Tag Archives: Foxconn

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Value of Indigenous Defence Production Increased in FY 2021-22

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Year 2021-2022 reached to Rs 94,846 crore. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, the Government has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. It intends to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem having conducive conditions including supply chain for giving push to production and testing & certification to create economies of scale and facilitate development of internationally competitive enterprises in the country. For more information: Click here to read…

Value of Defence Exports Increased to Rs 12,815 crores in FY 2021-22

Based on the value of Export Authorization issued by Department of Defence Production (DDP) to Private companies and actual export/contract done by DPSUs/OFB, the export value during the last three years are: Rs 9,116 crores (2019-20); Rs 8,435 crores (2020-21) and Rs 12,815 crores (2021-22) respectively. To foster defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country, the Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, thereby promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country. It has brought in various reforms including ease of doing business to achieve the target of US $5 billion for defence exports by 2024-25 and to boost Defence exports. At present, the exports are being made to more than 75 countries all over the world. For more information: Click here to read…

iDEX-DIO Sign 150th Contract for Defence Innovation

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of DDP, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 150th contract with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). The contract relates to an Indian Navy project of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC 7) SPRINT edition. The challenge was titled ‘Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) capable of simulating the sound and movement of a submarine’ and the winner was Altair Infrasec Pvt Ltd, Pune. The Challenge envisaged development of a training target capable of being deployed from P8I aircraft, MH60R helicopters, ships doing speed up to 10 knots and other Remotely Piloted Aircraft without undertaking any modification on the platform from which the EMATT is required to be launched. For more information: Click here to read…

Successful Firing of Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched Missile

On 29 December 2022, Indian Air Force successfully fired the Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched missile against a Ship Target from a SU-30MKI aircraft. The missile achieved the desired mission objectives in the Bay of Bengal region. With this, IAF has achieved a significant capability boost to carry out precision strikes from SU-30MKI aircraft against land/ sea targets over very long ranges. The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the SU-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF a strategic reach and allows it to dominate the future battle fields. For more information: Click here to read…

Mormugao is Being Commissioned into the Indian Navy

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 18 December 2022. The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The majestic ship measures 163m in length, 17 m in breadth with a displacement of 7400 tonnes and can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

Space Sector Emerging as a Major Foreign Exchange Earner

The Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Space Sector in India is emerging as a major foreign exchange earner through the launch of a large number of foreign satellites. In an exclusive interview with SANSAD TV, Dr Singh informed that India has launched 385 foreign satellites so far, out of which 353 were launched in the last 8 years under this government, which is around 90 percent of all launches. The Minister also informed that out of total 220 million Euros earned by launch of foreign satellites, 187 million Euros generated in the last 8 years, which is around 85 percent of forex earned by launch of European Satellites. For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Maiden Human Space Flight “Gaganyaan” to be Launched in 2024

India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 21 December. In view of the paramount importance of crew safety, two Test Vehicle missions are planned before the ‘G1’ mission to demonstrate the performance of crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions. The uncrewed ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023 followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024, before the final human space flight ‘H1’ mission in the fourth quarter of 2024. For more information: Click here to read…

ISRO Signs Four Cooperative Documents to Collaborate in Space Exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed four cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last five years, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on 22 December. The agreement with the USA is for accommodating USA instruments in India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. The Minister informed that the agreement with Japan is to conduct feasibility study for a joint lunar polar exploration mission, while with UK for conducting feasibility study for collaboration in future space science missions. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Start-ups in India

Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme Approved for Four Years

The Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has been approved for the period of four years starting from 2021-22. The Scheme aims to provide ﬁnancial assistance to start-ups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. It is implemented with eﬀect from 1st April 2021 with a corpus of Rs. 945 crores. In this regard, 126 incubators have been approved and these incubators have selected 656 start-ups under the Scheme as on 30th November 2022. For more information: Click here to read…

Fifteen Start-ups Selected in First Cohort of NIRMAN Accelerator Programme

Fifteen Start-ups selected in the first-of-its-kind product accelerator programme for innovators developing sustainable solutions will soon start working towards solutions in the healthcare and agriculture domains. This is the first cohort of the NIRMAN Accelerator Programme launched by Start-ups Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur. The accelerator programme supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its NIDHI scheme portfolio, will help solve challenges in the product development journey of indigenous innovations. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Agriculture Sector

Innovation and New Technologies in Farm Sector

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/ National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has taken initiatives for innovation/ development of new technologies in the farm sector across the country like Genetic enhancement of plants/ animals/ fish for higher productivity under increased intensity of biotic and abiotic stresses, productivity enhancement through sustainable intensification, productivity enhancement through mechanization of agriculture and food system, enhancing value, safety and income through food processing, development of energy efficient technologies, farming practices, and promoting technology transfer to the farmers and stake holders. For more information: Click here to read…

Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Various activities have been taken up by the government, using Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Some of the activities include: the DST is implementing a National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS); and, Technology and Innovation Foundation in technology vertical of “Technologies for Agriculture and Water” set up at IIT, Ropar. The applications of AI and IoT in Agriculture are in the areas of Precision Farming, Agricultural Drones and Hopping systems, Livestock Monitoring, Monitor Climate Conditions, Smart Greenhouses, AI and IoT based Computer imaging etc. For more information: Click here to read…

Use of Drones in Agriculture Sector

Scientific studies are carried out and data supporting the drone application are generated. Pilot studies with different approaches like use of remote sensing technology including satellite data and drone based images especially for crop cutting experiments planning, direct yield estimation at Gram Panchayat level, risk mapping of district and for dispute/area discrepancy resolution etc. have been conducted through Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC). The use of drone in agriculture is helpful to farmers as it has some distinct advantages. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Energy Sector

Rosatom offered a More Advanced Fuel Option to Kudankulam

Russian State-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom has offered a more advanced fuel option to Kudankulam Nuclear power plant, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 21 December. The first lot of TVS-2M fuel assemblies has been received in May-June 2022 from Russian Federation and loaded in Unit-1 and they are performing satisfactorily. Use of TVS-2M fuel assemblies in KKNPP reactors will allow 18-month operating cycles as against 12-month operating cycle with UTVS Fuel Assemblies presently in use in Unit-2. For more information: Click here to read…

Emerging Technologies in Other Sectors

Building Semiconductor Ecosystem in India

The Government of India is very focused on its important objective of building the overall semiconductor ecosystem and ensure that, it in-turn catalyses India’s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. It has approved the Semicon India programme with a total outlay of INR 76,000 crore for the development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The programme has further been modified in view of the aggressive incentives offered by countries already having established semiconductor ecosystem and limited number of companies owning the advanced node technologies. The modified programme aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem. For more information: Click here to read…

Technology Innovation Group Setup to Develop Roadmap & Action Plans for 6G

The Department of Telecommunications has constituted a Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G) on 1st November 2021 with members from various Ministries/Departments, research and development institutions, academia, standardization bodies, Telecom Service Providers and industry to develop Vision, Mission and Goals for the 6G and also develop roadmap and action plans for 6G in India. The TIG-6G has constituted six Task Forces with industry, academia, R&D institutions and Government as members. For more information: Click here to read…

Improved, Heavy Rare Earth-Free, Low-Cost Magnets for EVs Fabricated

Scientists have fabricated improved low cost heavy rare earth-free high Nd-Fe-B magnets, which are in high demand for Electric Vehicles and can make them more affordable. More than 90 percent of EVs use brushless DC (BLDC) motors made up of rare earth Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets. The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI) has ventured into setting up of pilot plant for manufacturing of near net shaped Nd-Fe-B magnets through a major project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The new strategy could also be used for commercial production of Nd-Fe-B magnets in India, reducing imports that meet the major requirements of the automotive sector. For more information: Click here to read…

Public Consultation on Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022

On 23 December, the Minister of State for E&IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar met over 200 stakeholders from various walks of life to discuss and deliberate on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022, public consultations for which are open till 2 January 2023. The attendees included representatives from industry, think-tanks, law firms, consumer and citizen rights group & discussed the crucial role that the provisions of the Bill are going to play for data protection. The stakeholders came up with various suggestions related to different clauses of the Bill including the penalty regime for data fiduciaries, regarding obtaining parental consent for children, cross border data flows and about consent managers and how the government intends on regulating them and many others. For more information: Click here to read…

Total IT/BPM Exports Increased to over $ 178 billion in FY 2021-22

As per National Association of Software & Services Companies (NASSCOM), total exports from Indian Information Technology/ Business Process Management (IT/ BPM) sector in the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 stood at US $ 149 and US $ 152 respectively. It is estimated that total IT/BPM exports already reached at US $ 178 billion for FY 2021-2022. The Government has been undertaking steps to promote broad based growth across a wide range of high potential services sectors including Information Technology/Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITES). It had also launched Software Technology Park (STP) that is a 100 percent export-oriented scheme for the development and export of computer software using communication links or physical media and including export of professional services. For more information: Click here to read…

India Ranks 3rd in Global Scientific Publications

India has jumped from 7th to 3rd global ranking in scientific publications. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that as per the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Science & Engineering Indicators 2022 report of the United States, India’s position globally in scientific publications, has improved from 7th position in 2010 to 3rd position in 2020. He added that India’s scholarly output increased from 60,555 papers in 2010 to 1,49,213 papers in 2020. For more information: Click here to read…

