BRICS: Xi Jinping's Russia Visit Yields Significant Achievements
From October 22 to 24, President Xi Jinping was invited to Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders' Meeting. At the end of the trip, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, briefed accompanying reporters on the visit. In the golden autumn of October, President Xi Jinping flew to Kazan, a thousand-year-old city on the Volga River, to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders' Meeting. This was President Xi Jinping's first overseas visit since the successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and also the first summit of the BRICS countries after its historic expansion. In less than 48 hours in Kazan, President Xi Jinping attended more than ten events intensively, combining multilateral and bilateral interactions, and gathering with old friends and new acquaintances for frank discussions. The schedule was rich and compact, the content practical and efficient, and the visit was a complete success. Domestic and international media paid close attention and reported extensively, generally believing that the visit was fruitful and full of highlights, ushering in a new chapter of unity and self-reliance for BRICS countries and opening up new prospects for the development and prosperity of the Global South. China once again played an important role as a staunch force in BRICS cooperation and a core member of the Global South. In a world undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, "Greater BRICS cooperation" is leading the grand unity of the Global South and is having a significant and far-reaching historical impact. The BRICS cooperation mechanism was born amidst the historic tide of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries, influencing the evolution of the world landscape and the international balance of power. It has become a golden brand and the most important platform for unity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in today's world. During his visit, President Xi Jinping attended both small and large-scale BRICS leaders' meetings. In view of the new situation facing BRICS after its expansion, he profoundly elaborated on the development direction and basic principles of "Greater BRICS cooperation," and pointed out that BRICS countries came together based on their common pursuits. The greater the storms of the times, the more we must bravely stand at the forefront, demonstrate historical initiative, and, with indomitable will, daring courage, and foresight to adapt to changes, build BRICS into a main channel for promoting unity and cooperation among the Global South and a pioneering force for promoting global governance reform. President Xi Jinping analyzed the evolution of the international landscape and the general trend of global development, profoundly expounded China's proposals for promoting the high-quality development of "Greater BRICS cooperation," and announced eight practical measures that China supports for the high-quality development of BRICS cooperation. These measures further expanded the breadth and depth of "Greater BRICS cooperation," consolidated its pillars, strongly promoted the upgrading of BRICS cooperation, enhanced the value of BRICS, and strengthened the confidence and self-reliance of BRICS countries. Facing the strong desire of more than 30 countries to join BRICS, President Xi Jinping emphasized that BRICS countries should uphold the original mission of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation, and win-win results, actively respond to the calls of the Global South, and welcome more countries to join the BRICS cause in various forms. With the joint efforts of all parties, this Kazan summit reached a consensus and decided to invite a new batch of countries to become BRICS partner countries. This is another important progress in the BRICS development process after the Johannesburg Summit welcomed five new members last year, marking a new stage in the construction of the BRICS cooperation mechanism. The representativeness of the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been further expanded, and its appeal, influence, and vitality are more evident, having grown into a strategic force for building a more just and reasonable global governance system. Since 2013, President Xi Jinping has attended all BRICS Leaders' Meetings, creatively proposing a series of important propositions and initiatives, including the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model, and personally promoting the great development and great achievements of BRICS cooperation, playing a key role and leaving a Chinese mark at every critical juncture of the BRICS mechanism. This time, leaders from more than 30 countries gathered in Kazan to attend the "BRICS Plus" Leaders' Dialogue, engaging in in-depth communication and frank exchanges on strengthening multilateralism and promoting just global development and security. President Xi Jinping, with keen insight into world trends and the pulse of the times, further pointed out that the joint march of Global South countries towards modernization is a major event in world history and an unprecedented feat in the process of human civilization, but the path to revitalization of the Global South is bound to be not smooth. As the first echelon of the Global South, BRICS countries should demonstrate collective will and be a stabilizing force for maintaining peace, a backbone force for common development, and a promoting force for mutual learning among civilizations. The various cooperation measures announced by President Xi Jinping that China will lead the initiation of, conform to the common aspirations of the Global South for unity, development, and reform, and once again demonstrate that China never engages in "empty talk" but is a real "doer." During the Kazan Summit, President Xi Jinping held bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders and extensively engaged with leaders from various participating parties, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern, reaching many new important consensuses. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. President Xi Jinping once again met with President Putin, continuing the good story of exchanges between the Chinese and Russian heads of state. The two heads of state highly praised China-Russia relations, believing that China and Russia have explored a correct way of getting along that is "non-aligned, non-confrontational, and not targeting a third party." The two sides should uphold the spirit of permanent good neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial win-win cooperation, setting an example for a new type of major-country relations in the new era. The two heads of state agreed to take the opportunity of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War next year to promote a correct view of World War II history and jointly safeguard global strategic stability and international fairness and justice. This time, the international community paid close attention to the bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Modi, which was also their first formal meeting in five years. President Xi Jinping put forward important propositions on the future of China-India relations, emphasizing that China and India should adhere to a correct strategic understanding, jointly pursue a bright path of harmonious coexistence and common development between neighboring major countries, achieve each other's development dreams, and set an example for the unity and self-reliance of developing countries. Prime Minister Modi actively responded and put forward specific ideas and suggestions for improving bilateral relations. The restart of China-India relations from Kazan will not only benefit the 2.8 billion people of China and India but also make due contributions to promoting regional and even world peace and prosperity. It is worth mentioning that in their exchanges with President Xi Jinping, leaders from all parties expressed their firm adherence to the One-China principle and unwavering support for China's legitimate position on issues concerning its core interests. They hoped to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with China, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Leaders from many countries highly appreciated and thanked China for its objective and fair attitude on issues such as Palestine, stating that China is the most sincere and reliable friend and partner, and looking forward to China playing a more important international role. President Xi Jinping interacted warmly and friendly with all parties, demonstrating the personal charisma of a leader of a major party and a major country. China's circle of friends has been further consolidated and expanded. With unwavering resolve amidst changing circumstances, and breaking through waves across the vast ocean, China will unite with BRICS and Global South partners, and work with the international community to continue pursuing dreams on the new journey of development and revitalization, taking on responsibilities in a century of changes, and striving hand in hand for the progress of human civilization.
Xi Jinping Issues Important Instructions on Civil Affairs Work, Emphasizing Inclusive, Foundational, and Safeguard-Oriented Livelihood Construction; Li Qiang Attends 15th National Civil Affairs Conference and Delivers Speech
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, recently issued important instructions on civil affairs work, pointing out that in recent years, civil affairs departments have conscientiously implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, diligently performed their duties, and achieved new progress in various tasks, effectively serving the overall work of the Party and the state. Xi Jinping emphasized that in Chinese modernization, people's livelihood is paramount. In the new era and on the new journey, Party committees and governments at all levels must adhere to a people-centered approach, strengthen leadership over civil affairs work, strengthen inclusive, basic, and bottom-line livelihood construction, solve the most pressing, direct, and realistic problems of the people's interests, and continuously promote the high-quality development of civil affairs undertakings. Civil affairs departments at all levels must adhere to the Party's leadership, strengthen Party building, deepen reform and innovation, improve the policy and institutional system, service and security system, supervision and management system, and social participation system, focusing on promoting the implementation of the national strategy for actively responding to population aging, and striving to improve the level of social assistance, social welfare, social affairs, and social governance work. They should actively and proactively do good deeds, practical things, and solve difficult problems for the people, and make due contributions to comprehensively promoting the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. The 15th National Civil Affairs Conference was held in Beijing from October 25 to 26. Xi Jinping's important instructions were conveyed at the conference. Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, attended the conference and delivered a speech. In his speech, Li Qiang pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions fully affirmed the remarkable achievements made in civil affairs in recent years, and put forward earnest expectations and clear requirements for doing a good job in civil affairs from a strategic and overall height, providing fundamental guidance and injecting strong impetus for us to promote the high-quality development of civil affairs in the new era and on the new journey. We must deeply study and comprehend them, and ensure their implementation. Li Qiang pointed out that civil affairs radiate the brilliance of humanity, embody the conscience of society, uphold the bottom line of morality, and reflect the inheritance of civilization, making it a common cause for the whole society. Promoting the great practice of Chinese modernization requires continuously improving the level of civil affairs work to ensure and develop the vital interests of various groups, including those in need and people with disabilities, forming a vivid situation of pooling wisdom and efforts and striving together to achieve common goals. Li Qiang emphasized that civil affairs work should be done with a deep feeling for the people, truly bringing good and practical things to the hearts of the masses. In policy formulation, policies should be more targeted and effective, starting from the diverse needs of the masses. In policy implementation, there should be an organic combination of policy rigidity and work flexibility. In policy feedback, the policy evaluation and optimization mechanism should be improved. Civil affairs work should be done with a strong sense of political responsibility, being good at thinking, planning, and promoting the development of civil affairs from a political perspective. Civil affairs work should be done with a thorough and meticulous style, actively going down to the grassroots, grasping the work concretely and in depth, enhancing insight to foresee small details and early signs, ensuring that all tasks are implemented, and being good at writing a big article of serving and loving the people by solving small problems in their lives. Civil affairs work should be done with a spirit of reform and innovation, thoroughly implementing the deployments of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, systematically planning and implementing civil affairs reforms, not only solving the immediate worries and anxieties of the masses but also actively planning to improve the system for ensuring and improving people's livelihoods, constantly opening up new prospects for the development of civil affairs. State Councilor Chen Yiqin pointed out in her speech that it is necessary to deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and instructions on civil affairs work, earnestly implement Premier Li Qiang's speech requirements, adhere to the people-centered development philosophy, further improve the social assistance system, improve the old-age care service system, strengthen the management of social organizations and administrative divisions and place names, deepen reforms in areas such as funeral and interment, promote the development of philanthropy, and strive to promote the high-quality development of civil affairs in the new era and on the new journey. The conference commended advanced collectives, model workers, and advanced workers in the national civil affairs system. Responsible comrades from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Shaanxi made exchange speeches. Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting. Responsible comrades from various provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments of the Central and State Organs, relevant people's organizations, and representatives of commended collectives and individuals participated in the meeting.
CCTV Commentary: Strengthen Inclusive, Foundational, and Safeguard-Oriented Livelihood Construction; Proactively Do Good Deeds, Practical Things, and Solve Difficult Problems for the People
Our station today (October 26) broadcast CCTV's quick commentary "Strengthen Inclusive, Basic, and Bottom-line Livelihood Construction, Actively and Proactively Do Good Deeds, Practical Things, and Solve Difficult Problems."
Xi Jinping Congratulates Mozambique's President-Elect Chapa
On October 26, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Daniel Francisco Chapo on his election as President of the Republic of Mozambique. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Mozambique enjoy a traditional friendship. In recent years, political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, with firm mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. I attach great importance to the development of China-Mozambique relations and am willing to work with President-elect Chapo to take the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continuously promote new development in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, better benefiting the two peoples.
10.49 Million New Urban Jobs Created in First Nine Months
The reporter learned from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that in the first three quarters of this year, 10.49 million new urban jobs were created nationwide, and employment for key groups was steadily advanced. As of the end of September, the cumulative balance of the three social insurance funds for endowment, unemployment, and work-related injury reached 8.8 trillion yuan, and the operation of the social security fund was generally stable. The number of national social security card holders has reached 1.386 billion, of which 1.034 billion have received electronic social security cards. The "New Eight-Level Worker" vocational skill grading system has been fully implemented, with over 1,000 special technicians and chief technicians having been evaluated and appointed nationwide in the first three quarters. Next, the state will improve the targeting of vocational skills training and raise the remuneration of skilled personnel.
