Rail-road intermodal transport contributes to the expansion of trade and economic ties between Xi Jinping and South Asia

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

LHASA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — A freight train departing from Yiwu City in east China's Zhejiang Province on December 25, 2025, arrived in Shigatse City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Saturday. The total value of the goods it carried, including daily necessities, bolts of fabric, and furniture, exceeded 6 million yuan (about 853,000 U.S. dollars).

Thus, in 2025, a total of 12 trains operated on the Xizang-South Asia rail-road intermodal transport route, carrying cargo worth more than 230 million yuan.

As part of the aforementioned freight transportation, goods collected outside of Xijiang are first sent by train to the SAR. After inspection in Shigatse, the goods are transported to South Asian countries by road through the Xijiang port. This model improves freight transportation efficiency by over 30 percent and reduces overall logistics costs by approximately 20 percent.

According to Yu Miao, head of the Comprehensive Department of the Shigatse Economic Development Zone Management Committee, since the first train departed on August 15, 2024, the capacity for providing such service has been continuously expanding, which has expanded Xijiang's economic and trade ties with South Asia and promoted Xijiang's high-level opening up to the outside world in the process of jointly building the Belt and Road.

Currently, the range of export goods transported by such trains is becoming increasingly diverse, including not only traditional everyday items, but also products with high added value, including vehicles using new energy sources. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

IAEA Nutrition Database: Diet, not lack of physical activity, is the main driver of obesity

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Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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In 2022, almost one in eight people worldwide suffered from obesity, and over the past 30 years, this rate has more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among adolescents. This complex and chronic condition, caused by excess body fat, increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, despite the sharp rise in obesity in industrialized countries, the condition is rare in countries with traditional lifestyles and agricultural economies, often attributed to the more physically active lifestyles of their residents.

The main cause of obesity is a mismatch between calorie intake and energy expenditure. Public health experts often point to two factors: overeating and insufficient physical activity. However, the relative importance of each remains debated, as low activity levels do not always lead to reduced energy expenditure throughout the day.

The lack of diverse and reliable data on calorie intake, energy expenditure, and body composition further complicates such studies. Previously, researchers attempted to answer this question, but most studied populations in agricultural countries, lacked data on body fat mass, or relied on limited information obtained from country-specific data and consumption surveys.

To address this gap, 68 scientists decided to use the IAEA's Doubly Labeled Water Sample Database, which contains energy expenditure measurements taken worldwide using the stable isotope doubly labeled water sample method. This IAEA database, whose data points are distributed across 45 countries, has previously been used by scientists to conduct groundbreaking research on human energy metabolism, develop a predictive equation for assessing the accuracy of self-reported information, and update data on human energy requirements.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Lightning kills nine people in eastern Rwanda

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Kigali, January 5 (Xinhua) — Lightning struck 15 people gathered in eastern Rwanda, killing nine and injuring others, local media reported Sunday.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Jarama sector of Ngoma district in Rwanda's Eastern Province.

The victims were farmers who were taking shelter from the rain after working in their orchards, Eastern Province Governor Pudens Rubingisa told the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, adding that the injured were taken to a local hospital.

Experts note that in certain areas in eastern and western Rwanda, lightning strikes occur quite frequently due to the terrain and features of the country. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Cuba has declared national mourning over the deaths of 32 Cubans during the US-led attack on Venezuela.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Havana, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) — Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Sunday declared two days of national mourning for the 32 Cubans killed in the U.S.-led attack on Venezuela.

According to the president, the deceased were carrying out tasks for the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba at the request of the Venezuelan side.

Cuban soldiers died in direct combat or as a result of bombings, said M. Diaz-Canel, noting that their heroism reflects the unity of the Cuban people and Cuba's commitment to international solidarity.

According to the presidential decree, a two-day national mourning period has been declared in the country, from Monday to Tuesday. During the mourning period, national flags will be flown at half-mast on government buildings and military institutions, and all public and festive events will be suspended.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Xi Jinping congratulated M. Doumbouya on his election as President of Guinea

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Mamady Doumbouya on his election as president of Guinea.

Xi Jinping noted in his message that Guinea is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China.

According to him, both sides have long adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, supported each other on issues affecting their core interests and concerns, and carried out fruitful cooperation for the sake of common development.

