Technology

Deputies strive to heed, meet people’s needs

Published

3 months ago

October 4, 2024

Use of online services ensures more efficient collection of residents’ views

BEIJING, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

Upon hearing the recent story of an elderly couple having to climb 17 stories in the sweltering heat after the elevator in their apartment building broke down in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, local lawmaker Jiang Yuqin sprang into action.

Jiang, along with concerned colleagues and maintenance workers, visited the property in the Zoujiajiao community on Aug 28 and discovered that the elevator was old and damaged.

Repair and maintenance work was immediately ordered for all elevators in the community, and Jiang visited the couple, who are both almost in their 80s, to seek their suggestions on how to better improve the safety of various community facilities.

“This is all part of my routine in serving the community, and also my duty as a deputy to the Suzhou People’s Congress,” said the 47-year-old.

In China’s political system, the people exercise State power through the National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, and people’s congresses at provincial, city, county and township levels, ensuring that their interests are reflected in the decision-making process. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NPC.

Data released by Xinhua News Agency in March showed that there were over 2.7 million people serving as deputies across the five levels of people’s congresses in China, including nearly 3,000 deputies to the NPC.

Deputies in China’s people’s congress system are tasked with engaging and interacting with local people and communities to best understand their needs, and seek their suggestions on a range of issues so that the deputies can present their views in the congress. This format of governance is referred to as whole-process people’s democracy.

This engagement with people and communities is ever expanding with the use of online services as well as face-to-face interaction, Jiang said.

Enriching the ways of connecting deputies with the people was called for by President Xi Jinping while he was delivering an important speech on Saturday at a meeting to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NPC.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that people’s congresses at all levels should support deputies in performing their duties and helping them enrich the ways they connect with the people.

Noting that the people’s congress system is an important institutional guarantee for realizing whole-process people’s democracy, Xi urged people’s congresses to put the people first, maintain close ties with the people and listen to their suggestions and opinions.

He also called on deputies to fully exercise their duties, better serving as the bridge between the people and the country.

For a deputy like Jiang, the major obligation is to listen to people’s ideas, provide a voice for them and help them solve difficulties in their work and life.

“I came from the people and was elected by the people,” said Jiang.

To provide some 10,000 people in the residential area with more convenient channels to raise their problems and submit advice, she has posted QR codes at the gates of each apartment building.

By scanning the code, people can access an online platform where they can report any challenges they encounter, including broken lights in corridors or leaking pipes at home. Jiang and her colleagues are dedicated to tackling the problems within a few hours.

Although these online services have contributed a lot to her work efficiency, Jiang said that visiting households and moving around the community must be continued, as face-to-face conversations are always conducive to understanding more about the opinions of the people and figuring out the roots of their difficulties.

Simple or minor matters in the community can be addressed directly by Jiang and her team. But for complex issues beyond her capacity, she said that she will conduct surveys and submit suggestions to Suzhou’s people’s congress, the city’s legislature, to solve them through joint efforts or optimizing relevant regulations.

For example, after receiving complaints about the haphazard parking of electric scooters posing safety risks, Jiang quickly invited some residents’ representatives and property staff to select locations within the community for organized parking of the vehicles, with the installation of additional charging facilities.

In another case, when she decided to assist stay-at-home mothers in seeking jobs after their children start school during the day, she said that this required a great deal of study and research.

“I need to know what time the women are available and what kind of work they are capable of. I also need to communicate with businesses around our community and find out if they are willing to provide opportunities for flexible employment,” she said.

As she conducted her research, she realized that it is not just a minority of young mothers who want to reenter the workforce, so she is planning to solicit ideas and opinions from more women and employers, in order to form a suggestion on the issue and submit it to the city’s legislature.

She said that the process has shown how the people’s congress system works, since its sound operation is an important means to realizing whole-process people’s democracy and also a key to guaranteeing the running of the country by the people.

Even as the ways of collecting people’s opinions have become more diverse with the rapid development of internet technologies, Tang Renqing, 72, another deputy to the Suzhou people’s congress, said that the principle of serving the people has never changed since the establishment of the system, nor can it be changed.

