SPACEX. SpaceX will be launching today Monday, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. CT the first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Starbase in Texas.
The official website explains that “Starship is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the Moon, and travel to Mars and beyond. With a test such as this, success is measured by how much we can learn, which will inform and improve the probability of success in the future as SpaceX rapidly advances development of Starship”.
To date, the SpaceX team has completed multiple sub-orbital flight tests of Starship’s upper stage from Starbase, successfully demonstrating an unprecedented approach to controlled flight. These flight tests helped validate the vehicle’s design, proving Starship can fly through the subsonic phase of entry before re-lighting its engines and flipping itself to a vertical configuration for landing.
In addition to the testing of Starship’s upper stage, the team has conducted numerous tests of the Super Heavy rocket, which include the increasingly complex static fires that led to a full-duration 31 Raptor engine test – the largest number of simultaneous rocket engine ignitions in history. The team has also constructed the world’s tallest rocket launch and catch tower. At 146 meters, or nearly 500 feet tall, the launch and catch tower is designed to support vehicle integration, launch, and catch of the Super Heavy rocket booster. For the first flight test, the team will not attempt a vertical landing of Starship or a catch of the Super Heavy booster.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin ~45 minutes before liftoff. As is the case with all developmental testing, this schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for updates.
As we venture into new territory, we continue to appreciate all of the support and encouragement we have received from those who share our vision of a future where humanity is out exploring among the stars!
Indigenous peoples “hold many of the solutions to the climate crisis and are guardians of the world’s biodiversity,” in places as varied as the Amazon, the Sahel, and the Himalayas, said Mr. Guterres.
The UN chief acknowledged that indigenous peoples struggle to adapt to the climate crisis, and face the exploitation of their resource-rich territories, eviction from their ancestral lands, and physical attacks.
“The United Nations is committed to keep promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in policies and programming at all levels and amplifying your voices,” declared the UN chief. “Let us learn from and embrace the experiences of indigenous peoples.”
With less that 36 hours left in negotiations at COP27, activists demand action on loss and damage.
‘Stop the persecution of rights defenders’
Darío Mejia Montalvo, an indigenous member of the Zenú community in the Colombian Caribbean, and president of the UNPFII, noted the arduous struggle faced by indigenous people.
Debt to rights defenders
“Those who came before us on this path,” he said, in remarks delivered during the opening session, “were able to open up the doors of the United Nations, thanks to their strength.
“I pay tribute to the leaders of indigenous peoples and allies who have lost their lives, defending their peoples and their territories. This Forum belongs to them.”
Mr. Montalvo, describing the Forum as the greatest meeting of cultural and political diversity in the world, said that indigenous peoples are prepared to offer solutions to the climate crisis, and share their experiences.
Indigenous must at the table
“The issues of climate change and biodiversity cannot be resolved without the real and effective participation of indigenous peoples,” he argued, adding that energy transition policies must take indigenous peoples into account from the very beginning.
“Urgent climate action involves stopping the persecution, homicide and criminalization of indigenous brothers and sisters and their actions defending human rights and the rights of nature,” declared Mr. Montalvo.
Indigenous Brazilians at the UN.
‘Ancestral knowledge, nurtured over centuries’
The President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, declared that the world is still paying the price for taking such a long time to learn from indigenous peoples, about the ways in which the health of the planet and the health of people are intrinsically linked.
Mr. Kőrösi said that the UN needs to understand the factors impacting the health and well-being of indigenous peoples, and address them in a holistic and rights-based manner.
“Your peoples’ ancestral knowledge, nurtured over centuries, has paved the way for the development of many modern medicines,” argued the General Assembly President. “As guardians of 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity, you hold traditional proficiency in how to adapt, mitigate and reduce climate risks.”
Mr. Kőrösi invited delegates to bolster the international community’s quest for solutions that promote peace, ensure the protection of human rights and foster sustainable development.
Women of the Lisu ethnic minority, from Yunnan province, China, in traditional dress.
Indigenous youth can transform the world: ECOSOC President
Lachezara Stoeva, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), noted that the theme for this year’s session – “Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health, and climate change: a rights-based approach” – holds particular relevance for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it emphasizes the connections between human health and the health of the planet.
