AUSTRALIA, Feb 07 (IPS) – Safeguarding food security has long been a critical priority for the Chinese central government. President Xi’s latest comments and meetings demonstrate continued concerns at the top about China’s food security. Ahead of the 20th National Congress this year and the release of the No 1 policy document, there are already several hints regarding what the Chinese central authorities could prioritise in terms of food security for this year and beyond. Other factors, including the potential influences of gene-edited plants, commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops, and of a Russia-Ukraine conflict should also be considered.
World Lost More Than 7 Million Hectares of Forest in 2025 
When Medicine Becomes a Tool for Torture: The Hidden Role of Medical Personnel in Russian Captivity 
Disasters cost $228 billion in housing losses every year 
Ukraine: Residents killed and dozens injured in attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv 
‘Need for UN has never been greater,’ UN chief says, proposing slimmer $3.3 billion budget for 2027 
World News in Brief: West African migrant crossings, Argentina takes UK to maritime tribunal, farming in Gaza, mental health update 
Can math stay human in the age of AI? 
Tiny implants can use the body itself to talk to each other 
Voyager 1 is nearly one light-day from Earth. What’s out there?