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Olympian Ruks Bazunu has emphasized the need for enhancements in the technical management of the annual Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays, particularly regarding time management. Currently on vacation in Warri, the USA-based GCU Relays Ambassador strongly recommends the use of modern track tools, such as starter guns, that align with global best practices and World Athletics standards.

“We really need to navigate around the police permits that restrict the use and transportation of blank starter guns to the venues,” Bazunu said. He added, “These guns are finely tuned to work with Time Tronics photo finish equipment, providing accurate times for the athletes.”

Bazunu pointed out the necessity for significant improvements in various areas of time management. “This starts from athlete screening and accreditation to the swift allocation of lanes for Technical Officials, processing in the call room, making finishing line judgments, and the collating and announcement of results.”

Reflecting on his past, Bazunu, who earned the title of the fastest schoolboy sprinter in Nigeria in the late 1960s, fondly recalled his experiences at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos. “At the 1972 Munich Olympics, I was the only civilian competing in the 100m sprints and 4 x 100m relays. My teammates—Oyebanmi, Alani, Ojo, Kola, and Majekodunmi—were from the military and police.”

He reminisced, “All of those names, including Modupe Oshikoya, made up the 1973 All Africa Games athletics team. Those were glorious days for Nigeria’s track and field.”

Looking ahead to this year’s GCU Relays, Bazunu offered his insights. “My advice would be that there’s always room for improvement, especially in the areas of timekeeping and professionalism.”

The 6th edition of the annual GCU Relays is set to take place on November 9, 2024, at the Modern Tartan Tracks, which are currently undergoing some repairs.

On October 21, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, Lee Chih-chiang, hosted a thank-you dinner in Manhattan’s Chinatown to express gratitude towards the traditional Taiwanese community for their contributions during the Republic of China’s 113th Double Tenth National Day celebrations. During the event, he also presented a flag to the visiting delegation from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA).

Reflecting on the recent national holiday, Lee noted that the CCBA, under its leadership, organized a flag-raising ceremony, a grand celebration, and a parade that brought together representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. Additionally, they paid tribute at the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Columbus Park. This dinner served as a gesture of appreciation for the community’s involvement and support.

Lee shared, “This is my first year in New York, and I’ve participated in six different Double Tenth celebrations. The events organized by the traditional Taiwanese community here in Manhattan were the largest and most vibrant, a level of enthusiasm that is rarely seen in other regions.” He emphasized the strength of the emotional ties between the Taiwanese community and the Republic of China.

Zhu Chaoran, also attending the dinner for the first time as the President of the CCBA, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s National Day activities and thanked the Economic and Cultural Office and various Taiwanese organizations for their support.

Following the National Day celebrations, the Overseas Community Affairs Council invited the CCBA to send a delegation back to Taiwan to strengthen ties and gain insights into the latest political, economic, and cultural developments of the Republic of China. The delegation will visit Taiwan from October 28 to November 2, led by Zhu Chaoran as the head, with Wu Jian-shi, the president of the New York Taishan Ningyang Association, serving as the deputy head, and Cai Wei-yi, the CCBA’s Chinese secretary, acting as the secretary. The group consists of 37 members, including CCBA advisor Zeng Wei-kang, the chairman of the Hongmen Zhi Gong Tang in New York Li Yongming, and Chen Shangren, a standing committee member of the Kuomintang’s Eastern U.S. branch.

The dinner was attended by prominent figures including Deputy Director Zhang Lixian of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Chen Yongfeng, director of the New York Chinese Overseas Cultural and Educational Center, along with representatives from various Taiwanese organizations and their families.

**Interview with Nigeria Immigration Service Regarding Bobrisky’s Arrest**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the recent arrest of Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border?

**Kenneth Udo (Public Relations Officer, NIS):** Thank you for having me. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) apprehended Bobrisky while he was attempting to cross into the Republic of Benin. Our primary focus is on border security, and we intercepted him due to his current status as a person of interest linked to recent public concerns.

**Interviewer:** What specific concerns led to his apprehension?

**Udo:** Bobrisky is involved in ongoing investigations stemming from allegations of corruption and misconduct related to his recent incarceration. We are currently interrogating him, and he will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

**Interviewer:** Can you clarify his legal situation? He has been in the news for serving a jail term related to Naira abuse. What were the findings regarding his imprisonment?

