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FC Barcelona will host Sevilla FC at the Estadi Olímpic this Sunday, October 20th at 9pm facing off in a LALIGA EA SportsMatch-day 10 fixture in which both clubs are looking to keep up their good form following the international break.
The duo of Nigerian internationals in Sevilla’s fold, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke will be hoping to be part of the squad to make history, winning at Barcelona for the first time in 14 years.
This clash, like all others, is not the type the Andalusians have had much success over the years. In fact, they have only defeated Barça away from home seven times ever, with the first win coming in 1934/35.
As for Sevilla FC’s last win against Los Azulgranas in Catalonia, that was back in the 2009/10 season when they won the first leg of a Copa del Rey Last 16 tie, back on January 5th 2010. Thanks to goals from Diego Capel and Álvaro Negredo, with Zlatan Ibrahimović scoring one for Barça, Manolo Jiménez’s Sevilla FC side overcame Pep Guardiola’s charges.
Currently, Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona sit top of the table and they’ll be favourites in this game, the first one back after the international break. They have a squad packed with quality and have won eight and lost just one of their nine fixtures so far.
Key to these results have been Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who have formed the top-scoring front three in Europe with their 23 goals so far across LALIGA EA SPORTS and Champions League. Lamine Yamal is doubtful, though, having suffered a knock during the international break, yet FC Barcelona have several players making progress in their recoveries, such as Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Fermín López. When they are all back, the German coach will have as many as eight players to pick from in the midfield.
For Sevilla FC, they have moved up to 12th in LALIGA EA SPORTS as they’ve now achieved three wins, three draws and three defeats this season. García Pimienta’s side entered the international break with confidence following their 1-0 win against Real Betis in Matchday 9, courtesy of a Dodi Lukebakio penalty. When the team can defend well and counter-attack efficiently, with the likes of Ejuke and Lukebakio, they can create a lot of danger in attack. In fact, Ejuke is currently the player with the most dribbles in LALIGA EA SPORTS with 28, even ahead of the likes of Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius.
Over the international break, several Sevilla FC players have been away with their national teams, and key defender Loïc Badé also suffered a physical issue over the break. He could yet make it, which would be important for the Andalusian outfit considering Tanguy Nianzou is suspended after his red card in Elgran Derby.

During a recent trip to Europe, President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin. At a joint press conference, Biden and Scholz issued a statement emphasizing the importance of Germany’s response when the war in Ukraine began. Scholz showcased his determination to align German diplomacy with current realities and firmly support Ukraine.

Before their meeting, President Biden was greeted with military honors by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who personally awarded him the Federal Cross of Merit, Germany’s highest honor for achievements in politics, economics, and social contributions. Notably, former President George H.W. Bush is the only other U.S. president to have received this honor. Steinmeier highlighted the significance of Biden’s election, stating, “When you were elected president, it was as if you rebuilt hope for Europe in the Atlantic alliance overnight.”

Subsequently, Biden met with Chancellor Scholz at the Chancellery, where Biden remarked that when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine, Germany reminded the world of the essential nature of alliances.

President Biden reinforced the deep partnership between Germany and the United States, describing Germany as America’s closest and most important ally. He expressed gratitude for Germany’s clear stance against anti-Semitism and its resistance to Iran, stating to Scholz, “I have to thank you for your friendship.”

Chancellor Scholz emphasized that Biden’s visit to Berlin was aimed at jointly assuming responsibility for peace, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Our actions are clear; we will support Ukraine as much as possible,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring that NATO does not become a target and that the war doesn’t escalate into a greater disaster.

Scholz articulated the shared belief between Germany and the U.S. that Ukraine deserves sovereignty and integrity, stating that Russia cannot carry out a violent conquest of the territory. “As long as necessary, we will stand with Ukraine,” he affirmed.

During the press conference, the two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Biden remarked that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar marked the arrival of justice, as Sinwar’s hands were stained with the blood of Americans, Israelis, Palestinians, Germans, and many others. Scholz voiced hope that Sinwar’s death might lead to a ceasefire in the region.

