The Life News USA. Sept 16, 2021

Vol. 02 Issue 19 Sep 16, 2021

North and South Koreans both unveil new missile systems

TL Bureau, Pyongyang North Korea affirmed on Thursday that it has without a doubt dispatched a couple of long range rockets from a train-based framework, which was important for a whirlwind of movement in seven days that likewise saw South Korea reveal rockets of its own.

South Korean and Japanese protection authorities originally declared the rocket tests on Wednesday, however Pyongyang didn’t quickly affirm.

The rockets arrived within Japan’s selective monetary zone, Tokyo’s safeguard service said late Wednesday, revising a previous report.

The test denoted the first run through Pyongyang utilized the versatile rail route framework, a report from the state-run Korean Central News Agency said, and the rockets precisely struck their

objectives in the ocean among Korea and Japan.

“The railroad borne rocket regiment participated in the drill with a mission to strike the objective region [about 500 miles] away from its area,” KCNA announced.

U.S. authorities denounced the dispatches, saying they’re an infringement of U.N. Security Council goals.

“We do denounce the [North Korean] rocket dispatches,” State Department representative Ned Price said at a press instructions. “We realize that they represent a danger to ... neighbors and different individuals from the worldwide local area.”

The long range rocket tests came only days after North Korea terminated new longrange voyage rockets, which investigators accept might be fit for conveying an atomic

Photo Courtesy: UPI/KCNA/ EPA-EFE warhead.

Hours after the North Korean dispatches on Wednesday, South Korea divulged its own new military equipment - four rockets, including a submarinedispatched long range rocket and a supersonic journey rocket.

President Moon Jae-in, who saw the dispatches, said the tests were at that point booked and were not a reaction to North Korea’s dispatch. Moon added, notwithstanding, that the weapons exhibit Seoul’s expanding military strength and make an impression on Pyongyang.

“Our expanded rocket force can be a clear obstruction to North Korea’s incitements,” Moon said Wednesday. “The accomplishment of the present rocket power dispatch tests has shown that we have adequate discouragement to react to North Korean incitements whenever.”

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ICC opens investigation for Philippines war on drugs on ex- President Rodrigo

Photo: ICC to continue” with an TL Bureau, examination as the lawful Manila/ The Hague rule of unspeakable atrocity The International Criminal of homicide “has been met Court has approved an concerning the killings examination concerning perpetrated all through the claims wrongdoings were Philippines” in the midst of carried out in the Philippines Duterte’s mission. during President Rodrigo The court additionally said Duterte’s conflict on drugs the particular legitimate crusade. component had been met In an assertion on Wednesday, concerning killings that the ICC said its Pre-Trial happened in the Davao region Chamber I has consented between Nov. 1, 2011, and to start the examination June 30, 2016. then-Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda made her Bensouda had mentioned in solicitation in the wake of May. inspecting freely accessible Bensouda, who left her data about the Philippines, post not long after the which has been under an examination demand was ICC primer examination disclosed in June, said there since February 2018. was “a sensible premise to In light of the primer accept that the unspeakable examination, Duterte atrocity of homicide has been pulled out the Philippines carried out on the region of from the court in 2018 and the Philippines between 1 which produced results the July 2016 and 16 March following year.

2019 with regards to the As much as 12,000 Filipinos Government of Philippines are accepted to have been ‘battle on drugs.’” killed in the midst of Duterte’s In Bensouda’s solicitation, mission, which started not she said her office had long after he took to office in likewise discovered charges June of 2016, as per Human going as far back as Nov. 1, Rights Watch. Official 2011, when the ICC acquired government information from locale over the archipelago the Philippines expresses that country. in excess of 6,000 individuals In its assertion Wednesday, passed on during its enemy the court concurred that of medication tasks between there is “a sensible premise July 1, 2016, and April 30.

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ustralian Defense Minister Peter Dutton called for unions to secure the countries and individuals of the Indo-Pacific area during a gathering with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday.

Dutton said the circumstance in the Indo-Pacific is “falling apart” and unions are the best way to shield worldwide guidelines based request, as indicated by an assertion from the U.S. Safeguard Department.

Dutton visited the Pentagon daily before the AustralianU.S. Ecclesiastical Consultations with the State Department.

Austin and Dutton examined the condition of the partnership between the two nations, which have been close since World War I and remain arrangement partners under the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty endorsed in 1951.

“Australia, probably our most seasoned partner, summoned the ANZUS Treaty interestingly, and the main time, after 9/11, sending your powers twenty years prior to battle side by side close by the United States,” Austin said.

Dutton said the fear

Situation in Indo Pacific is deteriorating day by day

monger assaults are “a token of the requirement for us to proceed with our relationship to gaze intently at that fiendishness and to manage whatever the following century may hold.”

Austin said the coalition between the United States and Australia “has never been more noteworthy than it is today. We see similar difficulties, we share a similar need to keep moving, and we’re coordinating intently on power pose, key abilities, provincial commitment and military activities.”

Vital difficulties confronting the IndoPacific district were the focal point of the U.S.- Australia Defense Policy and Strategy Talks on Aug. 10, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in an assertion.

The virtual gathering was driven by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Dr. Ely Ratner

and his Australian partners, First Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Policy Hugh Jeffrey and Acting First Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategic Policy Zoe Cameron.

The United States and Australia have a cozy relationship for guard materials improvement.

In November, the nations consented to speed advancement and testing of hypersonic weapons in light of a local weapons contest including China and Russia.The nations have been engaged with various activities in the challenged South

editorial

China Sea to guarantee a free and open IndoPacific area. For the most part as of late, a U.S. warship traveled the Taiwan Straight for the eighth time this year on Aug. 27.

In June, a U.S. Naval force directed rocket destroyer joined an Australian naval force frigate for practices in the South China Sea that included moving drills and a renewal adrift.

In July, around 17,000 staff took an interest in the fourteen day global maritime exercise Talisman Saber 2021 off the Australian Coast.

Warning Alaska 21-2, a global drill including the U.S. Flying corps and Royal Australian Air Force, additionally finished up in August.

The standard drill is held three or four times each year and means to fortify interoperability in the Indo-Pacific district through battle reproductions.

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Commemorating the International Day of Democracy

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.

The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability the world over. Our commitment is firm and grounded in our own experience as a democracy— imperfect, but continuously striving for a more perfect union. We know that free and democratic societies have healthier citizens, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities. Indeed, democracy delivers for the many, not the few.

To demonstrate that democracy best addresses the greatest challenges of our time, President Biden will bring together government, civil society, and private sector leaders from a diverse group of the world’s

Emirati Minister of Education visits Bern TL Bureau, Bern

On 14 September 2021, President Guy Parmelin received Emirati Minister of Education Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi on a courtesy visit. Prior to this, the minister held a working meeting with Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Research, Education and Innovation. Their talks focused on the Swiss vocational education and training (VET) system and bilateral cooperation in the fields of research and innovation.

UAE Announces 608 New COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths in Last 24 Hours TL Bureau, Abu Dhabi

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in a statement, announced 608 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases to 730,743, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

MoHAP also announced two deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 2,068. The ministry also noted that an additional 706 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the UAE to 722,073.

Pakistan Records 2,714 New COVID-19 Cases, 73 deaths TL Bureau, Islamabad Pakistan recorded 2,714 new COVID-19 cases and 73 deaths during the last 24 hours.

The National Command and Operation Centre in Pakistan reported that the total number of cases infected with COVID-19 reached 1,212,809, while the total deaths amounted to 26,938, adding that the total number of recovered cases reached 1,108,339.

democracies at a virtual Summit for Democracy this December. As the President has said, “…we must start with diplomacy rooted in America’s most cherished values: defending freedom, championing opportunity, upholding universal rights, respecting the rule of law, and treating every person with dignity.”

A thriving democracy also depends on open and vibrant civic space, in which people – all people – can advocate for their rights and hold the government to account with equal rights and without discrimination.

The rule of law, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press are cornerstones of a healthy democracy and the right of all.

Whether heading to the polls to vote, exposing corruption, or peacefully rallying around a common cause, people in every corner of the globe bring to life the basic tenets of democracy every day. On this Day of Democracy, we recognize that these efforts are critical to defend, strengthen, and renew democracy.

Nicaraguan Independence Day TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government and people of the United States, I express solidarity with the people of Nicaragua on their 200th Independence Day. Independence Day should be a time to celebrate freedom and the historic achievement of self-government. Sadly, today in Nicaragua the freedom for which so many Nicaraguans struggled for so long is slipping away into a dark new era.

President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have consistently undermined the foundations of Nicaragua’s democratic institutions. They

have corrupted the judiciary.

They have attacked the free press and shut down opposition parties that would have competed against them in the upcoming elections.

