In a compelling dialogue with China Daily, Zhang Tongdao, the visionary director behind the documentary *The Sisters of Baima Tibetan*, and Vikram Channa, a renowned documentary producer, delved into the intricacies of nurturing cultural creativity. Their conversation shed light on the profound societal and cultural shifts captured in Zhang’s documentary, which meticulously follows the lives of four sisters over a span of 24 years. The film not only serves as a historical archive but also as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Both Zhang and Channa emphasized the importance of authentic narratives and innovative approaches in fostering cultural creativity. They highlighted the role of documentaries in bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Their insights underscored the necessity of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity, offering a roadmap for future creators to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
作者： admin
-
UAE weather: Abu Dhabi temperature to dip to 22ºC; humid conditions likely
Residents of the UAE can anticipate fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as reported by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather is expected to remain pleasant, with Abu Dhabi experiencing temperatures ranging from a cool 22ºC to a warm 32ºC. Meanwhile, Dubai will see slightly milder conditions, with lows of 23ºC and highs of 31ºC. Humidity is likely to increase by night and into Sunday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas, potentially leading to mist formation. Light to moderate winds, blowing at speeds of 10 to 20 kmph and occasionally reaching 30 kmph, will prevail across the region. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are forecasted to be calm. This weather update comes as part of the NCM’s ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about climatic conditions, ensuring residents can plan their activities accordingly.
-
Beijing protests new US arms sale to Taiwan
China has issued a stern protest against the United States following the announcement of a new arms sale to Taiwan, labeling the move as a severe violation of its sovereignty and security interests. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that the sale, which includes aircraft parts worth approximately $330 million, sends a dangerous signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists. He reiterated China’s unwavering opposition to such transactions, urging the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the three US-China joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique. Chen warned that the actions of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, under the leadership of Lai Ching-te, have exacerbated tensions by pursuing military expansion and relying on external forces. He described Taiwan as being pushed toward becoming a ‘powder keg,’ jeopardizing the safety and well-being of its residents. Chen asserted that China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, declaring that any path toward ‘Taiwan independence’ is doomed to fail.
-
India’s relief measure seen as helpful for exporters, insiders say
In a significant move to bolster its export sector, the Indian government has unveiled a comprehensive relief package exceeding $5 billion. Announced late on Wednesday and approved by the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of US-imposed tariffs and strengthen India’s export ecosystem. The package includes collateral-free loans worth $2.3 billion and a six-year disbursement of $2.82 billion through the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a program designed to enhance export competitiveness, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), first-time exporters, and labor-intensive sectors. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the EPM represents a strategic shift from fragmented schemes to a unified, outcome-based mechanism capable of swiftly addressing global trade challenges and evolving exporter needs. The move comes as Indian exporters grapple with a 50 percent tariff imposed by the US, including a 25 percent punitive levy over India’s purchase of Russian oil, which has significantly impacted sectors like textiles, jewelry, leather goods, and chemicals. Industry leaders and trade organizations have welcomed the relief measures, with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations President SC Ralhan praising the EPM for its pragmatic and forward-looking vision. Similarly, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry Chairman Shri Ashwin Chandran highlighted the potential for the textile and apparel sector to become globally competitive and create better-quality jobs. The timing of the package is particularly crucial for the seafood industry, which is facing its most challenging phase, according to Seafood Exporters Association of India President Pawan Kumar G. While the EPM is seen as a positive step, its success will hinge on the swift issuance of detailed guidelines, adequate funding, and robust coordination mechanisms, as noted by Global Trade Research Initiative founder Ajay Srivastava. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is working on a ‘very different deal’ with India, signaling ongoing negotiations between the two nations.
-
CNS Sichuan sets off on maiden sea trial
China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the CNS Sichuan, embarked on its inaugural sea trial on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s naval capabilities. The vessel departed from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai at approximately 9 a.m., as announced by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). This trial aims to evaluate the ship’s electric and propulsion systems, following the completion of mooring tests and hardware installations. The CNS Sichuan, with a hull code of 51, is the lead ship in the Type 076 class, boasting a displacement of over 40,000 metric tons. It features a dual-island superstructure, a first for Chinese naval vessels, designed to enhance aviation operations. The ship is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, enabling it to launch fixed-wing aircraft and drones, a capability previously seen only on the CNS Fujian aircraft carrier. Upon commissioning, the CNS Sichuan will support a range of missions, including amphibious landings, airstrikes, and airborne operations. A senior shipbuilding industry researcher noted that the maiden voyage is primarily to test the ship’s self-propulsion and system reliability, with future trials planned to assess the electromagnetic catapult’s performance. The PLAN currently operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, each capable of carrying helicopters, landing craft, and armored vehicles.