Delhi expelled diplomats after Canadian police said they had evidence linking Indian agents to murder in Canada
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editorWed 16 Oct 2024 05.30 EDTLast modified on Wed 16 Oct 2024 07.38 EDTShareBritain joined its Five Eyes intelligence partners on Wednesday in saying India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process was “the right next step” in the deepening diplomatic row between the two countries, adding that it had full confidence in Canada’s judicial system.
Canadian police said on Monday they had credible evidence that Indian agents including India’s high commissioner to Canada were linked to the murder of the Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June 2023 and accused Delhi of a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada.
India has rejected the Canadian accusations, and retaliated by ordering the expulsion of six high-ranking Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner.
The British Foreign Office said in a statement: “We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system … The government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.”
The statement follows a phone call between the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, on Tuesday night. In a statement, Downing Street said the two leaders “discussed recent developments regarding allegations under investigation in Canada. Both agreed on the importance of the rule of law. They agreed to remain in close contact pending the conclusions of the investigation.”
Why has Canada accused Indian diplomats of ‘criminal’ activities?Read moreLast year Sikh activists in the West Midlands were handed “threat to life” warnings, amid growing concern about the safety of separatist campaigners who Sikhs claim the Indian government is targeting.
Three members of a family received warnings in March from West Midlands police, meaning there is intelligence of a death threat or risk of murder but not enough evidence to justify an arrest.
A spokesperson for West Midlands police said at the time: “We received information that suggested that members of a family may have been at risk of harm.”
Canada’s foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, had said she was reaching out to rally diplomatic support from its Five Eyes intelligence partners: the US, New Zealand, the UK and Australia. The UK will be trying to balance the close trade ties it has with India and the need to support Canada.
New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, suggested he would let the judicial processes unfold, in a statement that did not mention India. “The alleged criminal conduct outlined publicly by Canadian law enforcement authorities, if proven, would be very concerning,” Peters wrote on X, saying Ottawa had highlighted “ongoing criminal investigations into violence and threats of violence against members of its south Asian community”.
The US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, would not comment on the substance of the new claims at his daily briefing on Tuesday, but said “they are serious allegations and we have wanted to see India take them seriously and cooperate with Canada’s investigation. They have chosen an alternate path.”
Australia’s foreign affairs department said: “Australia has made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation in Canada, and our respect for Canada’s judicial process. Our position of principle is that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected and that the rule of law should be respected.”
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, however, refused to answer any questions on the India-Canada diplomatic row during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The allegations have been broadening, making it difficult for the Five Eyes partners to ignore the evidence.
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Canadian police now claim that Indian diplomats have worked with criminal gangs to orchestrate a wider campaign of extortion, intimidation and coercion against members of the Canadian south Asian community, resulting in homicides, home invasions, drive-by shootings and arson.
An Indian delegation visited Washington to discuss a related alleged murder-for-hire plot that US officials revealed last November.
An unsealed indictment alleged an Indian government employee had directed an attempted assassination of the Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, and spoke about others, including Nijjar.
Miller said the visit by what he called the Indian inquiry committee, announced on Monday, was unrelated to the allegations made public by Canadian authorities that same day, calling the timing “completely coincidental”.
The UK has its own diplomatic battle with India over the continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British man who has been detained in India since 2017 and faces a possible death sentence.
In May 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that, under international law, Johal’s detention was arbitrary and had no legal basis.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement criticising India in October 2023 for seeking to expel 41 Canadian diplomats without first declaring them persona non grata, a breach of article 9 of the Vienna convention.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government in promoting the teaching and learning of science and technology education in Nigeria has developed modules from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM)
Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Bobboyi, stated this on Tuesday at a 4-day workshop on the development of Modules from STEAM Manual for teachers in basic education held in Nasarawa State.
Bobboyi, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Technical, Professor Bala Zakari, emphasized the need to inculcate technical skills, nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in learners.
He noted in the past emphasis used to be on STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, saying however that in life, arts and humanity are equality important, hence the need to integrate arts in teaching of science in basic education.
He explained the workshop was organized for the team of experts to develop modules that would infuse arts in the teaching of science and technology in schools in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary said: “This gathering represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance the quality of Basic Education and also guide the teachers on ways and procedures in applying STEAM manual during teaching and learning in schools across the nation.
“As we all know, the integration of STEAM into our curriculum is not just fostering technical skills; It will revolutionize our educational system, nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in learners.
“This holistic approach will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st Century and equip them to thrive in our rapidly evolving world.”
Bobboyi said government has gone through rigorous process on the introduction of STEAM into Basic Education.
He noted in diverse ways this would assist learners to be well grounded in STEAM Education, help in nation building and also make our learners to be more resourceful from early age to adulthood as well as promote entrepreneurship and improve development in the society at large.
“Through these initiatives, we will create modules from the developed STEAM manual that will be a working tool for our teachers in the classroom. The Commission will encourage interdisciplinary approaches, project-based learning and community engagements,” he said.
Director, Academic Services, UBEC, Mrs. Roseline Medubi, said the introduction of STEAM education into public schools would help to fast track the achievement of the target of the pillars of the Ministerial Strategic Plan (Sustainable Development Goals) which would also prepare learners for life-long learning as enshrined in the objectives of the Universal Basic Education programme.

