英语新闻丨机器人半马超越人类选手

Apple said Monday that CEO Tim Cook will become executive chairman of the company's board of directors, while John Ternus, Apple's senior vice-president of hardware engineering, will become the company's next CEO effective Sept 1, 2026.苹果公司周一宣布，首席执行官蒂姆·库克将转任董事会执行主席，硬件工程高级副总裁约翰·特努斯将于2026年9月1日起接任首席执行官一职。The company said the leadership transition was unanimously approved by its board of directors and followed a long-term succession planning process. Cook will remain CEO through the summer and work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth handover, according to Apple.苹果公司表示，此次领导层交接已获董事会一致通过，并遵循了长期继任规划流程。库克将在整个夏季继续担任首席执行官，并与特努斯紧密合作，以确保平稳交接。In a statement released by the company, Cook said it had been "the greatest privilege" of his life to be Apple's CEO, and described Ternus as "without question the right person to lead Apple into the future." Ternus said he was "profoundly grateful" for the opportunity to carry Apple's mission forward.在公司发布的声明中，库克表示，担任苹果公司首席执行官是他一生中“最大的荣幸”，并称特努斯“毫无疑问是带领苹果走向未来的正确人选”。特努斯表示，他对于能够承担起这个延续苹果使命的机会“极为感激”。Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011. Apple said that under his leadership, the company's market capitalization rose from about $350 billion to $4 trillion, while annual revenue increased from $108 billion in fiscal 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal 2025.库克于1998年加入苹果公司，2011年出任首席执行官。苹果公司表示，在他的领导下，公司市值从约3500亿美元上升至4万亿美元，同时年营收从2011财年的1080亿美元增长至2025财年的超过4160亿美元。Ternus joined Apple's product design team in 2001, became vice-president of hardware engineering in 2013, and joined the executive team in 2021 as senior vice-president of hardware engineering, according to the company.据苹果公司介绍，特努斯于2001年加入苹果产品设计团队，2013年出任硬件工程副总裁，并于2021年作为硬件工程高级副总裁加入高管团队。Transition /trænˈzɪʃn/ 过渡，更迭Unanimously /juˈnænɪməsli/ 全体一致地，无异议地Handover /ˈhændəʊvə/ 交接，移交Market capitalization /ˈmɑːkɪtˌkæpɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ 市值

Rising fuel prices, along with competitive pricing and advanced technology, are boosting sales of Chinese electric vehicle brands in Germany, as consumers increasingly weigh cost, features and performance alongside environmental considerations.不断攀升的燃油价格，加之具有竞争力的定价体系和先进技术，正推动中国电动汽车品牌在德国市场的销量增长。德国消费者在考量环保因素的同时，愈发注重车辆的用车成本、功能配置与综合性能。Battery EV registrations reached 70,700 in March, up 66.2 percent year-on-year, while those for plugin hybrid EVs rose 13 percent to 29,900, according to figures released by Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority on April 7.根据德国联邦汽车运输管理局4月7日发布的数据，德国3月纯电动汽车注册量达70,700辆，同比增长66.2%；插电式混合动力汽车注册量增长13%至29,900辆。Chinese automakers also saw increased traction in March, with brands such as BYD and Leapmotor recording roughly threefold year-on-year increases in registrations, while Xpeng more than doubled its figures, reflecting growing acceptance among German consumers.中国车企3月在德表现尤为亮眼，比亚迪、零跑等品牌注册量同比增幅约达三倍，小鹏汽车注册量翻逾一番，折射出德国消费者对中国品牌的接受度持续提升。Rising fuel costs are a key driver. Diesel reached around 2.5 euros ($2.94) per liter on April 7, while E10 gasoline stood at approximately 2.24 euros, according to the General German Automobile Club.燃油成本飙升是主要推手。据德国通用汽车俱乐部数据，4月7日该国柴油价格升至每升约2.5欧元（合2.94美元），E10汽油价格约为每升2.24欧元。The surge follows disruptions to oil transport routes linked to tensions in the Middle East, adding to Europe's already elevated energy costs.中东紧张局势引发的石油运输通道受阻，令欧洲本就高企的能源成本雪上加霜。"Filling my Audi Q5 now costs 125 euros, up from 90 euros before the Middle East conflict," said Andreas Heumann, a Berlin resident considering a plug-in hybrid. "If prices stay high, switching cars becomes an economic decision."柏林居民安德烈亚斯·豪伊曼正考虑换购插电混动车型，他算了一笔账："给奥迪Q5加满油现在要125欧元，中东冲突前才90欧元。如果油价持续高位，换车就成了经济决策。"For many households, higher running costs for petrol and diesel vehicles are prompting changes in purchasing behaviors. Some buyers are delaying vehicle purchases, while others are increasingly shifting to electric alternatives.对众多家庭而言，燃油车使用成本的攀升正改变购车行为。部分消费者暂缓购车计划，更多人则加速转向电动车型。"EVs are becoming central to how consumers manage cost uncertainty," said Zheng Yun, senior partner at Munich-based consultancy Roland Berger. "When fuel prices rise sharply, the total cost of ownership for combustion vehicles increases immediately, making EVs comparatively more attractive."慕尼黑罗兰贝格咨询公司高级合伙人郑赟指出："电动汽车正成为消费者应对成本不确定性的核心方案。当油价急剧上涨时，燃油车全生命周期成本随即攀升，电动汽车的相对吸引力便凸显出来。"The German government has moved to temper the impact. Since April 1, petrol stations have been limited to one price increase per day to reduce volatility, while Germany's economy and energy minister, Katherina Reiche, has proposed lowering household electricity taxes. Analysts, however, caution that such measures may only partially offset the sustained pressure from high fuel prices.德国政府已出手缓冲影响。4月1日起，加油站每日限调价一次以抑制波动，经济与能源部长卡特琳娜·赖歇则提议下调家庭电力税。