They have closed all space for political competition and public discourse, cruelly jailing in recent months more than 30 opposition leaders, students, reporters, business leaders, human rights activists, and members of civil society.

We hail the brave Nicaraguans from all walks of life who have risked their lives and comforts to press for a country guided by democratic principles. The United States commemorates Nicaragua’s bicentennial by standing with all Nicaraguans struggling to reclaim their democratic freedoms.

Ministry of Health Reports 88 New COVID-19 Cases, 70 Recoveries in Saudi Arabia

TL Bureau, Riyadh

The Ministry of Health announced the registration of 88 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 70 recoveries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the past 24 hours.

The ministry added that the number of active cases reached 2,351, including 449 critical cases.

The statistics showed that the total number of infections in

the country reached 546,251, while the recovery tally reached 535,260.

The ministry reported seven new deaths, bringing fatalities tally in the Kingdom to 8,640.

The Ministry of Health advised everyone to contact the toll free (937) for consultations and inquiries around the clock, to obtain health information and services.

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Ministry of Education Signs 48 International Cooperation Agreements in Field of Higher Education and Scientific Research TL Bureau, Riyadh The Ministry of Education signed 41 cooperation agreements, in addition to signing 7 executive programs in the field of higher education and scientific research with Tunisia, Egypt, Japan, Qatar, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for International Cooperation Dr. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Qasoumi stated that the ministry is keen to strengthen the relations with the various international and

regional organizations related to education through Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, as well as the relations with non-profit organizations and international education groups.

Dr. Al-Qasoumi indicated that educational interests in the countries of the world are currently focused on recovery plans and readiness to return to schools after the Coronavirus pandemic, in addition to strengthening educational skills and knowledge.

Yemeni Information Minister Holds Houthi Militia Responsible for Safety of Abducted Journalists TL Bureau, Riyadh Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Moammar Al-Eryani held Iran-backed terrorist Houthi militia fully responsible for the safety of four Yemeni journalists it had abducted.

In a statement to the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Al-Eryani said that the terrorist Houthi militia has forcibly taken away the four journalists, banned visits to them and transferred them to unknown detention.

Al-Eryani noted that information available shows that the Houthi militia transferred the journalists to solitary confinement and tortured them

by hanging and beating with iron sticks and electric wires in sensitive organs, citing the deterioration of their health after the terrorist militia denied medication to them for diseases they contracted during their 6-year detention period.

He called on the international community, UN and US envoys, human rights organizations and organization of journalists protection and all journalists to condemn the abduction of the four journalists by the Houthi militia and their forcible disappearance, urging these institutions to mount pressure on militia leaders to release them immediately and unconditionally.

France, UAE Discuss Enhancing Relations and Latest Regional Developments TL Bureau, Paris French President Emmanuel Macron and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, currently on a visit to France, have discussed the strategic partnership between the two countries, in addition to the promising opportunities for developing

them in various aspects for the common interests.

During their meeting today in Paris, the two sides reviewed the cooperation between the two countries in the investment, economic, cultural and other vital fields that support making progress and sustainable development in the two countries.

They also discussed a number of issues of common interest.

In total, 147 individuals are being treated in hospitals due to symptomatic COVID-19

TL Bureau, Tallinn

Twenty-one new COVID-19 cases have been opened by hospitals within the past 24 hours. Two new deaths have been registered within the past 24 hours, involving an 81 year-old woman and an 88 year-old man.The last 24

As of the morning of 15 September there are 147 individuals with symptomatic COVID-19 who require hospital treatment. A total of 165 patients who have COVID-19 are currently receiving hospital treatment, including 119 patients who have not been vaccinated (which means 72.1% of the overall figure), and forty-six patients who have been fully vaccinated (which amounts to 27.9% of the overall figure).

while 137 infected individuals had completed the vaccination process.A total of 4,145 vaccine doses have been administered over the past 24 hours, and 1,318,525 vaccine doses have been administered overall. Of the total adult population in hours have seen 6,071 tests relation to coronavirus, of positive. In total, 388 of the Estonia, 65.7% have received being analysed in Estonia in which the results of 525 were new cases were unvaccinated, at least one dose of the vaccine.

4 China reports 73 new coronavirus cases for Sept 14 vs 92 day earlier TL Bureau, Beijing

China reported on Wednesday 73 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the mainland for Sept. 14, compared with 92 a day earlier, according to the National Health Commission.

Of the new infections, 50 were locally transmitted, all of which were in Fujian, the health authority said. That compares with 59 local cases a day earlier, also in the southeastern province, according to Reuters. China reported 16 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases, which it does not classify as confirmed infections, compared with 20 a day earlier. No new deaths were reported.

As of Sept. 14, mainland China had recorded 95,413 confirmed cases, with the cumulative death toll unchanged at 4,636.

India Reports 27,176 New COVID-19 Cases, 284 Deaths TL Bureau, New Delhi India recorded 27,176 new coronavirus infections and 284 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated today, that the total number of infected across India reached 33,316,755 cases, and the total deaths reached 443,497.

Flash Flood Submerges Southern French Villages, Fields TL Bureau, Paris

Emergency workers rescued or evacuated hundreds of people in southern France as flash flooding abruptly turned roads and fields into rivers and lakes, the Associated Press reported.

As new heavy rainfall threatened the area Wednesday, the emergency service for the Gard region said rescuers were searching for at least one person reported missing after the Tuesday evening flood.

No casualties have been reported, but local authorities said the rains caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure across towns and villages between Nimes and Montpellier.

About 800 firefighters were mobilized to rescue people via helicopter and other means.

Schools across the region were closed Wednesday as cleanup work started in some towns.

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UK-ASEAN Joint declaration

Joint Ministerial Declaration on Future Economic Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK).

TL Bureau, London

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of an open, free, non-discriminatory, transparent, predictable, and stable multilateral trading system and anti-corruption.

We embrace digital innovation and human capital development.

ASEAN and the UK share a diverse economic and commercial relationship that continues to flourish.

Brunei’s theme as ASEAN Chair 2021 ‘We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper’ resonates with the UK. ASEAN and the UK also recognise that the overall vision in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 consisting of five interrelated and mutually reinforcing characteristics, namely: (i) A Highly Integrated and Cohesive Economy; (ii) A Competitive, Innovative, and Dynamic ASEAN; (iii) Enhanced Connectivity and Sectoral Cooperation; (iv) A Resilient, Inclusive, People-Oriented, and People-Centred ASEAN; and (v) A Global ASEAN, remains relevant and will serve as a building block in developing ASEAN and UK economic relations.

Economic Recovery from COVID-19 ASEAN and the UK recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives and livelihoods of our people. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones.

We recognise the heroic efforts of healthcare and essential workers around the world. We are optimistic that, through working together, we will see our economies recover,

strengthen, and flourish. ASEAN and the UK will continue to work together to control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Along with the international community, we will secure a resilient, sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery. We encourage all nations to work together to address the linked challenges of public health, climate change and biodiversity, and to support the initiatives under the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan. ASEAN and the UK welcome knowledge sharing and exchanging best practice on policies and programmes to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.

We look forward to regular engagement, including at Ministerial and Senior Economic Official levels, thereby securing a swift and sustainable economic recovery for our nations. The COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund continues to support ASEAN in the detection, control and prevention of COVID-19 transmission. ASEAN Member States appreciate the UK’s £1 million commitment to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and its £4.8

million commitment to support the COVID-19 response in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

ASEAN and the UK recognise the need to optimise the economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits stemming from the creative economy by creating an enabling environment for the promotion of the creative economy.

UK-ASEAN Supply Chains and Maintaining Open Markets The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of diverse, resilient, and sustainable supply chains to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, especially in essential goods such as food, commodities, medicines and medical supplies. As President of the G7 this year, the UK established an Economic Resilience Panel, working with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to formulate recommendations on how the international community can address and overcome economic crises. These recommendations include areas of mutual interest between ASEAN and the UK, such as supply chain resilience for global public goods and championing an investment-focused recovery to

United Kingdom to Participate in World Defense Show in Riyadh in March 2022

TL Bureau, London The United Kingdom confirmed today its participation through an international pavilion at the World Defense Show, the leading global event for defense and security organized by the General Authority for Military Industries in Riyadh in March 2022.

The UK appointed “ADS Group”, the industrial body representing the companies of the aerospace, defense, security and space industries in the UK, to operate its pavilion in the show.

In addition to the UK, other major economies announcing taking part in the event include the USA, China, France, Spain, Italy, Estonia, Bulgaria, Portugal, South Korea and Ukraine.

The show aims to explore opportunities for cooperation with the local and regional defense and security system, especially in the field of investment in the localization

of military industries in the Kingdom, as well as communication with the elite international companies operating in the sector and access to the latest technologies related to the operational compatibility of defense systems.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Defense Show within the Saudi pavilion at the Defense and Security Equipment International Exhibition (DSEI) in London, with the aim of informing international companies about the advantages of participating in the first edition of the World Defense Show that will be held in Riyadh between March 6-9, 2022.