National Conclave on Techneev@75 organized in Delhi

The need to build on the strength of the community and customize the role of technology according to the systemic needs of the community for changing their life and livelihood was highlighted at the National Conclave on Techneev@75, organized in Delhi on 22 December. The National Conclave is the culmination of the yearlong Techneev@75 programme organised jointly by the DST, DBT, CSIR, and the MoES to bring together communities, societal change makers, and experts on one platform, showcased the significant outcomes and discussed key learnings and the way forward to explore how absorption of science and technology could be augmented at the _community level. It set a framework for strengthening the local innovation system in collaboration with the formal innovation System. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Collaboration with International Institutions for Conducting Research in Science

The Government of India has collaborated with a number of international institutions to facilitate Indian students for their research in science. The collaboration has been established with select institutions, viz. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva; Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA; Elettra Sincrotrone, Trieste, Italy; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), USA; Norwegian Polar Institute, Norway; Purdue University, USA; University of Alberta, Canada; Large Heavy Ion National Accelerator, France; Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR), Joint Institute of Nuclear Research (JINR), Russia and Facility for Anti proton and Ion Research (FAIR), Germany. So far 363 research scholars pursued their research in science during the last three years in these institutions. For more information: Click here to read…

ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum Held in Cambodia

The three-day 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum was held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia where Ms Shalini Kumari from India received first prize in the Grassroots Innovation Competition at the 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum for her innovation ‘Modified walker with adjustable legs’. The technology which was transferred to the industry, Vissco Rehabilitation Aids, a leading manufacturer of orthopaedic products in the country, is available for purchase through Brick and Mortar stores and also through marketplaces like Amazon India for purchase by common people of the country. For more information: Click here to read…

India-Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation

The 9th Session of the India Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 23 December 2022. The Working Group reviewed the results of the eighth session of the working group in the focus sub-groups identified, namely modernization, mining and mineral fertilizers & chemicals. The two sides highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to deepen and strengthen mutual cooperation in several areas. For more information: Click here to read…

Netherlands Look to Deepen Technology Collaboration with India

As the next G20 Presidency, India has invited the Netherlands as a guest country. The Netherlands is looking towards India to deepen technology collaboration beyond the water, agriculture and health agenda. In an exclusive interaction with Financial Express Online, ambassador of the Netherlands in India Marten van den Berg said that “There is already a strong collaboration between the Netherlands and India in R&D… But now we are looking at space technologies, as we have a huge space ecosystem, and the European Space Agency is based in the Netherlands.” He added, “We are very much focusing also to connect start-ups here with our technology programmes.” For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

US House Bans the Chinese Video App TikTok on Official Devices

The popular Chinese video app TikTok has been banned from all U.S. House of Representatives-managed devices, according to the House’s administration arm, mimicking a law soon to go into effect banning the app from all U.S. government devices. The new rule follows a series of moves by U.S. state governments to ban TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd, from government devices. So far 19 states have at least partially blocked the app from state-managed devices over concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to track Americans and censor content. For more information: Click here to read…

Taiwan’s Government to Fine Foxconn for Unauthorized China Investment

Taiwan’s Government has said that it would fine Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, for an unauthorized investment in a Chinese chip maker even after the Taiwanese firm said it would be selling the stake. Taiwan has turned a wary eye on China’s ambition to boost its semiconductor industry and is tightening legislation to prevent what it says is China stealing its chip technology. Foxconn, a major Apple Inc. supplier and iPhone maker, disclosed in July it was a shareholder of embattled Chinese chip conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup. The company has been seeking to acquire chip plants globally as a worldwide chip shortage rattles producers of goods from cars to electronics. Taipei prohibits companies from building their most advanced foundries in China to ensure they do not site their best technology offshore. For more information: Click here to read…

China Seeks Self-Reliance in Agricultural Technology

President Xi Jinping wants China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agricultural technology, identifying seed development and core equipment among areas to focus on. The central leadership had said in 2020 that the country’s seed industry was a weak link in the food chain and needed to make better use of science and technology to achieve a turnaround. “It is necessary to keep an eye on the frontiers of the world’s agricultural science and technology,” the official Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying at the central rural work conference held in Beijing. President Xi urged China’s agricultural sector to “vigourously improve” its science and technology, with more efficient innovation. For more information: Click here to read…

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 01-15 December 2022, Issue 3

January 2, 2023 vd@admin

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment
DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System
Space Defence Mission
‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

II. STI in Space Sector

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’
Usage of NaviC System Increased in India
Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets
DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT
Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years
Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued
FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs
Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs
Rolling out of 5G Network Services
Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy
Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027
Scope for New and Renewable Energy
Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups
Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India
AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum
A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated
Digitization of MSMEs

IV. International Cooperation

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India
India-UAE Space Cooperation
India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda
India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

V. Regional and Global Trends

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List
President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona
Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries
Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms
China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment

Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are being equipped with indigenous state-of-the-art ships and weapons to protect the maritime borders of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement on 2 December 2022. The Minister highlighted a number of initiatives taken by the Government to encourage indigenous manufacturing of weapons/ products and minimise imports by DPSUs. The initiatives include notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists comprising Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems and SRIJAN portal. For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of Akash Weapon System (Indian Army Version) to Missile Systems Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) in Hyderabad on 3 December 2022. The handing over was held at Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) which, as a nodal agency, has designed and developed the Akash weapon system. Akash is the first state-of-the-art indigenous surface-to-air missile system which has been with Armed Forces for nearly a decade defending the Indian skies and providing national security. For more information: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission

Mission DefSpace was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during DefExpo in October 2022 with 75 Defence Space Challenges relevant to the end users. These challenges have been categorised into existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I and Make-2. Private Industries, including Start-ups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators, are eligible to apply. The challenges, classified into five buckets viz. Launch System, Satellite System, Communication & Payload System, Ground System and Software System, provide a holistic 3600 overview of space. In this regard, several policy initiatives and reforms have been brought to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, there by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country. For more information: Click here to read…

‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

A total of 52 individuals and 34 start-ups have been awarded under three ‘Dare to Dream’ contests out of 5,637 applications received in last three years. A total of 07 projects have been sanctioned and awarded to start-ups of Dare to Dream contest winners so far. DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups, recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and with Indian founders, for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government of UT – Ladakh has approached the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for developing “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’ for UT-Ladakh”. The project encompasses spatial database generation (water resources, vegetation and energy potential) using remote sensing, geospatial techniques and the development of a Geo-portal for hosting this database. For more information: Click here to read…

Usage of NaviC System Increased in India

Dr Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, said that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NaviC system) has increased in India. The NaviC system finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety, etc. Other upcoming initiatives viz. common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. are in the process of adopting NavIC system. The Minister said that many mobile phone models in the country are already having NaviC compatibility. For more information: Click here to read…

Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets

The Department of Space (DoS) has initiated studies towards undertaking the development of critical technologies required to achieve Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets and their demonstration through Vertical Take-off & Vertical Landing (VTVL) of Test Vehicles. In order to become an active stakeholder in the small satellite market, ISRO/DoS has initiated development of Spacecraft buses for the small satellites, which includes nano-satellite and micro-satellites. For more information: Click here to read…

DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

The DoS is in the process of establishing a predictable, forward-looking, enabling regulatory regime for space activities in India, through a comprehensive, well-defined policy for the entire gamut of such activities, Minister Jitendra Singh said on 7 December in a Statement in the Lok Sabha in reply to a question regarding launch of Vikram-S Rocket. The New Space India Limited (NSIL) a Public Sector Enterprise under the DoS, has been empowered to bring a commerce-oriented approach to space activities. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT

Under Start-up India Initiative, a total of 59,787 entities were recognised as start-ups in the last ﬁve years (years 2017-2021) by the DPIIT. As on 30th November 2022, 84,102 entities have been recognised as start-ups by the DPIIT. Recognized startups are spread across 56 sectors. Sustained Government eﬀorts in this direction have resulted in increasing the number of recognized Startups from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 in 2022 (as on 30th November 2022), Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash said in reply to a parliament question on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years

Addressing an “International Conference on Emerging Trends in Biosciences and Chemical Technology- 2022”, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s bio-economy has grown 8 times in the last 8 years under Prime Minister Modi from $10 billion in 2014 to over $80 billion in 2022. Biotech Start-ups have grown 100 times in the last 8 years from 52 odd startups in 2014 to 5300 plus in 2022. The Minister pointed out that from a paltry investment of Rs 10 Crore in Bio-economy in 2014, the fund growth saw 400 times hike to Rs 4200 crore in 2022, creating over 25,000 high skilled jobs. For more information: Click here to read…

Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued

For the effective operation and smooth implementation of the PLI scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has formulated and notified the operational guidelines. The guidelines have been notified on 29th November 2022 for the information of all the stakeholders and the public. To make India a global hub for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, and operation of drones under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021 were released to create a growth-oriented regulatory framework for drones. To facilitate further growth, the Government has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drones and Drone Components in India. For the implementation of this scheme during 2022-23 to 2024-25, a corpus of Rs 120 crores has been allocated. For more information: Click here to read…