但分析人士提醒，此类措施或仅能部分抵消高油价带来的持续压力。Thus, EVs are increasingly viewed not just as an environmentally friendly choice, but also as a rational economic decision. Dmitrij Kolesnik, a Berlin-based dealer, said that Chinese EVs are gaining recognition among consumers for their competitive pricing, solid quality and advanced technology.正因如此，电动汽车日益被视为兼具环保价值与经济理性的选择。柏林车商德米特里·科列斯尼克表示，中国电动汽车凭借价格竞争力、扎实品质与先进技术，正获得消费者广泛认可。The change is evident on showroom floors. At a BYD dealership in central Berlin, sales staff said customers who previously took weeks to decide are now making purchases within days.市场冷暖在展厅可见一斑。柏林市中心某比亚迪经销店的销售人员透露，此前需要数周才能拿定主意的客户，如今数日内便会下单。Magrin Tommaso, an Italian hairdresser based in Germany who recently test-drove several models of Chinese EVs, said the combination of lower operating costs and advanced in-car technology made them stand out as "a smart product choice". He ultimately decided to purchase a BYD Atto 3.旅居德国的意大利发型师马格林·托马索近期试驾多款中国电动汽车后坦言，较低的运营成本搭配先进车载技术，令其成为"明智之选"。他最终选购了一辆比亚迪Atto 3。Policy incentives, including subsidies of up to 6,000 euros for new EVs from 2026, are supporting demand, though analysts note financial measures alone are not driving the shift. Consumers are increasingly basing their decisions on running costs, features and long-term value, reflecting a broader shift toward electric mobility in Germany.2026年起德国将为新购电动汽车提供最高6,000欧元补贴等政策激励虽对需求形成支撑，但分析人士指出，经济手段并非驱动转变的唯一要素。消费者决策正愈发聚焦使用成本、功能配置与长期价值，折射出德国社会向电动出行转型的深层趋势。Chinese manufacturers, in particular, are leveraging strengths in battery supply chains, cost control and software integration to expand their presence. Zheng noted that this marks a shift from merely exporting vehicles to establishing brand recognition and long-term market positions in Europe.中国制造商凭借电池供应链优势、成本管控能力与软件集成水平，正在欧洲市场加速拓展版图。郑赟指出，这标志着中国车企已从单纯的产品输出，转向在欧树立品牌认知、谋求长远市场地位的新阶段。plugin hybrid EVs  /ˈplʌɡɪn ˈhaɪbrɪd iːˈviːz/  插电式混合动力汽车  combustion vehicles  /kəmˈbʌstʃən ˈviːəkəlz/  内燃机汽车  temper the impact  /ˈtempər ði ˈɪmpækt/  缓冲影响  offset  /ˈɒfset/  抵消  dealership  /ˈdiːlərʃɪp/  经销商

In 1995, 10-year-old Zhou Qinggui from Hangtou, a village in the city of Linyi, Shandong province, was expected to drop out of school after elementary level due to poverty. A passionate reader who carried books while tending livestock and gathering pigweed, Zhou was heartbroken.1995年，山东临沂杭头村10岁的周庆贵因家境贫寒，小学毕业后便面临辍学。这个放牧、打猪草时都手不释卷的孩子，伤心欲绝。To allow the boy to continue his education, his mother borrowed money, and his elder brother and younger sister both gave up schooling, one after the other.为了让周庆贵继续读书，母亲四处借钱，哥哥和妹妹也先后辍学。In 2021, Zhou and six childhood friends — truck drivers, ride-hailing drivers, decorators, small hardware store owners — raised more than 80,000 yuan ($11,730) and turned Zhou's old, 240-square-meter house into a library where village children could study and read.2021年，周庆贵与六位儿时伙伴——如今是货车司机、网约车司机、装修工、五金店小老板——共同筹资八万余元，将周家240平米的老宅改造成了一座图书馆，供村里孩子们学习阅读。In 2019, Zhou, then a PhD candidate at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, returned to the village — which has a population of 8,000 to 10,000, including many children whose parents work elsewhere — for thesis work.2019年，当时还是上海交通大学博士研究生的周庆贵，为撰写论文回到这个拥有八九千人口、留守儿童众多的村庄。Walking around, he found that despite economic gains, with factories replacing wheat fields, there was a lack of quiet reading spaces. While many families were better off than before, the absence of a reading culture had led to excessive time spent on entertainment, and without college graduate role models, children hesitated to dream big.走访中他发现，尽管麦田变工厂，经济条件改善了，但村里缺少安静的阅读空间。许多家庭虽比以前富裕，阅读氛围的缺失却让孩子们把大量时间花在娱乐上；加之缺乏大学生榜样，孩子们不敢怀揣远大梦想。"To improve the cultural climate, education is key, and building a library could be a concrete step forward," Zhou wrote in his WeChat public account."要改善文化风气，教育是关键，而建一座图书馆是实实在在能迈出的一步。"周庆贵在个人微信公众号中写道。"It should be a cultural space that can provide a wider spiritual world for children to elevate their confidence and broaden their vision, rather than a space for kids to finish their homework," Zhou said."它应该是一个文化空间，能为孩子们提供更广阔的精神世界，提升他们的自信心，开阔他们的眼界，而不仅仅是写作业的地方。"周庆贵说。He named the library Siyuan — which means "remember the source" in Chinese — after his alma mater's motto: "Drink water and remember the source; love your country and honor your school."他将图书馆命名为"思源"，取自母校上海交大"饮水思源，爱国荣校"的校训。His 70-year-old father manages the library as a volunteer. Retired teachers from nearby schools also help, organizing books, creating reading lists and guiding children.他70岁的父亲义务管理着图书馆。附近学校的退休教师也来帮忙，整理图书、制定阅读书单、给孩子们以指导。Over five years, the library has collected more than 20,000 volumes, from children's picture books to classics.五年间，思源图书馆的藏书从儿童绘本到经典名著，已超过两万册。