The ADS Group represents more than 1,100 UK companies operating in the aerospace, defense, security and aerospace sectors, including major multinational companies and hundreds of small and medium-sized companies

build trust in open markets. The UK is eager to share this work with ASEAN through a dialogue.

ASEAN and the UK recognise the critical role of the multilateral trading system centred on the WTO in driving economic recovery in the post-pandemic period. We will work together for a stronger multilateral trading system which includes an open, free, non-discriminatory, transparent, predictable, and stable trade and investment environment.

We will refrain from introducing any unnecessary measures which may adversely affect the exchange of goods, services and/or investment.

We will ensure the transparency of all trade-related measures. This is in line with our WTO commitments and obligations, and for ASEAN Member States, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on the Implementation of NonTariff Measures on Essential Goods Under the Hanoi Plan of Action on Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation and Supply Chain Connectivity in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We will also work together to address the challenges faced by the WTO to strengthen and reform the organisation ahead of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) so it can deliver for businesses and consumers around the world.

This year, ASEAN and the UK worked together to better understand supply chains between our respective economies through the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) report titled ‘UK-ASEAN Trade: further promote and develop relevant international standards, which will help facilitate the attainment of the said commitments.

U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to Saudi Arabia and Oman

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking is in Saudi Arabia today where he will meet with senior officials from the Governments of the Republic of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

He will then travel to Oman to meet with senior Omani officials. The Special Envoy will also meet with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen David Gressly, and UN Security Council permanent member state ambassadors to Yemen. Special Envoy Lenderking’s efforts are focused on advancing an inclusive, UN-led peace process and bringing immediate relief to the people of Yemen. He will also continue to press the parties on the need for the regular, free flow of essential commodities and humanitarian aid into and throughout Yemen.

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USA

Papua New Guinea Independence Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my congratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate your Independence Day on September 16.

For 46 years, the United States and Papua New Guinea have had a robust relationship marked by a shared commitment to economic prosperity for all, good governance, and protection of our cherished natural resources. Despite the

significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our partnership has grown stronger.

The U.S. donation of more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses to Papua New Guinea through COVAX is only the latest example of our strong partnership. The United States is committed to advancing our security partnership, addressing the climate crisis, and promoting gender equality.

On this auspicious anniversary of independence, I wish the people of Papua New Guinea enduring prosperity and vitality.

Guatemalan Independence Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the people of Guatemala on this very special 200th anniversary of independence.

The people of the United States and Guatemala have an enduring friendship rooted in shared values, commerce, culture, and familial ties. The United States appreciates the longstanding relationship and remains dedicated to collaborative efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and improved security for the people of Guatemala.

Building a brighter future for Guatemala requires strong democratic institutions, transparency, and rule of law.

We join our voices to those of so many Guatemalans who have expressed support for tackling corruption and maintaining the integrity and transparency of the judicial system. We are also committed to continue supporting the fight against COVID-19 in Guatemala and the region by building on the 4.5 million vaccines and over $63.2 million in supplies donated thus far to help the Guatemalan people battle the pandemic.

Guatemala shares this special bicentennial celebration with many of its closest neighbors, and we look forward to working with the region for further democratic and economic progress.

I thank the Guatemalan people for their friendship and support and offer my sincerest wishes for a safe and joyous bicentennial Independence Day.

Secretary Blinken’s Call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

today. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Stoltenberg shared their views on the way ahead for NATO’s Strategic Concept and discussed the situation in Afghanistan, as well as our collective support for the people of Afghanistan.

20th Anniversary of the InterAmerican Democratic Charter

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State This week, the Americas celebrate the 20th anniversary of the InterAmerican Democratic Charter (IADC), a groundbreaking affirmation that the peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and that the governments of the region have an obligation to promote and defend it. Called for by our leaders at the Third Summit of the Americas and approved by

all members of the Organization of American States on September 11, 2001, the IADC represents a commitment that the Americas should be guided by the principles of democracy; that sovereignty resides in the people; that the rule of law must defend individual liberty; that human rights are to be enjoyed by all; that economic freedom promotes prosperity that can lift millions out of poverty, and that political and economic freedoms are the instruments of lasting peace.

Bicentennial of Independence in Central America

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the American people, I convey regards to our Central American neighbors in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, who today are each celebrating the 200th anniversary of their independence, initially as a united Central America.

This special celebration inspires recognition of the many ways in which the people of the region have come together over numerous generations to strive for liberty and opportunity. Just as the United States has been shaped and enriched by visitors and immigrants from Central America, we have seen the concepts of democracy and human rights, which are bedrock values to the people of the United States, solidify in the aspirations of our Central American neighbors.

And, indeed, over the last few generations, the people of the region have increasingly enjoyed the rights inherent to democracy, including free and fair elections, universal suffrage, and freedoms of expression and religion.

Today, we find ourselves working shoulder-to-shoulder to confront challenges old and new. A terrible

global pandemic is demanding all of our best efforts to help our citizens. Meanwhile, historic inequities in the region mean we must not just rebuild, but build back better, generating more equitable economic opportunities. Most importantly, threats to democratic institutions and human rights in a number of Central American countries compel us to prioritize fortifying the essential principles of democracy: transparency, rule of law, equality, and respect for human rights. The United States is determined to partner with the people of Central America to achieve a more democratic, more secure, more prosperous, and more inclusive future.

Stronger, more inclusive democratic governance can also strengthen regional cooperation.

In June, I took my first trip to the Western Hemisphere as Secretary of State to attend a regional meeting of Central American leaders in Costa Rica.

That event confirmed for me that Central America as a region can be stronger if we all work together.

Greater cooperation among the countries, as well as with close partners like Mexico, will also help governments better deliver for their citizens.

While many Central America

citizens are secure in the protections of democracy and human rights, anti-democratic developments pose a growing threat to Central America’s future. Most notably, Nicaragua’s government, led

by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, has taken the country down the grim path of authoritarianism through a subservient judiciary, the takeover of political parties, and the incarceration of journalists, opposition leaders, and others who defend free and fair elections.

Unfortunately, alarming attacks against judicial independence, civil society and the press, and the separation of powers elsewhere in Central America increase risks that the people and economies of those nations will face a more authoritarian future as well. The United States stands with all those speaking truth to power, defending human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions against corruption and authoritarian tendencies across the region.

As you celebrate the bicentennial of your nations, I want to say to the people of Central America: the United States is with you. Together we can advance the next chapter in Central America’s progress towards a secure, prosperous, democratic region.

Dabaiba, High Council of State Chairman Khaled Al-Mishri, Presidential Council Deputy Chairmen Musa Koni and Abdullah Lafi, and President of the High National Electoral Commission Dr. Emad al-Sayah.

In the meetings, they emphasized the urgent need for Libyan leaders

to ensure agreement on an electoral framework for national elections on December 24 and also underscored U.S. support for full implementation of the October 23 ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of all foreign fighters, mercenaries, and forces.

participants from across the Indo-Pacific can join.

The IPBF advances a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, and inclusive.

Government and business leaders from the United States, India, and across the IndoPacific region will exchange ideas through interactive discussions based on three broad themes: economic recovery and resilience; climate action; and digital innovation.

Attendees will also be able to explore regional government and business partnerships and commercial opportunities.

The IPBF will showcase high-impact private sector investment and government efforts to support market

competition, job growth, and high-standard development for greater prosperity and economic inclusion in the Indo-Pacific. The event will be conducted via a secure online conferencing platform.

Registration for this virtual event is free and is currently open to interested members of the public here: www. indopacificbusinessforum.com The 2021 IPBF will be onthe-record and interested members of the media can register here: www. indopacificbusinessforum.com For further information, please visit the Indo-Pacific Business Forum website at https://www. indopacificbusinessforum. com/

Counselor of the U.S. Department of State Chollet and Special Envoy Norland’s Visit to Libya

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson Counselor of the U.S. Depaartment of State Derek Chollet and Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland visited Libya on September 15 where they met with interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid

Registration is Open for the IndoPacific Business Forum 2021

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson The United States government, in partnership with the Government of India, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the US-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S.India Business Council, and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, is pleased to announce registration is now open for the fourth annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF). This year’s IPBF will be a fully virtual event held from October 28-29, 2021, with a schedule that will ensure

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IFC invests in Sekura to improve access to insurance in Mexico

TL Bureau, Mexico City

The International Finance Corporation (“IFC”), member of the World Bank Group, completed a minority investment in Sekura Controladora SAPI de CV (“Sekura”), one of the leading insurance and surety brokers in Mexico.