Reform Measures to Promote Drone Industry

The Government of India has undertaken a series of reform measures to promote India’s upcoming drone industry which include: Drones Rules, 2021 notified on 25 August 2021 provide the necessary regulatory framework for commercial use of drones; Drone Airspace Map published on 24th September 2021; PLI scheme to promote the growth of drone manufacturing by private companies launched in 30 September 2021; and, UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Policy Framework was published on 24th October 2021. Ministry of Civil Aviation has proactively engaged with various Union Ministries and State/UT Governments across the country to promote drone applications. For more information: Click here to read…

FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs

For promoting the use of electric vehicles in the country and to make their manufacturing cost effective, following three schemes have been formulated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries: Phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme initially for a period of three years commencing from April 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore; the PLI Scheme for Automotive Sector with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores approved in September 2021; and, PLI Scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore approved in May 2021. For more information: Click here to read…

Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs

Under phase-II of FAME-India Scheme, Rs. 1000 Cr. is allocated for the development of charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 2,877 electric vehicle charging stations in 68 cities across 25 states/UTs. Further, 1576 charging stations across 9 Expressways and 16 Highways under phase-II of FAME India Scheme has also been sanctioned. For more information: Click here to read…

Rolling out of 5G Network Services

The Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 14 December said that Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have started providing 5G services in the country from 1st October 2022 onwards and as of 26 November 2022, 5G services have started in 50 towns distributed over 14 States/UTs. As per the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) dated 15 June 2022 for auction of spectrum and the license conditions, the rollout obligations are required to be met over a period of five years, in a phased manner, from the date of allocation of spectrum. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Energy

Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy

The Government of India has proposed to set up more nuclear power plants for augmenting production of clean energy. In addition to the eleven (11) reactors (8700 MW) under construction, the Government of India has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. The Government has also accorded in principle approval for five new sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the future. The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises of 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid. For more information: Click here to read…

Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027

At present, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 1&2 of 1000 MW capacity each are already in operation and the remaining four units of 1000 MW each are under construction. On their progressive completion, the full capacity of Kudankulam site of 6000 MW is expected to be reached by the year 2027, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question on 8 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Scope for New and Renewable Energy

In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement at COP26, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and achieving Net Zero by 2070. A total of 172.72 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources has been installed in the country as on 31 October 2022. This includes 119.09 GW Renewable Energy, 46.85 GW Large Hydro and 6.78 GW Nuclear Power capacity. This constitutes a share of 42.26% of total installed generation capacity in the country i.e. 408.71 GW as on 31 October 2022. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Agriculture

Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups

Space Satellites herald Agritech revolution and Agritech Start-Ups which is going to mark a major next breakthrough for India’s Agriculture sector after the Green revolution of yesteryears. Dr Jitendra Singh and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, formally released the data products and services of RISAT-1A satellite for the user community in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 December. The Trinity of Geospatial Systems, Drone Policy and Unlocked Space Sector will be a game-changer for Indian Agriculture in both augmenting the farmer’s income and realising the vision of the $5 trillion economy. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Health

Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India

World’s first intra-nasal vaccine for COVID developed by India has got approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for restricted use in emergency situations in the age group of 18 and above. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Product development and Clinical trials were funded by the Department of biotechnology, Government of India and BIRAC under the Mission COVID Suraksha Programme. India’s efforts through Mission COVID Suraksha under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi has not only strengthened AtmaNirbhar Bharat but also bolstered India’s status as a worldwide vaccine development and manufacturing center showcasing the strength of Science and Technology. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Education

AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the importance of focusing on student learning outcomes and making quality education accessible, affordable, equitable and inclusive. Accordingly, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has revamped the existing curriculum and launched outcome based Model curriculum for Diploma, Undergraduate and Post Graduate courses in Engineering and PGDM/MBA. AICTE has also prepared Model curriculum for courses in Emerging Areas like (i) Artificial Intelligence (AI), (ii) Internet of Things (IoT), (iii) Block Chain, (iv) Robotics, (v) Quantum Computing (vi) Data Science (vii) Cyber Security (viii) 3D Printing and Design and (ix) Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) etc., and permitted in engineering institutes from academic year 2020-21. For more information: Click here to read…

AIM Launches Community Innovator Fellowship

On 1 December 2022, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with UNDP India announced the launch of applications for Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) to facilitate knowledge building and provide infrastructure support to aspiring community innovators essential for their entrepreneurship journey. Currently there are 22 Community Innovator fellows being incubated at the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) programme of AIM. For more information: Click here to read…

A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated

On 3 December 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics at the Jyothi Engineering College in Thrissur, Kerala and expressed hope that it will encourage young Indians to venture into innovation and applications of AI and robotics in different fields. The Minister said there is already a wave of opportunities for innovation and startups in India. For more information: Click here to read…

MoU Signed for Learning in the field of AI and ML

Chitkara University announced its collaboration with NEC Corporation India, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, for a comprehensive academic programme for aspiring students to facilitate them with hands-on training and research facilities in the area of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Al/ML) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NEC Corporation India and Chitkara University. The agreement will provide an opportunity for the University to upskill its students, faculty and academic researchers in the field of AI. For more information: Click here to read…

Other Socio-Economic Sectors

E-Shram Portal, Database on Migrant Workers, Launched

Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched e-SHRAM portal, a National Database of the Unorganised Workers on 26 August 2021. It has been made available to the States/ UTs for registration of unorganised workers on e-SHRAM portal. The main objective of the e-SHRAM portal is to create a national database of all unorganised workers including Construction Workers, Gig and Platform workers, Street Vendors, Domestic Workers, Agriculture Workers, Migrant workers and similar other workers seeded with Aadhaar. For more information: Click here to read…

Digitization of MSMEs

As on date 1.24 crore Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are registered in Udyam Registration portal and further benefitted through various programmes. Under the MSME Champions Schemes ‘Digital MSME’ component has been included for digital empowerment of MSMEs in the country. The Ministry of MSME propose to support MSMEs through “Digital MSME” a component of MSME Champions Scheme to bring in digitization and digitalization and to make MSMEs digitally empowered and motivate them to adopt digital tools, applications and technologies in their production & business processes with a view to improve their competitiveness. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India

Vedanta Semiconductors Ltd., a Joint Venture between Vedanta and Foxconn is an applicant under the Scheme for setting up of semiconductor Fabs in India. As per their application, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, were proposed as possible locations. However, the applicants in their final submissions have informed that they had decided Dholera Industrial City, Gujarat as final location for their proposal, and have submitted definitive agreement and Government orders from the Government of Gujarat stating the details of support from the State. This information was provided by the Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

India-UAE Space Cooperation

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) summit, “Abu Dhabi Space Debate” on 5 December 2022, Dr Jitendra Singh described India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and reiterated that under Prime Minister Modi, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the UAE to newer heights. The Minister said that development of the Space sector is one of the priority areas for the leaders of both India and the UAE and added that India started its space journey seven decades back from a scratch and is today acknowledged to be a leading space power. He said that the indigenously developed Space sector of India and the fast-growing Space sector of the UAE have a lot of complementariness that can be harnessed. He shared that India’s active space partnership with the UAE dates back to 2017, when our PSLV launched UAE’s first nanosatellite – ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data. For more information: Click here to read…

India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda

To propel economic growth by empowering the youth with the right skills and providing them the access to right opportunities, 12th meeting of the Indo-German joint working group was held in New Delhi on 7 December to encourage Vocational Education and Training (VET). The deliberations at the meeting were aimed at institutionalizing a standard mechanism for VET to meet the skill requirements in priority sectors as per the German standards. A skill mapping exercise will be undertaken to assess the skill gaps and based on the same, bridge courses and upskilling programmes will be designed for skill training of Indian workers. For more information: Click here to read…

India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 14 December, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is not reliant on China for accessing rare earth minerals. In India, capacity and capabilities in terms of mining, processing, extraction, refining and production of high pure RE oxides is adequately available. The Minister said that the production of Monazite the primary source of rare earth mineral in India is around 4000 MT per annum. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List

On 15 December 2022, the Biden administration added 36 Chinese firms to its export blacklist on efforts to block Beijing’s access to advanced military and surveillance technology from the U.S. Yangtze Memory Technologies, one of China’s largest chip makers, was added to the U.S.’s “Entity List” alongside 34 other Chinese companies and one Chinese subsidiary located in Japan, essentially blocking the firms from receiving U.S. technology. US Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Alan Estevez in a statement said that the additions to the Entity List will severely restrict China’s ability to “leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses.” For more information: Click here to read…

President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona

On 6 December 2022, US President Joe Biden’s visit to a massive construction project in north Phoenix highlighted Arizona’s role in a major U.S. policy shift on semiconductor manufacturing.
The Biden administration is pushing to boost domestic chips manufacturing with more than $50 billion in subsidies in the new CHIPs and Science Act. President Biden’s visit to the new fabrication facility being built by Taiwanese chips giant TSMC came as the firm announced it would build a second fabrication facility and triple its investment in Phoenix to $40 billion. For more information: Click here to read…

Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. smartphone giant Apple Inc. is accelerating plans to move some China-based production lines to other southeastern Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. That would represent a significant shift in the so-called de-Sinification of global supply chains after manufacturers become aware of risks of concentrating production in China. Stephen Ezell, director of global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in Washington told Voice of America (VOA) that more multinationals might follow suit if Apple succeeds in shipping products from India, as it had produced a small percentage of iPhone 14s there. For more information: Click here to read…

Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms

Geopolitica.Info reported that Germany by blocking the sale of two semiconductor factories to Chinese companies showcased that it “will not allow China to swallow up its companies of strategic and critical importance”. Berlin’s decision comes despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China in November amid criticism by lawmakers from his country and the European Union. For more information: Click here to read…

China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

China is spending $143 billion to combat U.S. moves to cut off its supply of semiconductor technology. The funds will be used to provide financial subsidies and incentives to help China’s chipmakers develop and acquire semiconductor technology to withstand the U.S. move. Meanwhile, China has initiated the process of challenging the U.S. order at the World Trade Organization. Its Commerce Ministry has accused the United States of “generalizing the concept of national security and abusing export control measures, which hinders the normal international trade in chips and other products.” For more information: Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, November 24, 2022

November 24, 2022 vd@admin

China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and State Post Bureau to further regulate e-cigarettes delivery: Global Times

November 23, 2022

The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration issued a notice on Wednesday in which it announced that the capacity of e-cigarette products, aerosol and nicotine used in e-cigarettes carried by each person at each time will be limited. Click here to read…

Chinese authorities boost job creation for nation’s record 11 million graduates: Global Times

November 23, 2022

Chinese authorities are rolling out more policy stimulus to keep payrolls stable and boost job creation for the country’s 11 million graduates, a record high. Insiders said the situation this year is arduous, especially as the resurging epidemic has hindered the progress of traditional face-to-face campus recruitment, and global financial turbulence has cut many firms’ budgets. Click here to read…

Chinese FM refutes allegation of ‘ban’ on Korean dramas, stresses open attitude to latest film imports: Global Times

November 23, 2022

China has imported and distributed many South Korean movies and TV dramas since last year, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, refuting allegations of the existence of a “restriction” policy on South Korean entertainment content, when asked about media reports that Chinese regulators had allowed South Korean movies to be streamed “after a six-year suspension.” Click here to read…

China’s J-15 carrier-based fighter jet to get domestic engines: Global Times

November 23, 2022

A newly produced J-15 carrier-based fighter jet was fitted with what seems to be a pair of China’s domestically developed engines, according to an official media report on Wednesday, which marked the 10th anniversary of the aircraft’s first takeoff and landing on the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier. Click here to read…

China holds policing discussion with officials of Pacific island nations: Reuters

November 23, 2022

China said it held a video meeting to discuss police cooperation with several Pacific island nations on Tuesday, with at least two nations telling Reuters their ministers and police commissioners were unavailable to attend. Click here to read…

China’s top political advisor calls for boosted efficiency in performance of duties: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang on Tuesday called for efforts to improve the work evaluation system for political advisors so as to boost the efficiency of the performance of their duties. Click here to read…

Chinese defense minister delivers speech at 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Cambodia: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on Wednesday delivered a speech at the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) here in northwest Cambodia’s Siem Reap province. Click here to read…

Chinese tech giant Huawei joins global digital coalition: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Chinese tech giant Huawei has joined the Partner2Connect (P2C) digital coalition of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), company chairman Liang Hua said Wednesday.
Huawei is committed to helping 120 million people in remote areas connect to the digital world by 2025, Liang said at the 2022 Sustainability Forum. Click here to read…

Chongqing resumes regular passenger flights to Middle East: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Air China flight CA451 recently flew from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Dubai, marking the official resumption of regular passenger flights from the southwest China metropolis to the Middle East. The Chongqing-Dubai route is operated by Airbus A330 every Monday and Saturday, according to the airport. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 3,927 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 3,927 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Altogether 27,517 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Nation ups efforts for hydrogen: Qiushi

November 24, 2022

China’s development of the hydrogen energy industry is on a fast track driven by policy support and market demand, with innovative technologies, new applications and mechanisms constantly emerging, experts said. Click here to read…

Chinese minors’ addiction to online games has been largely solved: Global Times

November 24, 2022

The China Game Industry Research Institute released a report named “2022 China Game Industry Progress Report on the Protection of Minors” on Tuesday together with other departments, which showed that the problem of minors’ addiction to online games has been largely solved. However, what is worrying is that much of the time originally spent on games is now being used to browse short videos. Click here to read…

China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and State Post Bureau to further regulate e-cigarettes delivery: Global Times

November 23, 2022

Chinese authorities boost job creation for nation’s record 11 million graduates: Global Times

November 23, 2022

Chinese FM refutes allegation of ‘ban’ on Korean dramas, stresses open attitude to latest film imports: Global Times

November 23, 2022

China’s J-15 carrier-based fighter jet to get domestic engines: Global Times

November 23, 2022

Foxconn says it will continue to communicate with employees, govt to avoid disputes: Global Times

November 24, 2022

Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) said on Wednesday that it would continue to communicate with employees and the government to avoid disputes and denied online speculation that employees who tested positive for COVID-19 were living in dormitories in its Zhengzhou facility, after some online videos showed violent incidents taking place. Click here to read…

China unveils financial measures to bolster housing market: People’s Daily

November 24, 2022

China’s financial authorities on Wednesday rolled out 16 steps in the country’s latest move to facilitate the stable and healthy development of the real-estate market. Efforts will be made to stabilize the supply of loans for real-estate development, and support the reasonable demand for individual housing loans, according to a guideline released by the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Click here to read…

Apple supplier Foxconn apologises for hiring blunder at COVID-hit China plant: Reuters

November 24, 2022

Apple’s major supplier Foxconn (2317.TW) said on Thursday a “technical error” occurred when hiring new recruits at a COVID-hit iPhone factory in China and apologised to workers after the company was rocked by fresh labour unrest. Click here to read…

China sees record daily COVID cases of nearly 30,000 amid lockdowns: Kyodo

November 24, 2022

China reported Thursday a record of nearly 30,000 daily coronavirus cases in the mainland, as the government continues to implement its stringent “zero-COVID” policy involving lockdowns in some areas. New cases stood at 29,754 on Wednesday, according to the National Health Commission, the highest figure since it began releasing the number in the spring of 2020. Click here to read…

Foxconn offers US$1,400 to new hires to leave Zhengzhou factory after violent protests over benefits and Covid-19 controls: South China Morning Post

November 24, 2022

The world’s largest iPhone factory, operated by Foxconn Technology Group in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, has promised to pay each newly-hired worker 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) to leave the campus immediately in a desperate move to end protests that have turned violent. Click here to read…

China to fully deliver supportive policies to consolidate economic recovery: Xinhuanet

November 24, 2022

China will take solid steps to ensure full and effective implementation of the policy package for stabilizing the economy and the follow-up measures, to consolidate the foundation of economic recovery and growth, according to a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022 vd@admin

Tibet starts building first county-level rooftop PV power generation project: Xinhuanet

November 17, 2022

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region on Wednesday started the construction of a county-level distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation project on rooftops, the first of its kind in the region. Click here to read…

Former Chinese senior discipline inspector stands trial for bribery: Xinhuanet

November 17, 2022

Liu Yanping, a former senior discipline inspector, stood trial for bribery on Thursday at the Intermediate People’s Court of Changchun City in Jilin Province. Liu was formerly head of the discipline inspection and supervision team sent to the Ministry of State Security by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. Click here to read…

Former senior discipline inspector charged with taking bribes: China Daily

November 17, 2022

Liu Yanping, a former senior discipline inspector, was charged with taking bribes of 234 million yuan ($32.8 million) on his first trial in Changchun Intermediate People’s Court Thursday, when he pleaded guilty. Click here to read…

China sets up national university for aged, to ‘build lifelong learning society’: Global Times

November 17, 2022

China’s Ministry of Education released a notice on Thursday that it has decided to set up a national university for the aged, a move that experts believe is intended to cope with the aging society and build a lifelong learning society. Click here to read…

U.S. imposes new sanctions over Iran sanctions evasion, targets Chinese firms: Reuters

November 17, 2022

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on over a dozen companies based in China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates that Washington accused of facilitating the sale of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum products to buyers in East Asia. Click here to read…

Foxconn hires over 100,000 workers for COVID-hit Chinese plant – Yicai: Reuters

November 17, 2022

Apple (AAPL.O) supplier Foxconn has hit a hiring target of 100,000 new workers for its Zhengzhou plant in China, financial news outlet Yicai reported on Thursday, a milestone that could ease production pressure at the COVID-hit site. Yicai, citing an unidentified high-ranking staffer at the plant, said Foxconn had received more than 100,000 job applications so far and was ending its latest hiring drive. Click here to read…

Anti-corruption chief at Chinese spy agency admits taking US$33 million in bribes: South China Morning Post

November 17, 2022

A former anti-corruption chief at China’s national spy agency has pleaded guilty to bribery.
Liu Yanping, 67, appeared before Changchun Intermediate People’s Court in the northeastern province of Jilin on Thursday, charged with accepting more than 234 million yuan. The court said that Liu, the former disciplinary chief at the Ministry of State Security, had pleaded guilty and expressed repentance. The court was adjourned and he will be sentenced at a later date. Click here to read…