Now the Siyuan Library serves as a study and reading space for over 30 people, and its visitor register has recorded more than 1,000 names. To attract more children, Zhou, now a teacher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, gives remote lessons on a regular basis. During winter and summer breaks, he returns to the village to discuss daily studies, college entrance exam goals and career planning. He also invites the university's alumni to give talks, and organizes exchange activities with key city middle schools.如今，思源图书馆可供30余人同时学习阅读，来访登记簿上已记录了一千多个名字。为了吸引更多孩子，已是上海交大教师的周庆贵定期远程授课。寒暑假时，他便回到村里，和孩子们探讨日常学业、高考目标及职业规划。他还邀请大学校友前来讲座，并组织与城市重点中学的交流活动。Gradually, Zhou has seen the library grow into a cherished learning space. In the beginning, bad habits such as littering were common. But he stressed that the library was meant to teach not only knowledge, but also moral values. Now, students tidy up before they leave.渐渐地，周庆贵看着图书馆成长为一方备受珍视的学习天地。起初，乱扔垃圾等不良习惯很常见，但他强调，图书馆不仅要传授知识，也要涵养品德。现在，学生们离开前都会主动收拾整洁。Furthermore, while village children pick up good study habits and confidence, their parents have also embraced a new habit — reading together with their children.不仅如此，村里的孩子们在养成良好学习习惯和树立自信的同时，家长们也养成新习惯——与孩子一起阅读。Zhou took great pride when 14 village students entered universities in 2024. In 2025, that number rose to 34, making him even happier.2024年，村里有14名学生考上大学，这让周庆贵倍感自豪。到了2025年，这个数字增至34人，更令他欣喜不已。He plans to open two or three more branches in other villages, using the same principles — the libraries should genuinely help a large number of people, and access should always be free.他计划在其他村子再开办两到三个分馆，遵循同样的原则——图书馆要实实在在惠及更多人，且永远免费开放。"I hope to use a platform like the Siyuan Library to leverage the power of the humanities to help drive economic and social progress," he said."我希望借助思源图书馆这样的平台，发挥人文的力量，助力推动经济和社会进步。"他说。Zhou's efforts are part of a broader national movement to promote reading and cultivate a book-loving society in China.周庆贵的努力是中国推动全民阅读、建设书香社会这一广泛国家行动的一部分。In a letter to the First National Conference on Reading in April 2022, President Xi Jinping said: "Reading is an important avenue for humans to acquire knowledge, expand wisdom and cultivate virtues. It enlightens us and helps us aim high and stand upright. … I hope that all our children will have a habit of reading, enjoy reading and grow up in a healthy way. I wish all of our people are engaged in reading and contribute to an atmosphere where everyone loves reading, has good books to read and knows how to gain from reading."2022年4月，习近平主席在致首届全民阅读大会的贺信中指出："阅读是人类获取知识、启智增慧、培养道德的重要途径，可以让人得到思想启发，树立崇高理想，涵养浩然之气。……希望孩子们养成阅读习惯，快乐阅读，健康成长；希望全社会都参与到阅读中来，形成爱读书、读好书、善读书的浓厚氛围。"For decades, China has been trying to provide an environment conducive to reading, including the promotion of reading among all people in the annual government work report for 13 consecutive years.数十年来，中国一直致力于营造有利于阅读的环境，已连续13年将"全民阅读"写入政府工作报告。And so, thanks to years of effort, a book-loving society is taking shape. Between 2012 and 2024, the overall reading rate among adult citizens in China rose steadily, from 76.3 percent to 82.1 percent, according to Xinhua News Agency.经年努力，书香社会渐成风气。据新华社报道，2012年至2024年间，我国成年国民综合阅读率从76.3%稳步提升至82.1%。During the 2025 two sessions, the annual gatherings of the nation's top legislative and political advisory bodies, Xi pointed out that the "aroma of books" represents a desirable cultural atmosphere, and he called for fostering a book-loving society in which people read widely, choose good books and draw wisdom and nourishment from them.在2025年全国两会期间，习近平指出，"书香"是一种令人向往的文化氛围，要倡导人们广泛阅读、选择好书，从中汲取智慧和营养，推动书香社会建设。On Feb 1, a State Council regulation to promote reading among the public took effect. The regulation establishes the fourth week of April each year as "National Reading Week", with the first such week running from Monday to April 26 this year.今年2月1日，国务院颁布的《全民阅读促进条例》正式施行。条例明确，每年4月第四周为"全民阅读活动周"。首个全民阅读周于今年4月20日至26日举行。In Beijing, the 2026 Spring Book Fair — the city's first large-scale cultural gathering centered around physical bookstores — kicked off on Saturday and will run through May 17. With over 2,000 bookstores participating in four major venues — Chaoyang Park, Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park, Shougang Industrial Heritage Park and the Old Summer Palace — the fair offers readers an engaging and interactive cultural environment.在北京，2026年春季书市于上周六（4月18日）拉开帷幕，将持续至5月17日。这是北京今年首个以实体书店为核心的大型文化盛会。全市超过2000家书店在朝阳公园、南苑森林湿地公园、首钢工业遗址公园、圆明园四大主会场亮相，为读者营造出沉浸互动式的文化氛围。In addition, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, is hosting this year's National Conference on Reading from Monday to Wednesday, featuring a series of events such as book fairs and exhibitions.此外，今年的全民阅读大会于4月20日至22日在江西南昌举办，配套举行书展、展览等系列活动。Speaking at a symposium at China University of Political Science and Law on May 3, 2017, President Xi called for young people to cherish their time, be diligent in their studies and settle down to read more classics.2017年5月3日，习近平在中国政法大学考察时勉励青年，要珍惜时光，勤奋学习，静下心来多读经典。