you hope they never stop making it, Ford has never seemed so relaxed. He was always respected, but now he is beloved. And all because of basic human contact. Who knew?