The 74th Miss Universe pageant, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21, has been rocked by controversy just days before the event. Two prominent judges have resigned, with one accusing organizers of rigging the selection process. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, a member of the eight-judge panel, announced his resignation on Instagram, alleging that an ‘impromptu jury’ had pre-selected finalists without the involvement of the official judges. Hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing ‘unforeseen personal reasons.’ Harfouch claimed that the unofficial jury included individuals with potential conflicts of interest due to personal relationships with contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation denied the allegations, stating that no external group was authorized to evaluate delegates. They suggested Harfouch may have confused the process with the Beyond the Crown programme, a separate social impact initiative. The controversy follows an earlier incident where contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event after the Thailand director berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for not promoting the event on social media. The Miss Universe Organisation has since sent a delegation to oversee the competition.
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Energy cooperation with China to boost Africa’s green transition
As South Africa prepares to host the first-ever G20 summit on African soil, the spotlight is on the transformative potential of China-Africa energy cooperation in driving a just and inclusive green transition. Experts emphasize that this partnership could redefine Africa’s role in the global climate and industrial transformation, moving the continent from the periphery to the center of sustainable development.
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Japan’s largest urban fire in decades rips through 170 buildings
A devastating urban fire, described as the largest in Japan in decades, has ravaged the city of Oita on the island of Kyushu. The inferno consumed approximately 170 buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Local media reports confirm that one individual lost their life in the catastrophic blaze. The fire, which broke out unexpectedly, quickly spread due to strong winds and densely packed structures, overwhelming emergency response teams. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, while rescue operations continue to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of affected residents. This tragic event has drawn national attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban areas to such disasters and prompting discussions on improving fire prevention and response strategies.
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Fitness center targets seniors with chronic conditions
In response to China’s rapidly aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, a community fitness center in Tianjin’s Hedong district is leading the charge in senior health management. Launched in August 2025, the Fuminlu Community Health Service Center has introduced tailored exercise programs designed to address chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. With over 1,000 participants already enrolled, the center combines medical expertise with fitness training to offer a holistic approach to health.
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Chinese envoy: Japan ‘totally unqualified’ to seek permanent seat on UN Security Council
China has strongly condemned Japan’s aspirations to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, labeling the nation as ‘totally unqualified’ for such a role. The remarks were made by Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, during the annual debate on Security Council reform at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. Fu’s criticism stems from recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who described a potential Taiwan contingency as a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, hinting at possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait under the guise of collective self-defense. Fu argued that Takaichi’s statements were ‘extremely erroneous and dangerous,’ constituting a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of the one-China principle and the spirit of key bilateral agreements. He further emphasized that such actions undermine international justice, disrupt the post-war international order, and contradict Japan’s commitment to peaceful development. Fu concluded that Japan’s behavior disqualifies it from seeking a permanent seat on the Security Council, a position that carries significant global influence and responsibility.
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Shanghai offers a blueprint for waterfront renewal
Shanghai has emerged as a global leader in waterfront renewal and urban innovation, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and cultural exchange. The Jing’an central business district, encompassing the Suhewan and West Nanjing Road functional areas, recently joined the Global Business Districts Innovation Club. This prestigious alliance connects Shanghai with elite business districts across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Africa, fostering collaboration to enhance waterfront spaces and urban functionality. The announcement was made during the launch of the second season of the ‘Our Water’ event in Shanghai, which emphasized intercultural dialogue among world cities. The event, hosted by the Shanghai United Media Group and the Shanghai International Culture Association, introduced a global initiative to collect innovative waterfront case studies. This project aims to promote ecological resilience, climate response, and the integration of cultural and economic development, ensuring waterfronts become accessible and sustainable urban assets. Over 200 international and domestic guests attended the event, engaging in discussions on sustainable design, urban renewal, and the role of waterfronts in global cultural exchange. Ruan Cunfan, director of the Lonsen Group, highlighted how Suhewan’s development drew inspiration from global cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London, emphasizing a people-centric approach. Jing’an district, known for its openness and professional services, continues to strengthen its position in the global urban network, with high-caliber institutions like Roland Berger and Morgan McKinley establishing a presence in Suhewan. This initiative underscores Shanghai’s role as a blueprint for waterfront renewal and urban innovation on the global stage.