Dan Hansong, a professor of English language and literature at Nanjing University, said that teachers should create an environment in which genuine reading is valued, rather than overwhelming them with excessive assignments.南京大学英语语言文学教授但汉松认为，教师应创造重视真正阅读的环境，而不是让学生被过重的课业负担压垮。Because he finds it difficult to ensure independent work when assigning take-home final papers, he focuses instead on the reading process itself and encourages students to share personal reactions to texts.他坦言，布置期末论文带回家写，很难保证学生独立完成，因此他更侧重于阅读过程本身，鼓励学生分享个人的阅读感悟。As public libraries play a crucial role in the building of a book-loving society, China now has over 3,200 public libraries at the county level and above, along with nearly 68,000 library branches and service points.公共图书馆在建设书香社会中扮演关键角色。目前，中国共有县以上公共图书馆超过3200个，图书馆分馆及服务点近6.8万个。In a reply letter to experts from the National Library of China on Sept 8, 2019, Xi said that libraries are an important symbol of a country's cultural development and an important place to nourish the people's spiritual world and cultivate cultural confidence.2019年9月8日，习近平在给国家图书馆老专家的回信中指出，图书馆是国家文化发展水平的重要标志，是滋养民族心灵、培育文化自信的重要场所。ride-hailing driver /raɪd ˈheɪlɪŋ ˈdraɪvər/网约车司机better off /ˈbetər ɒf/更富裕的；境况更好的alma mater /ˌælmə ˈmɑːtər/母校alumnus /əˈlʌmnəs/校友；毕业生（男性）embrace /ɪmˈbreɪs/拥抱；欣然接受cultivate a book-loving society /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ə bʊk ˈlʌvɪŋ səˈsaɪəti/建设书香社会enlighten /ɪnˈlaɪtən/启迪；启发conducive to /kənˈdjuːsɪv tuː/有助于……的；有益于……的two sessions /tuː ˈseʃənz/两会diligent /ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/勤奋的；勤勉的

Humanoid robots broke a half-marathon record held by a human runner during a sports event in Beijing on Sunday, highlighting the unpredictable potential of their capabilities.4月19日，在北京举行的一场体育赛事中，人形机器人打破了人类选手保持的半程马拉松纪录，凸显出其能力发展的巨大潜力。"Flash", a robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, won the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon, taking 50 minutes and 26 seconds to finish the 21-kilometer race on Sunday morning.由中国智能手机制造商荣耀研发的机器人"闪电"，在周日上午举行的2026北京亦庄半程马拉松暨人形机器人半程马拉松赛中夺冠，以50分26秒的成绩跑完21公里赛程。The previous human record was 57 minutes and 20 seconds, which was set by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo in March in Lisbon, Portugal.此前的人类纪录为57分20秒，由乌干达选手雅各布·基普利莫今年3月在葡萄牙里斯本创造。The performance was a significant step forward from last year's inaugural race, during which the winning robot finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds, and, among the nearly 20 participating teams, only six robots completed the race.与去年首届赛事相比，此次成绩实现了重大飞跃。去年夺冠机器人完赛用时2小时40分42秒，且近20支参赛队伍中仅有6台机器人跑完全程。This year, more than 100 teams took to the track. The range of participating teams expanded from five provinces last year to 13 provinces this year, and the event also attracted five international teams, with a new record set for the race completion rate.今年，超过100支队伍踏上赛道。参赛队伍覆盖省份从去年的5个扩大至今年的13个，赛事还吸引了5支国际队伍参赛，完赛率创下新高。The top three finishers, including the champion, runner-up and second runner-up, were all humanoid robots produced by Honor, a newcomer to the field, which has transitioned from manufacturing mobile phones "in just one year", Du Xiaodi, the company's engineer and coach of the champion robot, said after the event.冠、亚、季军全部由荣耀公司生产的人形机器人包揽。作为该领域的新入局者，荣耀从手机制造跨界转型"仅用了一年时间"，该公司工程师兼冠军机器人教练杜晓迪在赛后表示。The company has not yet ventured into product sales and is still addressing challenges in the research and development of independent electric motors, he added.他补充说，公司尚未涉足产品销售，目前仍在攻克自主研发电机方面的难题。Other competitors in the event included branded robots from companies such as Unitree and Noetix.其他参赛选手包括宇树科技、Noetix（松延动力）等企业的品牌机器人。One of the most amusing scenes of last year's event was human engineers running after robots while holding their computers.去年赛事最引人发笑的场景之一，是人类工程师抱着电脑跟在机器人后面奔跑。But this year, more than 40 percent of the teams competed autonomously, with their robots relying entirely on sensors, cameras and other devices to perceive their surroundings in real time, and independently completing a series of complex tasks such as localization, mapping, path planning and dynamic obstacle avoidance.但今年，超过40%的队伍实现了自主竞赛，机器人完全依靠传感器、摄像头等设备实时感知周围环境，自主完成定位建图、路径规划和动态避障等一系列复杂任务。Notably, the track this year was more challenging than last year's, with additional curves, slopes and uphill and downhill sections added to put the robots' adaptive capabilities to a tougher test.值得注意的是，今年赛道难度较去年更大，新增了弯道、坡道以及上下坡路段，对机器人的环境适应能力提出了更严苛的考验。The top three robots all autonomously navigated through scenic areas, including a milu deer park and a tree-lined avenue in E-Town, which is also known as Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.