भारतीय महासागर समाचार

A poster of the Shenzhou-17 crew (L-R) Tang Shengjie, Tang Hongbo and Jiang Xinlin. /CMG

A poster of the Shenzhou-17 crew (L-R) Tang Shengjie, Tang Hongbo and Jiang Xinlin. /CMG

The three-member Shenzhou-17 crew arrived in Beijing by plane early on Wednesday after a six-month mission to the country’s space station.

On Tuesday, Shenzhou-17’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 5:46 p.m. Beijing Time, and the crew all left the return capsule by 6:37 p.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The three astronauts, after staying in orbit for 187 days, are all in good health and the Shenzhou-17 manned mission was a success, the CMSA said.

Initial health checks showed that the three crew members are in good condition. “Every time I flew over the homeland, I looked for it,” Tang told China Media Group (CMG) right after he exited the capsule. “Thanks for everyone’s attention. I missed you so much.”

Tang set the record for the longest stay in space for an astronaut, totaling 279 days for his two trips to the China Space Station.

The crew will enter a period of medical quarantine and undergo comprehensive medical examinations and health evaluations. Afterwards, they will meet with the press in Beijing.

Read more: Shenzhou-17 spaceship successfully lands in N China with three-member crew

(With input from Xinhua)

07:02

Growing up in the southern French city of Grenoble, Eliott Tordo never imagined that a Chinese musical instrument – erhu – would change his life. Over the course of a few years, Tordo taught himself to play the instrument, and his learning experience has not only made him an influencer, but also one of Europe’s most renowned erhu players, who has staged numerous live performances throughout China.

04:37

Since being appointed an honorary professor at Nanjing University in 2011, Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, one of France’s leading literary figures, has made a huge contribution to Sino-French cultural exchanges. In 2015, Le Clézio was awarded the Chinese government’s “Friendship Award,” the highest honor bestowed on foreign experts in recognition of their exceptional contribution to China’s modernization efforts.

Rangers, researchers, fire lookouts… there are many people who spend decades dedicated to wildlife and environmental protection. Here are some of them.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Yuhua, the first female forest ranger among the Drung people in Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan Drung and Nu Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Yuhua, the first female forest ranger among the Drung people in Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan Drung and Nu Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Liang Zhongjun, a ranger, who patrols twice a day at the Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Liang Zhongjun, a ranger, who patrols twice a day at the Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Wenliang (L), a ranger at the Hanma National Nature Reserve in search of the moose, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Wenliang (L), a ranger at the Hanma National Nature Reserve in search of the moose, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows monitor Diao Faxing with Asian elephants in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows monitor Diao Faxing with Asian elephants in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Wu Yonglin, head of the South Shore Protection Station of Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve, tending to a Przewalski’s gazelle in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, northwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Wu Yonglin, head of the South Shore Protection Station of Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve, tending to a Przewalski’s gazelle in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, northwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Zhao Fuzhou, a fire lookout who has secured the Dahuanqi branch of the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm for four decades, Chengde City, Hebei Province, north China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Zhao Fuzhou, a fire lookout who has secured the Dahuanqi branch of the Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm for four decades, Chengde City, Hebei Province, north China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Chunru (L), a vet for migratory birds who has kept a “bird care diary” for 40 years, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, east China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Chunru (L), a vet for migratory birds who has kept a “bird care diary” for 40 years, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, east China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Xiong Youfu, an observer at Dazhaizi station, looking for the western black-crested gibbon in the Wuliang Mountains in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Xiong Youfu, an observer at Dazhaizi station, looking for the western black-crested gibbon in the Wuliang Mountains in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, southwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Li, founder of the animal protection NGO Black Leopard Wildlife Protection Center, tending to a black stork, Beijing, China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Li Li, founder of the animal protection NGO Black Leopard Wildlife Protection Center, tending to a black stork, Beijing, China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Jang Tendar, who returned home after graduation and dedicates himself to protecting the ecological environment of Sanjiangyuan area, northwest China.

A still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series shows Jang Tendar, who returned home after graduation and dedicates himself to protecting the ecological environment of Sanjiangyuan area, northwest China.

(Cover: a still from CGTN’s “Journeys in Nature” documentary series showing the rangers going into the mountains in groups to prevent getting lost or being attacked by wild animals in the Dulong river valley in Yunnan Province, southwest China.)

The 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France is being celebrated this year.  

Over the past six decades, the two countries have strengthened communication and cooperation in areas of education, culture, tourism and green development. On this occasion, let’s look at some highlights of the bilateral cooperation through the following graphic.  

Read more: 

Graphics: wide-ranging cooperation between China and France

A special meeting of the World Economic Forum is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2024. /CFP

A special meeting of the World Economic Forum is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2024. /CFP

Saudi Arabia on Sunday called for regional stability, warning of the effects of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on global economic sentiment, at the start of a summit attended by a host of Gaza mediators.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Palestinian leaders and high-ranking officials from other countries trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are on the guest list for the summit in Riyadh, the capital of the world’s biggest crude oil exporter.

The Gaza war, along with conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere, put “a lot of pressure” on the economic mood, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said at one of the first panel discussions of the two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) special meeting.