-
Nine killed in accidental blast at police station in Indian-administered Kashmir, officials say
A tragic incident unfolded at the Nowgam police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday evening, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuring 32 others. The explosion occurred when a stockpile of confiscated explosives, seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in Haryana, accidentally detonated. The explosives were reportedly being prepared for forensic examination at the time of the mishap. According to Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, the detonation happened around 23:20 local time (17:50 GMT) due to an ‘extremely unfortunate’ handling error. The police station suffered extensive damage, and nearby buildings were also affected. Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with vehicles engulfed in flames and debris scattered across the area. Some body parts were even found in houses located 100-200 meters away from the blast site. Most of the victims were police officers, forensic personnel, crime scene photographers, and a tailor who was present at the station. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the region, expressed his condolences and announced an investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need to determine the cause of the accidental explosion and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families. This incident follows a recent car blast in Delhi, which the government has labeled a ‘terror incident,’ raising concerns about safety and security in the region.
-
Arson attacks on mosque denounced
The international community, spearheaded by the United Nations, has vehemently condemned the recent arson attack on the Hajjah Hamidah mosque in the West Bank. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, marks the latest in a series of escalating violent acts in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, expressed profound dismay at the actions of Israeli settlers responsible for the attack, labeling such assaults on places of worship as utterly unacceptable. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has accused the Israeli government of fostering a climate of impunity that encourages settler violence, aimed at displacing Palestinians and solidifying colonial occupation. Jordan has called for the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations to address these transgressions. Meanwhile, European nations, including Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, have urged Israel to halt the violence and ensure justice for the perpetrators. The intensifying unrest in the West Bank is increasingly seen as a threat to the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States, with fears that such incidents could derail peace efforts in Gaza. Experts warn that the situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is interconnected, with violence in one area inevitably spilling over into others. The UN has also highlighted the challenges in scaling up humanitarian responses in Gaza as winter approaches, despite some progress in healthcare improvements.
-
UAE: Scammer ordered to repay Dh24,500 to victim in phone fraud case
In a significant ruling that underscores the escalating menace of phone-based financial scams, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has mandated a convicted fraudster to reimburse Dh24,500 to his victim. The court’s decision, announced on November 11, 2025, ensures the victim recovers the entire sum stolen from his bank account. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay Dh3,000 in moral compensation for the emotional distress caused, along with 3% annual interest on the stolen amount. The court also ruled that the defendant must cover all legal expenses and court fees. This verdict follows a prior criminal conviction where the fraudster was fined Dh20,000 for fraud and unlawful possession of funds. The case began when the victim received a call from a man posing as a bank representative, who persuaded him to share his bank card details and one-time password (OTP). Within hours, Dh24,500 was siphoned from the victim’s account. Upon realizing the scam, the victim filed a police complaint, leading to the defendant’s arrest. UAE authorities continue to warn residents against sharing sensitive information over the phone and advise contacting banks directly if suspicious calls are received.
-
Crew of Shenzhou XX returns
The Shenzhou XX mission crew, consisting of Senior Colonel Chen Dong, Colonel Chen Zhongrui, and Colonel Wang Jie, successfully returned to Earth on Friday afternoon after an extended stay aboard the Tiangong space station. The astronauts landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia at 4:40 pm, following a five-hour journey from space. Their return was delayed by nine days due to suspected space debris damage to the Shenzhou XX spaceship’s viewport window. Upon landing, ground recovery personnel from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center conducted safety checks and a preliminary health assessment before assisting the crew out of the capsule. The astronauts shared their experiences in a live broadcast with China Central Television, expressing pride in their mission and gratitude for the support that ensured their safe return. Chen Dong emphasized the challenges of space exploration, while Wang Jie highlighted the importance of continued dedication to this endeavor. The Shenzhou XX crew, representing China’s 15th manned spaceflight, spent 204 days in space, completing four spacewalks and numerous scientific tasks. Their return was rescheduled after engineers conducted thorough safety assessments, ultimately deciding to use the Shenzhou XXI spaceship’s reentry capsule for their journey back. The China Manned Space Agency announced plans to launch the Shenzhou XXII spaceship to dock with the Tiangong space station in the near future.
-
Heat deaths rise as world emissions hit record high
As global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach an unprecedented 38.1 billion tonnes in 2025, the world faces a dire climate crisis. This alarming forecast, presented at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, underscores the widening gap between energy demand and renewable energy expansion. The Global Carbon Budget 2025, compiled by the Global Carbon Project, reveals a 1.1% increase in emissions compared to 2024, further jeopardizing the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Professor Pierre Friedlingstein of the University of Exeter emphasized that the remaining carbon budget for this target will be exhausted before 2030 if current emission rates persist. Climate change is also weakening natural carbon sinks, such as oceans and forests, amplifying the urgency for drastic emission reductions. Despite progress in reducing emissions across 35 countries, global efforts remain insufficient to achieve sustained decreases. The Lancet’s October report estimates nearly 550,000 annual deaths from heat-related causes exacerbated by climate change. In response, Brazil unveiled its first global climate adaptation plan at COP30, focusing on strengthening healthcare systems to protect vulnerable populations from climate impacts. The Belem Health Action Plan, developed by Brazil’s Health Ministry, outlines concrete measures to mitigate these challenges. As the world grapples with escalating emissions and their devastating consequences, the call for immediate and decisive action grows louder.