获得前三名的机器人均自主穿越了亦庄（即北京经济技术开发区）的麋鹿苑和林荫大道等景观区域。Jiang Guangzhi, Party secretary and director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, said: "Beijing is positioning humanoid robots as an innovation and economic pillar, following in the footsteps of smartphones and smart connected vehicles, and as a future industry with strategic significance.北京市经济和信息化局党组书记、局长姜广智表示："北京正将人形机器人定位为继智能手机、智能网联汽车之后的又一创新经济支柱，以及具有战略意义的未来产业。""We are creating various scenarios for the new economic engine in different areas of the city," he added."我们正在城市不同区域为这一新经济引擎创造多样化的应用场景。"Beijing has established robot training grounds and data collection centers exceeding 18,000 square meters in areas such as E-Town, as well as in Haidian and Shijingshan districts.他补充说，北京已在亦庄、海淀、石景山等地建成超过1.8万平方米的机器人训练场和数据采集中心。These facilities collect hundreds of thousands of hours of high-quality data annually, effectively supporting innovation and technological iteration for numerous startups and leading enterprises.这些设施每年可采集数十万小时的高质量数据，有力支撑了众多初创企业和龙头企业的创新与技术迭代。An action plan for embodied intelligent technology innovation and industry cultivation indicates that by 2027, Beijing aims to achieve a domestically integrated upstream and downstream industry chain for embodied intelligence, achieve breakthroughs in over 100 key technologies, and cultivate an industry cluster worth hundreds of billions of yuan.根据一项关于具身智能技术创新与产业培育的行动计划，到2027年，北京力争实现具身智能上下游产业链国内自主配套，突破百余项关键技术，培育千亿级产业集群。Statistics show that in 2025, global shipments of humanoid robots reached about 17,000 units, with Chinese companies contributing 14,000 units, accounting for over 80 percent of the total. Following the half-marathon, the second world-level robot games are scheduled to open in August this year in Beijing.统计数据显示，2025年全球人形机器人出货量约为1.7万台，其中中国企业贡献1.4万台，占比超过八成。据悉，继本次半程马拉松之后，第二届世界级机器人运动会计划于今年8月在北京开幕。inaugural race /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl reɪs/首届赛事  humanoid robot /ˈhjuːmənɔɪd ˈroʊbɑːt/人形机器人  electric motor /ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈmoʊtər/电机  strategic significance /strəˈtiːdʒɪk sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/战略意义  technological iteration /ˌtɛknəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ˌɪtəˈreɪʃən/技术迭代  embodied intelligence /ɪmˈbɑːdid ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/具身智能

The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since Saturday evening and will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the waterway.伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队海军宣布，霍尔木兹海峡自上周六晚间起已被封锁，在美国解除对该水道的海上封锁前不会恢复通行。In a statement carried by its official news outlet Sepah News, the IGRC said that the move came after the United States violated its commitments under the two-week ceasefire, which took effect on April 8, and failed to end its naval blockade against Iranian vessels and ports.据革命卫队官方通讯社赛帕新闻发布的声明称，此举系因美方违反4月8日生效的为期两周停火协议，未能终止针对伊朗船只及港口的海上封锁行动。The IRGC Navy called on all vessels and their owners to follow official updates via its channel and VHF Channel 16, the international maritime distress, safety, and calling frequency. The statements by US President Donald Trump hold no credibility in the strait and the Gulf, it added.革命卫队海军呼吁所有船只及船东通过其指定频道及国际海事遇险安全呼叫频率VHF 16频道获取官方通报，并强调美国总统特朗普的相关声明在该海峡及海湾地区不具备任何效力。The IRGC warned that no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, and any approach to the strait would be deemed "cooperation with the enemy" and targeted accordingly.革命卫队警告称，任何船只需保持在波斯湾或阿曼湾锚地停泊，擅自接近海峡将被视为"与敌合作"并遭受针对性打击。Iran had tightened control over the strait since Feb 28, when it barred passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after the two countries' joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States later imposed its own blockade on the waterway after peace negotiations with Iran in Pakistan's Islamabad collapsed.自2月28日美以联合打击伊朗领土后，伊朗已加强海峡管控，禁止隶属或关联以色列及美国的船只通行。此后美伊在巴基斯坦伊斯兰堡举行的和平谈判破裂，美方随即对该水道实施反向封锁。On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the strait would remain "completely open" to commercial shipping during the current truce with the United States, in line with the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.伊朗外长阿巴斯·阿拉格齐上周五曾表示，依据黎巴嫩停火协议精神，现行对美停火期间霍尔木兹海峡将对商船"完全开放"。However, Trump said Friday the US naval blockade would "remain in full force," noting that the United States would not lift it until the country makes a deal with Iran. He then said Saturday that Iran cannot "blackmail" the United States with the strait.但特朗普同日宣称美军封锁将"持续有效"，强调除非美伊达成协议否则不会解除封锁，并于次日指责伊朗不得利用海峡"讹诈"美国。frequency /ˈfriːkwənsi/频率credibility /ˌkredəˈbɪləti/可信度anchorage /ˈæŋkərɪdʒ/锚地blackmail /ˈblækmeɪl/勒索