“Climate action, and good health and well-being, are two core goals of the 2030 Agenda,” said Ms. Stoeva. “And, as we know, the SDGs are deeply interconnected. A lack of progress on one Goal hinders progress on all the others.”
The ECOSOC President praised the improved collaboration between the Permanent Forum and other ECOSOC subsidiary bodies, such as the UN Forum on Forests and the UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names, and looked forward to the continued participation of Indigenous youth at the Youth Forum, together with the Indigenous Youth caucus, whose voices and proposals, she said, can transform the world into a fairer, greener and more sustainable place.
“One year on since the parties agreed to a truce under UN auspices, Yemen is again at a critical juncture,” he said, speaking via videoconference.
“I believe we have not seen such a serious opportunity for making progress towards ending the conflict in eight years. But the tide could still turn unless the parties take bolder steps toward peace,” he warned.
Mr. Grundberg noted that although the landmark truce ran out six months ago, it continues to deliver results, and the parties are engaging on next steps.
They have also shown that negotiation can be effective. Over the weekend, nearly 900 people from all sides, who had been detained in connection with the conflict, were released from prison – the result of meetings held last month in Switzerland under the auspices of the UN.
Meanwhile, many aspects of the landmark truce continue to be implemented, representing another encouraging sign.
Relative calm amid conflict
“Yemen is experiencing the longest period of relative calm yet in this ruinous war,” he said. “Food, fuel and other commercial ships continue to flow into Hudaydah. And commercial flights continue between Sana’a International Airport and Amman.”
However, he was adamant that this is not enough as Yemen’s people still live with unimaginable hardship. Furthermore, recent military activity in several governorates raises the potential for escalation, which could quickly reverse hard-won gains.
Engagement towards peace
Mr. Grundberg noted that while the truce was an important achievement, it was meant to be a temporary measure towards talks to end the war.
He continues engagement towards identifying a permanent ceasefire and reactivation of the political process, as well as measures to alleviate the dire economic and humanitarian situations in the country.
He added that discussions are also ongoing among Yemeni and regional stakeholders, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. The UN envoy has also welcomed a statement by Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers on enhancing cooperation on regional security, issued following a meeting in China’s capital, Beijing.
Seize the moment
Mr. Grundberg stressed that any new agreement in Yemen must be a clear step toward a Yemeni-led political process, requiring strong commitment from the parties to meet and negotiate in good faith. He acknowledged that a lot of work lies ahead to build trust and ultimately achieve peace.
“Mediation efforts will always adapt and evolve. But, if the parties allow this moment to pass by without coming to agreement, it will be truly regrettable,” he said, urging the international community to “redouble its support to ensure this delicate and rare opportunity is not lost.”
Deliver lasting peace
A top official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, also called for seizing this “unprecedented opportunity to make more progress toward peace” in Yemen.
Ghada Eltahir Mudawi, OCHA’s Deputy Director of Operations and Advocacy, said this could dramatically improve lives and reduce suffering.
“We need urgent and unequivocal action on three points: increased funding, unimpeded access and investments to stabilize the economy. But more than anything, Yemenis need lasting peace. Now is the time to deliver it,” she said.
Outbreaks spreading rapidly
Ms. Mudawi told the Council that more than 21 million Yemenis require emergency assistance, and recent torrential rains have affected over 100,000 people, adding to the numbers.
Although the humanitarian impact has been relatively limited, worse weather is expected. Additionally, 10,000 people have been displaced by recent escalating clashes in Ma’rib and Shabwah governorates.
Meanwhile, measles, polio and other preventable diseases “are spreading at a dangerous pace”, and humanitarians fear outbreaks could deteriorate fast. This is particularly the case in Houthi-controlled areas, where there are increasing impediments to immunization, as well as misinformation that is fuelling vaccine scepticism.
Constraints and impediments
Ms. Mudawi said aid agencies are doing all they can in Yemen. Last year, they were able to avert the worst, and the number of people facing severe food insecurity even dropped from 19 million to 17 million.
She feared that these gains could be lost due to funding constraints and the challenging operating environment in the country, characterized by “large and chronic access impediments”, mainly in Houthi-controlled areas.
She said Yemeni women aid workers in these regions are currently hindered by movement restrictions, which has severely impeded the provision of critical services which only they can deliver. This has also undercut the ability reach the most vulnerable communities.