Paper calls for ethical governance of artificial intelligence: China Daily

November 18, 2022

China has shared its positions on the supervision, development and use of artificial intelligence, as well as on related international cooperation, in a paper that calls for strengthened ethical governance of AI, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday. Click here to read…

No efforts spared to stop virus in Guangzhou: China Daily

November 18, 2022

Medical workers are going all out to treat critical and severely ill patients with COVID-19 while sparing no effort to halt the spread of the virus in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, a local senior health official said on Thursday. Zhang Yi, deputy director and spokeswoman of the Guangzhou Health Commission, said an expert consultation system has been set up in accordance with patients’ health conditions and they are being treated with traditional Chinese and Western medicines. Click here to read…

FBI director ‘very concerned’ by Chinese ‘police stations’ in U.S.: Reuters

November 18, 2022

The United States is deeply concerned about the Chinese government setting up unauthorized ‘police stations’ in U.S. cities to possibly pursue influence operations, FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Thursday. Safeguard Defenders, a Europe-based human rights organization, published a report in September revealing the presence of dozens of Chinese police “service stations” in major cities around the world, including New York. Click here to read…

Second child dies in China virus isolation: Taipei Times

November 18, 2022

Chinese authorities faced more public anger yesterday after a second child’s death was blamed on overzealous anti-virus enforcement, adding to frustration at controls that are confining millions of people to their homes and sparked fights with health workers. Click here to read…

China to step up internet censorship with stricter rules for social media and streaming sites: South China Morning Post

November 18, 2022

Chinese social media and web video platforms must approve all news-related comments before they go online and step up training for censors to keep out “harmful” content, according to new regulations taking effect on December 15. The new law, an updated and approved version of the 2017 Regulations on the Administration of Internet Post Comment Services, was publicised by the Chinese internet watchdog on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Full text of Xi’s written speech at APEC CEO Summit: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a written speech titled “Staying Committed to and Jointly Promoting Development to Bring Asia-Pacific Cooperation to New Heights” here Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. Click here to read…

Data reveals China’s continued attractiveness to foreign investment: Qiushi

November 18, 2022

China has retained its strong appeal to foreign businesses, with capital inflows continuing to grow steadily in the first 10 months of this year despite gloomy investment sentiment around the globe. Click here to read…

Xi says China committed to building Asia-Pacific community with shared future: China Military

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored on Thursday that China is committed to promoting the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and will do more to enhance the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, November 7, 2022

November 7, 2022 vd@admin

(CIIE) Full Text: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo: Xinhuanet

November 4, 2022

The following is the full text of the remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping via video at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo held in Shanghai Friday.

Working Together for a Bright Future of Openness and ProsperityClick here to read…

China unveils implementation plan for private pensions: Xinhuanet

November 4, 2022

China on Friday rolled out a detailed implementation plan for private pensions, following the release of a guideline on pushing forward the development of private pensions to complement the nation’s current pension system in April. Click here to read…

China’s top procuratorate orders arrest of former telecom giant manager: China Daily

November 4, 2022

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Li Guohua, former general manager of the Chinese telecom giant China Unicom, for suspected bribe-taking and abuse of power. The National Commission of Supervision has completed an investigation into Li’s case and handed it over to prosecutors, the SPP said. Click here to read…

China’s top procuratorate orders arrest of former chief procurator of Shanghai : China Daily

November 4, 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Zhang Bencai, former chief procurator of the Shanghai People’s Procuratorate, for suspected bribe-taking. The case was transferred to procuratorial authorities for prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision. The handling of the case is underway. Click here to read…

Bridges along Xizang-Xinjiang highway named after Chinese heroes in Galwan Valley border clash: Global Times

November 4, 2022

Names of the four martyrs who sacrificed lives in the deadly Galwan Valley border clash with Indian troops in 2020 now appear at the road signs along the G219 highway, which runs from Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region to Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as a way of commemorating those heroes who have become the epitome of Chinese people’s ever-growing patriotic sentiment. Click here to read…

China central bank vice governor under investigation: Xinhuanet

November 5, 2022

Fan Yifei, vice governor of the People’s Bank of China, is under disciplinary and supervisory investigation, an official statement said Saturday. Fan, also a member of the Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) of the bank, is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC) for suspected severe violations of disciplines and laws, the CCDI and NSC statement said. Click here to read…

Former senior legislator arrested for bribery and misappropriation of public funds: China Daily

November 5, 2022

Song Xibin, a former senior legislator in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes and misappropriating public funds, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate said in a statement on Saturday. Song’s case was handed over to the prosecuting agency after the National Commission of Supervision wrapped up its investigation, the statement added. Click here to read…

China’s top procuratorate orders arrest of former vice governor of Hubei: China Daily

November 5, 2022

China’s top procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Cao Guangjing, former vice governor of Central China’s Hubei province, for suspected bribe-taking. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate said in a statement on Saturday that Cao’s case was transferred to procuratorial authorities for prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision. Click here to read…

Officials call for TCM modernization, innovation: China Daily

November 6, 2022

While hailing traditional Chinese medicines’ unique advantages in helping tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, senior officials have called for the accelerating modernization and innovation of TCM to better contribute to global health, on Saturday. Click here to read…

Full Text: Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Opening Ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: China Military

November 6, 2022

The following is the full text of the address delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping via video at the opening ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on Saturday. Click here to read…

C China’s Zhengzhou apologizes, vows to rectify its ‘one-size-fits-all’ anti-epidemic approach: Global Times

November 6, 2022

Government officials of Zhengzhou, home to more than 13 million people in Central China’s Henan Province, apologized to the public for the inaccurate quarantine in COVID-19 control, vowing to resolutely rectify the city’s “one-size-fits-all” and oversimplified method and carefully listen to the public’s voice to solve their urgent problems and needs. Click here to read…

PLA Air Force displays three ‘firsts’ at Airshow China: Global Times

November 6, 2022

Two members in the 20-series aircraft – the J-20 stealth fighter jet and the YU-20 aerial tanker – will be displayed in the sky and on the ground at the highly anticipated Airshow China, which will be held from November 8 to 13 in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province, with the J-20 scheduled to display its first landing and flight to the public. Click here to read…

New anti-drone defense system to debut at Airshow China, offering smart and effective solutions to unmanned modern warfare: Global Times

November 6, 2022

In response to new challenges in the modern warfare brought by drones with low flight altitude, slow flight speed and small radar reflection area, China has come up with a new indigenous air defense system and put it on display at the upcoming 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province. Click here to read…

China issues guideline to promote guiding principles of key Party congress in military: Xinhuanet

November 6, 2022

The Central Military Commission (CMC) has issued a guideline on the study, publicity, and implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in the military. Click here to read…

China issues white paper on community with shared future in cyberspace: Xinhuanet

November 7, 2022

China’s State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper titled “Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace.” The white paper introduced China’s vision of internet development and governance in the new era and its actions, shared its achievements in promoting the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and outlined the prospects for international cooperation. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 535 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

November 7, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 535 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Monday. Altogether 4,961 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Nation’s mightiest rocket engine tested successfully: China Daily

November 7, 2022

Engineers in China’s space industry conducted a key test of the country’s most powerful liquid-propellant rocket engine on Saturday, a step forward in the development of a super-heavy carrier rocket. Developed by the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, the 500-metric-ton thrust engine’s first ignition test took place at the academy’s testing facility in a Xi’an suburb. It was a “complete success”, the academy said in a news release. Click here to read…

China’s cyberspace regulator encourages Huawei to enhance innovation and digitalization construction: Global Times

November 7, 2022

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has encouraged Huawei to make breakthrough in core technologies to accelerated the independence and innovation of top technologies under the guidelines of the 20th National Congress of Communist Party of China (CPC), according to an article published on the official website of CAC on Sunday. Click here to read…

China’s COVID resurgence spurs new curbs, Foxconn imposes restrictions:
Reuters

November 7, 2022

China’s escalating COVID-19 resurgence has spurred authorities and companies, including key iPhone manufacturer Foxconn (2317.TW), to ramp up measures to contain outbreaks, disrupting production and throwing business events into confusion. China reported on Monday 5,496 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases for Nov. 6, the highest since May 2, when the country’s commercial capital of Shanghai was put under a crushing lockdown amid its worst outbreak. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, November 1, 2022

November 1, 2022 vd@admin

China’s political advisors discuss study of key Party congress : Xinhuanet

October 31, 2022

The Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee convened a meeting on Monday to discuss the study and implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Click here to read…

China opens more sectors to foreign investment: Qiushi

October 31, 2022

China on Friday issued a new catalog of industries where foreign investment will be encouraged, opening more sectors to foreign investment. The 2022 version of catalog, jointly unveiled by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce, will include 1,474 items, with 239 new items added and 167 existing ones modified. Click here to read…

China steps up financial support for real economy: Qiushi

October 31, 2022

China has beefed up financial support to further bolster the country’s real economy this year, according to a report submitted to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on Friday. The country’s monetary policy has been further strengthened and improved in 2022, with the comprehensive financing cost of enterprises steadily reducing. Click here to read…

