The 2025-2026 ski season has officially begun in Chongli district, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, marking the earliest start in the region’s history. The Wanlong ski resort opened its slopes to the public on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting winter sports season. This development comes after Zhangjiakou co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which significantly boosted its reputation as a premier skiing destination. Local officials announced the early opening during a press conference on Thursday, attributing the timely start to favorable weather conditions and advanced snowmaking technologies. Ski enthusiasts are already flocking to the slopes, eager to take advantage of the extended season. The early opening is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, further solidifying Zhangjiakou’s status as a global winter sports hub. The district has invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities to enhance the skiing experience, ensuring safety and convenience for all visitors. This milestone underscores the growing popularity of winter sports in China and the lasting legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
作者: admin
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Trump terminates all Canada trade talks
In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision came in response to a controversial advertisement created by the government of Ontario, which Trump labeled as ‘FAKE’ and accused of attempting to influence the US Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on the legality of his global tariffs. Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social platform, stating, ‘Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.’ The advertisement in question allegedly used edited excerpts from a 1987 national radio address by former US President Ronald Reagan, prompting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation to issue a statement condemning the unauthorized use and editing of Reagan’s remarks. The foundation also indicated it is exploring legal recourse. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Trump’s tariffs early next month, with a ruling expected to follow. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated Canada’s stance, asserting that the country would not permit unfair US access to Canadian markets should the trade talks collapse. The abrupt end to negotiations marks a significant escalation in US-Canada trade tensions, with potential repercussions for both economies.
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Frost scenery transforms Hebei mountains into silvery world
The Wuyuezhai scenic area in Lingshou county, Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, has recently been transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland following a significant drop in temperature. The frosty phenomenon, captured by photographers Liu Weigang and Bai Yunfei, has turned the mountainous landscape into a silvery spectacle. With ample moisture in the air, trees across the region have been enveloped in icy, crystal-like frost, creating a scene reminiscent of delicate ice sculptures. Willow and pine branches, in particular, have taken on an ethereal appearance, enhancing the area’s natural beauty. This stunning transformation has drawn attention to the region’s unique winter charm, offering visitors a rare and enchanting visual experience. The frost-covered scenery not only highlights the area’s natural splendor but also serves as a reminder of the seasonal wonders that can emerge in colder climates.
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Picasso portrait of muse Dora Maar in vivid hat, long hidden from view, sells for 27 million euros
A vibrant and long-hidden portrait by Pablo Picasso, titled ‘Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar)’, was auctioned in Paris for a staggering €27 million ($31.3 million) on Friday. Painted in July 1943, the artwork captures Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse and partner for nearly seven years, during a tumultuous period in their relationship. The painting, part of Picasso’s ‘Woman in a Hat’ series, had been privately held since its purchase in 1944 and had never before been publicly displayed. The auction took place at the prestigious Drouot auction house, which hailed the event as a moment of rare significance, unveiling the full brilliance of a masterpiece kept secret for over eight decades. Picasso specialist Agnes Sevestre-Barbé praised the portrait’s vividness, noting its raw, unvarnished state preserved the artist’s original chromatic range and expressive genius. Previously, the work was only known through a black-and-white photograph, leaving its vibrant colors a mystery. Auctioneer Christophe Lucien highlighted the global interest in the piece, with art markets from the United States to Asia and Europe eagerly anticipating its sale.
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GMU hosts 19th annual MASE 2025 with record participation from schools, students and visitors
Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman successfully hosted the 19th Annual Inter-School Medical, Science, Arts & Humanities Exhibition and Contest (MASE 2025), marking a milestone in the UAE’s academic calendar. This year’s event saw unprecedented participation, with 123 schools from across the UAE and over 10,000 students, teachers, and visitors converging on the GMU campus. The exhibition, inaugurated by Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, celebrated the creativity and innovation of young minds. Prof. Venkatramana emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking, stating, ‘MASE reflects our belief that education must ignite curiosity and innovation. This platform showcases how the next generation is shaping the future of science, art, and humanity.’ Since its inception nearly two decades ago by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, MASE has evolved into a flagship event, encouraging students to explore real-world applications of science, medicine, and the arts. The 2025 edition featured interactive projects, live experiments, digital art showcases, health awareness campaigns, and robotics challenges. GMU’s specialized colleges, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, and AI in Health Informatics, hosted hands-on workshops, offering students a glimpse into modern healthcare education. The event also saw active participation from teachers, mentors, and parents, who supported students competing in categories such as ‘Best Scientific Innovation,’ ‘Health Awareness Campaign,’ ‘Creative Art Display,’ and ‘Social Impact Projects.’ MASE has grown into a national platform recognized for fostering innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and community engagement among UAE students. Gulf Medical University, a leading private medical university in the region, continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders from over 111 nationalities, living up to its motto, ‘Where the World Comes to Learn.’
