Latest news with #FGS
Economic Times
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon 'Super Squadron' in South Korea to target North Korea and China; here's what it means
Days after North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong asked the United States of America to accept the reality that her country is a nuclear weapons state, the American Air Force has started boosting its fighter aircraft strength in South Korea's north. The US Air Force is creating a "Super Squadron" by bringing in more than 30 F-16 Fighting Falcon first F-16 Fighting Falcons, out of the 31 combat jets likely to be reassigned, were on July 28 moved from South Korean Kunsan Air Base to the north and stationed at Osan AB, which is situated just 48 miles south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This redeployment of F-16s is a step towards the US Air Force's Super Squadron Test. "These F-16s are the first of many being temporarily reassigned to Osan AB for Phase II of the test, the temporary transfer supporting Seventh Air Force's efforts to maximize capabilities and increase combat effectiveness on the Korean Peninsula," the US Air Force stated in a press Read: Aliens coming, interstellar object 3I/ATLAS may be their ship and we have no defense; this Harvard astrophysicist is almost 100% sure'Osan is receiving additional F-16s as part of the Air Force's Super Squadron Test Part II initiative, which is a force-optimization test designed to see if a larger, consolidated squadron can generate more combat power and operate more efficiently,' said US Air Force Captain Bryce Hughes, 51st Maintenance Group Officer and Sortie Generation Flight commander, as per the same press with the approximately 31 F-16s, the US Air Force will also move 1,000 airmen from Kunsan AB to Osan AB for the start of Phase II. The reassignment of the airmen will start October 2025. US Air Force personnel stationed at the Osan AB are training with the 36th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) to gain experience in maintaining the F-16s and help maximize combat airpower generation. As part of the Super Squadron Test, the US Air Force in October 2024 moved nine F-16s and 150 airmen to the 36th Fighter Squadron and FGS at Osan AB. "Phase II of the test is expected to continue through October 2026, capitalizing on data from the first phase and assessing focus areas like maintenance, manpower and logistics requirements at a larger scale,: the US Air Force stated.'We're working hand-in-hand with the Wolfpack to ensure a smooth transition of both personnel and equipment in preparation for Phase II. The 51st Fighter Wing is leading the charge on the Super Squadron Test. I'm proud of what the Mustangs have accomplished already, and I look forward to testing the limits of what we can do over the next year," said Colonel Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing order to enhance its combat effectiveness in the Korean Peninsula, the US Air Force has taken several steps in the last few years. The force began replacing its older fighters with newer and more potent variants, including removal of F-15C/Ds from Kadena Air Base in Japan. The place of the phased out jets will be taken up by the new F-15EXs. To maintain its operational readiness, the force has rotated in F-15Es and F-22s in the interim US has been facing an increasingly assertive China in East Asia. The Chinese defense forces have in the last couple of decades modernized and expanded rapidly. It is now actively challenging the US in many regions of the Pacific Ocean, South China Sea and near Read: China's robot army's new addition - missile-firing and flying turtle; signs of preparation for World War III?A couple of months back in June 2025, two Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carriers carried out a joint military exercise in the Pacific, near the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. China's aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong launched Shenyang J-15 fighters during day and night, as well as carried out multiple combat maneuver. China's guided-missile destroyer Wuxi and supply ship Hulunhu were also part of the military third and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, which is undergoing sea trials, recently demonstrated its ability to launch fighters using an electromagnetic catapult, breaking one more ceiling and moving closer to the US in terms of naval technology. A six-and-a-half minute long video of the Fujian sea trial was shown on Chinese state media CCTV where several J-15T fighters were is armed with multiple nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, fifth generation stealth fighters like the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon and Shenyang J-35 (which has two variants - one for the air force and other for the navy) and the worls's largest naval force. Its recent advancement in space and satellite technology has given the US one more reason to worry which is now actively looking at its adversaries possessing offensive capability from beyond the earth. Kim Yo Jong, who usually issues statements on behalf of her brother Kim Jong Un, on July 29 stated that while the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump's relationship is 'not bad', her country possesses nuclear weapons and will not give them up. Demanding the US to accept the reality of nuclear North Korea, Kim Yo Jong called the situation in 2018 and '19 during Trump's first term as the US President vastly different for that in Read: A UN report on UN reports' declining readership: Surprising truth behind the world's most ignored document 'The year 2025 is neither 2018 nor 2019. The recognition of the irreversible position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state and the hard fact that its capabilities and geopolitical environment have radically changed should be a prerequisite for predicting and thinking everything in the future,' she and facing crippling sanctions from the US-led western powers and many other countries, North Korea has been increasingly dependent on China and Russia for its economic and military Jong Un has sent military supplies including troops and artillery shells to Russia to fight the Ukraine war. The move to power the Russian war machinery has come under severe criticism from the US and its allies. Russia and North Korea recently started the first direct passenger flight between Pyongyang and Moscow in decades.