**Udo:** An investigative panel established by the federal government reviewed Bobrisky’s case and confirmed that he served his full six-month sentence at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre. There were no findings to support rumors that he received special treatment, although the panel did note that he was granted some privileges during his time in custody.

**Interviewer:** There were claims that he bribed officials during his imprisonment. What were the findings on that matter?

**Udo:** The investigative panel found no evidence that Bobrisky bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service or any other agency to allow him to serve his sentence outside of prison. These allegations were taken seriously, which is why the investigation was initiated.

**Interviewer:** In light of these events, what steps is the NIS taking to ensure accountability and maintain professionalism at the borders?

**Udo:** We remain committed to operating within the framework of professionalism and civility. The NIS will continue to uphold its responsibilities rigorously. Our priority is to secure Nigeria’s borders while ensuring that all interactions with the public are handled appropriately and respectfully.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, what does the future hold for the ongoing investigations and reforms within the Nigerian Correctional Service?

**Udo:** The investigative panel’s findings are part of a broader initiative to address systemic issues within the Nigerian Correctional Service. The next phase will involve public hearings and gathering input from various stakeholders to foster transparency and drive meaningful reform. We are determined to create a correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation and upholds human rights.

The Biden administration has recently announced a new arms sale to Taiwan, which includes advanced ground-to-air missile systems (NASAMS). This system, developed jointly by Norway and the United States, has been utilized by Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. With the presidential elections in the U.S. approaching next month, this announcement came just ten days prior to the polls. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) revealed on the 25th that the State Department approved the sale of two long-range air defense radar systems and the NASAMS, totaling approximately $1.988 billion.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokesperson, Kolas Yotaka, stated that this marks the 17th arms sale to Taiwan since Biden took office in 2021 and is the largest since his administration began. She emphasized that this reflects the U.S. government’s steadfast commitment to Taiwan’s security. Taiwan is determined to strengthen its self-defense and uphold a rules-based international order to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the DSCA’s press release, the State Department approved the sale of the AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar systems, including logistics support such as spare parts and personnel training, with an estimated total value of about $828 million.

The DSCA noted that these sales would enhance Taiwan’s mid-range and long-range aerial surveillance capabilities, helping the island respond to current and future threats, thereby improving its security and maintaining regional political stability, military balance, and economic development.

Additionally, the DSCA disclosed that the State Department approved the sale of the advanced ground-to-air missile system valued at $1.16 billion, with Raytheon as the primary contractor. The announcement mentioned that Taiwan requested three sets of the advanced ground-to-air missile systems (including three AN/MPQ-64F1 systems and 123 missiles).

This missile system is currently used by Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Ukraine purchased missile systems from the U.S. in May of last year and has received additional ammunition in subsequent military assistance. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, mentioned in June that the U.S. would prioritize supplying this system to Ukraine over allies’ needs.

The DSCA stated that this arms sale will bolster Taiwan’s air defense capabilities, enhance regional security, and improve military interoperability with the U.S. military using NASAMS. This sale aligns with U.S. national, economic, and security interests, enabling Taiwan to modernize its military to maintain a reliable defense capability.

In response to China’s frequent military activities around the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense noted that the advanced ground-to-air missile system possesses automated reconnaissance, fire distribution control, and intelligence integration abilities, which have been validated in combat during the Ukraine-Russia war. This capability will enhance the overall defensive effectiveness of Taiwan’s military. Along with the two new radar systems, Taiwan aims to improve target detection rates and resistance to interference, allowing for flexible deployments of existing mid- to long-range air defense units to establish a robust multilayered defense system for national security.

The Ministry of National Defense reiterated that the U.S. government’s arms sales to Taiwan, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, will aid in enhancing Taiwan’s defense resilience and contribute to the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

According to a recent consumer confidence survey, Nike and Kohl’s may not be faring well on Wall Street, but they remain favorites among consumers during this year’s holiday shopping season. The survey conducted by consulting firm AlixPartners examined the purchasing decisions of 9,000 fashion shoppers spanning from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, uncovering key factors that influence their choices and how retailers stack up against their competitors.