Preparing for tomorrow
Insecurity is also another challenge, with humanitarians falling victim to at least two car-jackings in recent months. Two UN staff also remain detained in Sana’a, after nearly 18 months, and five staff abducted in Abyan last year are still missing.
While funding and access are critical now, humanitarians also must prepare for the long run, which means addressing Yemen’s deteriorating economy and other underlying drivers of need, said Ms. Mudawi.
Protecting the flow of commercial imports is thus crucial. Despite a recent easing in import restrictions – which has allowed more food, fuel and other items into the country – humanitarians are concerned about continued obstructions, particularly affecting overland transport of commercial goods to Houthi-controlled areas.
Ms. Mudawi said beyond commercial imports, much more must be done to stabilize the economy, such as strengthening incomes, scaling up demining efforts and restoring basic services.
She added that the resumption of oil exports from Government-held areas is also critical, including for strengthening foreign currency reserves.
Dario Jose Mejia Montalvo, Chair of UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Leader of the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia.
Many indigenous peoples profess a deep respect for the planet and all forms of life, and an understanding that the health of the Earth goes hand in hand with the wellbeing of humankind.
This knowledge will be shared more widely at the 2023 session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), a ten-day event which gives indigenous communities a voice at the UN, with sessions devoted to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, and health and human rights).
Ahead of the conference, UN News interviewed Darío Mejia Montalvo, an indigenous member of the Zenú community in the Colombian Caribbean, and president of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
UN News: What is the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and why is it important?
Darío Mejia Montalvo: We first have to talk about what the United Nations is. The UN is made up of Member States, most of which are less than two hundred years old.
Many of them imposed their borders and legal systems on the peoples who were there long before the formation of the States.
The United Nations was created without taking these peoples – who have always considered that they have the right to maintain their own ways of life, government, territories, and cultures – into account.
The creation of the Permanent Forum is the largest gathering of peoples in the United Nations System, seeking to discuss global issues that affect all humanity, not just indigenous peoples. It is a historic achievement of these peoples, who were left out of the creation of the UN; it allows their voices to be heard, but there is still a long way to go.
UN News: Why is the Forum focusing its discussions on planetary and human health this year?
Darío Mejía Montalvo: The COVID-19 pandemic was a momentous upheaval for human beings but, for the planet, a living being, it was also a respite from the global pollution.
The UN was created with only one view, that of the Member States. Indigenous peoples are proposing that we go beyond science, beyond economics, and beyond politics, and think of the planet as Mother Earth.
Our knowledge, which goes back thousands of years, is valid, important, and contains innovative solutions.
UN News: What diagnoses do indigenous people have for addressing the health of the planet?
Darío Mejía Montalvo: There are more than 5,000 indigenous peoples in the world, each with their own worldview, understanding of the current situations, and solutions.
What I think indigenous peoples have in common is their relationship with the land, the basic principles of harmony and balance, where the idea of rights is not based solely around humans, but in nature.
There are multiple diagnoses, that may have elements in common, and can complement the diagnoses of Western science. We are not saying that one kind of knowledge is superior to another; we need to recognize each other and to work together on an equal footing.
This is the approach of indigenous peoples. It is not a position of moral or intellectual superiority, but one of collaboration, dialogue, understanding, and mutual recognition. This is how indigenous peoples can contribute to the fight against the climate crisis.
An indigenous Barí woman commits to peace in Colombia after fighting in the FARC guerrilla group.
UN News: When indigenous leaders defend their rights – especially those who defend environmental rights – they suffer harassment, killings, intimidation, and threats.
Darío Mejía Montalvo: These are really holocausts, tragedies that are invisible to many.
Humanity has become convinced that natural resources are infinite and ever cheaper, and Mother Earth’s resources have been considered commodities.
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples have resisted the expansion of agricultural and mining frontiers. Every day they defend their territories from mining companies that seek to extract oil, cola and resources that, for many indigenous peoples, are the blood of the planet.
Many people believe that we have to compete with and dominate nature. The desire to control natural resources with legal or illegal companies, or through so-called green bonds or the carbon market is essentially a form of colonialism, which considers indigenous peoples as inferior and incapable and, consequently, justifies their victimization and extermination.
