作者: admin

  • Labubu movie headed for Hollywood as Sony strikes film deal, report says

    Labubu movie headed for Hollywood as Sony strikes film deal, report says

    The global sensation of Labubu dolls, created by China’s Pop Mart, is set to make its cinematic debut in Hollywood. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures has recently finalized a deal to develop a movie based on the quirky, toothy characters. While the project is still in its nascent stages, it remains undecided whether the film will be a live-action feature or an animated production. Sony Pictures has yet to comment on the development. Labubu dolls, which gained immense popularity this year, have been endorsed by high-profile celebrities such as Rihanna and Lisa from the South Korean group Blackpink. The dolls are sold in ‘blind boxes,’ a concept that adds an element of surprise as the exact model remains a mystery until opened. Sony Pictures, known for its successful ‘Jumanji’ franchise and the animated Netflix hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ is expected to bring its expertise to this new venture. The Labubu movie could potentially tap into the growing global fascination with collectible toys and cultural phenomena.

  • Holocaust survivors group urges German auction house to halt sale of artifacts

    Holocaust survivors group urges German auction house to halt sale of artifacts

    A prominent Holocaust survivors’ organization has issued a strong appeal to a German auction house to halt the sale of hundreds of artifacts tied to the Holocaust. The International Auschwitz Committee, based in Berlin, described the planned auction as “cynical and shameless,” urging its immediate cancellation. The event, titled “The System of Terror,” was scheduled for Monday by the Felzmann auction house in Neuss, near Düsseldorf. The collection, comprising over 600 items, included deeply personal artifacts such as letters penned by concentration camp prisoners to their families, Gestapo index cards, and other documents that explicitly identify individuals by name. Christoph Heubner, executive vice president of the committee, condemned the auction, stating that it exploits the suffering of Holocaust victims for profit. He emphasized that such artifacts should be preserved in museums or memorials rather than being commodified. The committee called on the auction house to demonstrate basic decency by canceling the sale. By Sunday afternoon, the auction listing had been removed from the Felzmann website, though the house had not yet responded to inquiries.

  • Kpop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys may get real-world debut: Who are the singers?

    Kpop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys may get real-world debut: Who are the singers?

    Fans of the Kpop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys have a thrilling update to celebrate. The Federation of Korean Music Performers (FKMP) has revealed that all five vocalists behind the animated group have officially joined the association. Among them, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, and Kevin Woo were already members, while Danny Chung and samUIL Lee are new additions. This development has sparked widespread speculation about a potential real-world debut for the group. The Saja Boys, originating from the Netflix hit ‘Kpop Demon Hunters,’ have already captured global attention, topping streaming charts and earning a massive fanbase. The group’s success is further amplified by the individual achievements of its members, who boast impressive careers in music production and performance. Andrew Choi, for instance, has worked with Kpop giants like Shinee and Exo, while Kevin Woo is a former U-KISS member turned solo artist. Neckwav, Danny Chung, and samUIL Lee also bring their unique talents to the table, making the prospect of a real-life Saja Boys debut even more exciting. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ became a global sensation upon its release, and the potential for the Saja Boys to transition from animation to reality is a testament to their enduring appeal.

  • Japan’s main opposition party head urges gov’t to uphold non-nuclear principles

    Japan’s main opposition party head urges gov’t to uphold non-nuclear principles

    Yoshihiko Noda, leader of Japan’s main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), has called on the government to uphold the nation’s long-standing non-nuclear principles. This appeal comes amid reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering revising one of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, specifically the prohibition on introducing nuclear weapons into Japanese territory. Noda, a former prime minister, emphasized Japan’s role in advocating for global nuclear abolition during a press conference in Kumamoto Prefecture. His comments followed Takaichi’s ambiguous stance on whether her defense policies would align with these principles during a recent Lower House Budget Committee hearing. The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1967 by then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, have been a cornerstone of Japan’s security policy. Any potential revision could mark a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy, likely sparking both domestic and international criticism. Noda has vowed to challenge Takaichi on this issue in upcoming Diet sessions.

  • Dubai seizes 519 vehicles, 12,367 cylinders for illegal LPG filling, distribution

    Dubai seizes 519 vehicles, 12,367 cylinders for illegal LPG filling, distribution

    Dubai has taken decisive action against illegal activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector, seizing 519 unlicensed vehicles and confiscating 12,367 cylinders filled with petroleum products of unknown origin. These materials failed to meet safety standards, posing significant risks to public safety. The crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) to enhance regulatory compliance and combat hazardous practices in the LPG industry. Since July 2022, 449 joint inspections have been conducted by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, in collaboration with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Civil Defence. These efforts uncovered 596 violations, highlighting the scale of the issue. DSCE Resolution No. 3 of 2021 mandates that LPG cylinders distributed in Dubai must be packaged by approved factories within the emirate, ensuring adherence to local standards and laws. Authorities have urged consumers to purchase gas cylinders exclusively from authorised distributors, verify filling seals, and retain purchase invoices to safeguard their rights. Building, farm, and estate owners have also been encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities to protect lives and property. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, emphasised the commitment to stringent regulatory standards, while Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the DSCE, highlighted the importance of monitoring compliance to protect consumers. Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, underscored the role of intensified inspections in ensuring communal safety and maintaining a fair market environment.