Preparation for 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in order: China Military

October 31, 2022

The 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2022, is to be held at Zhuhai International Air Show Center from November 8 to 13. There will be more than 740 enterprises from 43 countries and regions to participate in the exhibition, and a number of new aerospace products will debut during the event. Click here to read…

China’s top procuratorate orders arrest of former vice governor of Liaoning: China Daily

October 31, 2022

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Wang Dawei, former vice governor of Northeast China’s Liaoning province, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Commission of Supervision has completed an investigation into Wang’s case and handed it over to prosecutors, the SPP said. Click here to read…

Chinese cities clamp down on COVID as cases rise before winter season: Reuters

October 31, 2022

Officials in Chinese cities and provinces across the country are pulling no punches in stamping out sporadic COVID-19 outbreaks as winter nears, quickly closing venues and enforcing longer temporary lockdowns on millions of people. Cases in mainland China hit 2,898 on Sunday, topping 2,000 for a second straight day and pressuring the country’s controversial zero-COVID policy, which has hamstrung the economy and exasperated its citizens. Click here to read…

Center for big data opens in Lhasa: China Daily

October 31, 2022

A new center for big data began operation on Saturday in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region. It is the first such center at the regional level and a step toward big data integration and application sharing, local media reported. Click here to read…

Xi holds talks with Vietnam’s communist party chief: Xinhuanet

November 1, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks on Monday with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee. Click here to read…

China rolls out events on global youth development, climate change: Xinhuanet

November 1, 2022

An Action Plan for Global Youth Development and Global Youth Climate Week were launched in Beijing on Monday, in a bid to promote youth engagement in the global development agenda. The events were attended by over 300 youth delegates from around the world both online and offline. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 498 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

November 1, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Monday reported 498 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Tuesday. Altogether 2,221 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Guangzhou cancels 888 flights after detecting 527 COVID-19 cases in a single day: Global Times

November 1, 2022

The city of Guangzhou in South China’s Guangdong Province is facing pressure from imported COVID-19 cases from other provinces and from overseas, and there has also been a local rebound. The manufacturing hub reported 527 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday and it has dealt with a total of 260 COVID-related incidents since October 1. Click here to read…

Policy key to stable economy: People’s Daily

November 1, 2022

Despite drop in official PMI, better tax revenues and spending hold out hope, experts say China must continue to intensify macroeconomic policies and accelerate the implementation of a raft of pro-growth policies to stabilize the economy, experts said. The country’s macroeconomic policy support for growth stabilization will remain undiminished. The improvement of tax revenues will strengthen the sustainability of fiscal policy, and big-ticket government spending will continuously support a number of areas, including people’s livelihoods and key infrastructure projects, said Lian Ping, chief economist at Zhixin Investment and head of the Zhixin Investment Research Institute. Click here to read…

Apple supplier Foxconn quadruples bonuses to staff hit by China COVID lockdown: Reuters

November 1, 2022

Apple (AAPL.O) supplier Foxconn said on Tuesday it has quadrupled bonuses on offer for workers at its Zhengzhou plant in central China as it works to quell employee discontent at the major iPhone manufacturing site over COVID curbs. Daily bonuses for employees, who are part of a Foxconn unit responsible for making electronics including smartphones at the site, have been raised to 400 yuan ($54.72) a day for November from previously announced bonuses of 100 yuan, according to the official WeChat account of Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant. Click here to read…

Chinese cities clamp down on COVID as cases rise before winter season: Reuters

October 31, 2022

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, May 05, 2022

May 5, 2022 vd@admin

Chinese envoy urges biggest contributor to fulfill UN financial duties: Xinhuanet

May 4, 2022

China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations on Tuesday urged the organization’s biggest contributor to fulfill its financial duties. “The largest contributor has not well-fulfilled its financial obligations to the UN over the years. This is unfair to other countries,” Dai Bing told the second part of the resumed session of the Fifth Committee of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, which deals with internal UN administrative and budgetary matters. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy rebukes Washington’s false claims against China over Ukraine issue: Xinhuanet

May 4, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in the United States on Tuesday rebuked the U.S. State Department’s recent false claims that Chinese officials and media “routinely amplify Kremlin’s propaganda, conspiracy theories, and disinformation” on the Ukraine issue. Click here to read…

Shanghai FTZ’s Lingang new area welcomes first foreign bank: Xinhuanet

May 4, 2022

The administrative committee of Lingang new area of the Shanghai free trade zone (FTZ) has announced that United Overseas Bank (UOB) China is expected to open in the third quarter of this year. The landing of the first foreign bank shows that foreign investors are full of confidence in the development prospects of Lingang and China’s financial market, according to the administrative committee. Click here to read…

China remains Myanmar’s biggest export market in 6-month period: Xinhuanet

May 4, 2022

China remained the largest export country for Myanmar between October last year and March this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. According to the ministry’s figures, Myanmar’s export to China during the period amounted to over 1.98 billion U.S. dollars and accounted for almost 24 percent of the country’s total export. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists develop trajectory planning system for collision-free flight of drone swarms: Xinhuanet

May 5, 2022

Chinese scientists have developed a new flight path planning system that can help miniature, fully autonomous drone swarms fly smartly through crowded forests, without collisions. The planning system enabled 10 aerial robots to collectively maneuver unhindered through a cluttered bamboo forest and find the most efficient flight path, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Science Robotics. Click here to read…

10 rescued, 5 dead in central China building collapse: Xinhuanet

May 5, 2022

Ten people have been rescued and five others died after a self-built residential structure collapsed in central China’s Hunan Province on April 29, rescuers said early Thursday. At around 12:00 a.m. Thursday, the tenth survivor, a female, was pulled out alive from the debris about 132 hours after the collapse occurred. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 360 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases, 261 in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

May 5, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 360 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 261 were in Shanghai, according to the National Health Commission’s report Thursday. Apart from Shanghai, 12 other provincial-level regions on the mainland saw new local COVID-19 cases, including 42 in Beijing and 14 in Henan. Click here to read…

Shanghai reports 261 confirmed, 4,390 asymptomatic local COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

May 5, 2022

China’s Shanghai reported 261 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 4,390 local asymptomatic cases on Wednesday, the municipal health commission said Thursday. Of the newly confirmed cases, 185 had previously been reported as asymptomatic carriers. Click here to read…

HKSAR gov’t appeals for elderly persons to undergo frequent COVID-19 testing: Xinhuanet

May 4, 2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday appealed to elderly people again to undergo frequent COVID-19 testing in light of the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures and the increase in social activities. Click here to read…

Man detained for risking national security: China Daily

May 5, 2022

The national security bureau in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, has detained a man surnamed Ma－at first falsely speculated to be Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma－on suspicion of endangering national security and inciting subversion of State power using networks. Click here to read…

Top legal bodies issue circular on trafficking: China Daily

May 4, 2022

The Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued a circular urging suspects involved in the trafficking of women and children to turn themselves in before June 30. Click here to read…

Labor Day tourism takes hit amid epidemic jitters: China Daily

May 4, 2022

Domestic tourism over this year’s Labor Day holiday saw a decrease due to tightened measures against COVID-19. The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show in the five-day holiday domestic travelers made 160 million trips, falling 30.2 percent year-on-year. Click here to read…

City prepares to boost antigen test manufacturing: China Daily

May 5, 2022

Shanghai will establish a production base for COVID-19 antigen test kits with a daily capacity of 5 to 10 million to better accommodate the testing needs of the 25 million permanent residents in the city. Click here to read…

COVID-19 infection clusters continue to flare up: China Daily

May 5, 2022

A cluster of COVID-19 infections has been reported at a college in Yingkou, Liaoning province, that has swelled to 177 cases since Sunday and triggered stronger prevention efforts and an apology. The city in Northeast China has reported 186 asymptomatic locally transmitted COVID-19 infections since Sunday. Of those, 177 cases were linked to Yingkou’s Liaoning Agricultural Technical College. Click here to read…

Central China’s Zhengzhou presses ‘pause button’ for a week to reach zero-COVID at community level: Global Times

May 5, 2022

Zhengzhou, home to more than 12.6 million people in Central China’s Henan Province, pressed the “pause button” from Wednesday until next Tuesday after the city reported nine confirmed cases and 24 asymptomatic infections on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Beijing extends suspension of restaurants’ eat-in services, asks Chaoyang district residents to work from home: Global Times

May 4, 2022

Beijing on Wednesday doubled down on measures to curb viral transmission by asking residents in Chaoyang district to work at home, extending the suspension of restaurants’ dining-in services as well as closing some stops and stations along bus routes and subway lines. Click here to read…

Aircraft carrier Liaoning hosts fighter jet drills in Philippine Sea, ‘displays confidence’: Global Times

May 5, 2021

The aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hosted fighter jet drills in the Philippine Sea on Tuesday, Japan’s defense ministry said on Wednesday, soon after the PLA Navy announced the carrier group sailed into the West Pacific for a routine, realistic combat far sea training mission. Click here to read…

