A Russian drone struck a residential tower block in Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, early on Saturday, resulting in the death of a woman and injuring 11 others, including two children. The attack occurred while many residents were asleep, causing a fire that destroyed several apartments in the nine-story building. Emergency services reported that the woman’s body was found on the fifth floor. This incident is part of Russia’s near-daily drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, which have claimed numerous civilian lives since the full-scale invasion began nearly four years ago. Meanwhile, the battle for the strategic city of Pokrovsk, located along the eastern front line, has reached a critical phase. Both Ukraine and Russia are attempting to influence U.S. President Donald Trump’s perception of the conflict, with the outcome potentially shaping the trajectory of peace negotiations. Pokrovsk, part of the heavily fortified ‘fortress belt’ in the Donetsk region, is pivotal to Ukraine’s defense and could sway Washington’s stance on the war. Additionally, Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have caused rolling blackouts across several regions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his demand for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, as a precondition for peace, claiming his forces are nearing victory.
作者： admin
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Tanzania charges hundreds with treason and issues arrest warrants for more opposition figures
Tanzania is grappling with escalating political tensions following widespread demonstrations and violence surrounding last month’s disputed elections. Authorities have charged hundreds of individuals with treason, including top opposition figures, in a significant crackdown on dissent. Among those targeted are Brenda Rupia, communications director for the Chadema opposition party, and John Mnyika, its secretary-general. Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained for months and faces similar charges after advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the October 29 vote. The government’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which accuse it of repression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The African Union has also condemned the election, citing violations of democratic standards, including ballot stuffing and multiple voting incidents. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured over 97% of the vote, faces allegations of authoritarianism, with critics contrasting her leadership style to the more tolerant approach of previous leaders. The Chama cha Mapinduzi party, which has ruled Tanzania since independence in 1961, continues to dominate the political landscape, maintaining ties with the Communist Party of China.
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Australia wins toss, sends India in to bat in T20 series decider
In a high-stakes showdown at Brisbane’s Gabba, Australia’s captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for a thrilling series-deciding Twenty20 international against India. With overcast skies and the threat of rain looming, the match could be shortened, adding urgency to India’s batting strategy. The visitors, leading the series 2-1, aim to secure victory after their dominant 48-run win on the Gold Coast, where Washington Sundar’s three-wicket burst dismantled Australia’s chase. Australia, meanwhile, seeks redemption after collapsing in their previous match, losing seven wickets for just 28 runs. Both teams made minimal changes to their lineups, with India introducing Rinku Singh in place of Tilak Varma. This match marks Australia’s final T20 outing before the highly anticipated Ashes series against England begins on November 21 in Perth.
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Xi attends carrier’s commissioning
President Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony of the CNS Fujian, China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, at a naval base in Sanya, Hainan Province. The event marked a significant milestone in China’s naval capabilities, showcasing the nation’s advancements in military technology and maritime defense. President Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, personally presented the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flag to the carrier’s captain and political commissar. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 personnel, including Navy officers and defense contractors involved in the ship’s design and construction. Following the ceremony, President Xi inspected the Fujian, observing its flight deck, which featured advanced aircraft such as the J-35 stealth fighter jet and KJ-600 early-warning and control planes. He also engaged with pilots and crew, witnessing a demonstration of the electromagnetic catapult system, which he had personally approved for installation. The CNS Fujian, with a hull designation of 18, displaces over 80,000 metric tons, making it the largest warship ever built outside the United States. Designed by China State Shipbuilding Corp and constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, the Fujian underwent nine sea trials before its commissioning. Military experts highlighted the carrier’s strategic importance, emphasizing its enhanced capabilities in safeguarding national interests and its potential to operate longer and further than its predecessors. However, they also noted that continuous training and exercises would be essential to fully realize its combat potential.