The IFC’s investment in Sekura is a co-investment alongside Australis Partners, the private equity firm that acquired a majority stake in Sekura in 2020. The coinvestment represents IFC’s first investment in the insurance brokerage sector and reflects IFC’s interest in increasing insurance penetration for Mexican companies alongside a leading player in the market.

IFC’s investment will further strengthen Sekura’s market

position under the leadership of Australis Partners and will enable the acceleration of the company’s growth strategy through further consolidation of the Mexican insurance and surety brokerage market.

James Smouse, Global Head of Insurance of the Financial Institutions Group of the IFC, highlighted: “Mexico has the fundamentals to consolidate a dynamic insurance market, but insurance penetration levels remain below those of peer countries in the region.

Sekura is a leading insurance broker with an innovative platform that can leverage this investment to increase access to insurance products in Mexico. We are very proud to join Australis Partners in this strategic investment for the industry in the Mexican market”.

Gonzalo Mancera, CEO of Sekura, mentioned: “Having the IFC as a shareholder is without a doubt a remarkable milestone in Sekura’s growth story. The support of this renown organization will allow us to continue strengthening our corporate governance practices with the goal of accelerating sustainable growth.”

Insurance products promote stability and growth. The IFC helps insurance sector players build new markets. In the developing world, many individuals lack access to basic financial services, including insurance products. This scarcity hampers the chances of escaping from poverty, as unforeseen circumstances can have a negative impact on growth. IFC works with its partners all over the world to increase insurance penetration.

historically high state subsidies for housing production should now be adjusted to better match the current economic situation.

The sharp rise in demand has driven construction costs and prices up, and created a shortage of several products. It has become increasingly difficult to receive bids from contractors.

Construction labour costs have increased, and the shortage of skilled labour has become the sector’s biggest problem.

Construction activity to peak around the turn of the year The total construction output in 2021 will remain at the 2020 level, or show a maximum increase of two to three per cent.

Construction activity will peak in the second half of 2021 and the first half of 2022.

While housing construction will slow down from the current levels in 2022, commercial construction is expected to accelerate, with the most significant growth expected in 2022. According to the RAKSU

construction trends group’s forecast, construction output will grow by 2–4 per cent in 2022.

The number of people employed in the construction sector is estimated to increase slightly in the second half of this year, with more significant growth expected next year.

A growth spurt in renovation, a gradual slowdown in infrastructure construction Although there was an increase in building renovation last year despite the coronavirus pandemic, it was clearly smaller than in previous years.

According to the RAKSU construction trends group’s forecast, renovation will pick up pace in the next few years.

Exceptional growth in civil engineering investment was seen in 2020, driven by public investment. Further growth will be seen in civil engineering activity this year while in 2022 activity is expected to contract slightly.

Economic growth boosts construction

TL Bureau, Helsinki

With residential construction reaching record levels, there is a risk of overheating in the housing market, according to the RAKSU construction trends group’s estimate.

With the economy growing faster than expected in the first half of this year, the construction sector has also perked up substantially during the spring.

Low interest rates and consumer confidence in the economy further strengthen the positive economic trend in construction.

In addition, the level of activity among professional property investors continues to be high.

New construction is growing at an unprecedented rate, and this trend is expected to continue next year. According to the RAKSU construction trends group’s estimate, there is a risk of overheating in the housing markets. In its report published on 15 September, the group recommends that the

FSO - 2nd quarter 2021: Number of employed persons rises by 0.5%, unemployment rate based on ILO definition rises to 5.0% TL Bureau, Neuchâtel In the 2nd quarter 2021, the number of employed persons in Switzerland increased compared with the same quarter of the previous year

(+0.5%). The actual weekly hours per employed person increased sharply by 9.9% and almost reached the same level as before the pandemic. During the same period, the unemployment rate as

defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased from 4.6% to 5.0% in Switzerland and from 6.8% to 7.2% in the EU. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS).

BUSINESS

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland opens Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Showcase in London

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland opens Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Showcase in London

TL Bureau, London Leading companies from across Northern Ireland are showcasing their products, services and expertise in London today (15 September) as part of a highprofile Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Showcase.

Organised with support from the Department for International Trade and Invest Northern Ireland (INI), the Showcase will create opportunities for Northern Ireland organisations to network with international companies, governments and investors to create business opportunities, boost exports and investment into Northern Ireland.

The event at the QEII, which is being opened by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis, is a highlight

of the Northern Ireland Office’s Centenary programme to mark 100 years since the foundation of Northern Ireland.

It follows a Number 10 reception hosted by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning (15 September) and a City of London Corporation reception at London’s Guildhall to welcome Northern Ireland businesses to the capital last night.

In total, 28 Northern Irish organisations will be exhibiting in the business showcase exhibition, including Northern Ireland’s two universities, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

The exhibitors represent a cross section of the key sectors within the Northern Irish economy, including financial services, fintech, health and life sciences, ICT, advanced manufacturing and cyber security.

Better Targeting of Social Protection Programs can Significantly Reduce Poverty in Bangladesh

TL Bureau, Dhaka

Social Protection Programs remain central to Bangladesh’s sustainable development policy and are progressively benefitting the poorer households. By improving targeting of the social protection programs, the country can further reduce poverty.

Reallocating existing transfers to the poorest could reduce poverty from 36 percent to 12 percent, says a new World Bank report launched today.

The report titled ‘Bangladesh Social Protection Public Expenditure Review’ reflects on Bangladesh’s continued investment towards social protection and how it can improve on its existing framework including planning, designing, programming, and delivery of the various social protection programs and projects.The report finds that the social protection programs are mostly focused in rural areas. But, with almost 1 in 5 of the urban population living in poverty, and half of the households at the risk of falling into poverty, there is a need for rebalancing geographic allocations between rural and urban areas. About 11 percent of people in urban areas are covered by social protection whereas 19 percent of urban population is poor. The coverage in rural areas is

higher than the poverty rate, with programs reaching 36 percent of people, while 26 percent live in poverty. Using a social registry, such as the National Household Database can improve targeting of both programs and households at a reduced cost.

“Over the last decades, Bangladesh expanded its coverage of social protection programs that now reach three in every 10 households in the country,” said Dandan Chen, World Bank Operations Manager for Bangladesh and Bhutan. “The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the need for a more robust, efficient, and adaptive social protection system.

Going forward, well-targeted and less fragmented social protection programs that consider the demographic change, unplanned urbanization, labor market vulnerability, and frequent shocks will help the country continue with its success of poverty reduction.” In FY 20, Bangladesh spent about 2.6 percent of GDP in social protection, which is in line with countries with similar income levels. However, some risk groups remain underserved, in particular there are gaps in programing for early years and for the economic inclusion of poor and vulnerable youth and adults.

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FEATURE

Study reveals differences in how Black and white U.S. parents talked to their kids about race and racism before and after George Floyd’s death

BY VIGNESH RAMACHANDRAN (FOR STANFORD UNIVERSITY) CALIFORNIA In the summer following the murder of George Floyd, a Black man killed by police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020, the world watched as the United States continued its struggle toward racial equality.

Floyd’s tragic death – which added to a spate of similar killings of unarmed Black Americans – sparked nationwide protests, but Stanford researchers found one pivotal group was missing from the conversation: white parents.

In a new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Stanford researchers show that Floyd’s death spurred Black parents to speak more with their children about race, while white parents were mostly unchanged or were more likely to have conversations with their kids that the experts say could be unproductive.

“If parents do not talk with their children about racism, they will be ineffective in teaching their children how to combat racism,” said Steven O. Roberts, an assistant professor of psychology in the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S).

To talk or not to talk Roberts, lead author Nicky Sullivan, and Jennifer Eberhardt, the Morris M. Doyle Centennial Professor in Public Policy at H&S, have been studying how Black and white parents talk about race and racial inequality with their children. The team recruited parents living across the U.S. who self-identified as Black or white, with children ages 18 years or younger.

Parents were asked whether or not they have conversations about race with their children, how frequently those conversations occur and to provide a sample of what they recently talked about. They were also

After George Floyd’s murder, Black parents talked about race and racism with their kids more. White parents did not and were more likely to give their kids colorblind messages.

From left to right: Nicky Sullivan, Jennifer Eberhart and Steven O. Roberts (Image credit: Kelty Green, Nana Kofi Nti and L.A. Cicero) asked whether they were worried if their child would be either the target of racial bias or racially biased themselves.

The first survey of roughly 500 parents was conducted in April 2020 a month before Floyd’s murder.

When Floyd was killed, an unprecedented cascade of international protests, media campaigns and calls for criminal justice reform followed.

The team wondered: How might an event that sparks major attention influence the parents’ approach to talking to their kids about race? To find out, they repeated the same survey in June 2020 with a new cohort of about 500 parents, about three weeks after Floyd’s death. These two time points of comparison revealed who was engaging around the topic and who wasn’t, and provided a rare glimpse into the role of racially

charged killings in parents’ racial socialization practices.