South Korean author Han Kang made headlines on October 10 after being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. However, she chose not to hold a press conference or any celebrations, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas situation as reasons why it was inappropriate to celebrate. Han also urged her father, the renowned novelist Han Seung-won, to refrain from any festivities.

At a press conference held at the Han Seung-won Literary School in Jeollanam-do, Han Seung-won conveyed Han Kang’s message. He stated, “(Han Kang) told me that with the intensifying conflicts and bodies being carried away every day, how can we hold a celebration or a press event?”

Initially, following the announcement of her Nobel Prize, Han Seung-won had suggested that she hold a press conference at a publishing house. While Han Kang initially agreed and expressed her intention to “give it a try,” she changed her mind overnight.

Han Seung-won reflected on his daughter’s evolving perspective, noting, “Han Kang’s mindset has shifted from that of a writer living in South Korea to that of a global writer. However, I cannot escape the feelings of being a father of a Nobel laureate living in Korea, so I ultimately held this press conference.”

Han Kang also advised her father against hosting a celebration at the literary school. Han Seung-won shared, “I had planned to throw a party for the local community, but my daughter told me not to. She said, ‘Please do not celebrate in the face of these tragedies,’ referring to the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. She emphasized that receiving this award from the Swedish Academy is not about enjoying but about keeping a more awake mind. Hearing that deeply troubled me.”

According to reports, several publishers, including Creative Press, which published Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts,” as well as Literary Village, which released “The Wind Blows, Let’s Go” and her poetry collection, also encouraged her to hold a press conference. However, as of the afternoon of October 11, Han Kang had yet to respond.

Segun James
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has said 25 years after the military returned to the barracks from the political play field, “what is oozing out of the third estate of the realm is becoming offensive to millions of Nigerians, in and outside the country.”George, a former military governor of old Ondo State, lamented that judicial rascality had become the order of the day in the country, “especially coming from courts of coordinate jurisdictions.“We now have a situation in which a court, which is thousands of miles away from a theatre of partisan conflict, will give a confusing order and Nigerians will just be wondering what exactly was going on.”According to him, an appellate court could override the decision of a lower court but “I strongly believe that a High Court, federal or state, cannot give a counter order on a case in which it has no jurisdiction against another High Court. Anything short of this will lead to judicial anarchy.“This is the time for you to urgently call a meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to be attended by judges, from states and federal, to address this anomaly because there are many conflicting judgements from courts of coordinate jurisdiction these days.“Nigerians no longer respect judgements from some judicial officers and you see them boldly analysing the faux pas of these judgements on national televisions. Enough is enough.“From the 1950s to 1980s, judges were feared because they, to a large extent, never compromised their positions. Decades ago, there was this popular saying in Yorubaland, that you dare not sleep before a judge.
“Those were the glorious years in Nigerian judiciary when judges were judges but what do we have today? Judicial chaos, anarchy and confusion to the extent that Nigerians openly say it that some judges are on the payroll of many politicians. It is that bad.”

