Chinese High-speed railway add feather
High-speed rail line linking northwest China’s Xi’an and southwest China’s Chengdu, went into operation Wednesday, slashing the travel time between the two cities from about 11 hours to just 4.
The first high-speed train left Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province at 8:22 a.m.. It will make 14 stops before reaching Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.
With a designed speed of 250 kph, the train will reduce the travel time between the two cities to four hours and seven minutes. The travel time will be further shortened to just three hours 27 minutes at the end of this year.
The 658-km new line is China’s first rail route running through the Qinling Mountains, which are the natural boundary between north and south China. Served as a natural defense barrier in the ancient times, the Qinling Mountains are famous for its steep terrains and risky roads.
Therefore, the Xi’an-Chengdu railway features many tunnels and bridges and includes a 16-km single tunnel with double tracks, one of Asia’s longest, according to its builders.
Xi Jinping:More opportunities for the world
Xi Jinping said Wednesday that the country will create more opportunities and make a greater contribution for the world.
Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the 2017 Fortune Global Forum, which opened in the south China city of Guangzhou Wednesday.
In his letter, Xi said China will develop the open economy to a higher level, promote the Belt and Road Initiative, and push for a new pattern of all-round opening up.
Looking forward, he said China will enjoy robust development momentum, the people will have a greater sense of gain and the country will be more integrated into the world.
The president said China’s economy has the foundation, condition and impetus to maintain stable growth and sound momentum.
He reiterated that China will not close its door to the world, and it will only become more and more open, with its business environment becoming more open, transparent and regulated.
China will continue to forge global partnerships, expand the common interests with others countries, further liberalize and facilitate trade and investment, and push for an economic globalization that is more open and inclusive, more balanced, more equitable and beneficial to all, Xi said.
British spies thwart terrorist plot
British intelligence has allegedly foiled a terrorist plot to assassinate Prime Minister Theresa May, one of nine terrorist schemes thwarted so far by UK spies in 2017, local media report.Two men were arrested last week for plotting terrorist atrocities in the UK, British news outlets reported Tuesday. Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, from north London, and Mohammed Aqib Imran, 21, from Birmingham, were apprehended during security raids and charged with preparing and assisting in acts of terrorism. They are due to appear before the Westminster Magistrates court Wednesday.
British media outlets reported that the suspects planned to assassinate the British PM at her residence at 10 Downing Street. The planned attack was reportedly revealed by Andrew Parker, head of the United Kingdom’s domestic counterintelligence and security agency (MI5), who briefed Cabinet ministers in London.
The suspects allegedly planned to detonate a homemade improvised explosive device at Downing Street before storming the building to assassinate May. The plot was foiled thanks to the joint efforts of Scotland Yard, MI5, and West Midlands Police, which have pursued the suspects “over several weeks,”according to Sky News.
Media agencies
Jeffrey Feltman, make a 4-day visit to North Korea
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, will make a 4-day visit to North Korea from Tuesday.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday that Feltman will meet high-ranking officials in Pyongyang, including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho.
The spokesman said that Feltman will have discussions on a broad range of policies but did not elaborate.
At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council held immediately after the North’s launch of a missile last Wednesday, Feltman reported on his meeting with the country’s UN Ambassador, Ja Song Nam.
Feltman also apparently exchanged views with senior Chinese government officials on North Korea when he stopped in Beijing before traveling to the North.
Mattis urges Pakistan halt terror
Jim Mattis has urged Pakistan to redouble efforts to halt insurgents staging attacks across the border in Afghanistan.
Mattis arrived in Pakistan on Monday for his first visit since assuming his post, meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other officials.
Mattis reportedly stressed how Pakistan plays a key role in maintaining the stability of Afghanistan.
A Pentagon statement said Mattis reiterated that Pakistan must intensify its efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.
He was apparently referring to the Taliban and its allied Haqqani network based in northwestern Pakistan.
Under a new Afghan strategy adopted this year, US President Donald Trump is deploying more troops and expanding airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Moon to visit China
South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit China next week for talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
The South’s presidential office said on Wednesday that Moon will visit Beijing and Chongqing as a state guest during a 4-day tour starting on December 13th.
It will be his first visit to China since he took office in May.
Moon and Xi are expected to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and ballistic missile launches.
The deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in South Korea is also likely to be on the agenda.
Seoul says the system is aimed at countering North Korean threats.
But Beijing is concerned that its own military activities could be tracked by THAAD’s high-performance radar.
But Beijing is concerned that its own military activities could be tracked by THAAD’s high-performance radar.
