CiCM 6th June 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese Aircraft Successfully Test Sustainable Aviation Fuel: China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) recently conducted demonstration flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its ARJ21 regional aircraft and C919 passenger aircraft. SAF, a greener alternative to traditional jet fuel, can cut carbon emissions by up to 80%. The flights, held in Shanghai and Dongying, showcased the performance of these Chinese-made aircraft. SAF is a liquid fuel derived from renewable sources, offering a cleaner option for air travel. It's a significant step in addressing global warming and reducing carbon footprints in the aviation sector. Several Chinese airlines have already tested China-made SAF, supported by numerous domestic enterprises and research institutes. The SAF used in these flights is produced from recycled waste oil, sourced from meals. This oil undergoes processing in China's first bio-aviation fuel plant, operated by Sinopec, before being converted into bio-jet fuel. COMAC's SAF received airworthiness approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China earlier this year, marking a milestone in sustainable aviation efforts.
China's Chang'e 6 Mission - Retrieving Moon Samples and AI Selfies: China's Chang'e 6 lunar mission successfully transferred samples from the moon's far side to a reentry capsule for return to Earth. After collecting samples, the ascender docked with the capsule, marking the second lunar orbit in Chinese space history. The mission aims to retrieve unique materials from the far side, distinct from previous lunar samples gathered from the near side. Additionally, a small rover, equipped with AI software, autonomously captured images of the lander and the Chinese flag on the moon's surface. Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, this rover demonstrates breakthroughs in AI technology for space exploration. While the rover’s primary task was taking selfies and testing autonomous capabilities, it also validates crucial technologies for future deep space missions. The Chang'e 6 mission, spanning 53 days, targets a landing site in Inner Mongolia, with the spacecraft currently orbiting the moon, awaiting the optimal time to return to Earth.
Chinese Premier Emphasises Rule of Law in Government Operations: Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the importance of following the law and advancing the establishment of a law-based government during a State Council study session. He urged government officials to prioritise legal compliance in their duties to ensure effective governance. Li established the need to enhance legislation, ensure all government actions are legally sound, and updating or removing outdated laws. He advocated for new laws which address real-world issues faced by businesses and the public, and for a fair and flexible approach to enforcing these laws. Li also called for standardised administrative discretion to ensure consistent, fair, and reasonable punishment outcomes while also advocating stronger supervision of administrative powers. The session included a lecture by Ma Huaide, president of the China University of Political Science and Law, with Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, and State Councilor Wu Zhenglong participating in discussions.
"Quiet Carriage" Service Expanded on Chinese Bullet Trains: China's State Railway Group announced the expansion of its "quiet carriage" service to 92 bullet trains, starting from June 20. This service aims to improve passengers' travel experience by providing a peaceful environment for those who prefer silence during their journey. Passengers opting for the "quiet carriage" are expected to maintain silence, use headphones for electronic devices, keep phones on silent mode, supervise children, and avoid causing disturbances. Initially piloted on high-speed rail routes like Beijing-Shanghai and Chengdu-Chongqing in December 2020, the successful initiative is now expanding. An additional 20 additional Fuxing bullet trains will offer this service on routes including Beijing-Guangzhou, Shanghai-Kunming, and Guiyang-Nanning, and connections between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. The goal is to create a comfortable travel environment, catering to the needs of passengers seeking a quiet atmosphere. Tickets for trains offering the "quiet carriage" service are available for purchase, allowing passengers to select this option via the railway's online platform. By adhering to the agreement and maintaining silence, passengers can help create a harmonious train journey. This expansion shows China's efforts to improve railway services, offering more peaceful travel options.
Pro-Reunification Groups in Taiwan Oppose Collusion with US: Several pro-reunification groups in Taiwan have issued a statement condemning the collaboration between Taiwan's separatist factions and the United States. They criticised recent US arms sales and visits by American arms dealers, warning that these actions increase tensions and could lead to war. The statement expressed concerns about Taiwan's security, accusing the US of using Taiwan as a pawn to counter China. It argued that buying American weapons won't ensure Taiwan's safety but will instead increase the risk of conflict and casualties. The groups emphasised that peace is in the best interest of Taiwan's residents, and politicians pushing for confrontation are acting against the island's interests. They highlighted that increased military spending could harm Taiwan's economy and social programs by diverting resources. They criticised Taiwan's leadership for prioritising militarisation and separatist agendas over citizens’ welfare, called for unity in boycotting American arms dealers, and reaffirmed Taiwan's status as part of China. They warned that continued provocations by separatist forces would prompt strong measures from mainland China to protect its sovereignty.
China Inks Deal for Central Asian Railway, Boosting Regional Connectivity: China has signed an agreement to build a crucial railway connecting it with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia. President Xi Jinping praised the project as a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway, spanning 325 miles, will start in China's Kashgar, Xinjiang, and end in Andijon, Uzbekistan, cutting the freight journey between China and Europe by 559 miles. It promises to be a faster and cheaper alternative to existing routes through Russia. The project, first proposed in the 1990s, faced various challenges but is now back on track, symbolising China's determination to strengthen ties with Eurasian countries. Both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a boost to regional connectivity and trade. Despite initial reservations, Russia has now extended support, recognising the project's potential benefits amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Artificial Enhancement of China's Yuntai Falls Sparks Debate Over Tourist Attraction's Authenticity: Yuntai Falls, renowned as China’s tallest waterfall, attracts millions of tourists annually to its scenic location in Henan province. However, officials recently admitted that the impressive scenery is enhanced by a hidden network of water pipes, especially during dry periods. This revelation followed viral footage showing water pouring from pipes embedded in the rock face, which sparked widespread surprise and debate on social media. On Tuesday, the Yuntai Mountain resort officials confirmed that they had made this "small enhancement" to maintain the waterfall's visual appeal for visitors. While the waterfall remains largely natural, this artificial boost ensures a consistent flow, enhancing the experience for tourists. Despite the controversy, the intention behind the enhancement was to preserve the spectacle of Yuntai Falls, ensuring it continues to mesmerise its many admirers.

INDIA WATCH

Surge in Public Exam Aspirations Among Indian Youth: Chinese news agency, The Paper reported that the trend of young Indians preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) has surged, driven by aspirations for stable income, societal respect, and the pursuit of power and social status. Many young professionals, disillusioned with corporate careers, are turning to the civil service as a means to achieve personal and professional fulfilment. Despite the rigorous nature of the exams, which see over a million applicants annually with a pass rate of less than 1%, the allure of the benefits and prestige associated with civil service roles continues to captivate the country's youth. This phenomenon reflects broader socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and economic disparity, which drive many to seek the security and honour that a government position offers.

Prepared By

Kriti Rai

Kriti is an undergraduate student at FLAME University pursuing Data Science and Economics. She is proficient in C++, Python, MySQL, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau. Her areas of interest lie in building predictive models and utilising machine learning to enhance decision-making and tackle real-world challenges.