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China-ROK trade ties to drive growth in region
The deepening trade and supply chain cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is set to foster sustainable growth and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, according to business leaders and experts. The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the ROK, his first in 11 years, has been hailed as a pivotal moment for expanding bilateral business ties. President Xi attended the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and conducted a state visit from October 30 to November 1, 2025. Gao Chen, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the ROK, emphasized that this cooperation will strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and promote innovation-driven growth. By leveraging technologies like 5G and blockchain, the two nations aim to build a robust digital supply chain system. The synergy between the ROK’s semiconductor expertise and China’s manufacturing prowess is expected to create a resilient regional industrial network. Furthermore, the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, in effect since 2015, is set to advance with accelerated negotiations on its second phase. Both countries, along with Japan, are advocating for a trilateral free trade agreement to deepen regional economic integration. Gao highlighted the role of frameworks like APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting China-ROK business collaboration. Choi Pil-soo, a professor at Sejong University, underscored the potential of China’s expanding consumer market to drive economic integration in East Asia. He also pointed to promising opportunities for technological cooperation in robotics, batteries, and quantum science. The growing presence of Chinese brands in the ROK market reflects the complementary nature of their industrial chains and evolving consumer trends. Liu Weiwei, vice-president of Winner Medical, expressed confidence in the region’s business prospects, urging companies to embrace win-win cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Dai Bing called for joint efforts to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguarding the international free trade system. As China prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, Dai emphasized the importance of sending a strong message of openness and inclusiveness.
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US firms ground MD-11 cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster
A catastrophic plane crash involving a UPS cargo aircraft has left Louisville, Kentucky, in a state of devastation. The incident, which occurred during takeoff on Tuesday, claimed at least 14 lives and triggered a massive fire that engulfed nearby buildings, forcing the closure of Louisville International Airport. The UPS MD-11F aircraft, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames after its left engine caught fire and detached mid-takeoff. The resulting inferno gutted several structures, with emergency crews still searching for potential victims. In response, UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded portions of their fleets, specifically MD-11 models, following guidance from Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed condolences, stating, ‘We pray for each of the victims’ families and pray that no additional victims are lost.’ UPS emphasized that the grounding of 9% of its fleet was a precautionary measure, assuring that contingency plans are in place to minimize service disruptions. The MD-11, originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, has been in service for over three decades, with the involved aircraft transitioning from passenger use with Thai Airways to cargo operations with UPS in 2006. The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about aviation safety in the United States.
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US students get hands-on with Chinese culture at “Touch of China” event in DC
High school students from Leonardtown High School in Maryland recently participated in the ‘Touch of China in Chinatown’ event at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center in Washington DC. The event, held on November 6, provided students enrolled in the school’s Chinese language program with a unique opportunity to engage in traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including clay panda making, calligraphy, and knot-tying. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by panda mascots and a China-themed trivia quiz, which offered small prizes to participants. Kinsey Albin, a senior in her fourth year of Chinese studies, expressed her enthusiasm for combining language learning with cultural immersion, stating that studying Chinese has broadened her perspective and fostered a sense of international connection. The event, organized by Hope Chinese School, American Chinese School, and Howard Chinese School, in collaboration with the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Chinese culture and strengthen cross-cultural friendships. Artist and instructor Zhang Longze emphasized the program’s goal of helping teenagers better understand China and fostering future cultural exchanges. Students like Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden, who have been studying Chinese for about a year and a half, found the language and culture both challenging and rewarding, expressing a desire to visit China in the future. Lily Jiang, who has studied Chinese for nine years and traveled to China with her family, shared her appreciation for the culture and people, highlighting the enriching experience of practicing the language in Chinese markets. Leonardtown’s lead Chinese teacher, Chen Si, expressed her delight in seeing students actively engage with Chinese culture and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and study trips in providing students with an authentic understanding of China. The event underscored the value of cultural immersion in fostering global awareness and appreciation for diverse traditions.
