作者: admin

  • Chinese Nobel laureate and physicist Chen Ning Yang dies aged 103

    Chinese Nobel laureate and physicist Chen Ning Yang dies aged 103

    Chen Ning Yang, a towering figure in the world of physics and a Nobel Prize laureate, has passed away at the age of 103, as reported by Chinese state media. The cause of death was cited as illness in an obituary released by CCTV. Yang, alongside fellow physicist Lee Tsung-Dao, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their groundbreaking work on parity laws, which significantly advanced the understanding of elementary particles, the fundamental components of matter. Born in 1922 in Anhui province, China, Yang grew up on the campus of Tsinghua University, where his father was a mathematics professor. From a young age, Yang harbored ambitions of winning the Nobel Prize, a dream he realized at the age of 35. His academic journey took him from National Southwest Associated University in Kunming, where he earned his science degree in 1942, to Tsinghua University for his master’s, and eventually to the University of Chicago on a fellowship. There, he studied under Enrico Fermi, the inventor of the world’s first nuclear reactor. Yang’s career spanned various areas of physics, with a particular focus on statistical mechanics and symmetry principles. His contributions to the field were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Albert Einstein Commemorative Award in 1957 and an honorary doctorate from Princeton University in 1958. Yang’s personal life saw him marry twice, first to Chih Li Tu, with whom he had three children, and later to Weng Fan, whom he described as his ‘final blessing from God.’

  • Singapore’s president: “US–China Edge” drives shared prosperity

    Singapore’s president: “US–China Edge” drives shared prosperity

    At the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Washington this week, Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the United States and China, despite escalating tensions over tariffs, technology, and geopolitics. President Shanmugaratnam introduced the concept of the ‘US-China Edge,’ urging both nations to identify shared interests where competition can coexist with cooperation. He argued that transforming rivalry into innovation could drive mutual prosperity and global stability. The meetings, attended by government officials and central bank governors, provided a platform for addressing pressing economic challenges and exploring pathways for international cooperation. President Shanmugaratnam’s remarks underscored the need for strategic dialogue and trust-building measures to navigate the complexities of US-China relations. His call for innovation-driven collaboration resonated with attendees, highlighting the potential for economic growth and shared benefits in a multipolar world.

  • Ohtani rewrites history to send Dodgers to World Series

    Ohtani rewrites history to send Dodgers to World Series

    Shohei Ohtani cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats with a historic performance that propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series. The defending champions secured a commanding 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, sweeping the series 4-0. Ohtani, the Japanese phenom, delivered a masterclass by smashing three home runs and striking out 10 batters, a feat never before achieved in Major League Baseball’s postseason history. His dominance with both bat and ball underscored his unparalleled talent. Ohtani also became the first pitcher since Jim Tobin in 1942 to hit three home runs in a single game. Reflecting on his performance, Ohtani said, ‘It was really fun on both sides of the ball today.’ He dedicated the win to his team and fans worldwide, expressing hope that everyone could celebrate with a glass of sake. The Dodgers now await their World Series opponent, either the Toronto Blue Jays or the Seattle Mariners, as they aim for another championship title.

  • Heavy security after deadly violence in Kenya as thousands turn out to mourn former PM Odinga

    Heavy security after deadly violence in Kenya as thousands turn out to mourn former PM Odinga

    In a bid to prevent further tragedies, Kenya has mobilized extensive security measures in Kisumu, a western city, for the final public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body. This comes in the wake of five fatalities during the previous two funeral events. On Saturday, military personnel, police forces, and air surveillance units were stationed at a local soccer stadium, where thousands of mourners had gathered overnight to pay their respects. Odinga, a revered political figure in Kenya and beyond, passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80. He is set to be buried on Sunday in his rural hometown of Bondo. Odinga’s supporters, known for their fervor and determination, have been turning out in large numbers since his body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday. The funeral events have been marred by violence, with police firing live bullets and tear gas on Thursday, resulting in three deaths. A stampede on Friday claimed two more lives and left 163 injured. Odinga’s widow, Ida, and his brother, Oburu, have both urged mourners to maintain peace and avoid provoking law enforcement. Odinga, who ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades, is celebrated for his lifelong activism that significantly contributed to Kenya’s transition to a multiparty democracy. His body lay in state at parliament on Friday, an honor typically reserved for presidents and former presidents. Kenya’s President William Ruto, who once campaigned for Odinga in 2007 but later became his political rival, praised him as a patriot and selfless statesman. Earlier this year, the two leaders signed an agreement following months of anti-government protests, leading to the appointment of opposition party members to Cabinet positions.

  • Nearly 60 South Koreans repatriated by Cambodia over alleged scams

    Nearly 60 South Koreans repatriated by Cambodia over alleged scams

    In a significant international operation, 59 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for their alleged participation in online scam networks have been repatriated to their home country. The group, escorted in handcuffs, arrived at Incheon Airport on Saturday morning. This development follows a high-level diplomatic mission by South Korean officials to Cambodia, prompted by reports of a South Korean student’s alleged death due to torture within a scam center. The repatriation underscores the growing global concern over cybercrime and human exploitation in Southeast Asia. According to the United Nations, an estimated 200,000 individuals have been ensnared in such schemes across the region, lured by promises of lucrative jobs or coerced into participation. The majority of the repatriated individuals were apprehended during a Cambodian government crackdown, while five reportedly surrendered voluntarily. Upon arrival, they were immediately taken into custody by South Korean authorities, as the aircraft carrying them is considered South Korean territory under national law. South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, emphasized that the group’s involvement in the scams ranged from voluntary to involuntary, with most likely having committed criminal acts. The repatriation coincides with heightened diplomatic efforts between South Korea and Cambodia to combat transnational cybercrime. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently met with South Korean officials to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in preventing and suppressing online scams. This incident also follows a U.S. government crackdown on a Cambodian business empire allegedly involved in a $14 billion cryptocurrency scam. Online fraud centers in Southeast Asia, including those orchestrating romance scams, generate billions annually for criminal networks, according to UN estimates.

