The Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the nation’s foremost anti-corruption authority, convened on Friday to deliberate on the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The meeting, chaired by Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, emphasized the critical role of disciplinary inspection and supervisory bodies in aligning with the CPC Central Committee’s decisions. Li underscored the importance of advancing the Party’s full and rigorous governance to ensure the successful implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which aims to achieve significant economic and social development milestones. The plenum’s recommendations, which outline a comprehensive strategy for Chinese modernization, were highlighted as a pivotal call to action. Li urged these bodies to strengthen political oversight, improve Party conduct, enforce discipline, and combat corruption to safeguard high-quality development. The fourth plenary session, held from Monday to Thursday, set the stage for these critical discussions and actions.
作者： admin
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Major strontium ore deposit found in Jiangsu
A significant strontium ore deposit has been unearthed in Lishui district, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, marking a major breakthrough in mineral exploration. The Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province revealed that the deposit contains an estimated 545,000 metric tons of ore and 265,000 tons of minerals, with an impressive average grade of 48.65 percent. Strontium, a critical rare metal, plays a pivotal role in advanced technologies, particularly in the production of special ceramics and magnetic alloys. Its compounds enhance dielectric properties and mechanical strength in ceramics, while improving the performance of magnetic alloys used in high-end electronic devices. Recognized as a Critical Raw Material by the European Commission in 2020, strontium’s discovery holds immense strategic and economic value. Professor Tan Hongbing from Hohai University emphasized the deposit’s significance, noting its high grade and substantial reserves, which make it highly viable for mining. He also highlighted its potential to guide future exploration efforts, given its relatively shallow depth of less than one kilometer. Jiangsu Province has long been a hub for strontium mining, with a history dating back to the 1960s. The new discovery, located in the Lishui volcanic basin near Aijing Mountain, complements earlier findings in Houfang village, solidifying the region’s status as a key strontium-bearing zone. Over four years, the Geological Survey meticulously mapped the basin, overcoming challenges posed by dense human activity. Their research identified five concealed strontium ore bodies in the Mashantou area, along with deposits of copper, lead-zinc, and pyrite. This breakthrough has led to the proposal of a new exploration strategy for polymetallic resources, offering fresh insights into the geological processes governing strontium and related minerals. The discovery not only reinforces China’s dominance in strontium mining, accounting for over 60 percent of global reserves, but also promises to bolster the nation’s high-tech industries, ensuring a steady supply of this critical resource.
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Restaurant Review: Culinara at One Za’abeel is Dubai’s newest food hall experience
Dubai’s latest culinary gem, Culinara, located at One Za’abeel, offers a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is gastronomically satisfying. Perched high above the city, this food hall combines innovative architecture with a diverse array of cuisines, creating a social dining experience like no other. The venue’s floating bridge, known as The Link, connects the twin towers of One Za’abeel, setting the stage for a meal that feels both luxurious and adventurous. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Giellan, the affable Outlet Manager, who provides a warm welcome and a guided tour of the multi-concept space. The expansive glass walls offer breathtaking views of Dubai’s evolving skyline, symbolizing the city’s rapid transformation over the past five decades. The Persian section, Seyran, proved particularly inviting, with its aromatic dishes and cozy ambiance. Ordering at Culinara involves navigating a digital system of QR codes and layered menus, which, while initially challenging, soon becomes an engaging part of the experience. The dishes, ranging from tender kebabs to saffron rice, are both flavorful and beautifully presented, showcasing authentic flavors without unnecessary embellishments. Dining at such a height adds an element of joy to the meal, complemented by the lively yet relaxed atmosphere and attentive service. While the tech-driven ordering system could benefit from greater intuitiveness and clearer signage, these minor inconveniences are easily overlooked when savoring the culinary delights and taking in the panoramic views. Culinara is more than just a restaurant; it’s a spectacle that blends architecture, altitude, and gastronomy, making it an ideal destination for impressing visitors, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply reveling in Dubai’s penchant for grandeur. Highlights include the deconstructed lamb souvlaki, which stands out as a hero dish, and the overall vibe, which strikes a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. With an overall score of 8/10, Culinara cements its place as a must-visit culinary destination in Dubai.