China's economic growth accelerated to 5 percent in the first quarter of 2026 despite mounting external uncertainties, underscoring that the resilience of the world's second-largest economy is underpinned by its vast domestic market, officials and experts said on Thursday.Domestic demand contributed more than four-fifths of GDP growth, they said, with investment returning to positive growth and inflation picking up — a trend expected to anchor steady economic expansion in the coming months.However, analysts cautioned that the recovery in domestic demand may not yet be on firm footing, given the slowdown in household income growth and continued pressures from elevated international energy costs, highlighting the need for ramping up targeted policy support.China's GDP came in at 33.42 trillion yuan ($4.9 trillion) in the first quarter, growing 5 percent year-on-year in real terms and 0.5 percentage point faster than the fourth quarter of 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday."The Chinese economy got off to a good start, with main macroeconomic indicators improving and new growth drivers expanding rapidly," said Mao Shengyong, deputy head of the NBS, adding that the economy is well-positioned to maintain steady growth in the coming period.Beating market expectations, first-quarter growth was supported by improving domestic demand and resilient export growth. Retail sales, a key gauge of consumption, grew 2.4 percent year-on-year, up 0.7 percentage point from the previous quarter, the NBS said.Fixed-asset investment rose 1.7 percent year-on-year during the first quarter, reversing a 3.8 percent decline in 2025, as infrastructure spending strengthened and manufacturing investment accelerated, while the contraction in property development investment narrowed.In total, consumption and investment accounted for 84.7 percent of first-quarter GDP growth, up nearly 30 percentage points year-on-year, the bureau said, pointing to a continued shift toward a growth model driven by domestic demand.Technological and industrial innovation also provided strong support. High-tech manufacturing contributed 32.6 percent of overall industrial output growth, which is up 6.1 percent year-on-year, 1.1 percentage points faster than in the fourth quarter of 2025.Inflation has picked up as demand strengthened. Figures calculated by Japanese investment bank Nomura show that China's GDP deflator — a broad measure of price levels — improved from — 0.6 percent in the previous quarter to — 0.1 percent in the first quarter, the highest in three years."China's reflation has transitioned from hope or expectation to reality," said Xiong Yi, Deutsche Bank's chief economist for China.This trend could improve Chinese corporates' revenue and profitability and further support the recovery of investment and household income, Xiong said, with the bank upgrading the forecast for China's 2026 real GDP growth to 4.9 percent.Solid economic performance has provided support for China's stock market, with the ChiNext Index surging 3.17 percent to close at 3,626.27 points on Thursday, an 11-year high.Junjie Watkins, equity partner at Pictet Group, a Swiss financial services company, said the Chinese market offers "a degree of certainty in an otherwise uncertain environment", underpinned by its long-term development planning, improving earnings revisions and attractive valuations.Improving sentiment is also reflected in foreign direct investment trends. A report released by US consulting firm Kearney showed that China climbed two places to rank fourth globally in the firm's 2026 FDI Confidence Index, with China's leadership in artificial intelligence and its vast domestic market as key sources of appeal.Given that the first-quarter growth has laid the foundation for achieving China's annual GDP target of 4.5 to 5 percent, analysts said the likelihood of launching significant easing measures such as interest rate cuts is low in the near term, especially as rising international oil prices continue to feed through into the domestic market.However, targeted support measures may still be needed. "The external environment is becoming more complex and volatile, while the domestic imbalance between strong supply and weak demand is still acute," said Mao from the NBS, calling for more proactive and effective macro policies in the next phase.Tao Chuan, chief economist at Guolian Minsheng Securities, said that policymakers should guard against potential pressures on consumption, as the tapering of consumer goods trade-in subsidies, combined with higher energy prices, may weigh on consumption growth.Retail sales rose 1.7 percent year-on-year in March, down from 2.8 percent in the January-February period, the NBS said, while per capita disposable income grew 4 percent year-on-year in real terms during the first quarter, down by 1 percentage point from 2025.