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UK seeks Danish inspiration to shake up immigration system
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is poised to unveil a significant transformation of the nation’s immigration and asylum system later this month, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s stringent policies. The Danish model, renowned as one of Europe’s toughest, has been under close scrutiny by UK officials, who recently visited Copenhagen to study its implementation. Key aspects of Denmark’s system include stricter family reunification rules, temporary refugee stays, and expedited expulsion of individuals without legal residency rights. Mahmood aims to reduce incentives for migration to the UK while streamlining the removal of unauthorized individuals. However, her plans face opposition within her own party, with some Labour MPs criticizing the approach as overly harsh and reminiscent of far-right ideologies. Mahmood’s strategy aligns with her pledge to regain control of Britain’s borders, a promise she reiterated at the Labour conference in September. Denmark’s success in reducing asylum claims to a 40-year low, excluding pandemic-related restrictions in 2020, has particularly impressed her. The Danish system also includes measures such as financial incentives for asylum seekers to return to their home countries and stricter conditions for acquiring permanent residency. While the UK is unlikely to adopt all aspects of the Danish model, Mahmood is expected to introduce more restrictive family reunification rules, including potential language and financial requirements. Denmark’s Immigration and Integration Minister, Rasmus Stoklund, emphasized the importance of protecting societal norms and ensuring that immigrants contribute positively to the country. The UK’s exploration of the Danish model reflects broader political dynamics, with the Labour Party seeking to counter the rise of Reform UK by addressing voter concerns on immigration. Critics, however, caution against directly transplanting Danish policies, citing differences in political and electoral systems. The debate underscores the challenges of balancing progressive ideals with public demand for stricter immigration controls.
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Serbia clears the way for controversial Trump-linked property plan
Serbia’s parliament has enacted legislation enabling a contentious property development project in Belgrade, led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump. The project, spearheaded by Kushner’s firm Affinity Partners, aims to construct a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters. This site, bombed by NATO forces in 1999 during the Kosovo conflict, holds significant symbolic value for many Serbians, who view it as a memorial and a symbol of resistance against NATO. Despite widespread protests and legal challenges, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a close ally of Trump, has endorsed the project. Last year, the Serbian government revoked the building’s protected status and granted a 99-year lease to Kushner’s firm, which plans a $500 million development. This decision sparked public demonstrations and prompted an investigation into allegations of forged documentation used to alter the building’s status. In a June interview with the BBC, Vucic defended the project, emphasizing the need to move past the events of 1999 and strengthen ties with the US. The parliamentary vote, pushed through by Vucic’s majority party, has been criticized by opposition politicians, who argue it is unconstitutional and erases national history for the sake of foreign interests. Architectural experts and anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency Serbia, have also voiced concerns. The project’s approval highlights Serbia’s delicate balancing act in maintaining relations with both Washington and Moscow, amid ongoing economic pressures from US tariffs and Russian sanctions.
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Women make inroads in Pakistan as they become firefighters and barriers slowly fall
In a groundbreaking shift for Pakistan’s deeply patriarchal society, women are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, particularly in emergency services. Last week, 23-year-old firefighter Syeda Masooma Zaidi led her team in combating a massive blaze at a tire storage facility in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. The fire, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, threatened nearby factories but was eventually contained without loss of life, though it caused significant financial damage. Zaidi’s bravery and skill highlighted the growing presence of women in Pakistan’s firefighting units, a field where they were virtually unheard of until recently. Her journey began at the Punjab Rescue Service Academy, where she trained in high-angle rescues and various emergency scenarios. Despite facing skepticism from onlookers who question her ability, Zaidi and her female colleagues continue to prove their mettle. Areeba Taj, another 23-year-old firefighter, and their supervisor, Ayesha Farooq, emphasize the unique strengths women bring to rescue operations, especially in situations involving women and children. Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, chief of the Sindh Emergency Service, noted that Zaidi is one of 50 women firefighters in the province, with 180 more in training for various emergency roles. This gradual shift reflects a broader societal change, as more women in Pakistan challenge traditional norms and pursue careers in fields like firefighting, earning respect and paving the way for future generations. Zaidi’s story is not just about courage and duty but also about breaking gender barriers and inspiring others to follow suit.