“I think cool-headed countries and leaders and people need to prevail,” al-Jadaan said. “The region needs stability.” 

The Gaza conflict, which started on October 7 last year, has resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians, with children and women comprising the overwhelming majority of those killed, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza at a recent briefing. At least 75,000 people have been injured in Israeli attacks since the start of the conflict, about four out of every 100 people in Gaza, said the ministry.

Speaking in Riyadh, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the U.S. “is the only country capable” of preventing Israel’s long-feared invasion of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

“We appeal to the United States of America to ask Israel to stop the Rafah operation,” Abbas said, warning it would harm and displace civilians, and be “the biggest disaster in the history of the Palestinian people.”

Saudi Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim told a press conference on Saturday, previewing the summit, that the world is “walking a tightrope right now, trying to balance security and prosperity,” adding that “one misjudgment or one miscalculation or one miscommunication will further exacerbate our challenges.”

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said only “a credible, irreversible path to a Palestinian state” will prevent the world from confronting “this same situation two, three, four years down the line.”

WEF President Borge Brende said there was “some new momentum now in the talks around the hostages, and also for… a possible way out of the impasse we are faced with in Gaza.”

Hamas said on Saturday it was studying the latest Israeli counter-proposal regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, a day after media reports said a delegation from mediator Egypt arrived in Israel in a bid to jump-start stalled negotiations.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at a World Economic Forum meeting, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2024. /CFP

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at a World Economic Forum meeting, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2024. /CFP

Spotlight on Saudi Arabia

From the outset Saudi Arabia has worked with other regional and global powers to try to contain the Gaza conflict and avoid the type of conflagration that could derail its ambitious economic reform agenda known as Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is trying to open up to the world, luring business leaders and non-religious tourists. Hosting international events such as the WEF meeting allows it to showcase social changes such as reintroducing cinemas and lifting a ban on women driving.

Yet questions persist about just how much of Vision 2030 will be achieved and when, with special focus on signature projects such as NEOM, a planned futuristic megacity. In December, al-Jadaan said officials had decided to push the timeframe for some major projects past 2030, without specifying which, though he also noted that others would be accelerated.

Saudi Arabia’s GDP growth was nearly flat last year after several oil production cuts. Al-Jadaan stressed on Sunday that non-oil GDP growth was “very healthy” at 4.4 percent and that “Vision 2030 is about, actually, the non-oil GDP.”

Saudi Arabia’s economy has for decades relied on oil and the country has been making efforts to diversify its economy. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said at the forum that Saudi Arabia will strengthen investment in the electric vehicle sector and it is sourcing lithium from overseas to produce EV batteries.

(With input from AFP)

The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, October 26, 2023. /CFP

The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, October 26, 2023. /CFP

China’s Shenzhou-17 taikonauts have successfully concluded their six-month journey and are returning to Earth on Tuesday. The trio is known as the country’s youngest lineup by average age, with Commander Tang Hongbo at 48, Operator Tang Shengjie at 34 and Operator Jiang Xinlin at 35, since the China Space Station (CSS) construction began, according to the China Manned Space Agency. 

The Shenzhou-17 mission is the second manned spacecraft launched by China last year after the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft, marking the 30th flight mission of China’s manned space program and the 12th manned mission of the program.

The Shenzhou-17 crew carried out two extravehicular activities, completing China’s first-ever extravehicular repair mission. The trio have also carried out 84 in-orbit experiments and tests for space application, producing more than 200 samples in multiple fields, such as space life science and biotechnology, space medicine and space material science. The crew will deliver the samples for scientific studies, potentially leading to significant scientific advancements.

CGTN graphics by Yin Yating.

CGTN graphics by Yin Yating.

The mission logo

The logo of the Shenzhou-17 manned mission was released last March along with the mission logos of the Shenzhou-16 manned mission and the Tianzhou-6 mission. It was the first open logo solicitation of China’s manned space program.

The Shenzhou-17 logo is designed by Tan Haoyu, a postgraduate student at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. It has a balanced composition with the forward docking port of the spacecraft shown in the center. The tail flame of the spacecraft is combined with the number “17,” producing a powerful visual impact symbolizing the vigorous development of China’s manned space program.

The logo of the Shenzhou-17 manned space mission. /China Manned Space Agency

The logo of the Shenzhou-17 manned space mission. /China Manned Space Agency

A send-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-17 crew held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, October 26, 2023. /CFP

A send-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-17 crew held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, October 26, 2023. /CFP

The combination of the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket was transferred to the launching area at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, October 19, 2023. /CFP

The combination of the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket was transferred to the launching area at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, October 19, 2023. /CFP

The rocket and spacecraft

The Shenzhou-17 manned spacecraft was sent into space onboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket. The rocket measures about 60 meters in length and over 3 meters in diameter. It is equipped with four boosters and has a takeoff weight of around 480 tonnes.

The rocket is a remarkable feat of technology. Compared with the rocket used for the previous missions, Chinese space engineers have made a total of 25 technical changes, mainly improving reliability and safety, and optimizing the whole working process at the launch site.

The Shenzhou-17 manned spacecraft consists of three modules: the return, the orbital and the propelling modules. It is the second of the new batch of the Shenzhou series, which started with the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft.

