China expects bumper summer harvest

STORY: China expects bumper summer harvest SHOOTING TIME: June 11, 12, 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:46 LOCATION: JINAN, China CATEGORY: AGRICULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the wheat harvest 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): GUO BOBO, Wheat farmer in Wenshang County, Shandong Province 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CAO DIANYU, Wheat farmer in Hebei Province 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LIU CHENGBING, Wheat farmer in Jiangsu Province 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHU CONGHUA, Expert from Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): WANG TAO, Wheat farmer in Sichuan Province 7. SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): GUO TIANCAI, Professor of Henan Agricultural University STORYLINE: China is in its peak summer harvest season, usually spanning from May to late June. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of June 15, China had harvested around 310 million mu (around 20.68 million hectares) of winter wheat, with harvest progress surpassing 90 percent. The ministry said, this summer,

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong up 20 pct in May

STORY: Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong up 20 pct in May SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:41 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists in Hong Kong, China STORYLINE: Hong Kong saw about 3.4 million visitor arrivals in May, up around 20 percent year on year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said Monday. In the first five months of this year, Hong Kong registered about 18 million tourist arrivals, an increase of about 80 percent year-on-year, the tourism board said in a press release. The initial data showed that in May, Hong Kong recorded about 2.63 million visitor arrivals from the Chinese mainland, up 15 percent from last year. The number of visitors outside the mainland saw a year-on-year increase of 43 percent to about 770,000. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China. (XHTV)

Türkiye fines Google nearly 15 mln USD over hotel searches

STORY: Türkiye fines Google nearly 15 mln USD over hotel searches SHOOTING TIME: June 10, 2024 DATELINE: June 11, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Google 2. various of people using Google 3. various of Google STORYLINE: Türkiye's Competition Board fined U.S. tech giant Google 482 million liras (around 14.88 million U.S. dollars) on Monday for failing to comply with an injunction related to hotel search queries. The regulatory body said in a statement that Google had not implemented "precautionary measures suggested for hotel searches," blocking competing local search engines on its platform and undermining fair competition. The fine comes after the competition board launched an investigation into Google in March and imposed a daily fine of 0.05 percent of its 2023 revenue starting from mid-April until it complied with the injunction. The move follows a similar decision by the watchdog in March, when it issued an interim injunction against social m

Romania holds local, EU parliament elections

STORY: Romania holds local, EU parliament elections SHOOTING TIME: June 9, 2024 DATELINE: June 10, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:37 LOCATION: Bucharest CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the elections STORYLINE: Around 18 million Romanians participated in the vote on Sunday to elect 33 European Parliament representatives, as well as 3,186 mayors, local and county chiefs. In Romania, approximately 15 candidates run for one seat in the European Parliament elections, according to Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP). President of the AEP Toni Grebla announced earlier that 494 candidates had registered for the European Parliament elections. Among the candidates, 167 are women, representing 33.81 percent of the total. As the European Parliamentary elections in Romania took place on the same day as the local elections, many of the candidates on the EP lists were also running for mayor or local councilor. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Bucharest. (XHTV)

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong double in first 4 months

STORY: Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong double in first 4 months SHOOTING TIME: May 14, 2024 / File DATELINE: May 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists in Hong Kong 2. SOUNDBITE (Cantonese): JOHN LEE, Chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) STORYLINE: Hong Kong saw 3.4 million visitor arrivals in April, up around 20 percent year on year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said Tuesday. In the first four months of this year, Hong Kong registered about 14.62 million tourist arrivals, doubling the number of the same period last year, the tourism board said in a press release. Data showed that in April, Hong Kong recorded about 2.48 million visitor arrivals from the Chinese mainland. SOUNDBITE (Cantonese): JOHN LEE, Chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) "The HKSAR government will roll out a series of measures to attract tourists and make them feel at home and experience the charm of Hong K

Mongolia issues warning of spring floods in capital

STORY: Mongolia issues warning of spring floods in capital SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 15, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:10 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of warning of spring floods in Mongolia's capital STORYLINE: The Emergency Commission of Mongolia's capital on Thursday issued a warning of spring floods. "A projected sudden warmer temperature can cause snow and ice to melt quickly, increasing the risk for flash floods in at least 30 locations in Ulan Bator," the commission said in a statement. Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene has ordered the evacuation of residents who may be affected by floods, according to the government's press office. Ulan Bator is home to around half of the Asian country's population of 3.5 million. This winter, Mongolia has seen a lot more snow than usual and around 90 percent of the country's total territory has so far been covered with snow up to 100 cm thick, according to the country's weather monitoring agenc