On average, Black parents reported talking more frequently about race, racial inequality and racial identity after Floyd’s death than before, and more Black parents were worried that their children would experience racial bias. The content of Black parents’ conversations highlighted just how early Black children are prepared to experience racism. “He was driving … and police shot the car up thinking it was stolen. They pulled [him] out the car and beat his dead body. His story was never on the news,” said one Black parent in a survey response where they reported how they told their 6-year-old child what happened to their godfather. In sharp contrast, white parents overall did not differ in their engagement on race topics with their children from before Floyd’s

death to after. Instead, fewer white parents talked about being white with their kids and more shared messages of colorblindness that minimized the significance of race.“Everyone is treated equal. The color of your skin doesn’t matter,” said a white parent in a survey response where they reported what they told their 6-year-old child. “Black parents may not see it as an option to not talk about race, because if they don’t, their child may become the next Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice or George Floyd,” said Sullivan, who is a PhD student in the Department of Psychology.

Meanwhile, white parents may not feel an urgent need to discuss race with their children – but they should, the researchers said. “The colorblind approach has consequences that can actually impede our move toward equality,” Eberhardt said. “When

people focus on not seeing color, they may also fail to see discrimination – in their own neighborhoods, at their own schools, in their daily lives.”

Systemic racism’s realities In prior work, Roberts argued that passivism or passive racism, which includes an apathy toward systems of racial advantage or denial that those systems even exist, can be the most insidious form of racism.

“American racism is alive and well,” Roberts said. “The first step is to acknowledge the history and contemporary reality of racism in the U.S. One cannot fight what one does not see.”

But some Americans deny the role that race can play, and has historically played, in our institutions. In fact, multiple Stanford studies have uncovered racial inequities and disparities across a wide variety of domains, from police traffic stops to housingto health care.

The burden of teaching kids about racism and bias cannot fall on just Black households, the researchers say.

Yet there’s currently little research to guide white parents motivated to have meaningful conversations with their children about race, the researchers acknowledge. More studies are urgently needed to help identify strategies that parents can use to reduce children’s racial biases.

For their next steps, the team plans to explore ways to encourage more white parents to have those conversations and to identify effective strategies that motivated white parents can use when speaking to their children.

Dismantling systemic racism in the United States will require white Americans to step up and actively discuss race and racism, Sullivan believes. “A lot of it is up to white parents to educate and talk with their kids about these topics,” he said, “so they can grow up to be adults who can help dismantle the racist structures that are so ingrained in our society.”

Afghanistan: Expanding Humanitarian Assistance, Community Development and Infrastructure Work TL Bureau, KABUL The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to expand its relief operations across Afghanistan in response to mounting, complex humanitarian needs fuelled by drought and conflict while reengaging established livelihood, community development and infrastructure projects.

IOM’s humanitarian response includes frontline emergency shelter for vulnerable internally displaced people, protection services including family reunification, and health services delivered from clinics and through mobile teams, who travel to communities to deliver primary and reproductive healthcare, mental health services, and COVID-19 Rapid

Response.

IOM is coordinating with its partners across the country to ensure joint assessments and distribution of critical aid continue for vulnerable populations, more than 5.5 million of whom are internally displaced.

“It is critical to ensure the continuity of humanitarian operations for the millions of Afghans affected by conflict, COVID-19 and natural disasters including drought, particularly as winter approaches,” said IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission, Stuart Simpson. “As part of our commitment to stay in Afghanistan we continue to advocate for unimpeded access, including for our female staff, to all those displaced, many of whom are turning to desperate measures, borrowing money and

selling possessions just to feed their families.”

A call centre to support IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), which monitors population displacement, is collecting the latest information on those forced from their homes by drought and conflict. Data collected from recent interviews with more than 500 people in nine provinces reveals the extent to which ordinary Afghans are struggling to cope; 85 per cent report borrowing food or relying on friends and family while significant numbers of adults (29 per cent) are going hungry so their children can eat; 65 per cent are borrowing money while 43 per cent have sold land to feed their families.

IOM has provided emergency shelter and core relief items, including blankets, kitchen sets and

construction tools, to more than 5,000 people in Kabul, Ghazni and other districts this month.

In the first week of September alone, basic health services including psycho-social and reproductive health services, reached more than 2,500 people in Herat, Kandahar and Nimroz provinces.IOM’s expanding assessments reveal that food, cash and drinking water, along with medical services, are priority needs for the almost 600,000 Afghans displaced since the start of the year.

Even as pressing humanitarian needs are identified, IOM has resumed community development activities in six provinces, constructing school buildings and irrigation and other water supply systems to mitigate the effects of drought.

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life and real estate

Leaders Make Urgent Call To Accelerate Vaccination Globally And In Africa

TL Bureau, Geneva

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and a group of global health leaders today issued an urgent call for vaccine equity globally and in Africa in particular. The leaders stressed that the worst pandemic in the last hundred years will not end unless and until, there is genuine global cooperation on vaccine supply and access. They also reiterated the WHO’s global vaccination target for 70% of the population of all countries to be vaccinated by mid-2022.

Dr Tedros was joined by Dr Seth Berkley, CEO Gavi, Strive Masiyima, AU Special Envoy for COVID- 19, Dr John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director, Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Dr Vera Songwe, UN Under- SecretaryGeneral and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission For Africa and Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The press conference followed two days of meetings among the leaders, with Richard Hatchett, Chief Executive Officer of CEPI joining the meetings as well.

Selected quotes: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: Director-General, WHO “More than 5.7 billion doses have been administered globally, but only 2% of those have been administered in Africa.”

“This doesn’t only hurt the people of Africa, it hurts all of us. The longer vaccine inequity persists, the more the virus will keep circulating and changing, the longer the social and economic disruption will continue, and the higher the chances that more variants will emerge that render vaccines less effective.”

Strive Masiyima, AU Special Envoy for COVID-19 “Vaccine sharing is good but we shouldn’t have to be relying on vaccine sharing. Particularly when we can come to the table, put structures in place and say, we also want to buy.”

“American taxpayers, European

taxpayers, they financed some of this intellectual property and it should be for the common good.

So, it is not wrong that we say there should be waivers, it was for the common good. So, we ask for this IP to be made available.”

“It was a great miracle to have these vaccines, now let this miracle be available to all mankind.”

Dr John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director “We will not be able to achieve 60% of our population fully immunised if we do not fully explore and deploy the power of partnership, the power of cooperation, and the power of solidarity” … “We all have acknowledged now that vaccines are the only solution for us to get out of this pandemic collectively.

That has to be done quickly.”

Dr Vera Songwe, UN UnderSecretary- General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission For Africa “For every one month of lockdowns in the continent cost us $29 billion of production that was lost. For [the African continent],

when we say that COVID-19 is an economic issue and we need to respond to it, to be able to recover and reset our economies, it is real.

And for that we need financing and we need to see how we can bring together global financial structures to ensure that we can actually respond to this crisis”.

“We know that scarcity means increased cost, and we cannot afford today as a continent that kind of scarcity.”

Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank “Africa did not want to once again be at the bottom of queue in regard to vaccines because it was well known to everybody that economy recovery meant bringing the virus under control.”

“It is important that we do this for the simple reason that countries want us to make sure that we do not fail, and make it difficult for us to recover quickly.”

Dr Seth Berkley, CEO Gavi “Today’s meeting is important, as it symbolizes the spirit of partnership between COVAX,

the African Union and AVATT: Africa needs more doses and together we will get them.”

“We’re poised to embark on the busiest period of what is the largest and most complex vaccine rollout in history. We’ve demonstrated that COVAX can work at scale, but it’s really time for the world to get behind it.”

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director For Africa “The question is sometimes asked do African countries have the capacity to absorb the vaccines?

The simple answer is yes. The continuous challenge is that global supplies are not being shared in ways that will get the world out of this pandemic.”

“Hundreds of WHO staff are on the ground, ready to support countries to expand vaccination sites and to manage the complexities of small deliveries of a variety of vaccines“.

“What’s more, African countries have done this before – successfully implementing massive vaccination campaigns against polio, yellow fever and cholera.”

THE GENIUS OF ETTORE BUGATTI

TL Bureau, Molsheim

The Genius of Ettore Bugatti With cutting-edge hyper sports cars, some of the world’s most successful racing cars and approximately 1,000 patents to his name, Ettore Bugatti established the Bugatti brand’s relentless quest for perfection through innovation, defying the norm at every turn.

It’s an ethos that endures to this day and into an all-new era for Bugatti.