This episode explores the creative and evolving ways people are integrating reading into their daily lives. Against the backdrop of new public reading regulations, the hosts discuss how the act of reading is moving beyond the traditional quiet study—breaking free from physical scenes and the reliance on eyes alone. Through personal anecdotes and observations, they examine how commuters, busy workers, and curious minds are embracing audiobooks, cooking their way through classic novels, and even stepping into stories via virtual reality. The conversation highlights a joyful rebellion against algorithmic recommendations through book blind boxes and ultimately reframes reading not as a heavy, formal task, but as a softer, more accessible activity woven into the fabric of everyday life.

The Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway's Xiong'an-Shangqiu section in Hebei province entered the commissioning and testing phase on Wednesday, marking a key step in the country's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network, according to China Railway Beijing Group.京港高铁雄安至商丘段河北境内线路昨日正式进入联调联试阶段，标志着国家"八纵八横"高铁网建设取得重要进展。The 552-kilometer section, designed for speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, connects Xiong'an New Area in Hebei with Shangqiu in neighboring Henan province. It is an important part of the Beijing-Hong Kong corridor and will enhance the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei rail network while supporting the development of Xiong'an New Area, authorities said.据中国铁路北京局集团消息，该段线路全长552公里，设计时速350公里，连接河北雄安新区与河南商丘，是京港高铁通道的重要组成部分，建成后将进一步完善京津冀轨道交通网络，有力支撑雄安新区建设发展。Construction of the Hebei section started in September 2022.河北段工程于2022年9月开工建设。An inspection train departed from Xiong'an Railway Station at 2 pm on Wednesday, starting the 80-day testing period.昨日下午2时，检测列车从雄安站驶出，开启为期80天的联调联试工作。During this phase, specialized trains and equipment will evaluate power supply, communication, signaling, disaster monitoring, track, and bridge structures, according to the group.测试期间，专业检测列车及设备将对供电、通信、信号、灾害监测、轨道、桥梁结构等系统进行全面评估验证。commissioning /kəˈmɪʃənɪŋ/联调联试；试运行corridor /ˈkɔːrɪdɔːr/走廊；通道inspection /ɪnˈspekʃən/检测；检查

Lululemon Athletica Inc said products currently sold in China do not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), amid rising consumer concern following a Texas investigation into the potential presence of toxic chemicals in its apparel.运动服饰品牌露露乐蒙（Lululemon Athletica Inc）近日表示，目前在中国市场销售的产品均不含全氟和多氟烷基物质（PFAS）。此前美国得克萨斯州对其服装产品可能含有毒化学物质展开调查，引发消费者广泛关注。Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the company, issuing a Civil Investigative Demand to Lululemon's US unit to examine whether it misled consumers about product safety, quality, and potential health effects, according to a statement released April 13.得克萨斯州总检察长肯·帕克斯顿4月13日发布声明称，已对露露乐蒙启动调查程序，并向该公司美国分部发出民事调查令，重点核查其在产品安全、质量及潜在健康影响方面是否存在误导消费者的行为。In response to inquiries, Lululemon China said it "always places the health and safety of its guests as a top priority," adding that all products currently sold in the country are free of PFAS and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.面对媒体质询，露露乐蒙中国方面回应称，公司"始终将顾客健康安全置于首位"，强调目前在中国境内销售的所有产品均未添加PFAS成分，且完全符合现行法律法规及行业标准。The investigation comes as consumer scrutiny intensifies over chemicals used in synthetic fabrics. PFAS, sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals", have been linked in some studies to endocrine disruption, infertility, and certain cancers — raising broader concerns about their use in performance apparel.此次调查正值公众对合成面料化学添加剂问题日益警觉之际。PFAS因其难以降解的特性被称为"永久性化学物质"，部分研究显示这类物质可能与内分泌紊乱、不孕不育及特定癌症存在关联，其在功能性服装领域的应用正引发行业性担忧。Lululemon, which generated more than $11 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025, has positioned itself as a wellness-focused lifestyle brand emphasizing sustainability and high-performance materials.作为2025财年营收突破110亿美元的行业巨头，露露乐蒙一直着力塑造以健康生活为核心、强调可持续发展与高性能面料的品牌形象。The probe has also drawn attention from consumers. Wendy Chen, a Beijing-based customer, said she was "concerned and shocked".调查消息已引起消费者群体反应。北京顾客陈女士表示感到"震惊与不安"。"I own several pairs of their leggings and jackets, and just recently bought more because I trust the brand's wellness image," she said. "I hope the investigation brings clarity soon."她坦言："我买了他们家好几条运动裤和夹克，最近还因信任其健康理念新入手了产品，真心希望调查结果能尽快水落石出。"polyfluoroalkyl substances /ˌpɑliˌflʊəroʊˈælkəl ˈsʌbstənsɪz/全氟和多氟烷基物质toxic chemicals /ˈtɑksɪk ˈkɛmɪkəlz/有毒化学物质synthetic fabrics /sɪnˈθɛtɪk ˈfæbrɪks/合成面料endocrine disruption /ˈɛndəkrɪn dɪsˈrʌpʃən/内分泌紊乱infertility /ˌɪnfərˈtɪləti/不孕不育high-performance /ˌhaɪ pərˈfɔrməns/高性能