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First Drive: The 2025 212 T01 is built to conquer any terrain
The 2025 212 T01, a bold new entrant in the 4×4 segment, is poised to revolutionize off-roading in the UAE. Combining rugged heritage with modern refinement, this vehicle marks a significant milestone for desert enthusiasts. The Middle East, particularly the GCC, has a profound connection with the desert, where off-roading is more than a pastime—it’s a cultural emblem of freedom and resilience. Traditionally dominated by icons like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler, the market is now witnessing a shift with the emergence of Chinese off-roaders, and the 212 T01 is leading the charge. Exclusive to the UAE through Legend Motors, this SUV is a testament to innovation and capability. The BJ212 lineage traces back to the 1960s, when Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) introduced it as a military and civilian vehicle. The 2025 iteration boasts a striking design reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes G63 AMG, with boxy proportions, circular LED headlamps, and chunky all-terrain tires. Its spacious, plush cabin features quilted leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced tech like a wireless charger and driver massage system. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, it delivers 231 PS and 390 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a robust 4WD system. With impressive off-road specs like a 650 mm wading depth and 5-link rigid axles, the 212 T01 excels in challenging terrains. This first drive hints at its potential to dominate the dunes, making it a promising contender for the Khaleej Times Desert Drive.
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Dubai Fitness Challenge: When activewear becomes a style statement
Dubai is redefining the intersection of fitness and fashion, as the city gears up for its annual Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). This month-long event, running from November 1 to 30, is not just about physical activity but also about making a style statement. From Kite Beach’s scenic running tracks to Pilates studios popping up across the city, Dubai’s elite are trading their Hermès handbags for WHOOP fitness trackers and diamond-encrusted activewear. The city’s fitness culture has become a symbol of status, with influencers like Karen Wazen showcasing fitness wearables alongside Cartier bracelets. Fashion brands are also embracing this trend, with Victoria’s Secret recently featuring athletes like Angel Reese and Suni Lee in their shows. The DFC offers a plethora of Instagram-worthy moments, from the Dubai Run, which transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into a massive running track, to unique events like spinning classes on airport runways and triathlons at the AURA Skypool. This year, participants can flaunt their style with collaborations like Kim Kardashian’s NikeSKIMS collection or Valentino’s partnership with Vans. The event is a testament to Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s most active city, blending fitness, fashion, and luxury in a dazzling display of wellness culture.
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DubaiVisa.com: Powering 11 million+ journeys – The UAE’s most trusted digital visa platform
DubaiVisa.com, a pioneering digital visa platform, has transformed the travel experience for over 11 million travelers from more than 200 nationalities. Established in 2006 under Al Hadaf Travel & Tourism LLC (DTCM Licence No. 589515), the platform has become a global leader in online visa facilitation, processing over 200,000 applications directly through its innovative digital ecosystem.
The platform’s fully digital approach simplifies the visa application process into three easy steps: completing the online form, uploading necessary documents, and receiving the visa via email. With express processing options delivering visas in as little as 12–24 hours, DubaiVisa.com ensures speed, transparency, and security for all travelers. Its 24/7 multilingual support and government-approved systems further enhance trust and reliability.
DubaiVisa.com caters to diverse travel needs, offering tourist visas (14, 30, or 60 days), transit visas (48-hour or 96-hour), and express services for urgent travel. The platform’s seamless process has earned praise from travelers worldwide, with many highlighting its efficiency, professionalism, and transparency.
As part of a broader travel ecosystem, DubaiVisa.com integrates with other ventures like AlHadafTourism.com, Plan My Trip, and Hadaf Holidays, providing comprehensive travel services. The platform also offers tailored support for specific nationalities, including UK BRP holders, US Green Card holders, and Qatar residents.
Aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2030 to welcome 25 million visitors annually, DubaiVisa.com continues to drive innovation in the travel industry. Its commitment to simplicity, security, and customer satisfaction has solidified its reputation as the most trusted digital visa platform in the UAE.
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Watch: New Dubai Student Council ‘excited’ as they receive letters from Sheikh Hamdan
In a momentous event on Friday, October 24, 2025, 16 students in Dubai were honored to receive personal letters from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, marking their selection as the inaugural members of the newly established Dubai Students Council. Alongside the letters, the students were gifted a copy of ‘Lessons from Life,’ authored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The council, comprising a diverse group of students, aims to represent the voices of nearly 400,000 students across Dubai’s private education system. The council’s first official meeting was attended by Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), along with her team. The students expressed their excitement and commitment to making a positive impact. Moza Ahmed, the Chairperson, and Elliott Bathe, the Vice Chairperson, are among the council members. Membership is valid for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and eligibility criteria. The council will act as a vital link between the student community and KHDA, fostering collaboration and addressing student concerns.