Prabowo Subianto declares victory in Indonesia's presidential race

STORY: Prabowo Subianto declares victory in Indonesia's presidential race SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 14, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:35 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Prabowo-Gibran gathering on Wednesday STORYLINE: Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. "This is a victory for all Indonesian people. But I want to say that although we win, we should not be arrogant, we must stay humble. And I will embrace all parties," said Subianto at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, accompanied by his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka. With more than 90 percent of the total ballots counted as of Wednesday evening, Subianto secured around 58 percent of votes while his rivals, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, obtained 25 percent and 16 percent, respectively, various quick and unofficial counts showed. In his speech, the 72-year-old politician

China-made buses to hit the road in Mongolia's capital

STORY: China-made buses to hit the road in Mongolia's capital SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 15, 2024/late December 2023 DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:20 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of buses STORYLINE: Eighty-five buses manufactured by Chinese bus maker Yutong have arrived in Ulan Bator and are being put into operation, the municipal government of the Mongolian capital said Friday. The first 35 Yutong buses were delivered to Mongolia from China in late December, and were part of the country's efforts to upgrade its public transport, said the municipal government. Mongolia has planned to buy a total of 600 Yutong buses, and all remaining buses will be transported to Mongolia by February, it said. Buses are the most popular means of public transport in Ulan Bator. There are now more than 980 buses used for public transport in Ulan Bator, but around 60 percent of them are outdated. Authorities hope the new buses will reduce congestion by encouraging more people to use public

Humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza as Israel-Hamas conflict reaches 100-day mark

STORY: Humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza as Israel-Hamas conflict reaches 100-day mark SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 14, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine/Jerusalem CATEGORY: POLITICS/MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP 1 (English): OHOOD AL-JAGHOUB, Xinhua reporter in Ramallah 2. STANDUP 2 (English): ZHANG TIANLANG, Xinhua correspondent in Jerusalem STORYLINE: The Israel-Hamas conflict has ravaged the Gaza Strip for 100 days, killing over 23,000 people there, according to data from Hamas-run government media office. The coastal enclave is suffering from a worsening humanitarian crisis. STANDUP 1 (English): OHOOD AL-JAGHOUB, Xinhua reporter in Ramallah "Half of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. Around seventy percent of schools have been destroyed. Fifteen out of thirty-six hospitals in Gaza are still functioning. About 1.9 million Palestinians are internally displaced, and over half a million of them are facing catastrophic hunger and starvation." STANDUP 2 (

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Illustration of a Louvre ticket in Paris, France on December 12, 2023. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Illustration of a Louvre ticket in Paris, France on December 12, 2023. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

The statue penis at the Louvre museum on December 12, 2023. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors take pictures of Mona Lisa (La Joconde) painting with their phonesat the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 In Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors around the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

The statue penis at the Louvre museum on December 12, 2023. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors queuing to enter the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors around the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Louvre Raises Ticket Prices by Nearly 30 Percent - Paris

Visitors around the Louvre Museum on December 12, 2023 in Paris, France. Visiting the Louvre will soon cost more than ever, as the world's biggest museum seeks to cover rising costs without lifting caps on crowds. Ticket prices are set to climb from € 17 to € 22 next month, an increase of nearly 30 percent. The hike, which comes into effect from 15 January, is the first time the museum has raised its prices since 2017. It comes around six months before the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are expected to flood the French capital with tourists from around the world. Photo by Alexis Jumeau/ABACAPRESS.COM

Turkish currency hits fresh low against greenback

STORY: Turkish currency hits fresh low against greenback SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 30, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:11 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 2. various of Exchange office in Istanbul, Information including Turkish lira and US dollar value information at the exchange office in Türkiye 3. various of exchange office, clerk in exchange office counting U.S. dollars in Istanbul, Türkiye 4. various of Turkish Central Bank 5. various of Hafize Gaye Erkan, the Turkish Central Bank governor 6. various of Turkish Central Bank, Turkish lira STORYLINE: The Turkish currency hit a fresh low against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, trading at nearly 29 liras per dollar. After fluctuating around the 29 thresholds in the early morning trading, the lira stood at 28.95 against the greenback at 11:15 a.m. local time (0815 GMT). The currency has lost about 35 percent of its value against the dollar since the beginning of this year. The lira hit 31.90