  • Shanxi health authorities report spike in flu cases

    Shanxi health authorities report spike in flu cases

    Health officials in Shanxi Province have raised alarms over a significant increase in acute respiratory infections as the region enters the peak of the autumn-winter flu season. According to a report by China Central Television on Saturday, influenza activity has surged over the past three weeks, with the majority of cases reported among students. The Shanxi Provincial Health Commission anticipates that the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming weeks. Chen Jing, deputy director of the Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the dominant strain in the province is influenza A (H3N2), accounting for approximately 99% of cases. Minor cases of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B have also been detected. The H3N2 strain, a subtype of influenza A, has undergone minor genetic changes but remains highly transmissible with no significant alterations in its infectiousness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Medical experts are urging the public to seek accurate diagnoses, as different respiratory pathogens require specific treatments. To manage the outbreak, the commission has activated a province-wide surveillance network for influenza and other respiratory pathogens to enhance trend analysis and risk assessment. Hospitals have been instructed to implement emergency mechanisms to reallocate staff and beds, ensuring uninterrupted medical services. Additionally, since late October, all public secondary and tertiary general hospitals in Shanxi have established pediatric outpatient services. A provincial pediatric care network and 15 municipal medical alliances have been formed to streamline referrals and provide timely treatment for critically ill children.

  • Railway network handles record-high 3.95 billion passenger trips

    Railway network handles record-high 3.95 billion passenger trips

    China’s railway network has set a new milestone by handling an unprecedented 3.95 billion passenger trips from January to October 2025, according to the China State Railway Group. This figure represents a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring the growing reliance on rail transport in the country. The achievement highlights the efficiency and scalability of China’s railway infrastructure, which continues to play a pivotal role in connecting millions of people across vast distances. The record-breaking numbers also reflect the government’s ongoing investments in rail modernization and expansion, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for citizens. As China’s population and urbanization rates rise, the railway network remains a cornerstone of the nation’s transportation strategy, facilitating economic growth and social mobility.

  • Arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin approved by prosecutors

    Arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin approved by prosecutors

    Prosecutors have officially approved an arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the globally renowned Shaolin Temple. This development marks a significant legal step in a case that has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Shi Yongxin, who has long been a prominent figure in Chinese religious and cultural circles, is now under scrutiny for unspecified allegations. The Shaolin Temple, known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and martial arts, has been a symbol of Chinese heritage and spirituality for centuries. The approval of the arrest warrant raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the case and its potential implications for the temple’s legacy. Authorities have yet to disclose detailed information about the charges, but the move underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold legal accountability, even for high-profile individuals. The case is expected to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.

  • Make way for the flock! Hundreds of sheep head through German city to their winter pastures

    Make way for the flock! Hundreds of sheep head through German city to their winter pastures

    In a charming annual tradition, the streets of Nuremberg, Germany, were transformed into a pastoral scene on Sunday as hundreds of sheep paraded through the city center. The flock, led by shepherd Thomas Gackstatter, comprised approximately 600 sheep, drawing curious onlookers who eagerly captured the spectacle on their cellphones. The event marks the sheep’s journey from their summer grazing grounds in Nuremberg’s meadows to their winter pastures located west of the city. The 10-kilometer (6-mile) route took the flock through the iconic Hauptmarkt, the central market square, making Nuremberg the only known German city where sheep traverse such a prominent urban space. City authorities ensured a smooth passage by urging residents to keep the route clear and keep dogs away. Drones were also prohibited during the event. This practice of using sheep as natural lawnmowers is not unique to Nuremberg; cities like Berlin, Potsdam, and Augsburg also employ sheep for eco-friendly grass maintenance. The slow grazing process supports biodiversity by creating insect-friendly environments and reduces municipal mowing costs. For shepherds like Gackstatter, this arrangement provides a valuable solution to the scarcity of open grazing spaces.

  • Dubai: Can a landlord charge different rents to tenants of the same building?

    Dubai: Can a landlord charge different rents to tenants of the same building?

    In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees, marking a significant gesture of recognition for this national occasion. Simultaneously, the UAE has declared a holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can partake in the festivities. This decision underscores the nation’s commitment to honoring its cultural heritage and fostering unity among its citizens. The extended break provides an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of the occasion. The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation, as it reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing work-life balance and acknowledging the importance of national milestones.