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US coffee prices spike due to tariffs and poor weather
The cost of coffee in the United States has surged dramatically, with the average price of a pound of ground coffee reaching $9.14 in September, marking a 3% increase from August and a staggering 41% rise compared to September 2024. This upward trend has been consistent since the beginning of the year, driven by a combination of factors including tariffs, weather risks, and inflation. According to the U.S. Labor Department, consumer prices for food, both for home consumption and dining out, rose by 3% in September compared to the same period last year. The broader consumer price index for coffee products, including instant coffee, showed a 19% increase from September 2024, remaining steady from August. Nikki Bravo, co-owner of Momentum Coffee in Chicago, recently raised prices by approximately 15% across her four locations. She cited a 15% increase in the cost of coffee beans and additional expenses such as cups and sleeves. Bravo has started roasting more beans in-house to mitigate costs, sourcing most of her beans from Africa. The minimum wage increase in Chicago to $16.60 an hour has also contributed to rising operational costs. High inflation has left consumers hesitant to spend on luxuries like takeout coffee, with the average price of a regular coffee at U.S. restaurants rising to $3.54 in September from $3.45 a year earlier. The U.S. relies heavily on imported coffee, with 99% sourced from countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including a 40% tariff on Brazilian products, have disrupted supply chains, leading to reduced availability and higher prices. Weather conditions such as heat and drought have further impacted global coffee production, driving prices up by nearly 40% in 2024. In response, a bipartisan group of U.S. House members introduced a bill in September to repeal all tariffs on coffee, arguing that such measures harm consumers and lack economic rationale. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Don Bacon, co-sponsors of the bill, emphasized the need for Congress to address the issue, highlighting the negative impact of tariffs on everyday Americans.
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Sierra Leone hails Chinese investment as ‘pivotal’ to mining growth
Sierra Leone has lauded Chinese investment as a cornerstone of its mining sector’s growth, highlighting the pivotal role of Chinese enterprises in unlocking the nation’s mineral potential. Hadji Dabo, Director-General of the National Minerals Agency of Sierra Leone, emphasized this during his address at the 2025 China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. The event, which drew international delegates, underscored the deepening partnership between China and Sierra Leone, extending beyond financial contributions to encompass mutual support on core interests and major concerns. Dabo noted that the collaboration, spanning 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, has been marked by robust bilateral cooperation. ‘Chinese enterprises have demonstrated unwavering confidence in Sierra Leone’s mineral resources, significantly contributing to our mining sector’s development,’ he remarked. The conference served as a platform to showcase the transformative impact of Chinese investment, fostering sustainable growth and economic resilience in Sierra Leone.
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Over 1,000 enter Thailand from Myanmar after scam hub raid
In a significant development, over 1,000 individuals, predominantly Chinese nationals, have fled from Myanmar into Thailand this week following a military raid on one of Myanmar’s largest cyber scam centers. The sprawling scam hubs, which have thrived in Myanmar’s loosely governed border regions amid the country’s prolonged civil war, are notorious for orchestrating online fraud schemes targeting victims globally. Thai authorities reported that the influx of people crossing into Mae Sot district, Tak province, began on Wednesday and continued through Friday morning. Among those fleeing were nationals from India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and over a dozen other countries. While some individuals are believed to have been trafficked into these fortified compounds, others reportedly joined voluntarily, lured by the promise of higher earnings in the multibillion-dollar illicit industry. Thai officials have initiated screening processes to identify potential human trafficking victims, with those found crossing illegally facing prosecution. The Myanmar junta confirmed the raid on KK Park, a major scam center located near the Thai border, and seized Starlink satellite internet devices used in the operations. SpaceX, the operator of Starlink, disclosed that it had disabled over 2,500 devices at Myanmar’s scam hubs. Analysts suggest that the military crackdown may be a superficial effort to appease China, a key backer of the junta, without significantly disrupting the lucrative scam operations.