Effects of "Two New" Policies Accelerate
The latest data shows that as the state allocates 300 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bonds to boost equipment renewal and trade-ins of consumer goods, the policy effects are accelerating. The latest data released by the Ministry of Commerce shows that as of October 24, 13.635 million consumers have purchased 19.843 million units of eight categories of home appliances; local home decoration and kitchen/bathroom "renewal" subsidies have covered approximately 6.3 million items, cumulatively driving sales of 19 billion yuan. In the first three weeks of October, domestic passenger car retail sales increased by 16% year-on-year, and the "two new" policies further stimulated market consumption. From January to September, more than 8,200 new intelligent community waste material recycling facilities were added nationwide; the national recycling volume of scrapped automobiles reached 4.967 million units, exceeding the total volume of last year. The "two new" policies have accelerated green transformation. At the same time, the "two new" policies have driven supply optimization, and related industries continue to expand production and investment. In September, the added value of China's large-scale equipment manufacturing industry increased by 7.3% year-on-year; new energy vehicle production increased by 48.5% year-on-year, the highest growth rate since May last year. From January to September, nationwide manufacturing technological transformation investment increased by 9.5%, 0.3 percentage points higher than the growth rate of total manufacturing investment. The National Development and Reform Commission stated that it is currently accelerating the implementation of a package of incremental policies, and at the same time, it is actively studying and proposing overall arrangements, implementation methods, and support standards for continuing to support the "two new" work next year, injecting new impetus for further boosting consumption, expanding investment, and promoting development.
Shenzhou-19 Manned Mission Launch Site Conducts Full-System Rehearsal
The Shenzhou-19 spacecraft and rocket combination were transported to the launch area on the 22nd of this month and are scheduled to be launched at an opportune time in the coming days. Today (October 26), the launch site organized all units to conduct a full-system joint rehearsal. All positions of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center's measurement and control system participated in this joint rehearsal. Under the unified dispatch of the launch site system, sub-systems such as the tower, rocket, and spacecraft conducted functional checks, simulating the entire process from flight preparation, ignition and liftoff to spacecraft-rocket separation. The three Shenzhou-19 taikonauts simulated performing the flight mission according to the procedures. After entering the spacecraft's re-entry capsule, they began joint inspection and testing of the human, spacecraft, rocket, and ground systems, and completed all key operations during the standby and liftoff phases of the simulated rocket launch. The taikonaut system also carried out preparatory work such as medical examinations for the crew and conducted 1:1 rehearsals for the departure ceremony, in-cabin status settings, and procedures after entering the cabin. Since entering the launch site, the taikonaut system has mainly checked and tested the equipment and supplies used by the taikonauts. Currently, the status of the China Space Station complex and all equipment are normal, and the three Shenzhou-18 taikonauts are in good condition, ready to welcome the arrival of the Shenzhou-19 crew. In the past few days, the landing site system has also successively carried out search and rescue drills to prepare for the return of Shenzhou-18.