The findings revealed that Nike is regarded as the leading active footwear retailer, outpacing Adidas and Foot Locker, which tied for second place. However, newcomer On Running fell to the bottom of the rankings among Gen Z and Millennials.

When it comes to department store preferences, Kohl’s emerged as the top choice for both Gen Z and Baby Boomers, while Millennials preferred Nordstrom, and Generation X leaned towards Macy’s.

These consumer insights contrast sharply with the recent performance of Nike and Kohl’s. Nike is anticipating a sales decline of 8% to 10% this season. As of October 23, the company’s stock had dropped 26% this year, as investors brace for the lengthy recovery journey under the leadership of new CEO Elliott Hill.

Meanwhile, Kohl’s expects sales to decrease by 4% to 6% this fiscal year, as it grapples with broader issues affecting department stores striving to maintain their influence. The company’s stock has fallen by 32% this year to date.

The AlixPartners consumer confidence report highlights several crucial insights for retailers entering the increasingly vital holiday shopping season, including the primary reasons shoppers turn to competitors. Notably, 66% of consumers indicated they would shop elsewhere if the products they sought were out of stock.

The report emphasized the challenge of maintaining a seamless shopping experience, noting that “the right product, in the right place, at the right time” resonates in every retail boardroom, yet avoiding shopper frustration due to unavailable sizes becomes more complex as retailers expand their online offerings to attract new customers. For instance, among a sample of 30 retailers, only an average of 9% of items available online are also in stock at physical stores.

On the Long Island Expressway (I-495), a shocking incident occurred recently in which two Chinese men were shot and injured while driving home. Authorities have released information about the vehicle involved and are calling on the public for help in identifying it.

According to a report from the New York City Police Department, around 11 PM on the night of the incident, a silver vehicle approached the victims’ car at the northeast corner of the Long Island Expressway and Douglaston Parkway and opened fire, shattering the car’s windows. A 56-year-old Chinese man suffered abdominal scratches from the glass shards, while a 43-year-old man was hurt as well, leading to an injury to his right arm and the loss of vision in his left eye. Both men were subsequently taken by emergency medical services to Northwell’s Manhasset Hospital, where their conditions are now stable.

The assailant fled the scene after the attack. The NYPD has released details about the vehicle involved and is requesting any information from the public to help identify both the vehicle and the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477), visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, or text messages to 274637 (CRIMES) followed by TIP577. There’s also a mobile app called “CS-NYC” that can be used to provide tips, with all sources remaining completely confidential.

At the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, John Douglas Thompson and Juliet Rylance reprise their roles as Othello and Desdemona, while Will Keen delivers a performance filled with bitterness as the shaven-headed Iago.

In this latest production of Shakespeare’s “Othello,” directed by Tim Carroll, the play’s elements of deception, delusion, and misplaced expectations are laid bare, creating an experience that, despite its darker themes, prioritizes seriousness over farce. Although the performance is intellectually engaging, it occasionally lacks the dramatic highs that might captivate audiences.

Thompson’s portrayal of Othello is strikingly composed, delivering his lines with a magnetic calmness that makes it hard to believe any cracks could appear in his relationship with Desdemona. Having previously taken on these roles in New York in 2009, both he and Rylance now bring a maturity to their characters that suggests they are seasoned enough to navigate misunderstandings. However, their experience doesn’t shield them from tragic outcomes.

Will Keen’s Iago is particularly noteworthy, exuding an air of menace with his subtle, snide remarks that seem to deflate others’ confidence. Clad in a plain uniform, he maintains an unsettling calm, his only sign of unrest manifested in his fingers drumming against his scabbard, delighting in the notion that Othello will not find solace again.

The cruelty in Iago’s dialogue stands in stark contrast to his soft-spoken delivery. Similarly, as jealousy consumes him, Othello’s sorrow becomes palpable; Thompson’s expression of “I will tear her all to pieces” rings hollow, his anguish laid bare. Carroll expertly explores the complex interior lives of his characters, revealing glimpses of affection between Thompson and Rylance even in the midst of escalating tragedy.