Putin: Immediate resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks
Moscow backs the immediate resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine on all outstanding issues, including the status of Jerusalem, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin told his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas during a telephone exchange Tuesday, according to the Kremlin press service. Russia’s principled position is that only direct dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians can result in a fair and long-term solution, the press service stated. The two presidents also underlined the importance of the agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas during October talks in Egypt, as it reinforces Palestinian unity.
Hariri rescinds resignation
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri rescinded his resignation on Tuesday, drawing a line under a month-long crisis. It was triggered when he announced from Riyadh that he was stepping down and remained outside Lebanon for weeks. His coalition government, which includes the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, reaffirmed a state policy of staying out of conflicts in Arab states, Reuters reports. Lebanese officials said Saudi Arabia had put Hariri under effective house arrest until an intervention by France led to his return to Lebanon, but both Riyadh and Hariri have denied this.
Kremlin concern on Jerusalem, Israeli capital
Kremlin is concerned about a possible deterioration of the situation in the Middle East if Jerusalem is recognized as the capital of Israel by the US, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. However, he said that it would be premature to comment on decisions that have yet to be made, according to TASS. Peskov noted that the issue had been discussed earlier during a telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. “They expressed concern about the situation and its possible exacerbation,” said Peskov.
Delhi Test ends in a draw:
India and Sri Lanka, match at Ferozshah Kotla, the third and final Test match in New Delhi ends in draw. Not well with batsmen technique yet Dickwella continues to sweep but he has cut down on the risks as Sri Lanka seem to be playing for stumps. Debutant Roshen has batted splendidly but Dickwella has hit a few shots..
Roshen, in particular, is looking to play cautiously and not give the Indians a sniff.
Roshen, in particular, is looking to play cautiously and not give the Indians a sniff.
Roshen, Dickwella defy India; SL inch closer to draw:
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Believe it or not #IndvsSL test at Firozshah Koltla stadium heading draw, SL don’t lose wicket pre lunch, second weather spoil sport, SL batting 146/3 chasing 536/7 declared.Indian bowler performance in ?
RBI Policy repo rate unchanged at 6%
Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2017-18
On the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation at the meeting today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI has decided to
· Keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6%.
· Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF remains at 5.75%, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.25%.
· Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF remains at 5.75%, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.25%.
BFI President Mr. K. Govindaraj appointed as a member of the FIBA Competitions Commission.
Bengaluru, 5th December 2017: It is a very prestigious and honorable moment for Indian Basketball as Mr. K. Govindaraj becomes the first BFI President to be appointed as a member of the FIBA Competitions Commission effective as of 1st January 2018. Mr. Govindaraj was appointed to the commission after the FIBA Executive Committee meeting held on 18th November 2017.
“I’m humbled by the honour of being bestowed this position. This is not just an achievement for myself but for all the BFI who have worked tirelessly for the last three years to showcase the true potential of Indian Basketball.”
– K. Govindaraj, President, BFI.
This can be seen as a result of the relentless hard work and leadership shown by Mr. Govindaraj which has led to the exponential growth of basketball in India. In the last one year, India has successfully hosted three International Championships namely FIBA Asia Women’s Cup in July 2017, FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship in October 2017 and FIBA 2019 World Cup Asian Qualifiers in November 2017. These International Events have helped to improve the level of basketball in the country.
The FIBA Competitions Commission is mainly responsible for the growth and smooth functioning of different competitions under FIBA. The duties of FIBA’s Competitions Commission are:
– To review and recommend the FIBA Calendar for approval by the Central Board
– To review all official competitions of FIBA
– To develop recommendations for change(s) to the manner and method of conduct of the official competitions
– To develop for the introduction of new official competitions
– To give advice on the allocation of official competitions
– To study the regulations governing all international competitions, as well as the regulations established by other divisions of FIBA for international competitions and to recommend changes to such regulations.
– To ensure that the specific interests and development of women’s and youth basketball are taken into account when making recommendations.
– To make recommendations relating to the transition of players from youth to senior competitions.
13 Soil Scientists to Watch
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US-India Business Controls or Cooperation – Trump Effects
December05, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Soon after representing India at WIPO Expo’85 I visited Los Angeles in 1985/86 I noticed Bulgaria had no markets but still goods were cheaper and better in quality than India but availability was controlled, in California goods were even Cheaper & First class quality and Hundreds of Choices and options. At a recent BRICS event I observed – ‘A Pilot Cost Me Rs.10, its material was not even Rs.2 but Students assisting me at Expo’85 were ready to pay Rs.100 in Black Market.’