During a press conference on October 15 in Beijing, Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for China’s manned space program and deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, shared exciting news about China’s ambitious plans for space exploration. He announced that China intends to leverage the upcoming crewed lunar landing mission alongside flight tests to conduct extensive space science experiments. The preliminary plan outlines nine key scientific objectives across three main areas: lunar science, lunar base science, and resource exploration and utilization.

The meeting coincided with the release of China’s first long-term national plan for space science development, titled “National Medium and Long-Term Development Plan for Space Science (2024-2050).” This initiative was launched collaboratively by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office. Lin took the opportunity to answer questions from the media regarding the plan.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Lin elaborated that China’s space station will address global technological frontiers and significant national needs, focusing on four primary research areas: space life and human research, microgravity physics, space astronomy and Earth sciences, and new space technologies. The program is set to involve 32 research topics, with plans to roll out thousands of scientific research and application projects.

In the realm of space astronomy, Lin revealed that China will launch an internationally advanced 2-meter aperture survey space telescope. Corresponding scientific centers are being established in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with seven research directions and 24 projects aimed at making significant advancements in cosmology, galaxy science, Milky Way studies, solar system celestial bodies, and transients.

Lin also pointed to the upcoming crewed lunar exploration program as a key strategic endeavor to promote human civilization and illustrate China’s commitment as a major power. With plans for Chinese astronauts to land on the moon, this mission presents a unique opportunity for conducting explorations on the lunar surface.

When asked how China’s manned space program could drive the development of space science, Lin highlighted that, after more than 30 years of efforts, the program has successfully achieved its strategic goals outlined in a three-phase development plan while also producing internationally recognized scientific results. During the manned spaceflight phase, China executed the largest and most diverse space science program at the time, involving 28 original experiments. The space laboratory phase saw over 50 scientific experiments, propelling rapid advancements in China’s space science. Currently, in the space station phase, the Tiangong space station serves as the nation’s laboratory, hosting 14 scientific experiment cabinets and numerous other platforms, with over a hundred scientific experiments already conducted and hundreds of samples returned via the Shenzhou spacecraft.

In summary, Lin emphasized that the development of China’s space science significantly supports the success of manned space missions, while the manned space program provides a broader platform for rapid scientific progress. He concluded that the two endeavors are mutually reinforcing and will continue to thrive together.

Located in El Monte, the Good Fortune Market has recently undergone renovations and celebrated its grand reopening. This wholesale discount store focuses on providing wholesale prices, and for its first week, they are offering special low-price promotions and gifts with purchase.

The Good Fortune Market officially opened its doors on Saturday, October 12, at 11850 Valley Blvd in El Monte. Although the limited-time 15% discount event on the 12th and 13th has ended, customers can still enjoy a gift promotion running until October 18. Shoppers can receive a free reusable bag with a purchase of $28, a five-pack of Jinmai Lang beef ramen noodles with a $48 purchase, and a Good Times cookie gift box with a purchase of $88. Supplies are limited for the gifts, so it’s first come, first served.

In addition to the gifts, the grand opening event features various popular products available for tasting, as well as claw machines and cotton candy machines. There are numerous selected items with incredibly low prices until October 18. Highlights include AA choy sum for $0.48 per pound, Japanese sweet potatoes for $0.58 per pound, frozen durian for $1.98 per pound, spare ribs for $1.98 per pound, salmon fillets for $5.98 per pound, Lee Kum Kee premium soy sauce (59 oz) for $3.58 per bucket, and oyster sauce for $3.98 per bucket. Other deals include a case of Kang Shifu jasmine tea for $7.68, a case of oolong tea for $10.98, buy-one-get-one-free items from the Hai Tian wholesale section, 50 pounds of Huang Guobao rice for $26.98, and 44 pounds of premium white flour from Korea for $26.98.