“Deputies, regardless of their profession or age, should be with the people, listen to their opinions and help them solve problems through the system,” he added. “Only in this way can we meet people’s aspirations for a better life, and ensure that the people are the masters of the country.”

Key channel for voices

The system is designed to include people from various backgrounds and cover a diverse cross-section of society. Working in a part-time capacity, deputies at each level are key channels for people’s voices. They are both entitled and obliged to stand for the people’s interests and express their views.

Since September 1954, when about 1,200 deputies elected by universal suffrage gathered in Beijing to attend the first session of the first NPC, the people’s congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee that has allowed the CPC to lead the people in realizing fast economic development and long-term social stability.

In recent years, Chinese lawmakers have also stepped up efforts to further uphold and improve the system by amending the Legislation Law and rules for members of the NPC Standing Committee, with the adoption of a decision on increasing reviews of normative documents to ensure that they are consistent with the Constitution.

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SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn

Technology

Ring in 2025 with Solitaire Grand Harvest’s New Year Celebration featuring Snoopy

Published

5 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang Are Highlighted in an Exclusive In-Game Experience Filled with Nostalgia, Prizes, and Fun!

HERZLIYA, Israel, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This New Year, Solitaire Grand Harvest is bringing joy, nostalgia, and a bit of winter magic with everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy,! Starting December 29, players can experience Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Peanuts gang in a special month-long event that’s bound to bring back cherished memories while adding a little sparkle to your solitaire game.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/playtika/9222155-en-solitaire-grand-harvest-featuring-snoopy

Solitaire Grand Harvest, the #1 highest-grossing solitaire game in the U.S.**, is transforming into a Peanuts-themed winter wonderland just in time to ring in 2025. Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the fire or counting down to midnight, the Peanuts® takeover will warm your heart and make every win feel a bit more magical.

Starting December 29, players will discover Snoopy and his Winter Fair Collection, featuring charming in-game mini-games and exclusive prizes inspired by the classic Peanuts characters. But the fun doesn’t stop when the ball drops! Between January 1-12, players may add Snoopy and Woodstock to their collection, alongside their in-game special pet companions, making it a New Year’s celebration that keeps on giving. Players get to keep their favorite characters with them forever with the permanent in-game Snoopy collection.

Roi Glazer, General Manager of Solitaire Grand Harvest, shared his excitement, saying:
“Snoopy has been a beloved part of so many of our lives for generations. This partnership with Peanuts allows us to combine the nostalgia of Snoopy with the excitement of Solitaire Grand Harvest in a way that brings joy to our players during the New Year celebration.”

Scott Shillet, Vice President of Global Hardlines at Peanuts, said:
“We are thrilled to bring Snoopy and the beloved Peanuts gang to Solitaire Grand Harvest, allowing us to continue our mission of spreading joy through new and engaging experiences. By integrating our timeless characters into the game, our fans will find fresh ways to connect with Peanuts while enjoying the fun world Solitaire Grand Harvest has to offer.”

Solitaire Grand Harvest is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play (in-app purchases available). To follow along, visit Solitaire – Grand Harvest on Facebook and on Instagram.

About Solitaire Grand Harvest®
Solitaire Grand Harvest is the top Solitaire game in the U.S.**, with hundreds of thousands of daily players across multiple platforms. Solitaire Grand Harvest, developed by Supertreat GmbH, allows its community to experience the fun side of farming as they grow and harvest crops, build and design their personal farm and progress through thousands of challenging Solitaire levels. The game provides high value content, and players are exposed to new features and provided with the opportunity to connect with other members of the Solitaire Grand Harvest community online.

About Playtika
Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: PLTK) is a mobile gaming entertainment and technology market leader with a portfolio of multiple game titles. Founded in 2010, Playtika was among the first to offer free-to-play social games on social networks and, shortly after, on mobile platforms. Headquartered in Herzliya, Israel, and guided by a mission to entertain the world through infinite ways to play, Playtika has employees across offices worldwide.