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The evolution of relic preservation
China is leveraging state-of-the-art scientific and technological innovations to safeguard and study its extensive cultural heritage. This initiative was highlighted during a conference organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, in October. The event brought together administrators and scientists from key technology and research bases to review achievements and outline future strategies. The conference underscored that the field of cultural relics is at a pivotal stage, with significant scientific questions and key technologies on the verge of revolutionary breakthroughs. Officials announced plans to establish innovation systems encompassing basic research, technology development, and achievement transformation during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). Since 2004, the administration has established 40 key research bases, forming a comprehensive scientific network that supports high-quality development in the cultural relics sector. These bases have made strides in technological research, talent cultivation, achievement promotion, and international exchange. Advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing, drone patrols, and real-time perception through the internet of things are being widely used to build intelligent firewalls for relics. In the field of risk prevention and control, these bases serve as guardians of cultural relics. For instance, the key research base for the seismic protection of cultural relics has developed a discrete body mechanics theoretical model for predicting damage to brick-and-stone heritage structures and new stability enhancement measures. This technology has been applied in the protection and display of heavy stone inscriptions such as Kaicheng Shijing in the Xi’an Beilin Museum. Additionally, the complete set of technical equipment for seismic protection of museum collections developed by the base is in use in more than 20 museums across the country and has withstood the test of multiple earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.2 or higher. In the field of conservation and restoration, these research bases are extending the life span of cultural relics. The key research base for conservation of ancient murals at the Dunhuang Academy has built the world’s first multi-field coupling laboratory for cultural relics, continuously deepening the understanding of relic diseases. Innovations such as microbial treatment materials for tomb murals and weathering prevention technologies for sandstone grotto temples have been applied in more than 200 projects across 16 provinces and regions and are being promoted to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Myanmar. In the field of archaeological interpretation, these research bases act as decoders of civilization. The deep integration of technology has expanded archaeology beyond traditional tools like hand shovels and excavation units. The integrated innovation of spatial science, molecular biology, nuclear technology, and other methods has provided a more solid basis for revealing the origins, formation, and development path of Chinese civilization. The key research base for human evolution and genetics at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved remarkable results over the past years. Its ancient DNA team has used key ancient DNA and ancient protein evidence to confirm that the Harbin cranium is linked to the early Denisovan lineage from Siberia, who were widely distributed in Asia. The team has published papers in international journals such as Cell, Nature, and Science, proposing new hypotheses about the diverse ancestral populations and migration evolution patterns in East Asia, and constructing a China-Southeast Asia gene flow network. Similarly, the key research base for metal and metallurgical heritage at the University of Science and Technology Beijing has clarified the origins of Chinese metallurgy. These research bases serve as envoys of cultural dissemination, bringing cultural relics to life and into households. In collaboration with the research institute of the Yungang Grottoes, the key research base for digital protection of grotto temple relics at Zhejiang University has created a 1:1 full-scale replication of Cave 3 of Yungang, allowing the magnificent grotto art to ‘travel’ the world. At the core of technological competition lies talent. Since their establishment, the research bases have made talent cultivation their key mission. After years of development, a professional team of scientific and technological talent has formed, becoming a valuable resource driving the high-quality development of the cultural relics sector. As of last year, among the 1,436 permanent staff members in 40 research bases, 58 percent hold senior professional titles and 71 percent have master’s degrees or higher, indicating a steady improvement in the talent hierarchy. Internationally, China’s voice is becoming increasingly prominent. Various research bases have established stable academic cooperation with more than 20 countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. The key research base for conservation of textile cultural relics at the China National Silk Museum has initiated the World Silk Interactive Map project, attracting about 40 institutions from 13 countries to participate, constructing the world’s first silk heritage database.
