Ireland: Fuel Protests Block Dublin Streets for Second Day Over Iran-Linked Price Hikes

Fuel protests disrupted traffic and cross-border travel in Ireland for a second consecutive day, with slow-moving convoys blocking key roads in Dublin and other urban areas. In the capital, protesters blocked O'Connell Bridge and the North and South Quays, disrupting traffic along the city's main thoroughfare. The protests are against high fuel prices, which demonstrators attribute to the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran.

Egyptian officials attribute power crisis to fuel shortages

STORY: Egyptian officials attribute power crisis to fuel shortages DATELINE: July 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity 2. various of the electric grid facilities STORYLINE: The Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Shaker, met with Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tariq Al-Mulla at the headquarters of the Ministry of Electricity in the New Administrative Capital on Monday, to develop quick solutions to end the power outage crisis resulting from fuel shortages. A spokesman for the Ministry of Electricity, Ayman Hamza confirmed that the load crisis on the network is expected to end by cutting off electricity to subscribers in the middle of this week. Hamza added that the crisis of interruptions that the country is currently witnessing is due to the lack of fuel used in the production of electric power, revealing that the national electricity grid is capable of generat

China's economic recovery brings great hope to world economy: expert

STORY: China's economic recovery brings great hope to world economy: expert DATELINE: May 1, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:39 LOCATION: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of city views across China 2. SOUNDBITE (English): RONNIE LINS, Brazilian economist STORYLINE: A Brazilian expert said that China's economic growth in the first quarter of this year has been an outstanding result, and that China's economic recovery brings great hope that the world economy can stabilize. China's GDP grew 4.5 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2023, with major indicators showing an upward trend and improvement in market expectations. SOUNDBITE (English): RONNIE LINS, Brazilian economist After the acceleration of the last quarter of 2022, the result for the first quarter of 2023 was an outstanding result compared to other big countries in the world. I attribute this better result of the Chinese economy to its government planning. These guidelines align with the government's objectives of creating m

Wild leopard population rises in nature reserve in NW China

STORY: Wild leopard population rises in nature reserve in NW China DATELINE: March 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:41 LOCATION: LANZHOU, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of wild leopards 2. various of wild leopards STORYLINE: The number of wild leopards living in a nature reserve in northwest China's Gansu Province has increased. A research team from Longdong University has found 45 wild leopards in the nature reserve, compared to 39 last year. They attribute the increase to an improved local ecological system. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lanzhou, China. (XHTV)

Two-tone pond

Two-tone pond

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Photo taken July 8, 2013, shows Mortar Pond, located at a height of around 1,600 meters, in the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Local residents attribute the two-tone color of the pond to snow and sunlight.

Two-tone pond

Two-tone pond

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Photo taken July 8, 2013, shows Mortar Pond, located at a height of around 1,600 meters, in the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Local residents attribute the two-tone color of the pond to snow and sunlight.

Demand for books on China keeps growing in Iraq

STORY: Demand for books on China keeps growing in Iraq DATELINE: Dec. 4, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:07 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the street "al-Mutanabi" 2. various of book stores 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SALAM RAHMAN, Owner of a bookstore in al-Mutanabi Street in Baghdad 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AQEEL AL-RUBAIE, Professor in politics at the Baghdad-based Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq University 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MOHAMMED JAMIL, Professor of anthropology and sociology at Baghdad-based al-Mustansiriyah University STORYLINE: The bustling street "al-Mutanabi" in downtown Baghdad, a unique cultural area and a bookselling center, has witnessed a growing demand for books on China over the years. Nowadays, writings on China are among the top-selling items. Many Iraqi people attribute the increasing interest in China to the deepening bilateral ties, especially the growing cooperation within the Belt and Road framework. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SALAM RAHMAN, Owner of a bookstore in al-Mutan

Lamu Cultural Festival concludes in Kenya

STORY: Lamu Cultural Festival concludes in Kenya DATELINE: Nov. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:26 LOCATION: LAMU, Kenya CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the festival 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MUSALIA MUDAVADI, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya STORYLINE: Local and international tourists attended the Lamu Cultural Festival, a major tourism event which concluded in the coastal region of Kenya on Sunday. The annual festival, first started in 2001, is a four-day event celebrating coastal Lamu's heritage and traditions in a carnival atmosphere. Lamu Old Town has a unique cultural heritage passed down for over 700 years, an attribute that earned Lamu Island a place on the UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in 2001. SOUNDBITE (English): MUSALIA MUDAVADI, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya "This is something that every Kenyan should aspire to come and witness. It's very strong and excellent for our tourism. And the warmth of the people is extraordinary. And this is Lamu, and this is what peace can bring. When th

New Zealand celebrates 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China

STORY: New Zealand celebrates 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China DATELINE: Aug. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Auckland CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the gathering STORYLINE: New Zealand political and community leaders gathered in Auckland on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand. "Insisting on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation is an important principle to which we attribute the many achievements in our bilateral relations," said China's Vice Consul General in Auckland Lei Zhen in a written speech to the event. "As the two parties continue holding this principle, New Zealand-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will develop better and better, and benefit the two peoples more and more," Lei added. "The mutual beneficial cooperation between our two countries is sure to bring more benefits to our two peoples," said Steven Wong, director of the Federation of the Chinese Association of