It was clear from his earliest years that Ettore Bugatti was a natural-born engineer, so gifted that even without formal training he could master complex designs. His father, Carlo Bugatti, recognized his talents in repairing a motorized tricycle, and later persuaded Ettore to take an apprenticeship at the Prinetti and Stucchi factory at the age of 16.

Ettore’s unyielding ambition to innovate and fascination with both power and speed was immediately apparent. A year later, he had designed his own motorized tricycle, which he himself competed in during the ParisBordeaux race. The next year, he left Prinetti and Stucchi to craft his own automobile with funding from the Counts Gulinelli. And so it was that a young Ettore Bugatti crafted his first car; every detail – from the engine to the body – drawn by him, with the creation of the parts overseen by him and assembled with his own hands. His groundbreaking design which challenged established archetypes earnt him multiple awards, catching the attention of the De Dietrich company, who subsequently hired him to design and build vehicles. Ettore was still so young that his father had to co-sign the contract with him.

Visionary ideas Ettore’s unrelenting belief and passion for the

CELEBRATING THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF ETTORE BUGATTI’S BIRTH, THE FRENCH LUXURY MARQUE LOOKS BACK AT THE INNOVATIVE GENIUS AND ORIGINAL PHILOSOPHY THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY FOREVER.

automobile was very much before its time. In the very early 20th century, the automobile was far from being an established mass form of transport, nor was it considered to be a long-term solution. For many, it was regarded as being reserved for European and especially French bourgeoisie to enjoy the exclusive activity of the era: racing. But the future would hold a very different reality.

While working at De Dietrich, this propensity for developing ideas well ahead of his time became clear. In 1903 he built a car for the ParisMadrid race, placing the driver and mechanic low down in the chassis – best for center of gravity and aerodynamics. This revolutionary solution was so pioneering that the car wasn’t even permitted to race; the organizers believed being seated high was the correct design. In 1907, while officially working as the head of

production for engine manufacturer, Deutz, Ettore continued to develop his own ideas.

While creating larger-scale, heavier duty vehicles with high capacity engines for his employer, he was building a car that would directly contradict the trends of the day: it would be both small and lightweight.

In 1909, the Type 10 or “Pur Sang” (thoroughbred) was completed. A 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 10 PS accelerated the two-seater – weighing only 365 kg – to a top speed of 80 km/h. The overhead camshaft operated two valves per cylinder suspended in a cast-iron block -an innovation of Ettore’s own thinking. The camshaft was connected to the crankshaft via a vertical bevel shaft, with the power being transmitted from the engine to the rear wheels via a multi-plate clutch and a drive shaft – also highly unsual at the time

when most automobiles were equipped with chain drive.Ettore was among the very first to utilize racing as a platform to demonstrate the true greatness of his cars by showcasing them in front of encapsulated crowds of spectators. His engineering prowess and passion for speed and power shone through in the performance of his creations as they unsettled what many believed to be a winning formula. History would show this enduring philosophy be adopted by Bugatti’s rivals, as they too attempted to emulate Ettore in using racing as a stage for their own automobiles.

At the French Grand Prix of 1911, Bugatti entered a modified Type 10 – known as the Type 13 – with Ernest Friedrich at the wheel, lining up against cars that weighed almost twice as much, with engines almost three times as large.

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KAMARA-MCCAFFREY, PRESCOTTHERBERT, JACKSON-MAHOMES ON TAP IN ENCORE TO THRILLING KICKOFF WEEKEND

TL Bureau, New York

The only certain aspect of the National Football League might be its electrifying uncertainty.

Just ask the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, who overcame a 14-point deficit to beat Baltimore, 33-27, in just the second Week 1 overtime game in the history of Monday Night Football. After tying the game three times in the fourth quarter, including a 55-yard DANIEL CARLSON field goal at the end of regulation, the Raiders did not hold an official lead until ZAY JONES caught a 31-yard touchdown from DEREK CARR to stamp an exclamation point on one of the most thrilling kickoff weekends in league annals.

Or ask the PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-0), who host the Raiders (1-0) on Sunday at Heinz Field (1:00 PM ET, CBS). At Buffalo last week, the Steelers clawed back from a 10-0 halftime deficit to win, 23-16.

And ask the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, who trailed by 12 at halftime before storming back to win, 33-29, over Cleveland.

So, amid that uncertainty, also be certain of this: NFL teams are never out of games and no lead is safe.

On Kickoff Weekend, nine games were within one score (eight points) in the fourth quarter, including theCINCINNATI BENGALS’ dramatic win over Minnesota, the first regularseason game in NFL history with a game-tying score with no time remaining in regulation and a game-winning score with no time remaining in overtime.

The excitement is palpable.

Stay tuned for the encore.

Here comes Week 2.

MVP vs. MVP: Two of the past three NFL MVPs – PATRICK MAHOMES (2018) and LAMAR JACKSON(2019) -- will battle on Sunday Night Football when the KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-0) travel to play the BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-1) at M&T Bank Stadium (8:20 PM ET, NBC).

The perennial AFC playoff teams are meeting for a fourth straight season, with Kansas City winning each of the past three.

Sunday’s game along with Jackson and Mahomes’ Week 3 meeting in 2020 represent the only two instances of former MVPs under age 27 meeting as starting quarterbacks in NFL history.

The Ravens have won two of their last three games against teams that played in the Super Bowl the previous year.

Baltimore knocked off both New England and the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 before losing to the Chiefs in 2020.

Mahomes passed for 337 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a 131.4 rating on Kickoff Weekend. Mahomes now has 14,489 career passing yards in 47 NFL starts and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (14,372) for the most passing yards by a player in his first 50 career starts in NFL history.

Mahomes also has 117 touchdown passes in those 47 starts and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (116) for the most touchdown passes by a player in his first 50 career starts in league annals.

Also in the Chiefs’ Kickoff Weekend win over Cleveland, tight end TRAVIS KELCE had 76 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

His second score was his 50th career touchdown reception in his 112th career game, allowing him to surpass VERNON DAVIS (115 games) as the fifth-fastest tight end to reach 50 touchdown receptions in NFL history.

Chiefs head coach ANDY REID is 6-1 vs. the Ravens, including a 4-0 mark at the reins of Kansas City. Baltimore’s JOHN HARBAUGH served as an assistant under Reid in Philadelphia (1999-2007) and the two as head coaches have combined for 379 career regularseason and postseason wins, including two Super Bowl titles.

HOLDING ALL THE CARDS: On the heels of an impressive Kickoff Weekend win at Tennessee, the ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-0) open their home schedule on Sunday against the MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-1) at State Farm Stadium (4:05 PM ET, FOX).

In Week 1, Arizona quarterback KYLER MURRAY ran for a touchdown and threw for 289 yards with a career-high four touchdown passes, while linebacker CHANDLER JONES totaled a career-high five sacks with two forced fumbles.

Murray now has four career games in which he’s scored at least one rushing touchdown and thrown for three-or-more touchdowns. That’s tied with JOSH ALLEN (four games) and JACK KEMP (four) for the most such games by a player in his first three seasons in NFL history.

Jones is the third player to record at least five sacks in a Week 1 game since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, joining

Pro Football Hall of Famer DERRICK THOMAS (six sacks in 1998) and BILL GAY (5.5 sacks in 1983). Jones also is the sixth player to record at least five sacks and two forced fumbles in any game since 2002.

Jones, who had two games with four sacks during the 2019 season (Weeks 7 and 16), is the fourth player since 1982 with three career games of at least four sacks, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers DERRICK THOMAS (four games) and REGGIE WHITE (three), as well as LESLIE O’NEAL (four).

IMMEDIATE CONTRIBUTIONS: Last week, San Francisco’s TREY LANCE threw a 5-yard touchdown on his initial NFL pass attempt while Philadelphia’s DEVONTA SMITH registered an 18-yard touchdown on his first career reception. Then, on Sunday night, Chicago’s JUSTIN FIELDS marked his first NFL carry with a 3-yard touchdown run.

It marked the first time during any week in 37 years that rookies produced touchdowns on their first career carry, first career reception and first career pass.

Two of those rookies, Lance and Smith, are in action at Lincoln Financial Field when the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-0) meet the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX).

The last weekend in which NFL rookies produced touchdowns on their first career carry, first career pass and first NFL reception was Week 2 in 1984. On that weekend, Vikings fullback ALFRED ANDERSONthrew a 20-yard touchdown to quarterback Tommy Kramer, Saints running back TYRONE ANTHONYscored on his first rushing attempt, a 2-yard run, and two rookies – Packers tight end ED WEST (7-yard reception from Randy Wright) and Giants wide receiver LIONEL MANUEL (16-yard reception from Phil Simms) – scored on their first career catches.

