The detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian national residing in the UK, at Shanghai airport has escalated diplomatic tensions between India and China. Thongdok was held for 18 hours last Friday while transiting from London to Japan via Shanghai. The reason cited for her detention was her passport listing Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace, a region China claims as its own, referring to it as ‘South Tibet’—a claim India vehemently denies.
作者： admin
-
TCM’s future is looking up down under
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is experiencing a significant surge in recognition and adoption across Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, driven by its holistic approach and growing integration with Western medical practices. Steven Wolfgang Sass, a Melbourne-based TCM practitioner, exemplifies this trend. His clinic, which opened nearly two years ago, has seen a steady increase in patients seeking relief from conditions ranging from chronic pain to stress-related ailments. Sass’s success stories, such as treating a neurologist with acupuncture, highlight TCM’s efficacy and its ability to complement conventional treatments.
-
Hong Kong, Macao to get more support
The central government has pledged to intensify its support for Hong Kong and Macao, ensuring their alignment with national strategies and the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). This commitment was underscored during a high-level seminar led by Zhu Weidong, deputy director of the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group. Zhu highlighted the remarkable achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), including an average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent and significant technological advancements, such as producing over 60 percent of the world’s new energy vehicles and breakthroughs in semiconductors and quantum technology. The delegation, which included Hou Jianguo, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted similar seminars in Macao and Hong Kong, emphasizing the regions’ strategic roles in national development. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, reiterated the central government’s unwavering support for Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. The seminars also featured calls for enhanced infrastructure and institutional connectivity, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as an international hub. Participants, including Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress and leaders of community associations, expressed confidence in the central government’s proactive role in fostering regional growth and stability.
-
Watch: Moment researcher finds rare flower after 13-year search
In a moment of profound triumph, researcher Septian Andriki broke down in tears after finally locating the elusive Rafflesia hasseltii flower in Indonesia, marking the culmination of a 13-year search. This rare botanical specimen, known for its striking appearance and ecological significance, had evaded discovery for over a decade. Andriki’s relentless pursuit of the flower underscores the dedication and perseverance required in scientific exploration. The discovery not only highlights the biodiversity of Indonesia but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect such rare species. This breakthrough is expected to contribute significantly to botanical research and inspire future generations of scientists to explore the natural world with unwavering determination.
-
Moravian stars light up Germany’s Christmas season
In the quaint village of Herrnhut, nestled near the borders of Poland and the Czech Republic, a centuries-old tradition continues to illuminate the darkest days of winter. The Moravian stars, a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, have become a cherished part of Christmas celebrations across Germany and beyond. These stars, handmade for over 180 years, adorn church steeples, apartment windows, and even the chancellery in Berlin during Advent. Katja Ruppert, managing director of the Herrnhuter Sterne manufacturing company, explains that the stars represent the guiding light that led the three wise men to the Christ Child. The tradition began in 1722 when refugees from the Moravian Church, fleeing persecution in Bohemia and Moravia, founded Herrnhut under the protection of Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf. The stars were born out of a geometry lesson in one of the schools established by the church, where a math teacher tasked students with creating a complex geometric shape. This initial cardboard star was patented in 1925, allowing it to be dismantled for shipping and reassembled. Today, the stars come in various sizes, colors, and materials, ranging from 8 centimeters to 250 centimeters in diameter, with prices starting at 19 euros. The company has expanded its offerings to include monochrome, varicolored, and even ‘literary stars’ made from the pages of old books. A handicrafts workshop in Herrnhut allows visitors to create their own stars, while a showroom showcases the diverse range of designs. The Moravian star’s popularity has grown significantly in the past two decades, with over 820,000 stars produced annually by 230 employees. Despite their local fame, the stars have yet to be widely exported, though Moravian Church communities in places like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Christiansfeld, Denmark, also feature them during Advent. For many, like hairdresser Silk Schmidt, the stars are a cherished part of their holiday traditions, bringing light and beauty to the winter season.
-
Teens launch High Court challenge to Australia’s social media ban
Australia’s pioneering social media ban for children under 16 is under legal scrutiny as two teenagers, supported by the Digital Freedom Project (DFP), challenge its constitutionality in the nation’s highest court. The law, set to take effect on December 10, mandates platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to prohibit accounts for users under 16, aiming to shield young people from harmful content and algorithms. However, 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland argue that the ban infringes on their right to free communication, likening it to the dystopian world of Orwell’s ‘1984.’
Communications Minister Anika Wells has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the policy, stating it will not yield to legal challenges or pressure from tech giants. The DFP, led by New South Wales parliamentarian John Ruddick, contends that the ban disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including disabled youth, First Nations communities, and LGBTIQ+ teenagers, who rely on social media for information and connection. The group advocates for alternative measures such as digital literacy programs, age-appropriate platform features, and enhanced privacy protections.