Xi Jinping also stated that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Guinea relations and is willing to cooperate with M. Doumbouya to further develop the comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership between the two countries, so as to make greater contributions to improving the well-being of the peoples of both countries and strengthening solidarity among countries in the Global South. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Japanese opposition party leaders expressed concern over the US attack on Venezuela.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Tokyo, January 5 (Xinhua) — Leaders of Japan's opposition parties expressed concern on Monday over the U.S. military attack on Venezuela and criticized the Japanese government's response, local media reported.

"I am concerned that these attacks could significantly undermine the international order," Tetsuo Saito, leader of the Komeito Party, an ally of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said at a party conference, Jiji Press reported.

He added that the government should "urge the United States to understand the importance of upholding international law."

Yoshihiko Noda, head of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters that the US attacks "raise doubts from the perspective of international law," the report said.

“Not only Japan, but also middle powers, including European and Asian countries, must cooperate and demand [compliance with laws],” he said.

The statements came a day after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on social media site X on Sunday that her government would work to help stabilize Venezuela, without commenting on the U.S. military action.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China launches new round of applications for childcare subsidies

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — China opened a new round of applications on Monday for a nationwide childcare subsidy program for 2026. Under the program, families can receive 3,600 yuan (about $513) annually for each child under three years old.

According to relevant authorities, parents eligible for subsidies can apply through several online platforms, including Alipay and WeChat, as well as offline channels.

According to the National Health Commission (NHC) of China, all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government have currently paid childcare subsidies to over 24 million people. The childcare subsidy payment rate for 2025 has reached approximately 80 percent.

To support this program, the central government planned to allocate 90 billion yuan from the central budget in 2025, the Ministry of Finance of China noted.

These measures come as China continues to implement favorable policies to promote childbearing and child-rearing in response to long-term demographic changes. The total number of children under three in the country is approximately 30 million, with the birth rate and total number of births declining for seven consecutive years. However, a slight increase was observed in 2024. Meanwhile, by the end of 2024, China's population aged 60 and over will reach 310 million.

In recent years, China has expanded economic support for families with children in many areas. In addition to direct subsidies, childcare for children under three and education for children have been included in additional deductions from personal income tax, with the deduction standard raised from 1,000 yuan to 2,000 yuan per child per month.

Additional policy measures are currently being developed to ease the financial burden associated with childbirth and raising children. Last year, China announced a plan to provide insurance coverage for basic childbirth expenses nationwide by 2026. Fertility policy was also discussed at last year's Central Economic Work Conference, which called for measures to maintain a stable birth rate.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Kazakhstan's GDP has crossed the $300 billion mark.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Almaty, January 5 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan's economy grew by more than 6 percent, and its gross domestic product (GDP) crossed the $300 billion mark, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Monday.

In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Turkestan, he reported that per capita GDP had exceeded $15,000. "These are record figures not only for our country but for the entire region," he explained.

Discussing diplomatic events involving Kazakhstan in 2025, K.-Z. Tokayev noted that documents worth over $70 billion were signed last year. "Every negotiation centers on key issues of economic and investment cooperation and global interaction," he noted.

"Located at the very center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan should not remain a bystander, especially in these turbulent times. We must have our own perspective, a balanced position on key issues in international relations," the president added.

In this regard, K.-Zh. Tokayev noted that he has no desire to mediate in international disputes and has no aspirations to return to work at the UN, "despite the probing efforts of a number of countries."

“But I do participate in closed consultations and discussions, especially since the heads of a number of states are interested in my opinion,” he explained. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Chinese Foreign Ministry: China is pleased with the gradual implementation of the ceasefire consensus between Cambodia and Thailand.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — China is pleased that the ceasefire consensus between Cambodia and Thailand is being gradually implemented and that 18 detained Cambodian soldiers have safely returned home, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Responding to a reporter's question at a regular press conference, the Chinese diplomat noted that China hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will continue to look to the future, move forward, and strengthen dialogue and communication to jointly achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, gradually restore trust, and improve relations.

“This is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the peoples of Cambodia and Thailand, and also meets the expectations of the international community,” Lin Jian emphasized. -0-

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China supports the UN Security Council in holding an emergency meeting in connection with the US military operation against Venezuela – Chinese Foreign Ministry

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — China supports the UN Security Council in holding an emergency meeting on the US military action against Venezuela and is ready to play its due role in accordance with its own responsibilities, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Monday.

Lin Jian noted that China is willing to work with the international community to firmly adhere to the UN Charter, uphold the lower limit of international morality, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the US operation against Venezuela, the Security Council presidency told Xinhua on Saturday.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.