The Star
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Banquet raises funds for new PJ Buddhist temple
Temple representatives with corporate partners at the banquet.—LOW BOON TAT/The Star A charity banquet drew over 1,000 people to raise funds for new temple premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The dinner by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Malaysia PJSS3 was held to fund the new premises in SS5 Kelana Jaya, to cater to FGS' growing membership. The banquet was organised with various chapters of Buddha's Light International Association Malaysia (BLIA). Organising committee chairman Kong Choi Mee, in her speech at the event in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, reflected on FGS' history. 'Since 1993, our SS3 centre has been a place for learning, service and spiritual growth. 'As we have grown, so has the need for a bigger space and we are happy to have secured a new building in SS5,' she said. FGS deputy abbess Ruxing Shih said the new premises reflected the dedication of the devotees. Entertainment at the dinner included a touch of nostalgia and a performance by Lay (below). 'It is an extension of their faith, built on the spirit of selfless giving, through which their compassion will pass on to future generations,' she said. Guest-of-honour Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San expressed thanks for FGS' work. 'FGS has long played a role in promoting cultural education and charitable service. 'This charity banquet is a powerful symbol of collective commitment,' he said. Guests at the charity banquet were treated to eight vegetarian courses as well as shows by local artistes. These featured four segments inspired by Shanghai vintage glamour and Buddhist melodies, among others. A performance by Christopher Lay accompanied by dancers was the evening's highlight. There was also a bidding session for artworks, with proceeds going towards the building costs of the new temple premises.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers issue urgent warning over spread of dangerous disease carried by snails: 'Leading to outbreaks in new locations'
Harmful parasites carried by snails may be spreading, in part due to human-caused climate change, according to reporting from The Telegraph in May. Marginalized populations, including women and girls, may suffer disproportionately from increased prevalence. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by snail-carried worms. Infection typically starts with making contact with the worms in freshwater, such as in a canal, river, or pond. Person-to-person transmission can continue when urine or feces containing the parasite's eggs contaminates a water source. Symptoms — including fever, chills, coughing, and aches — can manifest within a couple of months, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic infections can lead to anemia, bloody stools, urinary problems, organ damage, and more. Historically, 90% of the schistosomiasis cases requiring treatment have been located in Africa, but infections have also been documented in Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. While the London-based outlet has reported more recent spreading in parts of Europe may be largely tourism- and migration-driven, researcher Bonnie Webster also told the publication that transmissions may emerge in further locations due to shifting weather patterns. Rising global temperatures are driving more frequent and more intense flooding events, causing snails to appear in new wet settings and increasing water contamination. "Climate change will likely cause dramatic changes in transmission which need to be understood," Webster, who studies the disease at London's Natural History Museum, told The Telegraph. "Some areas will become drier and other areas will become flooded, creating new water bodies. This will lead to snails changing where they can be found and cause the prevalence of schistosomiasis to increase and spread, leading to outbreaks in new locations." Communities in low- and middle-income countries lacking sufficient sanitation infrastructure are already disproportionately impacted by this serious issue, and women and girls are additionally vulnerable to its effects. All people can become infected by these parasites, but one manifestation of the disease — female genital schistosomiasis, or FGS — can cause sexual, reproductive, and other health concerns for women and girls. Gendered labor dynamics can make this group additionally susceptible to infection through activities like washing laundry in contaminated water. Unlimit Health says that around 56 million women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with FGS, which can go undiagnosed and, especially when misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted infection or otherwise left untreated, can lead to bleeding, pelvic pain, ulcers, miscarriage, and infertility. It may also contribute to increased risks of HIV and cervical cancer. Overall, schistosomiasis impacts hundreds of millions of people each year, resulting in up to 20,000 deaths annually, according to The Telegraph. Unfortunately, as Webster said, "Once one snail is infected, they can infect a whole population of humans." Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While treatments exist, potential drug resistance and current medical shortages could hamper attempts to curtail infections. Experts relayed to The Telegraph that recent substantial cuts to the United States Agency for International Development may also stymie research and response efforts for neglected tropical diseases like schistosomiasis. NTDs disproportionately impact marginalized populations. The World Health Organization says they affect over 1 billion people globally and that NTDs are "often related to environmental conditions." Of course, because of travel and climate change, many such infections may spread to more communities and farther regions. The CDC notes that prevention includes clean-up of contaminated areas, implementation of sanitation systems, and avoiding swimming, wading, and washing in unsafe water. A number of these measures require funding. Staying updated about how human-caused climate change can impact health and well-being everywhere can be key to organizing effective responses to rising global temperatures. Especially together in groups, friends and neighbors can make a difference by exploring these issues, raising awareness, supporting pro-environment policies, and taking on climate-conscious shifts at home to help address the extreme weather that imperils billions worldwide. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Guardian