Jacob, the supply chain manager and store manager for the El Monte location, shared, “Our El Monte store is all about ‘one item at wholesale prices,’ making it ideal for everyday grocery shopping.” He noted that the wholesale section offers bulk pricing for fruits and vegetables, catering to small and medium-sized restaurants looking to purchase fresh produce and seasonings. Furthermore, this store is the largest among the five Good Fortune Market locations in the Los Angeles area, boasting over 20,000 products and a wide range of options, allowing customers to enjoy the benefits of wholesale pricing along with an enriched selection.

On October 17, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference, the “Global Ten Major Breakthroughs in Intelligent Connected Vehicles” were announced. This landmark report encapsulates the significant achievements of the global intelligent connected vehicle industry over the past 5 to 10 years, reflecting the developmental journey of the entire sector.

In his address, Zhao Zhihua, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an academician, explained that the “Global Ten Major Breakthroughs” were crafted through a collaborative effort involving over 200 experts, organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineers at the request of the conference. Since August, the initiative has undergone a rigorous process of global nominations, expert selections, and conference deliberations, ultimately highlighting the most iconic advancements in policies, market applications, and technological innovations from the last decade.

The identified breakthroughs include: advancements in AI automotive technology based on large models, the integration of intelligence and connectivity as a crucial technological pathway, the launch of industry practices under a centralized computing architecture, innovations in smart chassis enhancing vehicle control and safety, the establishment of a safety technology system for autonomous driving, the transformation of car-cloud data closed-loop as a mainstream research and development model, the large-scale implementation of Level 2 driver assistance systems, the acceleration of research in Level 3 and above intelligent connected vehicles, significant legislative progress in major countries, and a global push for developing autonomous driving regulatory standards.

Zhao also noted that from January to June of this year, the penetration rate of Level 2 new passenger cars in China reached 55.7%, with 11.0% of those equipped with adaptive cruise assistance. For Level 3 and above autonomous driving, China has established the first of nine consortiums to conduct pilot testing for road access and compliance.

On October 20th, the New York Knicks’ youth team, alongside former NBA star Larry Johnson, hosted a free basketball training camp for Chinese-American youth in Brooklyn. This event, which attracted approximately 150 young participants from diverse backgrounds, was organized by State Senator Kevin Parker and the New York Chinese Cultural and Sports Association (NYCCSA) after months of planning.

The camp took place at FDR High School, located at 5799 19th Avenue in Brooklyn. In her speech, Senator Parker expressed her excitement about facilitating this initiative, emphasizing that such training camps not only teach basketball skills and sportsmanship but also offer children a joyful weekend experience. She extended her gratitude to the Knicks’ youth team and the NYCCSA for their support in organizing the event. Additionally, she announced a $3,000 grant for the NYCCSA, encouraging them to continue their efforts in promoting sports activities within the community.

Under the guidance of several Knicks youth coaches and Larry Johnson, the registered participants engaged in various basketball drills. Johnson, a former star with the Knicks, received a warm welcome from those in attendance. He greeted the crowd with a friendly “你好” (hello in Mandarin), took photos with the young players, and signed autographs. Johnson stressed that the camp aimed to help participants improve their basketball skills and encouraged all aspiring players to train diligently to enhance their abilities.

Zhao Liyan, president of the NYCCSA, described the event as a rare opportunity for youth to learn basketball. He credited the successful execution of the camp to the months of preparation with Senator Parker’s office. With participation from 150 children between the ages of 6 and 14, the camp reached full capacity. Zhao also expressed his appreciation for the $3,000 funding provided by Senator Parker, assuring that it would be allocated for community sports initiatives to benefit the local area.