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US says six killed in new strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed on Friday that the United States has executed another targeted strike against a vessel allegedly linked to drug traffickers. The operation, conducted in the Caribbean Sea, targeted the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, resulting in the deaths of six individuals described as ‘narco-terrorists.’ This marks the tenth such strike since early September, as part of President Donald Trump’s broader campaign to combat drug trafficking. Hegseth shared a video on X, showcasing the operation, which depicts a boat being destroyed in a fiery explosion. While the Trump administration asserts its legal authority to conduct these strikes, concerns have been raised by members of Congress, including 25 Democratic senators who questioned the evidence justifying the attacks. Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, has argued that congressional approval is necessary for such actions. Trump, however, maintains that he has the authority to designate Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization and order these strikes. The administration’s actions have also been interpreted as a strategic move to exert military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a long-time adversary of Trump. The latest strike brings the total death toll from these operations to at least 43.
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Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia as part of a wider sabotage campaign
A British court has handed down significant prison sentences to five men involved in an arson attack orchestrated by Russian intelligence, marking a critical moment in the fight against foreign sabotage. The attack, which targeted a London warehouse storing satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine, was part of a broader campaign of terrorism and disruption linked to the Wagner paramilitary group. Sentences ranged from seven to 17 years, with Dylan Earl, the mastermind, receiving the harshest penalty. The court revealed that the arson was part of a coordinated European-wide sabotage effort, with similar attacks documented across the continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The judge emphasized that the case underscores Russia’s attempts to exert global influence through covert operations and online recruitment. This is the first instance of sentencing under the UK’s National Security Act of 2023, designed to counter espionage and sabotage by foreign states. The attack caused £1 million in damages and was linked to a subsequent arson in Spain, highlighting the transnational nature of the plot. European intelligence officials warn of escalating risks as Russian-directed saboteurs target civilian infrastructure, aiming to destabilize societies and drain law enforcement resources. The case serves as a stark warning against engaging in activities that undermine national security.
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Amari Capital eyes UAE with global launch of advanced forex trading platform
Amari Capital has unveiled its state-of-the-art trading platform globally, marking a strategic entry into the UAE’s dynamic financial market. Powered by MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the platform offers traders seamless access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and metals. Designed to cater to all experience levels, it features ultra-fast execution, tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and round-the-clock multilingual support. The integration with MT5 ensures advanced charting tools, customizable interfaces, and deep liquidity across desktop, web, and mobile devices. The UAE’s crypto-friendly environment, bolstered by progressive regulations and zero-tax policies, makes it an ideal hub for Amari Capital’s expansion. Varun Bafna, co-founder of Amari Capital, emphasized the UAE’s role as a leader in financial innovation, stating, ‘Our goal is to empower traders with a transparent and technologically advanced platform.’ The company’s commitment to the region was further demonstrated by its Titanium Sponsorship at the Forex Expo in Dubai, where Bafna was honored as the ‘Best Global Deal Maker.’
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Trump, Xi to make state visits to South Korea next week, Seoul security adviser says
HONOR has introduced its latest technological marvel, the HONOR X9d 5G, a smartphone that redefines durability and performance. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, this device combines cutting-edge AI capabilities with robust construction, offering users an unparalleled experience. The HONOR X9d 5G boasts a sleek design that doesn’t compromise on toughness, making it a standout in the competitive smartphone market. Its advanced AI features enhance user interactions, ensuring seamless performance across various applications. Additionally, the device supports 5G connectivity, providing lightning-fast internet speeds for both work and play. HONOR’s commitment to innovation is evident in the X9d 5G, which promises to deliver power, resilience, and sophistication in one compact package. This launch marks a significant step forward in the evolution of smartphones, setting a new standard for durability and technological integration.
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Suitcase murderer jailed for at least 40 years
Yostin Mosquera, a 35-year-old Colombian national, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, whose dismembered remains were discovered in suitcases near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The Woolwich Crown Court found Mosquera guilty in July 2024, and he was handed a minimum sentence of 40 years and 264 days by Judge Justice Bennathan, who described the crimes as ‘thoroughly wicked.’ Mosquera, who had denied the charges, showed no remorse during the sentencing, even smiling as he was led away from the courtroom. The court heard that Mosquera had decapitated and dismembered the victims at their Shepherd’s Bush flat in London before transporting their remains to Bristol. The murders occurred on July 11, 2024, during Mosquera’s second visit to the UK, which was funded by Mr. Alfonso. Mosquera had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, for which he received a concurrent 16-month sentence. The relationship between Mosquera and Mr. Alfonso was described as ‘transactional,’ with Mosquera receiving financial support and gifts in exchange for sexual videos. Despite Mosquera’s claims of being ‘raped every day’ by Mr. Alfonso, the court found no evidence to support his defense. The case has left investigators puzzled, particularly regarding Mosquera’s decision to transport the remains to Bristol, which exposed him to unnecessary risk.
