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Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on work related to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

Noting the NSFC’s positive role in advancing basic research and nurturing innovators over the past four decades, Xi urged the foundation to seize the opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and deepen the reform of the science funding system to further refine the funding framework and enhance funding efficiency.

He called on the NSFC to help foster a sound research ecosystem and expand international collaboration, thereby empowering scientists and researchers to yield a greater output of original innovations, and to contribute more to achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

The NSFC was established in February 1986 and has become a major channel for national funding of basic research.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strengthening the strategic, forward-looking, and systematic layout of basic research and supporting scientists and researchers in delivering more original innovations.

Xinhua

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings while attending an annual gathering with non-CPC personages at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Addressing the gathering, Xi noted that 2025 was an extraordinary year. He said that facing profound and complicated changes at home and abroad, the CPC Central Committee united and led the entire Party and all Chinese people to overcome difficulties and work hard to achieve the year’s main economic and social development targets and tasks.

These hard-won achievements stemmed from the Party’s strong leadership and the joint efforts of all Chinese people, including those from non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation, Xi said.

Noting that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Xi urged non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation to actively fulfill their duties and responsibilities, contributing to the implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s decisions and plans.

He called on them to strengthen political guidance, forge unity, contribute to the country’s development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and strengthen their own development to show a fresh look as political parties and forces participating in state governance under socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi also urged them to rigorously improve their conduct and enforce discipline, with the aim of consolidating a sound political environment.

The gathering was also attended by Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Wang, Cai and Ding are also members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends an annual gathering with non-CPC personages ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 11, 2026.

Xinhua

The budget cut follows the government’s securing of cheaper concessional and domestic financing for major projects, including Kigali’s new international airport, reducing the funding requirement by Rwf 168.2 billion.

Minister Murangwa said external financing is expected to increase by Rwf 250.5 billion, mainly from grants and concessional loans, while projected tax and other domestic revenues have been revised upward by Rwf 41 billion, signalling confidence in Rwanda’s growing economy.

The recurrent budget has been revised downward by Rwf 198 billion to Rwf 4,114.9 billion. This adjustment, the minister said, reflects changes in public debt servicing, subsidies, and expenditures on goods and services.

At the same time, investment in capital and development projects has been increased by Rwf 253.2 billion, reaching Rwf 2,115.8 billion.

The revised budget has been submitted to Parliament, which approved it for detailed review by the Finance Committee before final adoption.

Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa presented the revised budget in Parliament on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The House was briefed that the budget cut follows the government’s securing of cheaper concessional and domestic financing for major projects.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund will help more than 90,000 people. Additional funds from other donors are helping to kick-start response efforts.

With the storm raging across eastern and central Madagascar, local authorities have reported 31 people dead, four missing and 35 injured. Preliminary reports indicated that more than 250,000 people have been affected, with nearly 7,000 people displaced.

The office said more than 65,000 homes were flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and about 600 classrooms were rendered partially or completely unusable.

OCHA said the government has called for international support and is leading search-and-rescue, evacuation, shelter and food assistance efforts, including the distribution of some 800 metric tonnes of rice, with support from the world body and partners.

OCHA said the cyclone could affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days.

The United Nations has allocated 3 million U.S. dollars for emergency aid to Madagascar following devastating Tropical Cyclone Gezani.

Xinhua

It also emphasized its ability to meet larger financing needs through partnerships with other Bank of Africa subsidiaries across Africa, as part of the broader BMCE Group.

The event drew leaders from various institutions, including Morocco’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Youssef Imani. Jean Havugimana, the Executive Head of Business at Bank of Africa Rwanda, described the past decade as one of steady growth and client trust.

'The past 10 years in Rwanda have been very positive and marked by growth, culminating in the inauguration of our headquarters,' he said.

'More importantly, the trust our clients and shareholders have placed in us confirms that Rwanda is a place where we can build profitable business while contributing to national development.'

He attributed this progress to the bank’s responsiveness to client needs and robust lending capabilities.

'In Rwanda, we can provide loans of up to Rwf 6 billion at once. More broadly, there is no financing level beyond our reach, as we are part of the BMCE Group, which includes around 20 Bank of Africa subsidiaries that can pool their capacity,' Havugimana explained.

Looking forward, he outlined priorities for the next decade: accelerating service delivery, deepening client partnerships, expanding engagement with the Rwandan diaspora, and supporting private sector growth.

Managing Director Serge Itikossie emphasized the institution’s evolution. 'Through the dedication of our teams, professionalism, and accountability, we have built more than a bank, we have built a trusted institution,' he said. 'Today’s inauguration is not just about a building; it represents modernization and confidence in the future.'

National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Deputy Governor Nick Barigye praised the bank’s trajectory.

'As BNR, we view its journey as a positive example of how a financial institution can perform strongly in the market while strengthening our financial sector,' he said. 'Banks in Rwanda do more than provide financial services; they support investment, job creation, and broader national economic transformation.'

Barigye urged the bank to further prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), advance financial inclusion, and invest in technology, key areas aligned with Rwanda’s development goals.

Businessman Eugène Higiro, a client for five years, shared his positive experience. The bank has provided him with loans exceeding Rwf 1.4 billion.

'Bank of Africa understands that in business, speed matters,' he said. 'Their loan processing is fast, you receive financing and can immediately move forward with your projects.'

Bank of Africa Rwanda began operations in 2015 following its merger with the former microfinance institution Agaseke Bank.

Today, it serves over 25,000 clients through 14 branches nationwide (including eight in Kigali) and has disbursed loans totaling more than Rwf 80 billion across various sectors.

As part of the BMCE Group, Bank of Africa operates in 20 countries, primarily across Africa, with additional presence in Asia and France.

Bank of Africa Rwanda has officially unveiled its new headquarters in Kiyovu.