James Oxley’s poignant a cappella score complements the somber Jacobean costumes that range from bearded figures to stoic boots. The set, designed by Judith Bowden, features a descending canister of tight threads that symbolically ensnares characters or represents the thickets of their troubled imaginations. Paule Constable’s lighting enhances the drama, casting shadows on the textured backdrop while illuminating the characters in striking beams.

Supporting performances include Colin Hurley as a verbose and impulsive father to Desdemona and Anastasia Hille as Emilia, who evolves from a state of distress to unexpected courage. Uniquely, Carroll chooses not to frame “Othello” strictly as a racial tragedy; instead, he maintains a steady focus on the fragility of human nature.

The production runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until November 23.

BBCBatteries in disposable vapes should be properly disposed ofDisposable vapes are among dangerous items being thrown away in household waste and causing fires and explosions, putting refuse workers at risk, local councils and waste companies have warned.
Awareness of the issue is being raised after two recent cases of explosions in the back of bin lorries caused by discarded lithium ion batteries, which are found in vapes, being compressed by the lorry’s crusher.
Newham Council in east London said in another recent incident an empty gas bottle, which had been disposed of in a household waste bin, ignited in a waste collection vehicle, leading to an explosion that injured a crew member.
Waste company Veolia said it was seeing a fire every day at its recycling facilities.
Rachel Jay of Veolia says batteries can catch fire in waste disposal facilities Rachel Jay, head of education at Veolia, told BBC London: “When they put something with a battery into their waste, when we pick that up it goes into a vehicle that has a compactor in the back and when that compactor essentially crushes the battery, that can cause a spark and cause it to ignite.
"Of course that is in there with your other packaging materials and those materials can also be flammable and take from that spark.”
People are being urged to take potentially dangerous items to local collection sites or retailers for safe disposal as waste-related incidents are on the rise across the UK, with more than 1,200 battery-related fires reported last year.
Take used batteries back to the retailers, says Newham Council Lynsey Smith, head of environmental quality at Newham Council, said: “It can be challenging to get to a tip if you don't have a car and then it has to go back to the retailers – spend a couple of minutes online, have a look at your local collection site for that item and it will be likely to be on the high street or one of the one of the big supermarkets, even some of the big hardware stores will take back the batteries if they sell them.”
Items that should be taken to recycling centres and disposed of safely include vapes, which contain lithium-ion batteries that can ignite when crushed, electrical items with batteries or plugs that can explode or catch fire, and nitrogen oxide canisters and other gas bottles, even when empty, can cause explosions.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]

On October 25th, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced its approval for the Dalian Commodity Exchange to register futures and options for log trading. In conjunction with this announcement, the Dalian Commodity Exchange released the contracts and related regulations for log futures and options, while also calling for designated delivery warehouses and truck delivery locations for log futures.

Logs, essentially cylindrical wood segments produced after tree felling and cross-cutting, are primarily categorized into softwood and hardwood. Softwood logs are particularly concentrated in their uses, serving as key materials for construction lumber, engineered wood products, and furniture manufacturing. China currently holds the title of the world’s largest importer of softwood logs, but in recent years, price volatility has heightened the demand among importing companies and downstream processing firms for risk management tools and forward price references, creating an urgent need for the availability of log derivatives.

The upcoming log futures will focus on softwood. In designing the quality standards for log futures delivery, the Dalian Commodity Exchange has referred to relevant national standards, considering various factors such as shape, species, length, diameter, and surface defects. To manage price volatility, the exchange has set daily price fluctuation limits at 4% of the previous trading day’s settlement price, with a minimum trading margin requirement of 5% of the contract value.

Regarding options, the newly introduced log options will align with the existing framework of options contracts already listed on the exchange. Like other options, they will be classified as either call or put options, with a minimum price fluctuation of half the minimum fluctuation of the underlying futures contract. The strike prices will encompass a range that corresponds to 1.5 times the allowable price fluctuation of the underlying futures.

A representative from the Dalian Commodity Exchange indicated that the launch of log futures and options will enhance the ability of companies within the related industries to manage price risks and improve the pricing mechanism for logs. The exchange plans to strengthen its oversight of trading activities, collaborating with all stakeholders to enhance industry participation and continuously boost the impact of log futures pricing in both domestic and international markets.

What is the current status of brain-machine interface development?

“North Brain No. 2” has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by enabling non-human primates to intercept two-dimensional moving targets using brain control for the first time internationally.