On the Fields of Hope: Regions Steadily Advance Autumn Harvest and Planting
Currently, autumn harvest work is nearing completion. Various regions are diligently harvesting autumn grain, ensuring every grain is collected, while also accelerating autumn planting to lay a solid foundation for increasing grain production capacity. Heilongjiang, a major grain-producing province, has completed over 90% of its autumn harvest. The local government is simultaneously pushing for autumn grain harvest and autumn land preparation to enhance the capacity and efficiency of its black soil. In Jilin, autumn grain harvest is nearing its end. This year, Jilin promoted "water and fertilizer integration + dense planting" technology in its drought-prone western regions, leading to a significant increase in average corn yield per mu compared to previous years. In Dingxi, Gansu, potato harvesting is in a critical period. The local government is actively organizing mechanical harvesting and expanding potato sales channels through establishing nearby purchasing points and encouraging enterprise processing, ensuring increased production and income for farmers. In Hunan, late rice harvesting is more than halfway complete. Through expanding standardized farmland and mechanized operations, Hunan's late rice production is expected to increase by about 400 million jin this year compared to last year. In Lianyungang, Xuzhou, and other areas of Jiangsu, agricultural technicians are organizing and guiding farmers to rush harvest and dry rice to ensure every grain is collected. The autumn grain harvest season is also a critical period for winter wheat sowing. In Cangzhou, Hebei, for saline-alkali land, local areas are introducing improved varieties while using large rotary tillers and other agricultural machinery to lay a good foundation for wheat rooting and sprouting. In Henan, about 80% of the 85 million mu of winter wheat has been sown. In Xuchang, the application of new precision planters has greatly improved the efficiency and quality of wheat sowing. Anhui is vigorously promoting large-scale cultivation of high-quality wheat, with the planting area of high-quality special wheat accounting for over 80% of the provincial total.
BRI Countries Actively Participate in This Canton Fair
The second phase of the 136th Canton Fair has entered its fourth day. This Canton Fair has attracted active participation from many Belt and Road Initiative countries. In the import exhibition area, reporters observed that participating enterprises brought exquisite tableware, home decorations, and other exhibits. According to statistics, 476 enterprises from 33 Belt and Road Initiative countries participated in the exhibition, accounting for 65.2% of the total number of exhibiting enterprises in the import exhibition area of this Canton Fair, an increase of 8.7% from the previous session. In addition, intelligent innovation, green and low-carbon home exhibits at the fair also attracted a large number of buyers from Belt and Road Initiative countries for business negotiations.
Domestic News Snippets
The 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum opened today in Yinchuan (October 26). This forum, themed "Promoting Green Development and Building a Shared Homeland," focuses on topics such as green industrial development and regional cooperation, further deepening friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in fields such as economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, and tourism. China's Innovation Index Maintained Steady Growth in 2023. The latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that China's innovation index reached 165.3 in 2023, an increase of 6.0% from 2022, maintaining a steady growth trend. Among them, the innovation environment index increased by 10.4% year-on-year, and the innovation input index increased by 5.5% year-on-year. China's innovation development level has steadily improved, providing strong support for high-quality development. 48,000 Old Urban Communities Started Renovation from January to September This Year. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced that from January to September this year, 48,000 old urban communities nationwide began renovation, accounting for 89% of the annual target. This year, 54,000 old urban communities are planned for renovation nationwide. China's Largest Parity-Priced Offshore Wind Power Project Connected to Grid Today. Today (October 26), China's largest parity-priced offshore wind power project, the Shandong Rushan Offshore Wind Farm, achieved full capacity grid connection and power generation. The project's on-grid electricity price is comparable to traditional coal-fired power prices, with a total installed capacity of 1.5 million kilowatts. After operation, it will generate 4.5 billion kilowatt-hours annually, saving 1.4 million tons of standard coal and reducing exhaust gas emissions by about 4.25 million tons annually. Xinjiang Railway's Coal Transport Volume Exceeds 70 Million Tons This Year. China Railway Urumqi Bureau Group Co., Ltd. announced that as of now, Xinjiang Railway's cumulative coal transport volume from Xinjiang has reached 70.0538 million tons this year, a year-on-year increase of 51.7%, with both volume and growth rate setting new historical highs for the same period. China's First Deep-Sea Multi-Functional Scientific Research and Cultural Relics Archaeological Vessel Completes Sea Trials. Today (October 