Apple supplier Foxconn steps up hiring in Zhengzhou amid surging iPhone demand: Global Times

May 4, 2022

The world’s largest iPhone factory, operated by Foxconn Technology Group in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan Province, has been stepping up jobs recruitment as demand for iPhones surgesClick here to read…

Central bank issues more credit lines to inspire coal production, energy storage: Global Times

May 4, 2022

China’s central bank announced a plan on Wednesday to provide 100 billion yuan ($15.12 billion) of relending facilities to support coal development and energy storage, another major move to safeguard energy supply as uncertainties mount regarding global coal supplies. Click here to read…

Over 80 firms including China’s JD.com added to U.S. SEC list facing delisting risk: Reuters

May 5, 2022

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) added over 80 firms, including China’s JD.com (9618.HK), to a list of entities facing possible expulsion from American exchanges amid a long-running auditing standoff between the United States and China. Click here to read…

Beijing reports 42 new symptomatic COVID cases, 8 asymptomatic for May 4: Reuters

May 5, 2022

Beijing reported 42 new symptomatic coronavirus cases for May 4, down from 46 cases a day earlier, state television said on Thursday. China’s capital also recorded eight asymptomatic cases, versus five a day earlier, it said. Click here to read…

U.S. Senate moves to launch formal talks on massive China competition bill: Reuters

May 5, 2022

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday moved to begin formal legislative talks on a long-stalled bill to pay for $52 billion in semiconductor chips manufacturing subsidiesand boost U.S. competitiveness with China. Click here to read…

U.S. considers imposing sanctions on China’s Hikvision: Reuters

May 5, 2022

The United States is moving towards imposing new sanctions on Chinese video surveillance company Hikvision (002415.SZ), the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing four people familiar with the talks. Click here to read…

China interfering with competition bill: Taipei Times

May 5, 2022

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Chinese government of trying to interfere in negotiations over a broad China competition bill that would bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Click here to read…

Chinese-American expert’s call for China to change zero-Covid policy becomes online hit: South China Morning Post

5 May, 2022

An article by a Chinese-American public health expert calling for Beijing to change its zero-Covid policies has been circulating widely on Chinese social media Zhang Zuofeng, a professor at the Fielding School of Public Health at the University of California Los Angeles, published an article in late March on the social media platform Meipian saying the city should allow home quarantine and rapid antigen tests, rather than conducting rounds of mass PCR testing, which increase the risk of cross-infection. He also recommended the city step up inoculation of the elderly using the mRNA vaccine developed by BioNtech, which is yet to be approved by the Chinese regulator even though Shanghai-based Fosun Pharma has already signed an agreement to distribute and produce the jabs. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: strict Covid-19 regime to remain intact in Shanghai as new cases persist outside quarantine zones, delaying production restart: South China Morning Post

5 May, 2022

Shanghai will remain under strict antivirus measures after new data released on Thursday morning showed 34 new cases in non-quarantined areas in the past 24 hours. Wang Hesheng, vice-minister of the National Health Commission, told a meeting of local officials on Wednesday evening that hidden transmission chains were still an “enemy within” as the mainland’s commercial and financial capital battled against the outbreak amid a citywide lockdown in place since April 1. “The biggest consensus is that determined efforts must be made to avoid a rebound in new cases,” he said, according to Shanghai Television. “When a new case is detected in a precautionary zone, or in a hospital or among the certain high-risk people, tracking and tracing must be conducted swiftly.” Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, April 26, 2022

April 26, 2022 vd@admin

Xi calls for blazing new path to developing China’s world-class universities: Xinhuanet

April 26, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived at Renmin University of China (RUC) for inspection on Monday morning in Beijing, ahead of China’s Youth Day, which falls on May 4. Click here to read…

Xi’s Economic Agenda: Going digital, Chinese gov’t on the move: Xinhuanet

April 26, 2022

China is looking to expedite the building of a digital government to achieve greater efficiency in public service delivery and modernize the country’s governance system and capacity. The central authorities have put their foot on the accelerator as the guidelines on building a digital government was adopted at a meeting of the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses need to further anti-corruption fight, build clean government: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for further efforts to combat corruption and build a clean and honest government. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance. Click here to read…

China continues to advance concrete measures to uphold authority of constitution: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

China has adopted concrete measures over the past decade to uphold the authority of the country’s constitution, ensuring that all laws and regulations are in strict compliance with it, a Chinese official said Monday. Click here to read…

China to work with international community for implementation of Global Security Initiative, says FM: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

China stands ready to work with the international community to make sure the Global Security Initiative takes root and bears fruit to make the world more peaceful, secure and prosperous, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. Click here to read…

China’s Canton Fair attracts record number of overseas buyers: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

The number of overseas purchasers registered for the just-concluded 131st session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, hit a record high of 536,000 from 228 countries and regions. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 1,908 new local COVID-19 cases, 1,661 in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

April 26, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Monday reported 1,908 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 1,661 were in Shanghai, according to the National Health Commission’s report Tuesday. Apart from Shanghai, 17 other provincial-level regions on the mainland saw new local COVID-19 cases, including 91 in Jiangxi, 44 in Jilin, and 32 in Beijing. Click here to read…

China’s toll stations closed due to epidemic have mostly resumed operation: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

China has seen a significant decrease in the number of expressway toll stations and service zones shut down due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Ministry of Transport said. The ministry’s data showed that 11 toll stations nationwide were still suspended by Saturday. They accounted for only 0.1 percent of the nation’s total, 667 fewer than the figure on April 10, down 98.38 percent. Click here to read…

Ships catch fire in Macao sea waters, blasts heard: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

Ships anchored in sea waters near Macao caught fire Monday evening, with multiple blasts heard, according to the Fire Department of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Click here to read…

China to further tap consumption potential: Quishi

April 26, 2022

China on Monday unveiled guidelines to further tap the country’s consumption potential, with detailed measures to tackle short-term bottlenecks and boost longer-term consumption vitality. Click here to read…

China gives green light to new nuclear power projects: Quishi

April 24, 2022

Six reactors approved for launch in three cities to support clean energy transition. With the future power supply growth coming mostly from nonfossil energy in China as the country is going through a green energy transition, nuclear power will be crucial for China to reach its carbon peak goal by 2030, said analysts. Click here to read…

Kazakh president, Chinese defense minister agree to strengthen military cooperation: China Military

April 26, 2022

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe voiced common readiness on Monday to step up bilateral cooperation. Click here to read…

New rules to foster culturally relevant place names: China Daily

April 26, 2022

China will implement a new regulation to guide the naming or renaming of places, such as banning the use of the names of foreign people or places as place names. Premier Li Keqiang signed a State Council decree to unveil the new rule on the management of place names on Thursday. It will take effect from May 1. A State Council executive meeting adopted the revision on Sept 1. Click here to read…

Hong Kong to start application for employment support scheme this week: China Daily

April 26, 2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on Monday that the application for the 2022 Employment Support Scheme will start on Friday. Law Chi-kwong, secretary for labor and welfare of the HKSAR government, announced during a press conference that the application for the 2022 ESS will be open from April 29 till May 12, with a view to granting financial assistance to the first batch of successful applicants in early May. Click here to read…

China launches maritime trial website: Xinhuanet

April 25, 2022

The China Maritime Trial website was officially launched on Monday. It includes both Chinese and English versions and will serve as a dynamic information-sharing platform for maritime adjudication. Click here to read…

New vessels taking part in exercises: China Daily

April 26, 2022

Missile destroyers, assault ship latest additions to growing PLA Navy fleet. The People’s Liberation Army Navy has recently commissioned at least two Type 055-class guided-missile destroyers and a Type 075-class amphibious assault ship. Click here to read…

Shanghai makes initial progress in combating Omicron, facing challenges in treating severe cases: Global Times

April 25, 2022

Although Shanghai has made initial progress in fighting the latest Omicron outbreak with a declining number of infections found in communities, the city is still facing the biggest challenge in treating severe COVID-19 patients as 51 more deaths were recorded on Sunday, lifting the total in this round of the outbreak to 138. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland detects Omicron BA.2.3 for 1st time, ‘not likely to affect epidemic control’: Global Times

April 25, 2022

Cases of COVID-19 infection by an evolved sublineage of Omicron’s BA.2 mutation, Omicron BA.2.3, were reported on Monday in Yantai, East China’s Shandong Province, the first time the strain has been detected in the Chinese mainland. Click here to read…

Beijing launches mass testing for nearly 90% of its population, ‘timely, decisive and necessary’: Global Times

April 25, 2022

Beijing’s health authorities announced at a late night news conference that the Chinese capital will launch mass nucleic acid testing on its nearly 20 million residents, about 90 percent of the population, on Tuesday, after the city reported 70 COVID-19 infections in eight districts in the last four days. Click here to read…

Deputy chief designer of CR929 dies of sudden illness in Shanghai: Global Times

April 25, 2022

Deputy chief designer of wide-body aircraft CR929 with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), passed away on Sunday at the age of 43, according to caixin.com on Tuesday. Meng Qinggong, COMAC’s Composite Material Center, deputy chief designer of wide-body CR929 of COMAC, passed away after having a heart attack at his home in the Xinzhuang Industrial Zone, in Shanghai’s Minhang district, a source confirmed with the Global Times, but the source declined to elaborate further. Click here to read…