Smith, along with Cincinnati’s JA’MARR CHASE and Miami’s JAYLEN WADDLE, was one of three rookie wide receivers selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft to catch a touchdown pass on Kickoff Weekend, making this the first season in the common-draft era in which three rookie wide receivers that were each selected in the first round of the NFL Draft registered touchdown receptions in Week 1.

Chase and Fields meet this week

when the CHICAGO BEARS (0-1) host the CINCINNATI BENGALS(1-0) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX). Chase’s teammate, rookie kicker EVAN MCPHERSON, converted a 33-yard field goal with no time remaining in overtime in the Bengals’ 27-24 win over Minnesota. He became the second rookie kicker in NFL history to kick a game-winning field goal with no time remaining in overtime, joining JASON SANDERS (Oct. 14, 2018).

PICKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: NFL teams in 2020 combined to score 12,692 total points and 1,473 total touchdowns, both the most ever in a single season. Last week, the league combined for 90 touchdowns, tied with 2019 for the most through the first weekend in NFL history.

NOTHING COULD BE FINER THAN TO BE IN CAROLINA: A pair of NFC South rivals, the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0) and CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-0), will clash at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX).

The contest features two of the more exciting running backs in the league, ALVIN KAMARA of the Saints and CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY of the Panthers, each of whom entered the league in 2017.

The New Orleans defense, led by coordinator DENNIS ALLEN, has now played a starring role in a pair of 38-3 victories over MVPs during a stretch of 10 regular-season games. On Nov. 8 last season at Tampa Bay, the Saints held eventual Super Bowl MVP TOM BRADY and the Buccaneers under 200 net yards of offense. Then, last week in an impressive win over Green Bay, New Orleans held reigning NFL MVP AARON RODGERS and the Packers to one third-down conversion.

Allen and the Saints have a significant test this week with McCaffrey, who recorded nine receptions and 187 scrimmage yards (98 rushing, 89 receiving) in the Panthers’ Week 1 win over the New York Jets. McCaffrey now has seven career games with at least 75 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON (six games) for the third-most such games in the Super Bowl era. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK (11 games) and PRIEST HOLMES (nine) have more.

The players with the most scrimmage yards since 2017:

SPORTS Hunger for team success sees Ravaillion re-sign with Firebirds on two-year deal TL Bureau, Fitzroy Fresh off the back of a stellar 2021 season, Queensland Firebirds co vice-captain Kim Ravaillion has re-committed to the club for a further two years.

The newly crowned Laura Geitz Medallist is the first re-signing to be officially announced by the club in what has been a productive contracting period.

Ravaillion, who experienced plenty of individual success after being voted the Players’ Player and Members’ Player this season, said she was determined to taste team success. “I signed on because I believe this club has so much potential,” said the 28-year-old who is now contracted until the end of the 2023 season. “I feel we showed glimpses of what we were capable of which is exciting for what’s ahead. “In 2022 I want to be holding that trophy up with my team.” The mid-court star dominated in first season back with the Firebirds, with the return to the club coming after a year off from giving birth to daughter Georgie.

Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson spoke glowingly of Ravaillion, who has won two ANZ Championship titles with the club, and said she was confident she would lead the team forward.

“Kim Rav is an absolute professional, she brings so much energy, accountability, and drive to the team,” Anderson said.

APPROXIMATELY 100 MILLION VIEWERS WATCH NFL FOOTBALL DURING WEEK 1 TL Bureau, New York Week 1 averaged 17.4M viewers, +7% YoY on TV+Digital and the 2nd-highest Week 1 viewership over the last 5 seasons (20172021, behind 2019). NFL games ranked as the top 6 telecasts for the Mon-Sun broadcast week. 23.2 billion total minutes were consumed; largest Week 1 minutes total since 2016. The two National windows on Sunday drew 6.3 billion total minutes, the highest on record for a Week 1 National window (records date back to 1988) Thursday Kickoff (DAL@ TB) delivered 26.4M viewers, ranking as NBC’s most-watched Kickoff game since 2015 NBC averaged 22.8M viewers for its Thursday/Sunday games (driven

by Kickoff), up +11% YoY.

11

tech/auto

Dstl announces armoured UGV concept study at DSEI

The study explores solutions to protect Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and ensure high levels of mobility, survivability TL Bureau, London The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has initiated a study into future Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) concepts to explore cost effective solutions to protect UGVs from threat and provide specific armour and technology that will ensure high levels of mobility, survivability and mission availability to support crewed platforms in battlefield warfare.

The work has been carried out in conjunction with a consortium led by RBSL with Prodrive, ARKE, ThinkCreative, Cranfield University and BAE Systems as key partners, and was announced at the 2021 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade exhibition.

The concept study has focused on 2 timescales: the near term which addresses solutions that could be realised using currently available or

mature technologies, and the longer term looking at technologies that are likely to be available 10 years or further ahead. The focus has been on medium weight platforms, around 2 to 5 tonnes, which have been the subject of a lot of interest due to the useful payloads they can carry.

Dstl’s Matt Ackroyd is the project lead and said: When Uncrewed Ground Vehicles

were first fielded it was usually for dangerous tasks such as deactivating or destroying Improvised Explosive Devices with the goal of removing the operators from harm’s way and accepting the device itself was at risk of damage or destruction.

As thinking on the use of UGVs evolved the focus moved to so called ‘Dull, Dirty and Dangerous’ tasks such as route proving, contaminated ground reconnaissance and

decontamination.

Today the trend is towards the use of UGVsas platforms for key combat capabilities such as resupply, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, weapons platforms, decoys and communication nodes.Therefore UGVs are becoming core elements of a deployed capability and will be carrying expensive assets. If they are to support missions across the full spectrum of operations they must be able to fully protect and keep station with the crewed platforms they support. A key challenge of the study has been improving the mobility and survivability of platforms without compromising payload. Further challenges arise from the desire to provide an amphibious capability for river crossing and littoral operations.

In order to meet the demanding, and conflicting requirements, novel modular concepts have been developed which would allow platforms to be configured

in theatre to meet specific mission requirements. In order to meet the mobility requirements and enable the smaller UGVplatforms to keep station with larger crewed platforms, novel wheel and tracked suspension systems have been designed and modelled.

Dan continued: This is very exciting work. As well as enhancing mobility the novel suspension systems significantly improve the ride and hence improve reliability and provide a stable sensor and weapon platform. The use of armour protection for key components and enhanced signature management systems to exploit the benefits of the small platform size have been explored along with weight and cost effective means to provide robustness, redundancy and fall back modes. The concepts are now being benchmarked against the performance of best in class current UGVs and their operational use explored in synthetic environment based experimentation.

HD Map for Autonomous Vehicles Market: Taking Autonomous Driving To The Next Level With HD Maps HD map for autonomous vehicles market is segmented based on solution, level of automation, usage, vehicle type, services and region.

TL Bureau, Portland Courtesy:EINPresswire.com HD Map for Autonomous Vehicles Market Outlook 2030 HD maps are also called as highdefinition maps are used for selfdriving assistance with extremely high precision using centimetre scale, this map can call as the eye of the autonomous vehicles. HD maps ensures safety and security of autonomous driving, the maps are highly up-todate, accurate, and provides realistic picture of the road. It provide exact location of the autonomous vehicle, the path it is using while travelling.

The map also identifies poles, lights, and signs for 360-degree perception.

Moreover , the map also provides the best solution in complex environment such as during on-the-road manoeuvres, taking exits and changing lanes.

Moreover, the map also provides the vehicle with information’s such as elevation, curvature, lane slope, road shape and road traffic thus, helping the vehicle to plan a path along its route. To avoid any unforeseen event the map collects real-time data from surroundings. In addition, the HD map will be beneficial for improving the reaction speed towards any obstruction or difficult situation to enhance safety in case of problems with sensors. Thus, the extensive usage of HD maps in autonomous vehicles is expected to

drive HD map for autonomous vehicles market.

Browse Full Report with TOC @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch. com/hd-map-for-autonomous-vehiclesmarket-A12178 The key players analyzed in the report include TomTom, HERE Technologies, Waymo, NVIDIA, NavInfo, DeepMap, Sanborn Map Company, Navmii, Autonavi, and Civil Maps COVID-19 Impact Analysis: HD map for autonomous vehicle market has witnessed a downfall due to COVID-19 pandemic. The HD map market is an evolving sector with constant R&D which was disrupted due to lockdown. Due to the pandemic globally the manufacturing of automobile was halted thus disrupting the supply of HD maps for autonomous vehicles. Also, unavailability of labour due to social distancing norms and other restriction which affected the production of hardware required for HD maps. Moreover, due to slowdown of global economy and fall in people’s disposable income is expected to affect the demand autonomous vehicle.

Autonomous vehicle is an evolving sector, but the pandemic had a negative impact on HD map of autonomous vehicle market size for the year 2020, a major deviation was noticed in the growth of the market due the pandemic.