Dutch king calls for action on poverty

STORY: Dutch king calls for action on poverty DATELINE: Sept. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: THE HAGUE, the Netherlands CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the royal family's coach ride on the streets of The Hague on the Prince's Day STORYLINE: Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Tuesday drew attention to the need to prevent a rise in poverty in the country, around two months before the next general parliamentary elections. "The first thing that someone looking at Dutch society from the outside will see is an attractive country with good public services and a strong economy," the king said in his annual speech in The Hague. "But beyond that rosy picture lies an enduring task: to continue working to ensure equal opportunities, socioeconomic security and future prospects." The message of the king came one week after the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) said that as a result of rising inflation, the purchasing power of the Dutch population fell by 1.2 percent in 2022, compared to th

Halma has strong ambitions for Chinese market: sector chief executive

STORY: Halma has strong ambitions for Chinese market: sector chief executive DATELINE: Sept. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:26 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (English): STEVE BROWN, Sector Chief Executive of Halma 2. various of APAC Integrated Production and R&D Center in Shanghai STORYLINE: Steve Brown, sector chief executive of Halma, a group of technology companies that makes products for hazard detection and life protection, said Halma has "very strong ambitions" for the Chinese market. Halma on Friday announced the opening of its APAC Integrated Production and R&D Center in Shanghai. The center, covering an area of 11,000 square meters, is home to 15 of Halma's companies in China. SOUNDBITE (English): STEVE BROWN, Sector Chief Executive of Halma "We have 45 companies globally and a strong footprint in China. APAC represents 15 percent of our revenue, and China is about half of that. And we have very strong ambitions around China. So we're delighted to be opening our new

Turkish lira falls to new low against greenback

STORY: Turkish lira falls to new low against greenback DATELINE: Aug. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 2. various of exchange office in Istanbul 3. various of Türkiye's central bank 4. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with the Ekoturk broadcaster STORYLINE: The Turkish currency hit a fresh low against the U.S. dollar on Monday, trading over 27 liras per dollar. After seeing 27.32 in the early morning against the greenback, the lira stood at around 27 in the afternoon, losing about 30 percent of its value since the beginning of this year. The currency tested over 30 thresholds against the euro in the morning and later dropped to 29.68. Türkiye's central bank raised the policy rate from 8.5 percent to 15 percent in June and further to 17.5 percent in July. However, markets expect more aggressive interest rate hikes to better cope with the devaluation of the currency and the rising inflation rate. The country's

Türkiye's summer wheat harvest hampered by severe drought

STORY: Türkiye's summer wheat harvest hampered by severe drought DATELINE: July 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of combine harvesters working in the field in Türkiye 2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): CEMAL POLAT, Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers Tekirdag Branch STORYLINE: Halim Orta, a wheat farmer in the Thrace region, one of the granaries of Türkiye, had high hopes for the summer harvest when he sowed seeds in October last year. But the yield fell far short of expectations due to the severe drought that had badly affected agriculture throughout Türkiye. "The average wheat crop this year in my field dipped by about 20 percent due to uneven rainfall and dry season in general," Orta told Xinhua. Farmers planted wheat on nearly 4.5 million hectares of land in the region, mainly in Edirne, Kirklareli and Tekirdag provinces, to meet around 15 percent of domestic wheat needs. "The lack of precipitation, water stress, and agricultural drought su

VivaTech 2023 held in Paris

STORY: VivaTech 2023 held in Paris DATELINE: June 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre 2. various of the exhibition 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIUYUGE TAO, Picca Electronics Limited 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MICHELLE LAU, Managing director, Alibaba France STORYLINE: The 7th edition of Viva Technology, or VivaTech, kicked off Wednesday at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris. VivaTech is Europe's leading startup and tech event. This year's exhibition area is 20 percent larger than that in previous years. The four-day event brings together startups, technology leaders, large corporations, public institutions and investors from around the world. People come together to tackle major challenges of our time and offer solutions that are decisive for both business and society. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIUYUGE TAO, Picca Electronics Limited "We're very happy with this exhibition because we have seen a lot of r

Mongolia's Khuvsgul Lake getting ready for tourists

STORY: Mongolia's Khuvsgul Lake getting ready for tourists DATELINE: June 11, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:13 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Khuvsgul Lake STORYLINE: Khuvsgul Lake, located in the northern Mongolian province of Khuvsgul near the Russian border, is getting closer to welcoming tourists, according to the provincial governor's office. The ice of the frozen lake is melting, and domestic and foreign tourists can travel to the lake starting from June 15, it said. Khuvsgul Lake holds nearly 70 percent of Mongolia's fresh water, or 0.4 percent of the world's total. The lake is 1,645 meters above sea level, 136 km long and 262 meters deep. The Mongolian government has been taking many measures to better protect the lake's ecosystem and develop sustainable tourism around the lake, which is a main tourist destination in the country. The Asian country has set a goal of welcoming 1 million foreign tourists and earning 1 billion U.S. dollars from tourism in the coming