Several public venues in Beijing closed amid COVID-19 surge: Global Times

April 26, 2022

Several public venues, including the National Center for the Performance Arts (NCPA) in Beijing closed after the capital saw a COVID-19 flare-up in recent days. The NCPA, located in the citys Xicheng district, said on its WeChat account that it will be closed from Tuesday to Saturday. Several other public places in Chaoyang district, where most of the cases were detected, also announced to close temporarily. Click here to read…

33 years old male COVID-19-related patient died of sudden cardiac arrest in Shanghai: Global Times

April 26, 2022

A 33-year-old male COVID-19 patient on Monday died of sudden cardiac arrest in Shanghai, and he had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, Shanghai health commission said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China is neither the only nor the largest creditor of Sri Lanka, says Ambassador: Global Times

April 26, 2022

China is neither the only creditor nor the largest creditor of Sri Lanka. The so-called debt trap theory fabricated by some foreign media outlets is completely untrue, according to Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Apple’s supplier Foxconn suspends production at Kunshan plant, impact ‘limited’: Global Times

April 25, 2022

Apple’s supplier Foxconn confirmed to the Global Times on Monday that its plants in Kunshan, East China’s Jiangsu Province, remain suspended for local epidemic control requirements and production will not resume until further government noticeClick here to read…

Chinese regulators urge more prudent IPO pricing after market debut flops: Reuters

April 25, 2022

Chinese regulators have urged underwriters to price initial public offerings more reasonably after a third of more than 100 new listings so far this year fell on their trading debut. Click here to read…

BMW and Audi suspend shipments by train to China: Reuters

April 26, 2022

German carmakers BMW (BMWG.DE) and Volkswagen’s Audi (VOWG_p.DE) have suspended shipments of cars by rail from Germany to China due to the war in Ukraine, the Nikkei business daily reported on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club suspends top Asian human rights awards: Reuters

April 25, 2022

Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) has suspended its annual Human Rights Press Awards so as not to “unintentionally” violate any laws, according to a statement from the club president on Monday. Click here to read…

Lockdown fears grow in Beijing’s biggest district of Chaoyang: Kyodo

April 25, 2022

People in Beijing’s biggest district of Chaoyang, where a large number of foreign expats live, tried to stock up on enough food on Monday amid mounting fears about a possible lockdown, as the Chinese capital began carrying out mass COVID-19 tests in the central area. Click here to read…

Beijing testing sparks panic buying: Taipei Times

April 26, 2022

Fears of a hard COVID-19 lockdown yesterday sparked panic buying in Beijing, as long lines for compulsory mass testing formed in a large central district of the Chinese capital. China is already trying to contain a wave of infections in its biggest city, Shanghai, which has been almost entirely locked down for weeks and reported 51 new COVID-19 deaths yesterday. Click here to read…

China’s Hainan free-trade port tipped to deepen Asean ties, but island must ‘brave’ uncertainty: South China Morning Post

April 26, 2022

Hainan’s transformation into a free-trade port will open new doors for trade between China and Asean, but its success will require a leap of faith and pioneering spirit, experts said. Beijing plans to turn the 35,000 sq km island into the world’s largest free-trade port by 2035, using lower taxes to attract investors, businesses and individuals, and looser visa requirements to lure foreign tourists and talent. It plans to have an independent customs regime in place by 2025. Click here to read…

‘Innovation is shifting East’ as China amasses patents, says official: South China Morning Post

April 26, 2022

China approved about 700,000 patents for inventions last year, a 30 per cent increase compared to a year earlier, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Administration head Shen Changyu said on Sunday that a total of 696,000 invention patents were authorised in 2021, an average of 7.5 of high-value patents per 10,000, or nearly double the ratio for 2017. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, March 14, 2022

March 14, 2022 vd@admin

China’s top legislator visits journalists covering annual session: Xinhuanet

March 13, 2022

China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu has visited journalists covering the annual session of the national legislature. Li, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, commended reporters for their coverage of the fifth session of the 13th NPC and sent greetings to them at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday. Click here to read…

China releases reports on budgets, national economic and social development plans: Xinhuanet

March 13, 2022

Two reports approved Friday at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress were released in full via Xinhua News Agency on Sunday. The report on the implementation of the 2021 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2022 draft plan for national economic and social development has three parts: Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers pass decision on electoral rules for 14th NPC: Xinhuanet

March 11, 2022

Chinese national lawmakers on Friday approved a decision on the quota and election of deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC. Click here to read…

Chinese premier vows timely support for contact-based service firms: Xinhuanet

March 11, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged Friday timely support for contact-based service firms, in particular small ones that have suffered the most amid the COVID-19 epidemic, in an effort to stabilize employment and economy. Click here to read…

China’s State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet

March 11, 2022

China’s State Council on Friday announced the latest appointment and removal of officials. Guo Tingting was appointed assistant minister of commerce, according to a statement issued by the State Council. Click here to read…

China detects overseas cyberattacks: Xinhuanet

March 11, 2022

China has detected continuous cyberattacks targeting its internet since late February, the country’s cybersecurity watchdog said Friday. Click here to read…

Joint Press Release of the 15th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting: China Military

March 12, 2022

The 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 11th March 2022. The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. Click here to read…

China’s BeiDou enters new phase of stable services, rapid development: China Military

March 11, 2022

China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has entered a new phase of sustained stable services and rapid development, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office on Friday. Measured by the global continuous monitoring and evaluation system, the BDS-3 system shows an advanced performance index in providing global positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services, with more outstanding performance in the Asia-Pacific region, said the office. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature approves way to choose HK NPC deputies: Global Times

March 11, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Friday passed a method for Hong Kong to elect deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC, which stressed that national legislators elected from the special administrative region must be firm patriots and those who have been convicted for harming national security be disqualified. Click here to read…

China fights severest COVID-19 outbreaks with swift responses: Global Times

March 13, 2022

As China faces its severest domestic COVID-19 outbreaks in two years with a record 1,807 new cases reported on Sunday, the country has launched a swift response to contain the virus spread, including allowing rapid antigen tests for public use and sacking senior officials for their slack response to the ongoing health crisis. Click here to read…

Door between China and US should not be shut again or pushed toward decoupling, says Chinese Premier: Global Times

March 11, 2022

With door between China and the US being opened 50 years ago, it should not be shut again or pushed toward decoupling, and cooperation between the two countries carries significance for both and the wider world, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday morning, adding that competition between the two economies in economic and trade areas should be “benign and fair.” Click here to read…

China delivers first J-10CE fighter jets to Pakistan in a milestone move: Global Times

March 11, 2022

The Pakistan Air Force on Friday held an induction ceremony for the first batch of six J-10CE fighter jets in Kamra, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attending the event. The official commissioning of China’s new-generation main battle aircraft into the Pakistan Air Force marks the systematized, organic export of such aviation equipment by China, and is yet another major milestone in the export of China’s advanced aviation equipment, the Global Times learned from the aircraft’s maker, state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), on Friday. Click here to read…

7 killed in North China plant fire: China Daily

March 14, 2022

Seven people were killed in a fire at a chemical plant early Monday in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, local authorities said. The fire broke out at about 2:08 am Monday in the Hondlon District in the city of Baotou, and was brought under control about an hour later. Seven people were missing. Click here to read…

Mayor removed from post in Jilin city: China Daily

March 13, 2022

Wang Lu, mayor of Jilin city, was removed from his position, according to an official notice released on early Saturday. Wang’s other positions including deputy Party chief of the city in Northeast China’s Jilin province was also removed. Click here to read…

Apple suppliers Foxconn, Unimicron cut output amid China’s COVID curbs: Reuters

March 14, 2022

Apple (AAPL.O) suppliers Foxconn (2317.TW) and Unimicron Technology Corp (3037.TW) said on Monday they have suspended operations in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, after the tech hub imposed strict measures to stem a COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to read…

China’s cyberspace regulator drafts new rules to protect minors: Reuters

March 14, 2022

Companies engaged in online gaming, livestreaming, audio and video in China should set up a “youth mode” to protect minors, according to draft regulations issued on Monday by the Cyberspace Administration of China. Click here to read…

China slams firms for falsifying carbon data: Reuters

March 14, 2022

China’s environment ministry has slammed firms for falsifying carbon data, part of the country’s efforts to improve data quality as it prepares to expand its national emissions trading scheme into more industrial sectors. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy says has never heard of Russian requests for help: Reuters

March 14, 2022

The spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington responded to media reports on Sunday that Moscow had asked Beijing for military equipment since launching its invasion of Ukraine by saying, “I’ve never heard of that.” Click here to read…

China sees worst virus outbreak in two years: Taipei Times

March 14, 2022

Millions of people across China endured lockdowns yesterday as virus cases doubled to nearly 3,400 and anxiety mounted over the resilience of the country’s “zero COVID” approach in the face of the worst outbreak in two years. A nationwide surge in cases has seen authorities close schools in Shanghai and lock down central neighborhoods in the southern tech powerhouse of Shenzhen as well as whole northeastern cities, as almost 18 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2Click here to read…