Get Sample Report with Industry Insights @

https://www.alliedmarketresearch. com/request-sample/12543 Top Impacting Factors Rise in awareness about technological advances, rise in dependence upon internet, demand for accurate navigation and rise in R&D of autonomous vehicle drive growth of the market.

However, high technological cost and high data processing & data streaming will hamper growth of the market.

Moreover, advancement in 5G technology, rise in importance of HD map for safe autonomous driving and improved road regulations related to independent driving laws act as an opportunity for growth of the market.

Market Trends Rise in importance of HD map for safe autonomous driving The demand for autonomous vehicles is rising due to increase in concern for safety and to avoid accidents which are being caused by human error. For the autonomous vehicle to work properly and safely the vehicle uses HD maps which gives the vehicle proper data and information regarding their movement.

For instance, the autonomous vehicle to work smoothly on road it needs real-time decision-making capabilities such as stopping the vehicle at right place, watching traffic signal at intersection, and avoid obstacle on road. This critical decision making for autonomous vehicle is done with the help of HD map. Also, relaxation in

stringent laws and regulations related to autonomous vehicles is the factor contributing towards growth of the HD map for autonomous vehicles market.

To Get Discount, Make Purchase Inquiry @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch. com/purchase-enquiry/12543 Advancement in 5G technology 5G will provide better and fast connectivity between transport systems.

It will offer new application options and help in developments of autonomous cars. Since the autonomous vehicles runs with the help of HD map, which require good connectivity. Moreover, while operating on road autonomous vehicles require good connection with low latency and high-speed data transmission since the margin for error is very low. With improved connectivity in future the vehicles will be able to take decisions on their own thus, improving their efficiency. For example, in 2018 SK Telecom and Korean Transportation Safety Authority have started testing 5G on autonomous vehicles.The test was conducted using two self-driving cars simultaneously and found that the response time of the cars in traffic was better also the coordination of two self-driving car was improved.

The refore advancement of 5G will improve the HD map connectivity with the vehicles and boost the growth of HD maps for autonomous vehicles market.

12

County elections will be held on 23 January 2022

TL Bureau, Helsinki

County elections will be held on Sunday 23 January 2022.

The new wellbeing services counties will constitute the electoral districts for the county elections. In these elections, the members and deputy members of county councils will be elected in each wellbeing services county. No county elections will be conducted in Helsinki.

The advance voting period will be in Finland from 12 to 18 January and abroad from 12 to 15 January 2022.

What are the county elections all about?

The division into wellbeing services counties is mainly based on the current division into regions with the exception of

Uusimaa, which is divided into four wellbeing services counties.

The wellbeing services counties are autonomous, and the highest decision-making power in a county will be exercised by a county council. The county council will decide on the organisation of healthcare, social welfare and rescue services in each wellbeing services county as of 2023. The members and deputy members of the county councils will be elected in the county elections to be held in January. Voters will vote for the candidates standing for election in their own wellbeing services county, and the results are counted separately for each county.The first county elections will be conducted as separate elections, but as of 2025 they

will be held in conjunction with the municipal elections.

The residents of Helsinki will not vote in the 2022 county elections, because the City of Helsinki is not a wellbeing services county and it does not belong to any of the counties.

However, advance voting and voting at institutions will be organised in Helsinki for people eligible to vote in other wellbeing services counties.

Development of the epidemic will be taken into consideration in election arrangements. The Ministry of Justice and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare are preparing measures required for ensuring that the upcoming county elections can be conducted safely regardless of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne today in Washington, D.C. The Secretary and Foreign Minister focused on the enduring nature of the U.S.-Australia Alliance and discussed cooperation on increasing peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. They noted with pride the celebration of the 70-year anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS

Treaty and highlighted actions to secure another 70 years of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and Foreign Minister reiterated their support for the rules-based international order, ASEAN centrality, and the rights and livelihoods of Southeast Asian claimants in the South China Sea. They discussed U.S. and Australian bilateral and multilateral efforts to assist the Indo-Pacific region in overcoming COVID-19. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also previewed discussions at the Australia–U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), set to be held on September 16.

world

EXERCISE ZAPAD-2021 CULMINATES AT NOVGOROD, RUSSIA

TL Bureau, New Delhi/Moscow

Exercise ZAPAD-2021, a seven day long Multilateral ‘Joint Strategic Exercise’ which saw participation from seven countries culminated today at Mulino in the Novgorod Region of Russia.

As part of the Exercise, strategic planning, tactical actions and manoeuvres were rehearsed and executed jointly in conventional operational scenarios. The Joint Strategic Exercise included defensive & offensive manoeuvres by the Coalition Forces to restore territorial integrity under simulated combat conditions. New generation weapon systems and equipment were also demonstrated

by Russian Armed Forces during the exercise .

The closing ceremony conducted on 15 September 2021 highlighted the importance of joint military training and close defence

cooperation amongst the Contingents. The magnificent ceremony was presided over

by Lieutenant General YunusBek Evkurov, Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation, who expressed his gratitude to the members of all participating contingents and observers.

Besides military training and exercise, the participating contingents showcased their skills in a number of extra-curricular & sports activities including Football, Volleyball, Kettle Bell lifting, Arm Wrestling, Tug of War and the cultural program. The exercise has promoted synergy and interoperability amongst the Armed Forces, and will help in forging closer military ties between the nations. All contingent commanders expressed immense satisfaction in the conduct of the joint exercise in terms of standards achieved and lessons learnt.

Southwest China Earthquake Collapses Homes, Kills at Least 3

TL Bureau, Beijing

An earthquake destroyed houses, killed at least three people and injured dozens Thursday in southwest China’s Sichuan province, the Associated Press reported.Rescue work was underway following the magnitude-6.0 earthquake.

It struck at 4:33 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) in Luxian, a county in the city of Luzhou, the official Xinhua News Agency said. State broadcaster CCTV said 88 people were injured, three seriously, and that 35 houses had collapsed.

More than 3,200 people have been moved to 79 shelters, CCTV said.

The Ministry of Transport of Communications plans to implement cycle streets and to organise traffic of special and public transport more effectively TL Bureau, Vilnius On Tuesday, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will submit an updated project of the Road Traffic Rules (RTR) to the Government for consideration and approval.

It suggests implementing a new road sign “Cycle Street”, organising traffic of special transport more effectively, arranging separate traffic lights for scheduled transport and clearing entries to yards.

Once approved by the Government, these RTR changes would take effect from 2022.

“We want to provide the pedestrians, cyclists and public transport with more possibilities and freedom to move within the cities so that this would primarily be convenient for the citizens. Having assessed the good practices of the foreign countries and considering the ongoing changes in the whole transport sector and ambiguous interpretation of some situations on the road by the drivers, we

have initiated changes of the Road Traffic Rules. I have no doubt that once they are implemented, mobility within cities will be more convenient, safe and easier for everyone,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis. “We are creating a city for everyone to move conveniently – pedestrians, cyclists, those travelling by public transport and cars.

Therefore, we are happy that the project of the Ministry of Transport and Communications

includes at least two suggestions of the Municipality – the “Cycle Street” and traffic lights for public transport that Vilnius citizens will see once they are implemented,” said Mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius.

The changes of the Road Traffic Rules are to be implemented in two stages. These changes are planned to take effect from 1 January 2022: changes in the procedure of forming an emergency corridor, prohibition to park at the intersections of streets and exits from

yards, revised procedure of turning around at controlled intersections and leaving the acceleration lane or joining it, as well as an obligation to immediately remove a recharged electric vehicle from the charging point.

After the organisation of traffic of special means of transport with blue and red (or only blue) lights and special audible signals on is changed, special services will reach the place of accident approximately 4 minutes faster.

Once it is prohibited to park at the intersections of streets and exits from yards, road visibility will increase, potential accidents will be avoided while leaving yards, no inconveniences will be caused to other road users when the entrance to the yard is blocked by vehicles and the traffic becomes complicated not only for vehicles, but also for pedestrians.

Experts also note that some of the drivers of electric vehicles do not immediately drive away after recharging their vehicle.

This reduces the accessibility to charging points for other drivers. Therefore, it is proposed to establish a requirement for electric vehicle drivers to remove the recharged vehicle immediately from the electric vehicle charging point.

From 1 June 2022, RTR changes will establish a new method of traffic management – cycle streets. The aim is to facilitate the traffic for cyclists, to encourage citizens to choose means of transport within cities alternative to cars. Cycle streets will be marked with a special sign, they can be implemented in streets with calm and slow traffic where mixed traffic of motor and non-motor vehicles would be organised.The maximum speed on a cycle street will be 30 km/h, it will not be allowed to overtake other means of transport by entering the lane of traffic travelling in the opposite direction, and cyclists will not be required to drive in a single file closer to the right edge.