Many States still do not recognize the existence of indigenous peoples and, when they do recognize them, there are considerable difficulties in advancing concrete plans that will allow them to continue defending and living on their lands in dignified conditions.
A group of Karamojong people in Uganda perform songs to share knowledge about weather and animal health.
UN News: What do you expect this year from the session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues?
Darío Mejía Montalvo: The answer is always the same: to be heard on an equal footing, and recognized for the contributions we can make to major global discussions.
We hope that there will be a little more sensitivity, humility on the part of the Member States to recognise that, as societies, we are not on the right track, that the solutions to crises proposed so far have proved insufficient, if not contradictory. And we expect a little more coherence, so that commitments and declarations are converted into concrete actions.
The United Nations is the centre of global debate, and it should take indigenous cultures into account.
UPDATE: The launch test was switched to the so-called “wet dress rehearsal” (WDR) sequence which is meant to assess the system’s state and whether it is safe to be launched. The launch was cancelled 10 seconds before the planned launch due to pressurization concerns. SpaceX will reattempt the launch no sooner than after 48 hours. This time is needed to recycle the fuel in the rocket’s tanks.
The new SpaceX Starship flight test is being targeted for today, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. CT. This will be the first orbital flight test using a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket, which is set to be launched from Starbase in Texas.
SpaceX Starship rocket ready for its launch. Image credit: SpaceX
The Starship rocket encompasses a complete reusable transportation system that is designed to offer the capabilities of a human crew transportation to Earth orbit.
The rocket will also be able to deliver cargo to space and is also expected to become one of the vessels capable of reaching the Moon, Mars, and even traveling beyond these distant locations of the Solar System.
This new flight test will be used to collect important data about the technical performance of the Starship rocket itself, as well as all associated ground-based flight support systems. The ultimate aim is to improve the probability of successful orbital flights in the future.
Until now, SpaceX has already completed several sub-orbital flight tests using the upper stage of Starship. The company has proven that the vehicle can perform a precisely controlled flight, including re-orienting itself and re-lighting its engines to position itself in a vertical position for landing on the ground.
The rocket is measured 119 meters (390 ft) tall. Its launch and catch tower is the tallest in the world, reaching the height of 146 meters (500 ft).
During the upcoming test, SpaceX will not attempt a vertical landing of Starship, and it also will not attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using the launch and catch tower.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin ~45 minutes before liftoff. The company notes that this schedule is dynamic and can be changed at any moment.
You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.
9 Upcoming Technology Trends to Revolutionize Your Business in 2023
The software development industry is constantly in flux, with new trends emerging and older ones fading away. But how will the landscape change in 2023? What are the top trends that will be ruling the software development industry by then? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of these upcoming trends to give you an idea of where the future may be heading. From AI-driven automation to cloud computing and more, get ready for a glimpse into what’s coming down the pipeline!
AI-driven automation is one of the most exciting aspects of software development in 2023. With more advanced machine learning and natural language processing capabilities, developers will be able to automate more complex tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency than ever before. This could enable businesses to save time and money while still delivering high-quality software.
Besides, such automation could also open up the possibility of creating user-friendly and customized software solutions, increasing the efficiency of software development processes and making it easier for developers to quickly create custom applications tailored to their clients’ specific needs.
2. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been gaining traction in recent years, and it’s expected to become even more popular in 2023. With cloud computing, businesses can access data and applications from anywhere, anytime. It enables them to scale quickly and provide more efficient customer services.
Additionally, cloud-based software development is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to reduce the costs of developing customized applications for specific clients. Cloud-based software development also allows developers to deploy applications faster and integrate them with other software solutions.
3. Custom Software Development
Custom software development is one of the most important trends that will be dominating in 2023. With custom software, businesses can create unique applications tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Such custom applications make it easier for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase their customer base.
Custom development also helps businesses save time, as they don’t have to rely on generic software solutions that may not fit their exact requirements. With custom software development, companies can create unique applications that provide the best user experience and maximum efficiency.
4. Security
With more connected devices and data worldwide, security will be a top priority in 2023. As a result, companies must ensure that their software solutions are secure and can effectively protect their customers’ data.
New technologies such as blockchain, encryption, and authentication protocols will become increasingly important to ensure software applications remain secure against potential threats. Additionally, companies must have robust disaster recovery plans in place to quickly recover from data breaches and other security incidents.
5. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) will be a key trend in 2023 as more businesses want to leverage connected devices to create more innovative services and solutions. With the help of IoT, companies can gather real-time data from their customers’ devices, allowing them to provide more personalized and efficient services.
In addition, the IoT will create new opportunities for developers, who will be able to make more secure and interconnected applications. This could open up possibilities such as automated homes, smart farms, and intelligent transportation systems.
6. DevOps
DevOps is an approach to software development that focuses on collaboration between developers and operations teams. DevOps helps businesses quickly develop and deploy software solutions by automating processes and streamlining team communication.
In 2023, DevOps will become even more popular as organizations look to increase their efficiency and reduce the costs associated with developing and maintaining applications. Additionally, DevOps can help companies remain agile in an ever-changing digital landscape by allowing them to adapt to new trends and technologies.
7. AR and VR
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will continue to be significant trends in 2023. As businesses look to create more interactive and engaging user experiences, they are increasingly turning towards these technologies.
For example, AR can be used to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience, while VR can help train employees in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, both AR and VR can be used to create more entertaining and engaging content for customers.
8. Low-Code/No-Code Development
Low-code/no-code development will continue to grow in popularity as organizations look for faster and more cost-effective solutions. Low-code/no-code allows businesses to develop applications quickly without having to write code, thereby reducing the costs associated with developing custom software solutions.
This approach also makes it easier for non-technical people to create applications, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business. In 2023, many companies are expected to leverage low-code/no-code development to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
9. 5G
5G networks are expected to become widespread in 2023, allowing faster data speeds and more reliable connections. This technology could enable companies to build more secure and efficient applications as it will provide them with access to higher-quality data.
Additionally, 5G could help businesses reduce their reliance on cloud services by enabling them to store and process data locally. This could open up new possibilities for businesses regarding scalability and performance.
Final Thoughts
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. By keeping an eye on these emerging technologies, companies can ensure they remain competitive and prepare themselves for the future.
Thus, by embracing these nine technology trends, businesses can take advantage of the opportunities they provide and remain at the forefront of digital innovation. So, keep an eye out for these trends and start planning now for the future of your business.
For minimally invasive surgery, the instruments used must be small. ETH Zurich researchers have now developed a method to transport large devices through a narrow catheter. This expands the possibilities for designing minimally invasive surgical tools.
A camel cannot go through the eye of a needle. But researchers at ETH Zurich have now achieved something that – figuratively speaking – comes quite close. They have developed a new approach to minimally invasive surgical instruments, thanks to which large objects can be brought into the body through a narrow catheter.
This works as follows: The researchers disassemble such devices into individual parts and then slide them through the catheter in a row, like a string of pearls. At the end of the catheter, the parts assemble themselves into a predefined shape thanks to built-in magnets.
In its research, the team – led by ETH doctoral student Hongri Gu, now a postdoc at the University of Konstanz – was primarily concerned with demonstrating the many possibilities of this new approach. Using 3D printing, the scientists also constructed an endoscopic grasper in a relatively simple way. Moreover, they showed that the new approach makes assembling an endoscope head consisting of three parts possible.
For their prototypes, the researchers combined soft, elastic segments with rigid segments, into which the tiny magnets are incorporated. This design method also allows an endoscope head to perform movements with very tight radii and angles that aren’t feasible with today’s endoscopes. This increased mobility broadens the possibilities when designing devices for minimally invasive surgery on organs such as the intestine or the stomach. The scientists published their demonstration study on the journal external pageNature Communicationscall_made.
Transferring Western combat aircraft to Ukraine and training pilots to operate new machines will take time, but Ukraine needs to make the best use of what it has to protect its sky right now, says military pilot Vadym Voroshilov.
Polish Mikoyan Mig-29 – illustrative photo. Image credit: Peter Gronemann via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Ukraine puts a lot of effort into communication with its allies about the possibility to upgrade its heavily aged military jet fleet. But meanwhile, other things can be done, too. For example, Vadym mentions that old MiG-29s can be upgraded, and this could provide a short-term boost to their combat capabilities.
“While we are waiting for the moment of transfer of fighter jets, we have to work with what we have,” the pilot said.
He also explained that there are two specific areas where Ukraine could improve the operation of its aircraft and aviation equipment.