**According to App Annie, Solitaire Grand Harvest is the highest-grossing Solitaire game in the U.S. based on in-app purchases, from January 2024 – October 2024.

About Peanuts
The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd., 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. In 2018, Peanuts partnered with NASA on a multi-year Space Act Agreement designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ring-in-2025-with-solitaire-grand-harvests-new-year-celebration-featuring-snoopy-302338478.html

SOURCE Playtika Holding Corp.

Technology

Science and Technology Daily: Tech with Heart AI for Good AI with a Human Touch

Published

8 hours ago

December 29, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In 1949, pioneering computer scientist Edmund Callis Berkeley envisioned a future filled with thinking machines in his book Giant Brains, or Machines That Think. Decades later, his vision has become a reality with artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping industries, societies and daily lives.

The progress however, is far from straightforward. While AI excites people with its potential, it also raises questions about ethics, safety and its impact on human life.

Recently, Science and Technology Daily hosted a panel discussion, “Tech with Heart, AI for Good”, on how AI empowers life and bridges human limitations but also needs guard rails to ensure it remains under control.

Omnipresent AI

AI is reshaping the way we live, work and interact with the world. For Zeng Yi, a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and an expert of the United Nations’ high-level advisory body on AI, the motivation to advance AI technology lies in its potential to liberate humans from repetitive and labor-intensive tasks.

“Combining AI with robotics allows us to redirect human energy toward more creative and meaningful pursuits,” Zeng said. He highlighted how AI-powered robots are stepping into hazardous fields such as firefighting, disaster relief and space exploration. Lunar rovers equipped with advanced AI capabilities are conducting complex analyses on the moon’s surface — tasks too risky for human scientists.

Besides industrial applications, AI is making a significant impact on environmental conservation such as tracking wildlife.

AI’s potential extends into our everyday lives as well. Gao Shaolin, an expert at Peking University Law and Artificial Intelligence Research Center, mentioned a recent road trip during which he drove 3,000 kilometers on highways without coming across a single traffic accident.

“This is extraordinary,” Gao said, attributing the improvement to advancements in AI-driven safety features in modern vehicles.

From fatigue-monitoring systems in trucks to self-driving technologies in electric cars, these innovations are drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents.

However, both Zeng and Gao agreed that AI should not aim to replace humans but rather enhance human expertise and efficiency. AI can amplify human capacity, leaving room for creativity and innovation.

Responsible AI

As AI continues to evolve, responsibility becomes a critical issue. Zeng quoted Berkeley, who wrote, “It is often easier for scientists to create a device than to guide it well afterward.” Berkeley urged innovators to think beyond breakthroughs and address potential risks.

The question of accountability becomes central. Who will be responsible for any problem caused by AI? “AI is not an independent legal entity,” Gao emphasized, pointing out that current AI systems are tools rather than autonomous entities. The responsibility for their actions lies squarely with their developers, service providers and users.

“AI should be as intelligent as necessary, but it must remain under human control,” Gao stressed. As Zeng put it, “The key is ensuring AI coexists harmoniously with humans, not as a competitor but as a collaborator.”

Wu Baojun, executive deputy secretary-general of the Association for Science and Technology of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the rapid advancement of AI must be accompanied by efforts to ensure its reliability and safety within ethical frameworks.

“Our research in AI,” Wu said, “aims to explore unknown territories, eliminate human fears and make AI more reliable.”

Reliable AI

China has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to AI development, balancing technological innovation with social and ethical considerations.

As Matt Sheehan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace wrote in an article, “China is in the midst of rolling out some of the world’s earliest and most detailed regulations governing artificial intelligence.”

In 2017, China released the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan to encourage diverse AI methodologies, such as deep learning, knowledge-based reasoning and large-scale modeling. The plan also emphasized ethical governance, with over a dozen references to social and legal challenges.

In May 2019, it was followed by the Beijing AI Principles, which set out clear guidelines for AI research and development, advocating respect for privacy, human dignity and human rights.