A Packet of Cigarette selling for $0.8 was priced $5 or so in black market. Soviet bloc couldn’t make Pen, Cigarette or Lipsticks 1985, even after disintegration smaller nations were expected to make WEAPONS is unthinkable.
Today it is not Controls but Cooperation and Collaborations that succeed, Apple, Google, Facebook which are not Controlled are Operating all over the World – While US CONTROLLED Manufacturing is Lagging behind. Wealth of USA is $93t or 33% of World’s $280t – and $80t of it financial wealth – to $0.770t for India [Japan $16t and China $14t] yet lagging behind investments in India when Opportunities are in Every Sectorfrom Food Processing to Nuclear Power Plants and US Banks are not Supporting own US Manufacturing. US Foreign Trade inATP is (-) $71b 9mFy17 in full year 1990 was (+) $35b. Goods Trade Deficit was $735b last year. Japan made mistake of promoting Unviable Bullet Train in India – US Consortium could have supported $100b Amritsar-Kolkata bullet train supporting US Construction & Engineering Companies.
While there was no support for Inventors visiting Patent Office in Washington DC – it was huge structure – Science Reference Library in London offered assistance & Photo Copy facility – Summary of Patented products were available in One Page format – I could quickly study 6000 EU Patents Summary in 16 hours.
After Mitsubishi announced Advanced Nuclear Reactor in 2008that operates at 39% Efficiency – 20% to 30% higher than US Reactors – US should have announced Japanese Nuclear Reactors as next standard acceptable to USA and Partnered in its Worldwide Commercialization – It reduced N. Waste Disposal by 30% in producing electricity.
As Technology Expert and WIPO awarded inventor – representing India at Expo’85 in Plovdiv and soon after winter I landed in Los Angeles 1986 – I experienced Totally Controlled Soviet Bloc Nations, restrictions on choice of Foods & Goods,even a citizen’s Holiday Weekend was Controlled by state, India had Fiat 1100 – USSR Produced Lada, also Fiat technology with 1600 CC Engine and Heating, its sale was government controlled. The choice of Breakfast was mainly Omelet, Bread and Honey all seven days in largest hotel.
Los Angeles was totally different – Super Markets in every block were full of All Kinds of Foods sourced from the all over the world. Choice of Cars, including IMPORTS – homes and EVERYTHING available on INSTALLMENTS.
Delhi to Rome route was B-747 both ways, Tu134 and Tu154 for Rome to Sofia route.
Tu134 or Tu154 were produced in USSR owned company restricted sales to mainly Communist Bloc countries.
B-747 were made by Boeing, a Private GLOBALLY TRADED Company [Funded by World & Serving the World] and Jetliners were sold worldwide, Boeing was Sourcing Subsystems from say hundred Private Companies who themselves sourced parts from many thousand Small Companies. Aerospace Companies had developed their own CONTROLS to hide their secrets.
I too in 1978 would get parts of PROTOTYPES made in 5-6 small workshops and assemble them at home, PROTOTYPES were not same as COMMERCIAL SCALE PRODUCT. In filing Patents my objective was MAXIMUM Protect and Minimum Disclosure. TRACK my Inventions in every Patent Gazette.
I worked for 13 weeks at one such Small Aerospace Companyemploying 18 people, 12 working on shop floor – Every time I was asked to finish a Box of Parts in 50 hours – I used to develop tools and finish it in 5 hours.
I wanted assistance of $1m to make VHS about Manufacturing Issues in US Small & Medium factories operating without Qualified Engineers & R&D department since 1986.
This VHS was to be Filmed in 30 days sold to over Million Small & Medium Industries in US and outside @ 1000 each – could have $b business to me – $50b annual gains to US Economy my minimum estimation and similar for rest of the world.
In 1993 UK Commissioned a similar study by PERA Consultingwhich reported Machine Utilization in USA-UK to 60% to 82% for Japan. It didn’t explain the reasons but I was to ‘Explain the Technical Issues in VHS in 1986 and solved Small Industry problems’.
For 31 Years US-UK Industries in particular keep Bleeding when it required just $1m Assistance or Loan to plug many losses.
I had a Book Written about Project Issues in India edited byIndia’s top Patent Attorney in 1985 – Vantage Press in 1986 was$8,000 to publish it, I was not inclined to pay – so US Companies were deprived of IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE about projects in India.
Ivanka Trump could be promoting US Companies like never before.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857