The management and guests in a group photo at the unveiling of new headquarters.

The launch coincided with the bank’s 10th anniversary of operations in the country.

Bank of Africa Rwanda has officially unveiled its new headquarters in Kigali.

Amine Bouabid, CEO of Bank of Africa Group, also attended the inauguration of the bank’s headquarters in Rwanda.

The inauguration of Bank of Africa’s headquarters in Rwanda brought together guests from different walks of life.

Managing Director Serge Itikossie emphasized the institution’s evolution.

Jean Havugimana, the Executive Head of Business at Bank of Africa Rwanda, described the past decade as one of steady growth and client trust.

National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Deputy Governor Nick Barigye praised the bank’s trajectory.

IGIHE

Speaking after landing at Goma Airport, Ms. van de Perre highlighted the symbolic and operational significance of her visit, signalling the gradual reopening of the airport, which has remained closed since late January 2025.

'Over a year ago, on January 26, 2025, I was on the last plane to land in Goma. And today, I am on the first helicopter to land again, and I hope this marks the beginning of the gradual reopening of Goma airport for the benefit of the population,' she said.

The interim MONUSCO chief said her visit aims to operationalise the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism agreed upon by the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.

'Verification procedures, coordination, communication, and practical conditions will be put in place to ensure the mechanism functions credibly. MONUSCO will continue to support the ongoing peace process,' she stated, adding that her visit aims to engage relevant stakeholders and advance practical preparations.

Ms. van de Perre confirmed that MONUSCO plans to deploy its first aerial reconnaissance mission to Uvira in the coming days, stressing that all operations remain strictly within the UN Security Council mandate and respect DRC sovereignty.

The visit follows months of diplomatic efforts to consolidate peace in eastern DRC. In October 2025, the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha, establishing a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to investigate and prevent violations. Observers from the United States, the African Union, and Qatar are also part of the mechanism.

Goma International Airport has been closed since January 2025, when M23 rebels took control of the city following clashes with government forces.

Vivian van de Perre, interim head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), landed in Goma on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Speaking after landing at Goma Airport, Ms. van de Perre highlighted the symbolic and operational significance of her visit, signalling the gradual reopening of the airport, which has remained closed since late January 2025.

Rania Umutoni

Ryan Routh was convicted by a jury last September of five charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon handed down the sentence in a Florida courtroom, plus a mandatory additional seven years for a firearm offense for Routh.

“It’s clear to me that you engaged in a premeditated, calculated plot to take a human life,” Cannon said.

Routh, in a court filing, denied any intention to kill, arguing that no crime occurred because he never fired a shot at Trump.

Routh was arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, after a Secret Service agent saw the barrel of a rifle poking from the bushes, a few hundred yards from where Trump was golfing at his West Palm Beach golf club. Routh fled the scene, but was arrested shortly after.

The incident occurred two months after a bullet fired by a gunman grazed Trump’s ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Both incidents took place in the run-up to the November 2024 election in which Trump regained the presidency after being defeated four years earlier by Democrat Joe Biden.

Ryan Routh was convicted by a jury last September of five charges, including attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer.

Xinhua

“I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” Trump said. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”

He added that the two leaders discussed the progress being made in Gaza and the region in general.

Netanyahu arrived at the White House in a vehicle via the South Lawn on Wednesday morning and left without a press conference or a statement issued.

The meeting, their seventh since the start of Trump’s second term, reportedly lasted roughly three hours.

Before the meeting, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and formally signed up as a member of the “Board of Peace.” The initiative is controversial in Israel’s parliament, Fox News reported.

Ahead of his trip to Washington, Netanyahu told reporters: “I will present to the president our concept regarding the principles of the negotiations (on Iran) — the essential principles that are important not only to Israel but to anyone who wants peace and security in the Middle East.”

Netanyahu’s office has said that the prime minister wants the talks to include limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and cut Iran’s ties with militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Trump said Tuesday in an interview with Fox Business Network that “it’s got to be a good deal. No nuclear weapons, no missiles.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at celebrations in Tehran for the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday that a “wall of distrust” created by the West is hindering nuclear talks with the United States, vowing that Iran will never surrender to excessive demands and aggression.

Also on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told Russia Today that he believes Iran and the United States can strike a nuclear deal better than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed in July 2015, while reiterating that Iran will not negotiate on its missile program or regional alliances.

Washington and Tehran held their indirect talks on Friday in the Omani capital of Muscat amid simmering tensions between the two sides and a U.S. military buildup near Iran.

On Tuesday, Trump said he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East for possible military actions against Iran if negotiations fail.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Feb. 11, 2026.

Xinhua

The study, led by Australia’s University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, is the first to show that sex modulates gene networks controlling bronchial responsiveness under normal physiological conditions, said a UTS statement on Thursday.

“Biological sex fundamentally shapes how the lungs function, even under healthy, non-diseased conditions,” said study lead author, UTS and Woolcock Institute Research Fellow Razia Zakarya.

“Male lungs are intrinsically more reactive to inhaled triggers than female lungs, which helps explain why the sexes experience respiratory disease differently,” Zakarya said, adding these differences arise from discrete gene network activity rather than a single gene or hormone.

The study, published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal, shows that sex differences in lung function exist at a deep molecular level, long before disease develops.

“Essentially, the sexes utilize different genetic toolboxes when exposed to environmental factors,” Zakarya said.

The team also found that early-life environmental exposures could alter these molecular networks in sex-specific ways, potentially influencing vulnerability to diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Zakarya said the findings underscore the need for sex-inclusive biomedical and environmental health research from the earliest stages of discovery.

Male and female lungs are “wired differently” at the molecular level, a new study confirms, providing further evidence supporting sex-inclusive respiratory disease research and treatment. AI generated photo

Xinhua