In an experiment, a small monkey sits in a specially designed chair, intently focused on a screen in front of it. By merely thinking, it directs a circular icon on the screen to move according to its wishes. This capability is powered by “North Brain No. 2,” a brain-machine interface device connected to the monkey’s brain via two long wires. This achievement marks a significant advancement in brain control technology.

On October 24, a large-scale thematic interview titled “New Quality Productive Forces Viewed in Beijing” took place at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Neurosurgeons discussed the pressing need for recovery solutions for stroke patients, particularly those with permanent disabilities, as nearly 30% of individuals who suffer strokes carry long-term effects. The development of brain-machine interfaces holds promise for these patients, potentially offering rehabilitation or enhanced functionality.

The brain-machine interface has been designated as a key industry in Beijing. Significant developments include the creation of high-channel flexible microelectrodes, specialized chips for brain-machine interfaces, and precise, low-latency real-time neural decoding systems. These innovations contribute to various models for instantly decoding movement and language based on cortex-generated brain waves.

In recent years, brain-machine interfaces have become a hot topic in research, garnering immense expectations for clinical applications. Yang Yi, Director of the Neurosurgery Center at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, explained that due to the rising incidence of strokes and injuries, especially among younger populations, many patients are left with disabilities such as cognitive impairment and motor function loss. While existing rehabilitation methods can help to some extent, many patients still face permanent consequences.

Du Xiaojing, Deputy Director of the Medical Division at the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, provided insight into the city’s progress in this field: “We’ve developed high-channel flexible microelectrodes, specialized chips, and systems for real-time neural decoding, which are vital for advancing brain-machine interface technology.”

The R&D process for intelligent brain-machine systems has progressed significantly. The “North Brain No. 1” has completed the development of high-density flexible cortical electrodes and has a wireless implant version nearing completion. The wired “North Brain No. 2” successfully created a high-throughput flexible microelectrode system and a thousand-channel EEG acquisition system, addressing international challenges of long-term stable recording and real-time decoding of large-scale single-cell signals.

Additionally, clinical studies of brain-machine interfaces have shown promise, with a wireless minimally invasive interface allowing patients to perform tasks like drinking water autonomously using their thoughts.

Li Yuan, Business Development Director of Beijing Xinzhida Neurotechnology Co., explained that the “North Brain No. 1” system aims to meet clinical needs for rehabilitation related to major brain diseases and movement and language disabilities. They are developing a wireless fully implanted micro-system and have completed engineering machine development, with plans to begin clinical studies on long-term implants and decoding in human subjects in early 2025.

The “North Brain No. 2” system competes with Elon Musk’s Neuralink and focuses on dynamic precision control, cognitive recovery and enhancement, and other advanced functionalities. It has been stably implanted in a macaque for a year and has achieved international recognition for its ability to intercept two-dimensional moving targets.

In a demonstration video, the monkey, equipped with the brain-machine interface, directs a cursor on the screen simply by thinking. Beyond controlling on-screen icons, the “North Brain No. 2” system can manipulate a robotic arm for dynamic target interception tasks.

Looking ahead, Beijing aims to prioritize the development of brain-machine interfaces and humanoid robots, among other industries. Yang Pengyu, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division at the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, emphasized the importance of strategically significant and disruptive emerging industries in shaping the future.

In September 2023, the city implemented the “Implementation Plan for Promoting Innovation and Development of Future Industries,” with the goal of attracting influential innovative entities and forming globally leading industrial clusters by 2035.

Beijing focuses on six major areas of future industries—future information, health, manufacturing, energy, materials, and space—targeting twenty sub-industrial directions, particularly in health-related sectors such as brain-machine interfaces and cellular technologies.

Last year, Beijing’s pharmaceutical and health industry generated an impressive revenue of 976.1 billion yuan, providing a solid foundation for its growth. The city’s action plans emphasize the importance of biotechnology and brain-machine interfaces, aiming to foster significant scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that shape new competitive advantages.

As we look toward the future, Beijing’s strategic initiatives continue to promote innovation and collaboration across these cutting-edge fields, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

Reporter: Dai Xuan
(Xin Jing Bao) Editor: Cao Zijian