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Hong Kong senior retraces Long March
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and dedication, 74-year-old Michael Cheng Chun-yim from Hong Kong has completed a year-long journey retracing the historic Long March of the Red Army. Starting from Yudu county in Jiangxi province on October 17, 2024, Cheng walked approximately 5,000 kilometers across eight provinces, culminating in Wuqi township, Shaanxi province, on October 19, 2025. This journey was not just a physical challenge but a profound pilgrimage to connect with the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Red Army’s legendary trek from 1934 to 1936. Cheng’s inspiration stemmed from Edgar Snow’s ‘Red Star Over China,’ a book he read as a university student in 1972, which ignited his lifelong fascination with the Long March. Despite the grueling conditions—scorching heat, freezing winds, and rugged terrains—Cheng remained steadfast, driven by the belief that if the Red Army could endure hunger and gunfire, he could overcome his own challenges. Along the way, he encountered the warmth and kindness of local people, who offered food, shelter, and encouragement, reinforcing his belief in the enduring spirit of unity. Cheng documented his journey in a diary, reflecting on the transformation of the landscapes and the lessons of the Long March. His story, now being considered for publication, aims to inspire younger generations, particularly in Hong Kong, to understand and embrace the values of faith, perseverance, and unity. For Cheng, the Long March is not just a historical event but a metaphor for life’s challenges, offering timeless guidance in navigating modern complexities.
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Nine killed in Russian attack on western Ukraine, Zelensky says
In a devastating overnight assault, Russian forces launched a massive attack on western Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that nine people were killed and dozens injured in the city of Ternopil, where nine-story residential buildings were struck. The assault involved over 470 drones and 47 missiles, marking one of the deadliest attacks on western Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Zelensky described the attack as ‘brazen,’ emphasizing the widespread damage to energy facilities, transport, and civil infrastructure. Rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that people may still be trapped under the rubble. The Kharkiv region also suffered a massive drone attack, injuring more than 30 people, including children. Photos from the scene showed buildings and vehicles engulfed in flames. Power outages have been reported across multiple regions, further compounding the crisis. Zelensky, currently in Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called for increased international support, stating that ‘every brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient.’ He urged for effective sanctions and aid to Ukraine to counter the aggression. Despite Zelensky’s efforts to intensify peace negotiations, the Kremlin has refused to send a representative to the talks in Ankara. This breaking news story is continuously updated, with more details expected shortly.
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Deaf children’s choir finds rhythm in verse
In a remarkable fusion of art and resilience, a choir of deaf children has redefined the boundaries of poetry and performance. Under the guidance of primary-school teacher Li Bailin, these young artists have turned their unique perspectives into a moving narrative that transcends auditory limitations. The journey began in May 2025 when Li, a teacher from Huitong county, Hunan province, was invited by a Beijing-based musician to teach poetry to a choir of deaf children. The goal was to integrate their written verses into their stage performances, creating a multisensory experience. Despite initial communication challenges, Li found innovative ways to bridge the gap. She introduced the children to poetry through recordings and a published collection of poems from her students in Hunan, allowing them to connect with the art form and their peers. However, the children’s limited Chinese vocabulary posed a hurdle. Li devised a creative solution by writing individual lines from the book on slips of paper, enabling the children to assemble their own poems. The result was a series of short, heartfelt verses that reflected their inner worlds. One 13-year-old boy wrote: ‘Morning / I pluck a single blade of grass / Its roots entwined within my heart / My favorite — so lovely / So full of song.’ Another method involved blindfolding the children and having them feel potted flowers, then drawing and transferring the images onto cotton bags. This process heightened their other senses, compensating for their lack of hearing. Li observed that their writing mirrored the sequence of their sign language gestures, leading to a unique poetic rhythm. In September 2025, 15 of these children took the stage at Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall. Their poems were displayed on a large screen as they performed through movement and expression, culminating in a recitation of ‘ahs’ and ‘ohs’ that resonated deeply with the audience. Among the poems, one by a 16-year-old girl stood out. Titled ‘In Truth,’ it poignantly expressed her complex relationship with sign language: ‘In truth, / I have never liked sign language — / not at all. / Yet it helps me when I want to say ‘thank you.’ This performance not only showcased their artistic talents but also highlighted the power of inclusivity and creativity in overcoming adversity.