Indigenous peoples hold many solutions to climate crisis, says UN chief

STORY: Indigenous peoples hold many solutions to climate crisis, says UN chief DATELINE: April 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: UN Headquarters CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of UNGA Hall 2. various of pan right of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres walking up to rostrum 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 4. various of delegates 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 6. various of delegates STORYLINE: Indigenous peoples hold many solutions to the climate crisis and the world has much to learn from them, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday. In his speech marking the opening of the 22nd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Guterres highlighted the challenges indigenous peoples are facing. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General "Indigenous peoples make up around five percent of the world's population, but 15 percent of the world's poorest. Indigenous peoples have done no

Turkish scholar hails China's win-win approach

STORY: Turkish scholar hails China's win-win approach DATELINE: March 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (English): OKTAY TANRISEVER, Scholar of foreign policy at Middle East Technical University STORYLINE: A Turkish scholar has projected that China's economy will grow by at least 5 percent in 2023. Oktay Tanrisever, a scholar of foreign policy at the Middle East Technical University in the capital city of Ankara, made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua. He added that China has proved that countries could benefit each other with a win-win approach, a requirement of today's world. SOUNDBITE (English): OKTAY TANRISEVER, Scholar of foreign policy at Middle East Technical University "I think the world economy is recovering from the COVID crisis, and I expect economic growth throughout the world. The Chinese economy is very likely to grow around 5 percent, even more. Because the demand for China's products will increase, and more trade with China is

French biggest poultry consumers in Europe: data

STORY: French biggest poultry consumers in Europe: data DATELINE: March 2, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:02 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of chicken farm 2. various of chicken products in supermarkets STORYLINE: According to figures published by the National Interprofessional Association of Flesh Poultry (Anvol), the French consume an average of around 28 kilos of chicken each year, the equivalent of 15 chickens, making them the biggest chicken consumers in Europe. Chicken consumption in France increased by 5 percent between 2021 and 2022. Germany comes second in the ranking of the largest chicken consumers in front of Spain. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Paris. (XHTV)

Spain sees organ transplants increase in 2022

STORY: Spain sees organ transplants increase in 2022 DATELINE: Jan. 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of organ transplant 2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): CAROLINA DARIAS, Spanish Health Minister 3. various of National Transplant Organization (ONT) headquarters in Madrid 4. various of an organ to be transplanted 5. various of the operation room STORYLINE: The Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias celebrated on Thursday the success of the National Transplant Program in 2022. The Ministry of Health released data during the presentation of the balance of activity of the National Transplant Organization (ONT) in 2022 at a press conference on Thursday. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): CAROLINA DARIAS, Spanish Health Minister "In 2022, Spain had an increase in organ transplant activities of 13 percent over the previous year with the realization of 5,383 procedures, which means that every day in our country around 15 transplants are performed." The Ministry of Health emphasized the

Japan Display makes weak debut on TSE

Japan Display makes weak debut on TSE

TOKYO, Japan - Shuichi Otsuka, president and chief executive officer of Japan Display Inc., speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 19, 2014, about the company's debut on the TSE's First Section. The world's largest manufacturer of liquid crystal displays for smartphones and tablets ended the day's trading at 763 yen, around 15 percent lower than its initial offering price of 900 yen.

Sharp mulls substantial job cuts

Sharp mulls substantial job cuts

OSAKA, Japan - Photo taken July 26, 2012, shows the headquarters of Sharp Corp. in Osaka. The consumer electronics maker is considering chopping some 3,000 jobs, or 15 percent of its parent-basis workforce, through early retirements and natural reductions mainly in Japan to turn its deteriorating business around, sources close to the plan said on July 26.

Kansai Electric shareholders meeting

Kansai Electric shareholders meeting

OSAKA, Japan - Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi speaks at a shareholders meeting in Osaka on June 29, 2011. Yagi apologized for the utility's request for people to cut power consumption by around 15 percent due to an expected electricity shortage this summer.

Kansai Electric seeks 15% power cut

Kansai Electric seeks 15% power cut

OSAKA, Japan - Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi speaks during a press conference in Osaka on June 10, 2011. He said the utility firm will ask households and firms in its service area in western Japan to voluntarily cut power consumption by around 15 percent from July 1 to Sept. 22 due to an expected electricity shortage this summer.