Critics, including Jones, argue that the policy is ‘lazy’ and fails to address the root issues of online safety. Meanwhile, tech companies like Google, which owns YouTube, are reportedly considering their own constitutional challenges. While polls indicate broad public support for the ban, mental health advocates warn it could isolate children and push them toward unregulated online spaces. The case highlights the ongoing global debate over balancing child protection with digital freedoms.
-
What to know about French ex-President Sarkozy’s latest legal matters
Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, awaits a pivotal ruling from the Court of Cassation on Wednesday regarding his conviction for illegal campaign financing during his 2012 reelection bid. The court will determine whether to uphold or overturn his one-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended, for exceeding the legal spending limit by nearly double the allowed €22.5 million ($25.5 million). This decision follows his recent release from a 20-day incarceration in Paris’ La Santé prison, stemming from a separate case involving alleged secret financing from Libya during his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy, 70, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. If the Court of Cassation confirms the conviction, it will mark a definitive legal conclusion, barring further appeals. The court’s role is to ensure proper application of legal procedures rather than re-examining the case’s merits. Additionally, Sarkozy faces an upcoming appeal trial in the Libya case, scheduled from March 16 to June 3, where he was previously sentenced to five years for criminal association related to campaign financing. Amid these legal battles, Sarkozy is set to release a memoir titled “Diary of a Prisoner,” reflecting on his recent incarceration. The former president’s legal woes also include preliminary charges for alleged witness tampering in the Libya case, with his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, similarly implicated. Sarkozy’s legacy continues to be marred by these controversies, including a prior conviction for corruption and influence peddling, which led to the revocation of his Legion of Honor medal.
-
Ambitious plan to store CO2 beneath the North Sea set to start operations
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Nini oil field in Denmark’s North Sea is being repurposed from fossil fuel extraction to a permanent carbon dioxide storage site. Spearheaded by chemical giant INEOS, the Greensand Future project aims to inject liquefied CO2 into depleted oil reservoirs 1,800 meters beneath the seabed. This innovative approach, which effectively reverses the oil extraction process, is set to commence commercial operations next year, marking the European Union’s first fully operational offshore CO2 storage facility. The project will initially store 400,000 tons of CO2 annually, with plans to scale up to 8 million tons by 2030. Denmark’s geological survey confirms the suitability of the Greensand sandstone rock for this purpose, citing its porous structure and secure seal rock. While proponents hail carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a vital tool in combating climate change, critics argue it should not overshadow the urgent need for emission reductions. Environmental groups like Greenpeace caution against over-reliance on CCS, emphasizing the importance of cutting emissions at their source. Despite these concerns, INEOS is expanding its efforts, including potential development of another North Sea oil field, as part of Europe’s broader energy transition.
-
‘This is the first year I can’t find a holiday job’
The holiday job market in the United States is facing unprecedented challenges, with seasonal hiring expected to drop to its lowest level since the aftermath of the 2008 recession. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers are projected to hire between 265,000 and 365,000 seasonal workers this year, a significant decline from 442,000 in the previous year. This pullback reflects a cautious approach among businesses grappling with tariffs, inflation, and consumer uncertainty. Nicholas Strahl, a 41-year-old part-time retail sales associate in Indiana, exemplifies the struggles of job seekers. Despite applying to multiple retailers since October, he has yet to secure a seasonal position. ‘I’ve never seen the job market like this—it’s pretty crazy,’ he remarked. The labor market is described as ‘frozen with frostbite’ by Allison Shrivastava, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, as a larger pool of job seekers competes for fewer opportunities. Retail job openings in October were down 22% compared to last year, according to Revelio Labs. Major retailers like Target and Walmart have remained tight-lipped about their seasonal hiring plans, a departure from previous years. Meanwhile, smaller businesses, such as Hobby Works in Maryland, are scaling back hiring due to economic pressures and the recent government shutdown. For many Americans, the lack of seasonal work means cutting back on holiday spending and delaying essential expenses, further highlighting the economic strain faced by households across the country.
-
Robert Irwin wins Dancing with the Stars, a decade after sister’s victory
Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has emerged victorious in this year’s edition of *Dancing with the Stars*, a decade after his sister Bindi Irwin claimed the same title. The 21-year-old, despite battling a rib injury, delivered a series of stellar performances throughout the 11-week competition, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to his father and a surprise appearance by Bindi. The finale, broadcast locally on Tuesday evening, showcased Irwin’s versatility as he and his professional partner, Witney Carson, performed to tracks by Avicii, Sydney-born Sam Sparro, and Australian rock band Jet, adding a distinctly Australian flavor to the event. Irwin and Carson also excelled in the ‘instant dance challenge,’ where they were given the style and song just minutes before performing. Competing against finalists like influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Irwin secured the win despite three other contestants earning perfect scores earlier in the night. Emotional after his final performance, Irwin expressed his desire to make his father proud, saying, ‘I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.’ Steve Irwin, known globally as the ‘Crocodile Hunter,’ tragically passed away in 2006 during a diving expedition. Following in his father’s footsteps, Robert has become a passionate wildlife photographer and an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.