Core Viewpoint - The International Meridian Circle Scientific Program aims to enhance global monitoring and research of space weather, addressing the need for international collaboration in understanding and mitigating space weather disasters [3][9]. Group 1: Importance of International Collaboration - Space weather is a global phenomenon that requires extensive observation across various regions, making international cooperation essential for effective monitoring and research [3]. - The program focuses on the physical processes and changes in space weather, leveraging ground-based detection as a primary method due to its advantages in cost and reliability [3][6]. Group 2: Geographical Significance - The choice of the meridian circle along East Longitude 120° to West Longitude 60° is strategic, as it provides comprehensive land coverage for establishing ground observation facilities, creating a closed monitoring loop [4][5]. Group 3: Scientific Objectives - The program aims to construct a global monitoring chain for the Earth-space system, focusing on understanding the interactions between solar activity and terrestrial phenomena, as well as addressing three major scientific challenges related to space weather [6][7]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Capabilities - The Meridian Project has established a robust ground-based monitoring network, consisting of 31 stations and 282 monitoring devices, which enhances the capability for comprehensive observation of the Earth-space environment [8]. - The project has also developed a competitive research team in space physics and weather, providing a solid foundation for the implementation of the international program [8]. Group 5: Global Engagement - The program has already secured cooperation agreements with 36 international organizations and research institutions, indicating a strong collaborative framework for at least 11 years of research and observation [9].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the launch of the International Meridian Circle Project (IMCP) led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, marking a significant step in international scientific collaboration in space weather research [1][2] - The IMCP will be executed over a minimum of 11 years, aiming to complete research on solar activity cycles and establish a global community for space weather monitoring [1] - The project is based on the Meridian Project Phase II, which has successfully passed national acceptance and established a robust ground-based monitoring network for space weather in China [1] Group 2 - The scientific goals of the IMCP include understanding the Earth space system, clarifying the impacts of solar activity and Earth systems, and uncovering the characteristics and changes of space environments on global and regional scales [2] - To achieve these goals, the IMCP plans to establish an "IMCP International Organization" to coordinate and promote the implementation of the project, focusing on innovative research, collaborative monitoring, data sharing, and deepening cooperation [2]

Group 1 - The emphasis on deepening the implementation of the free trade zone enhancement strategy to explore broader and deeper areas for higher-level free trade zones [1][5] - The steady expansion of institutional openness in various free trade zones this year, promoting innovation across the entire industry chain [1][5] - The role of free trade zones as a demonstration and leading force in economic development [1][5] Group 2 - The opening of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, with participation from 53 African countries and over 3,000 enterprises and organizations [13] - The establishment of a domestic trade credit insurance co-insurance body to enhance domestic trade insurance capacity, providing an initial insurance guarantee of 10 billion yuan [18] Group 3 - The launch of a new batch of reserve rice by the Japanese government to stabilize rice prices, with 120,000 tons released [28][29] - The continuous rise in rice prices in Japan due to extreme heat and poor harvests, with the average price for 5 kilograms of rice around 210 yuan [29]

Core Viewpoint - The international meridian circle scientific program aims to enhance global monitoring and research of space weather, addressing the challenges posed by space weather phenomena that can adversely affect satellites, communication, navigation, and power systems [4][6]. Group 1: Space Weather Overview - Space weather refers to the short-term changes in the solar activity affecting the Earth’s space environment, recognized as the "fourth environment" beyond land, sea, and air [4]. - The adverse effects of space weather are a global phenomenon, presenting a common challenge for humanity [4]. Group 2: Significance of the Meridian Circle - The meridian circle spanning from 120 degrees East to 60 degrees West is unique due to its complete land coverage, allowing for a comprehensive ground-based observation network [5]. - This configuration enables continuous three-dimensional scanning of the space environment, facilitating day-and-night monitoring of space weather [5]. Group 3: Implementation of the International Program - The international meridian circle scientific program is set to last at least 11 years, aiming to create a platform for global scientific collaboration and participation [6]. - The program has already secured cooperation agreements with 36 international organizations and research institutions, establishing a strong foundation for its implementation [6]. - The initiative is expected to significantly advance human understanding of space weather and improve global capabilities in responding to space weather disasters [6].