The first logical step would be to upgrade the available fire control and flight control systems. For example, fighter pilots need their planes to support outboard fuel tanks and newer guns. The pilot is certain that many useful modifications to existing avionics systems could be done by Ukrainian engineers.
The second step is to improve the existing weapons that are carried onboard. For example, fighter jets could be equipped with extended-range air-to-air missiles. These weapons could be bought or acquired through military aid mechanisms from NATO countries.
“There are such missiles on the market specifically for the MiG-29, they are being sold, I will not announce the names. I believe that we also really need them to improve the efficiency of work on these aircraft. I believe that during the year of the war, the Air Force withstood, showed its effectiveness despite the technical and quantitative superiority of the enemy, closed the sky of Ukraine,” Vadym Voroshilov explained.
In October 2022, Vadim Voroshilov received a serious injury while fighting Shahed-136 drones during a large-scale attack, after explosion debris hit the cockpit of his MiG-29 aircraft, causing a fire. But the pilot managed to eject. His treatment lasted four months, but now he is piloting a fighter jet once again.
Vadim Voroshilov is a military pilot. He has been awarded the official title of the hero of Ukraine.
Full interview can be watched below:
You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.
Xiaomi products are not banned from sale in Ukraine yet. The Chinese company – one of the largest global suppliers of smartphones – is categorically against the accusations.
Xiaomi office building in Beijing – illustrative photo. Image credit: Jon Russell via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Ukrainian National Agency for Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) has recently included Xiaomi in the list of companies sponsoring the war in Ukraine.
“The company not only continued its work in Russia after a full-scale invasion, but still remains the leader in sales of smartphones in the terrorist state,” stated the press service of the NACP. It also said that sales of Xiaomi products in the Russian market increased by 39% in mid-2022, after the start of the invasion of Ukraine.
The official answer from Xiaomi was published on Twitter. Here, the company said it denies any involvement in sponsoring the Russian military. “Xiaomi does not support any military action, but fully supports world peace,” the message said, adding that its desire is “to make the lives of people in the world better thanks to innovative technologies.”
Ukrainian NCAP reacted to this message by posting a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin holding a smartphone, with a quote where he said that he is grateful to Xiaomi for “having a right to access to their communication tools”.
The decision of NCAP does not mean an immediate ban on Xiaomi’s products. Such trade limitation can be done only if the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Bank, or the Security Service of Ukraine submit such a proposal to the National Security and Defense Council. Then, the council’s duty would be to analyze this proposal and decide whether to proceed with such a course of action or not.
As the Ukrainian news portal Focus noted, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption does not have the power to impose trade bans. Instead, its decisions are of an advisory kind – through them, the institution informs users what companies and products are associated with supporting the ongoing war, either through taxes or through specific technologies, such as communications tools.
While this news does not mean any trade restrictions for Xiaomi, local distributors are free to make their own decisions about the products they sell to local users.
Mobile operators and major retail chains operating in the Ukrainian market have not commented on this situation yet.
You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.
The voting consultation in Chile saw wide popular participation at close to 62 percent of voters. Some seven million Chileans voted against the amendment while 38 percent, 4.2 million, voted in favor of the text. President Gabriel Boric reacted by saying he is ready to resume the path of dialogue in agreement with Parliament.
Bishops: Time for reflection
The country’s bishops said the national referendum calls for reflection, especially given the wide turnout. Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago, Chile, Alberto Lorenzelli, underscored this point when describing his reaction in an interview with Vatican News answering the following questions.
What is your reaction with respect to Sunday’s vote?
We are very happy about the wide participation of the people in taking part actively in this vote. But most of all we are happy with what this reflects about the soul of the Chilean people who want unity, who want fraternity, who want to overcome conflicts, who want to see a country at peace where people come together again to overcome violence, overcome divisions, and have a Constitution that responds to the sentiments of all.
What is the social situation like in Chile right now?
The social situation Chile is experiencing is concerned with the presence of violent groups that do not respect work or city life. This upsets matters and causes suffering. We hope that now with the outcome of the voting there will be a moment of reflection for everyone, even for all these groups that do not identify with the outcome of this referendum. It is important that we seek unity, respect for people, and that violence and destruction not have the upper hand in the life of the country.