Mongolia holds annual horse festival

STORY: Mongolia holds annual horse festival DATELINE: Nov. 20, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the horse festival STORYLINE: An annual horse festival was held in the eastern Mongolian province of Khentii on Saturday. Almost 200 participants and around 1,000 horses across Mongolia attended the eighth edition of the festival called "Horses of Mongolian Steppe", which was held in Batnorov soum of the province. Multiple activities such as horse racing, lasso competition, parade of children on horseback and horse-related exhibition were organized within the framework of the annual event co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Governor's Office of Khentii Province. Mongolia ranks among the top worldwide in terms of horse population. As of the end of 2021, the number of Mongolia's livestock reached 67.3 million and 6.4 percent of them were horses. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ulan Bator. (XHTV)

China's Heilongjiang sees endangered species recover under conservation efforts

STORY: China's Heilongjiang sees endangered species recover under conservation efforts DATELINE: Nov. 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:07 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of wild birds 2. various of forests in China's Heilongjiang STORYLINE: At Hailang River in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, dozens of Chinese merganser ducks are preparing for their migration south. Chinese merganser ducks, or scaly-sided mergansers, are an endangered species under class-one state protection. The species is also listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In recent years, the province has beefed up measures to restore forests, wetlands and other ecosystems. China Longjiang Forest Industry Group Co., Ltd., which takes care of over 14.5 percent of Heilongjiang's total land area, has established 49 nature reserves with a total area of 2,561,300 hectares. Thanks to these efforts, the local population of Chinese mergansers has grown from around a dozen

CHINA-TIBET-TSONYI-SINGPORI-RELOCATION (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-TSONYI-SINGPORI-RELOCATION (CN)

(220719) -- NAGQU, July 19, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Aerial photo shows trucks carrying furniture setting off from Doima Township in Tsonyi County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 15, 2022. Tsonyi County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, started the relocation of its second batch of residents on Tuesday, as part of the region's plan to improve people's living conditions and protect the fragile local ecosystem. With an average altitude of over 5,000 meters, Tsonyi County covers a total area of 120,000 square km and is part of the Changtang National Nature Reserve, China's biggest and highest nature reserve. Due to the high altitude and harsh environment, the county is not suitable for human habitation. The oxygen in the air is a mere 40 percent of that on the plain. Its winter lasts 10 months each year, with the lowest temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees Celsius. At around 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, more than 300 residents left their hometown in Doima Township of Tsonyi, China's highest c

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 500 mln, with 6.18 mln deaths

STORY: Global COVID-19 cases surpass 500 mln, with 6.18 mln deaths DATELINE: April 13, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exterior of Pfizer World Headquarters in New York City 2. various of the street view near the Grand Central Terminal STORYLINE: Global COVID-19 cases topped 500 million on Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The global case count amounted to 500,074,490, with 6,183,035 deaths worldwide, as of 12:20 p.m. local time (1720 GMT), showed the data. The United States reported 80,456,912 cases and 986,019 deaths, both the highest counts around the world, accounting for more than 16 percent of the global cases and more than 16 percent of the global deaths. India recorded the world's second-largest caseload of 43,036,928, followed by Brazil with 30,161,909 cases as well as the world's second-largest death toll of 661,576. Countries with more than 15 million cases

France sees soaring fuel prices

STORY: France sees soaring fuel prices DATELINE: March 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:54 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a petrol station in France STORYLINE: The price of petrol now exceeds two euros (2.19 U.S. dollars) per liter in France because of the Ukraine crisis, putting a severe strain on business and household budgets. In mid-February, the average price of petrol in France was 1.70 euros per liter. Following the Ukraine crisis in the last days of February, the price rocketed to over two euros per liter within a few days. Starting from Monday, petrol stations of France's major retail brands have introduced an average decrease of around 35 eurocents per liter. The French prime minister has also said that from April 1, all French citizens who use petrol will be reimbursed 15 eurocents per liter, which will be in effect for four months. According to the Bank of France, the annual inflation rate in the country is expected to reach 3.7 percent this year. Xinhua N

Kansai Electric shareholders meeting

Kansai Electric shareholders meeting

OSAKA, Japan - Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi speaks at a shareholders meeting in Osaka on June 29, 2011. Yagi apologized for the utility's request for people to cut power consumption by around 15 percent due to an expected electricity shortage this summer. (Kyodo)

Kansai Electric seeks 15% power cut

Kansai Electric seeks 15% power cut

OSAKA, Japan - Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi speaks during a press conference in Osaka on June 10, 2011. He said the utility firm will ask households and firms in its service area in western Japan to voluntarily cut power consumption by around 15 percent from July 1 to Sept. 22 due to an expected electricity shortage this summer. (Kyodo)