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Shein turns to Hong Kong for flotation as London attempt stalls, reports say
Shein is reportedly aiming to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange as the online fast-fashion retailer struggles to gain the go-ahead from Chinese regulators for a flotation in London. The company, which was founded in China where the majority of its suppliers are based but now has its headquarters in Singapore, is aiming to file a draft prospectus with Hong Kong's stock exchange in the coming weeks, according to Reuters. It said Shein plans to go public in the Asian financial hub this year, which would scotch hopes of what would have been one of the biggest listings ever to hit the London Stock Exchange. Fears about a change of heart have been rising since it emerged earlier this month that Shein had dropped Brunswick and FGS, two communications companies that were aiding its push for a London listing. Shein, which was valued at $66bn (£48.9bn) in a 2023 fundraising round, filed papers with Britain's markets regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, almost a year ago and gained the go-ahead last month. However, it also requires approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission from which it has faced unexpected delays, according to Reuters. The reported change in venue comes amid wider concerns about Shein's planned market listing after the US government closed a loophole that allowed overseas sellers to import parcels of goods worth less than $800 direct to shoppers without paying tax. The company had initially been expected to list with a value of as much as £50bn in the UK but estimates have fallen to as little as half of that amount amid changes to US import rules and planned government action in the EU and UK. Official Chinese data showed its total e-commerce shipping to the US dropped 65% by volume in the first three months of the year but rose by 28% in Europe, as companies such as Shein and Temu were hit by the change and additional US tariffs on Chinese-made goods. While Shein has indicated it may shift production to different countries to help ease the effect on its prices, its low-tax model is facing challenges around the world. The EU also said in February it would join the US in phasing out its exemption on customs duties for low-value parcels. The UK chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is also reviewing the tax regime for imports of low-value goods in an effort to prevent Chinese companies undercutting British retailers by dumping cheap items on online marketplaces. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Meanwhile, in the UK, Shein has faced questions about its links to forced Uyghur labour in the Xinjiang region of China. In January, the company refused to reassure British MPs that its products do not include items produced in Xinjiang, prompting one MP to accuse its representative of 'wilful ignorance'. The advocacy group Stop Uyghur Genocide announced a legal challenge in June last year and sent the FCA a dossier in August alleging that Shein uses cotton from the region. In February, Shein told MPs it had found two cases of child labour at its suppliers, and insisted it took a 'strict zero-tolerance approach' to the issue.
Independent Singapore
05-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore-headquartered Shein ends contracts with Brunswick and FGS, signalling delay in London IPO plans
Photo: Depositphotos/DesignerTimi LONDON: Singapore-headquartered Shein has ended its contracts with Brunswick and FGS, two UK communications firms that were supporting its push for an initial public offering (IPO) in London—an indication that the flotation is not going as planned, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter. According to the source, the contracts with the online fast-fashion retailer ended on April 30 and will not be renewed, as reported first by The Times. Brunswick was handling media relations, while FGS focused on government relations. Shein's business model, which relies on shipping clothes from Chinese factories directly to customers worldwide, is facing increasing challenges due to steep tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by US President Donald Trump. The removal of a duty exemption on low-value e-commerce packages is also straining Shein's operations. Brunswick and FGS declined to comment, while Shein has yet to respond to a comment request. In September last year, the company laid off more than 20 staff at its Singapore office as part of restructuring its global IT research and development centre, amid doubts about its London IPO plans. Last month, Reuters reported that Shein received approval from Britain's financial regulator for its IPO but is still waiting for approval from China's regulator, which is also required to proceed. The company had originally planned to complete the listing in the first half of this year, but sources said Trump's tariffs and China's retaliation are likely to push the IPO to the second half of the year. /TISG Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