These visions were strengthened in July 2024 when the 78th UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 140 countries. The resolution emphasized the human-centered development of AI, international cooperation, and promotion of AI to benefit humanity as a whole.

Zeng said China’s AI strategy reflects a responsible and inclusive approach: “China’s AI development strategy is not limited to promoting domestic economic growth. They aim to empower humanity and promote sustainable development goals.”

Shared AI principles

AI governance has become a global priority with nations striving to ensure that technology develops responsibly and inclusively.

“We analyzed global AI ethics guidelines and found that 95 percent of the topics are consistent across countries. Concepts like human-centered development, transparency, fairness, safety and privacy protection are widely endorsed,” Zeng said, adding that nations worldwide largely agree on the foundational principles for AI ethics and governance.

In 2023, the Bletchley Declaration on AI safety was signed by 28 countries and the European Union. This marked the first broad agreement on the importance of AI safety as a global issue. In 2024, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was adopted unanimously by all member states, which is another example of the global consensus.

China is playing an active role in promoting international cooperation on AI governance. “AI must empower all nations, not just the technologically advanced ones. We should guide AI for good with collective efforts and shared responsibilities,” Gao said.

Executive Producers: Wang Junming, He Yi

Producer: Fang Linlin

Reporters: Long Yun, Zhong Jianli, Gong Qian

Subtitle Proofreaders: Wang Jing, Cen Yingjie

Video Editing Instructor: Wang Xiaolong

AI Technology Advisor: Liu Yang

Cameramen: Liu Xiao, Li Huitao, Li Tianji

Video Editor: Zhang Shunping

Reviewer: Fang Linlin

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SOURCE Science and Technology Daily

Technology

ZT Mining Pioneers Innovative Solutions in the Cloud Mining Industry

Published

1 day ago

December 28, 2024

ZT Mining launches user-friendly cloud mining services with free options, renewable energy integration, and educational resources, promoting sustainable cryptocurrency mining.

READING, England, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As the cryptocurrency industry grows, the demand for accessible and efficient mining solutions has never been higher. ZT Mining, a leading innovator in cloud mining, announces a new range of services designed to democratize access to cryptocurrency mining while addressing environmental concerns.

free cloud mining site, best cloud mining, crypto mining

Cloud Mining Made Simple

ZT Mining provides a platform for users to mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without the need for specialized hardware or technical expertise. By simplifying the process, the company caters to a broad audience, from crypto enthusiasts to first-time investors. Its streamlined registration and user-friendly interface allow participants to start mining in minutes.

Free Cloud Mining Option for Starters

The platform introduces free cloud mining opportunities, enabling users to begin their mining journey without upfront costs. This initiative lowers barriers to entry, making it easier for individuals to explore the cryptocurrency space.

Sustainability at the Core

Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional mining, ZT Mining incorporates renewable energy into its operations. By leveraging green energy sources, the company reduces its carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals.

A Trusted Name in Cloud Mining

ZT Mining emphasizes transparency and reliability. Contracts come with clear terms, competitive rates, and no hidden fees. The platform also offers robust security measures, ensuring user data and funds remain protected.

Empowering Users Through Education

To support informed decision-making, ZT Mining provides educational resources on cryptocurrency and cloud mining. Users can access guides and insights to better understand mining profitability and industry trends.

Industry Recognition

ZT Mining’s innovative approach has positioned it as one of the best cloud mining platforms in the industry. With endorsements from leading crypto analysts and positive user feedback, the company is quickly becoming a trusted name for mining solutions.

Looking Ahead

ZT Mining continues to innovate, aiming to provide even more opportunities for users to benefit from cloud mining. With plans to expand its renewable energy partnerships and introduce advanced mining algorithms, the company is setting the standard for sustainable and user-friendly cryptocurrency mining.

For more information, visit ZT Mining’s official website.

Media Contact

Nancy Delia, ZT CLOUD SERVICES LIMITED, 44 7301463290, nancy.delia@ztmining.com, https://ztmining.com

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SOURCE ZT CLOUD SERVICES LIMITED