26), "Discovery No. 3," China's first deep-sea multi-functional scientific research and cultural relics archaeological vessel, completed its sea trials and returned to Guangzhou. The sea trials lasted 8 days and completed 30 types of tests, including speed measurement, maneuverability, and intelligence, with all results meeting standards. "Discovery No. 3" is scheduled to be delivered in early 2025 and will enhance China's capabilities in manned deep-sea diving and deep-sea archaeological operations. People's Daily Launches "High-Quality Development Stories" Integrated Media Column. The "High-Quality Development Stories" integrated media brand column of People's Daily's economic publicity was officially launched yesterday (October 25). Through systematic compilation, authoritative summarization, and storytelling, it vividly presents the successful practices of China's high-quality economic development in the new era under the guidance of new ideas. Large-Scale Cultural Program "China in Intangible Cultural Heritage" Beijing Episode to Air Tonight. The large-scale cultural program "China in Intangible Cultural Heritage" Beijing episode, jointly produced by China Media Group and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will be broadcast tonight (October 26) at 8 p.m. on CCTV-1, China Central Television's comprehensive channel. The program will showcase characteristic intangible cultural heritage projects such as Jingxi Taiping Drum and colored glaze firing techniques, allowing audiences to experience the rich connotations and charm of Beijing as China's cultural center. 2024 International Dragon Boat Federation Dragon Boat World Cup Opens in Miluo, Hunan. The 2024 International Dragon Boat Federation Dragon Boat World Cup opened today (October 26) in Miluo, Hunan. Teams from 10 countries and regions, including China, the United States, and Germany, are participating in the competition, which features five events, including the 12-person dragon boat 400-meter relay race. In today's competition, the Chinese team won the championship in the 100-meter straight race.
Israeli Military Claims Completion of Strikes on Iranian Military Targets; Iran Says Most Israeli Missiles Intercepted
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement today (October 26) saying that Israeli fighter jets struck multiple military targets inside Iran, including missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays. According to Israeli media reports, the IDF used more than 100 military aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets. The report also stated that the operation avoided Iran's nuclear facilities and oil facilities. Iranian air defense forces said today that Israeli forces attacked some military bases in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, with most Israeli missiles being intercepted and some areas suffering "limited damage." The Iranian military said the Israeli attack killed two Iranian soldiers. According to US media reports, the White House was notified shortly before Israel carried out the strikes on Iran. Palestinian side says Israeli forces detained hundreds of people at a hospital; Israeli forces say they arrested hundreds of armed individuals in the Gaza Strip. The local health department said on the 25th that Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on the same day, and hundreds of patients, medical staff, and displaced persons seeking refuge in the hospital were detained by Israeli forces. The Israeli Defense Forces said on the 25th that during recent military operations in and around the hospital, Israeli forces killed hundreds of Palestinian armed individuals and arrested hundreds.
International News Snippets
Russia claimed to have launched cluster strikes against Ukraine, while Ukraine claimed to have thwarted Russian advances. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 25th that over the past week, the Russian army carried out 42 cluster strikes against Ukrainian military industrial and energy facilities, as well as temporary locations for foreign mercenaries. Russian President Putin also said on the same day that Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region had been encircled by Russian troops, and the command system of the encircled Ukrainian forces had collapsed. Ukraine stated on the 25th that Ukrainian forces were taking measures to stop Russian advances in directions such as Kurakhove. Ukraine also denied that Ukrainian forces were encircled in the Kursk region. The Netherlands plans to implement border controls from the end of November. On the 25th, the Dutch government announced a series of immigration and refugee reform measures, including the cancellation of indefinite residence permits for refugees and the implementation of border controls from the end of November. These measures still need to be approved by the Dutch parliament. Last month, Germany implemented border control measures at its land borders, resuming passport checks to restrict illegal immigration. "Tramy" causes over 80 deaths in the Philippines. According to news released by the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council today (October 26), the death toll caused by severe tropical storm "Tramy" in the Philippines has risen to 81, with another 34 missing. Currently, the number of affected people nationwide in the Philippines exceeds 4.2 million. Many towns in the affected area are without water and electricity.