ShanghaiRanking, a higher education consultancy, released the 2026 Best Chinese Universities list on Tuesday. Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University secured the top three positions in the comprehensive universities category.高等教育咨询机构软科于4月14日发布了"2026软科中国大学排名"。在综合性大学排名中，清华大学、北京大学和浙江大学位列前三。This annual ranking, initiated in 2015, evaluates over 1,000 institutions that offer undergraduate courses across China. The institutions are assessed across categories, including comprehensive universities, eight specialized universities, and four private universities.该项年度排名始于2015年，评估范围覆盖全国1000余所开设本科教育的高校，涵盖综合性大学、8类单科性大学及4类非公办大学。The main list for comprehensive universities features 590 institutions. Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University have retained the top three spots for the 12th consecutive year, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University are tied for fifth place.综合性大学主榜共有590所院校上榜。清华大学、北京大学和浙江大学已连续12年蝉联前三甲，上海交通大学与复旦大学则并列第五。Notably, 91 of the top 100 universities are classified as "Double First-Class" universities. Taiyuan University of Technology is a new addition to this group, having climbed six places from last year to 97th this year.值得关注的是，排名前100的高校中有91所为"双一流"建设高校。太原理工大学较去年提升6个位次，位列第97名，首次跻身百强。The ranking uses a detailed evaluation system with 10 modules, 35 dimensions, 104 indicators, and 398 variables.该排名采用精细化评价体系，包含10个评价模块、35个评价维度、104项评价指标及398个评价变量。"The ranking aims to reflect the core mission of Chinese universities today and meet the external expectations of their value. The two most important features of our ranking system are its emphasis on talent cultivation and focus on serving the nation," said Cheng Ying, founder of ShanghaiRanking.软科创始人程莹表示："软科中国大学排名的导向是反映当前中国高校的核心使命,回应外部群体对大学的价值期待,重视人才培养、强调服务国家是软科排名指标体系的两个最重要特点。"To better meet the higher education evaluation expectations, ShanghaiRanking has refined the indicators used in this year's ranking.为更好满足高等教育评价需求，今年排名在指标体系上进一步优化完善。This includes adding the newly introduced agricultural discipline certification to the national and certified program statistics. The research platform indicators have also been expanded to include various national and ministerial research platforms, such as the National Belt and Road Joint Laboratories, Ministry of Education regional and country research bases, and key laboratories from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.包括将首次公布的农学门类专业认证纳入国家级与认证专业的统计范围；扩充科研平台的指标内涵，增加国家“一带一路”联合实验室、教育部区域和国别研究培育基地、自然资源部重点实验室、交通运输行业重点实验室、文化和旅游部重点实验室、住房城乡建设部重点实验室等一批国家和部委科研平台。Other top universities in different specialized categories include Peking Union Medical College, which has maintained its top position among medical universities, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, which claims the top spot in Chinese medicine universities, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, which is ranked first among finance universities, Beijing Foreign Studies University, which leads the language university rankings, and China University of Political Science and Law, which secured the top position in the political science and law category.在单科性大学排名中，北京协和医学院蝉联医药类大学榜首，北京中医药大学位居中医药类大学首位，上海财经大学领跑财经类大学榜单，北京外国语大学摘得语言类大学桂冠，中国政法大学则稳居政法类大学第一。consecutive /kənˈsekjətɪv/连续的"Double First-Class" universities /ˈdʌbl fɜːrst klæs ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsətiz/ "双一流"建设高校talent cultivation /ˈtælənt ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/人才培养ministerial research platforms /ˌmɪnɪˈstɪəriəl rɪˈsɜːrtʃ ˈplætfɔːrmz/ 部委科研平台claim the top spot /kleɪm ðə tɑːp spɑːt/占据榜首