Compared with previous batches, the current batch has seen qualitative leaps in design and production, including using domestically made key components that make the spacecraft more independent and controllable.

The six taikonauts of Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 hug in the airlock module of the China Space Station. /China Manned Space Agency

The six taikonauts of Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 hug in the airlock module of the China Space Station. /China Manned Space Agency

Two teams of six taikonauts show thumbs up in the core module of the China Space Station for a group photo. /China Manned Space Agency

Two teams of six taikonauts show thumbs up in the core module of the China Space Station for a group photo. /China Manned Space Agency

Entering the China Space Station

The Shenzhou-17 taikonauts entered the China Space Station last October, starting a new round of in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou-16 taikonauts.

The spaceship made a fast, automated rendezvous and docked with the front port of the space station’s core module Tianhe on the same day, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The Shenzhou-16 crew opened the hatch of the airlock module and welcomed the Shenzhou-17 crew with hugs. Later on, they entered the core module of the space station.

The two crew teams took a group photo and sent their best wishes to Earth.

Shenzhou-17 crew commander Tang was one of the first taikonauts to enter the newly-built CSS in 2021 and returned only two years later to see how the station has expanded from one module to three. This makes him the Chinese taikonaut with the shortest interval between two missions by far.

The Shenzhou-17 crew conducts extravehicular experimental maintenance, December 21, 2023. /China Manned Space Agency

The Shenzhou-17 crew conducts extravehicular experimental maintenance, December 21, 2023. /China Manned Space Agency

First extravehicular experimental maintenance

The tasks of the Shenzhou-17 crew included extravehicular activities, space science experiments and technological tasks, routine work of platform management and space lectures.

Among their tasks, the Shenzhou-17 crew undertook a “very challenging task” for the first time: extravehicular experimental maintenance.

Ahead of the mission, Liang Guozhu, professor at the School of Astronautics of Beihang University, told China Media Group that “there will be some small scratches outside the space station due to the impact of space debris. Though such scratches were considered when designed, we still need to perform regular maintenance to ensure the long-term use and service life of the space station, just like cars.”

During the 7.5-hour-long extravehicular activity, Shenzhou-17 commander Tang Hongbo along with crew members Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin cooperated closely with the ground staff and used robotic arms to complete repairing the solar panels on the core module of the space station.

Commander Tang made his second spacewalk after two years. Meanwhile, Tang Shengjie became the youngest taikonaut in China’s history to carry out spacewalks.

The Shenzhou-17 manned spacecraft docks with the China Space Station, October 26, 2023. /China Manned Space Agency

The Shenzhou-17 manned spacecraft docks with the China Space Station, October 26, 2023. /China Manned Space Agency

Invitation to foreign astronauts

China has extended an invitation to the world, welcoming countries and regions committed to the peaceful use of outer space to collaborate in CSS missions, as stated by the China Manned Space Agency.

This indicates that the normal operation of CSS has reached a very high level, according to Liang.

“The main goal of China’s space program is to make peaceful use of space, and the exploration of space is the dream of all mankind. Therefore, we hope that astronauts from other countries can participate in our work to jointly develop space resources, strengthen international cooperation and promote the development of a human space community,” said Liang.

Check out the life of Shenzhou-17’s crew in space

The Shenzhou-17 crew celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year in space. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year in space. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew eat Chinese dumplings (Jiaozi) to celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year in space. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew eat Chinese dumplings (Jiaozi) to celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year in space. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew eat vegetables grown in China’s space station. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew eat vegetables grown in China’s space station. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew get haircuts in space. /CMG

The Shenzhou-17 crew get haircuts in space. /CMG

A view of Earth captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

A view of Earth captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

A view of space captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

A view of space captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

A view of Earth captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

A view of Earth captured by the Shenzhou-17 crew. /CMG

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers adorn Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province are seen in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

A tourist poses for a photo near blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

A tourist poses for a photo near blooming azalea flowers at Mount Fanjing in southwest China’s Guizhou Province in this undated photo. /Photo provided to CGTN

Azalea flowers recently entered the blooming season on Mount Fanjing in southwest China, attracting many tourists. With an altitude of over 2,500 meters and a wealth of natural resources, Mount Fanjing, which is considered a sacred mountain in Chinese Buddhism, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.

As pet events and expos gain increasing popularity in China, it is not uncommon to see cats and dogs in stylish costumes and with cool haircuts being taken to local “furry-tastic” events to socialize. At these events, pet owners can explore innovative pet products, engaging workshops and participate in exciting pet competitions. Check out the gallery for more.

A young woman walks with her pet dog in a pet competition in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

A young woman walks with her pet dog in a pet competition in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Handicrafts on sale at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Handicrafts on sale at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Handicrafts on sale at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Handicrafts on sale at a “furry-tastic” event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

A pet painter showcases her work, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

A pet painter showcases her work, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

A pet dog walks in a competition in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

A pet dog walks in a competition in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a pet event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a pet event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a pet event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN

Pet owners socialize at a pet event in Beijing, April 14, 2024. Chen Bo/CGTN