  • Canadian Leylah Fernandez advances to the WTA’s Japan Open final with win over Cîrstea

    Canadian Leylah Fernandez advances to the WTA’s Japan Open final with win over Cîrstea

    OSAKA, Japan — Leylah Fernandez, the sole remaining seeded player at the WTA Japan Open, secured her place in Sunday’s final after a hard-fought victory over Sorana Cîrstea. The Canadian star triumphed 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in a gripping semifinal match on Saturday. The decisive moment came at 4-4 in the final set, where Fernandez broke Cîrstea’s serve and held her own to seal the win. Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open runner-up, now advances to her eighth career final. She will face either Jaqueline Cristian or 18-year-old qualifier Tereza Valentova, who contested their semifinal later in the day. Cristian’s path to the semis was eased when top-seeded Naomi Osaka withdrew due to a left leg injury on Friday, granting her a walkover in the quarterfinals. Fernandez’s journey this season has been marked by resilience, with her only semifinal appearance prior to this coming at the WTA 500 D.C. Open, where she clinched her fourth WTA singles title. Despite a recent setback in the China Open, where she fell to Coco Gauff in three sets, Fernandez has demonstrated her tenacity and skill on the court, setting the stage for an exciting final in Osaka.

  • Trump only one who can force Putin to negotiating table, Finnish president tells BBC

    Trump only one who can force Putin to negotiating table, Finnish president tells BBC

    Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has asserted that Donald Trump is the sole figure capable of compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Stubb emphasized that Finland will never recognize Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk as part of Russia. He expressed his commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s future as an EU and NATO member post-war. Stubb’s remarks came ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where Zelensky appealed for U.S. assistance in ending the war. Trump, in turn, revealed that Putin has agreed to a face-to-face meeting in Hungary, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Stubb underscored the necessity of applying pressure on Russia to bring them to the negotiating table, contrasting Trump’s earlier ‘carrot’ approach with a more forceful ‘stick’ strategy. He expressed optimism about the progress made in peace negotiations during Trump’s second term, citing economic sanctions and the depletion of Russia’s reserves as critical factors. Stubb also highlighted the importance of U.S. support in providing air defense, intelligence, and operational assistance to Ukraine. He outlined a two-phase peace process, beginning with a ceasefire and followed by extended negotiations, expressing hope for tangible results in the near future.

  • How an old suitcase revealed a hidden family fortune, lost under Nazi rule

    How an old suitcase revealed a hidden family fortune, lost under Nazi rule

    In 2009, Antony Easton stumbled upon a small brown leather suitcase hidden under his late father Peter’s bed in Lymington, Hampshire. What he discovered inside would unravel a decades-long mystery about his family’s past, revealing a tale of immense wealth, devastating loss, and survival during the Holocaust. The suitcase contained immaculate German banknotes, photo albums, and a birth certificate that shattered Antony’s understanding of his father’s identity. Peter Roderick Easton, who had prided himself on his ‘Englishness,’ was, in fact, born Peter Hans Rudolf Eisner in pre-war Germany, a member of one of Berlin’s wealthiest Jewish families.

  • Learn about Diwali, the Festival of Lights

    Learn about Diwali, the Festival of Lights

    Diwali, the Festival of Lights, stands as the most significant annual celebration in India, particularly for Hindus, yet it transcends religious boundaries, embraced by over a billion people globally. This five-day festival, rooted in the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning ‘a row of lights,’ symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrants illuminate their homes with traditional clay oil lamps, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual renewal. This year, Diwali falls on October 20, aligning with the Hindu lunar calendar. While its origins vary by region, the overarching theme remains consistent: the victory of good over evil. In southern India, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Naraka, while in the north, it honors Lord Rama’s return from exile. The festival is marked by vibrant traditions, including fireworks, feasts, rangoli art, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. Unique regional practices, such as the early morning oil bath in the south and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi in the north, further enrich the celebrations. Despite concerns over air pollution, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the use of ‘green fireworks’ to mitigate environmental impact. Beyond Hinduism, Diwali holds significance for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each observing the festival with their own narratives. In a landmark move, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut in recognizing the festival’s cultural importance. This decision underscores the growing acknowledgment of Diwali’s universal appeal and its role in fostering inclusivity.

  • Netherlands mocked as ‘pirate’ after taking over China’s Nexperia

    Netherlands mocked as ‘pirate’ after taking over China’s Nexperia

    The Dutch government’s recent seizure of control over the Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia has ignited a diplomatic row with China, with state media and analysts accusing the Netherlands of “21st-century piracy.” The move, executed under the Goods Availability Act on September 30, was justified by the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs as a measure to address “serious governance shortcomings” and ensure the availability of Nexperia’s products in emergencies. However, Chinese commentators argue that the decision reflects political coercion and discriminatory practices. Nexperia, a subsidiary of Wingtech Technology, has faced increasing scrutiny from European authorities since its acquisition in 2018. The UK government forced the company to sell its Newport wafer plant in 2022, citing national security concerns, while German regulators blocked public funding for its battery-efficiency research in 2023. The Dutch government’s demands included establishing a supervisory board with veto powers over key business decisions and exploring a public listing in the EU, which Wingtech rejected. Chinese state media, including the Global Times, condemned the actions as an attempt to seize Chinese technological achievements. Analysts warn that China could retaliate by leveraging its dominance in rare earth production and other strategic sectors, potentially harming Dutch industries. The situation underscores the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding semiconductor technology and global trade.