In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Frederick Go, his presidential adviser for investment, as the new finance secretary. This move replaces Ralph Recto, who has been reassigned as the executive secretary. The changes were announced on Monday amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, which has sparked public outrage and hindered economic growth. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that these adjustments underscore the president’s dedication to fortifying governmental institutions and enhancing inter-departmental coordination. Recto, who served as finance secretary for nearly two years, brings extensive legislative experience from his three-decade tenure in the lower house and senate. Go, a former CEO of a real estate developer, has played a pivotal role in trade tariff negotiations with the United States. This marks the second cabinet overhaul this year, following a similar reshuffle in May after disappointing midterm election results for administration-backed candidates. The latest changes also follow the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, with Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo stepping in as officer-in-charge. Neither Bersamin nor Pangandaman have been implicated in the anti-graft body’s investigation.
作者： admin
-
Dongying birdwatching: More than birds, legacy in sky
The third Yellow River Estuary International Birdwatching Season in Dongying, Shandong Province, has become a beacon of ecological and cultural significance. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the profound connection between humanity and nature showcased in this event. Speaking to China Daily on November 15, Khan lauded the Yellow River Delta as a critical sanctuary for migratory birds and a blueprint for sustainable habitat conservation. He also commended the festival’s cultural richness and its role in fostering ecological awareness among younger generations, describing it as a milestone in environmental stewardship. The event not only highlights the region’s natural beauty but also underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for future generations. Dongying’s birdwatching season is more than an annual spectacle; it is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of people and nature, leaving a lasting legacy in the skies.
-
India: New Delhi car bomb accused appears in court
In a significant development following last week’s deadly car bomb attack in New Delhi, Indian anti-terrorism authorities presented suspect Amir Rashid Ali in court on Monday. Ali is accused of conspiring with Umar Un Nabi, the alleged suicide bomber, to orchestrate the terror attack that claimed multiple lives. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that Ali facilitated the purchase of the vehicle used as an improvised explosive device (IED), while Nabi, a medical professor from Haryana, is believed to have carried out the attack. The blast occurred near a bustling metro station close to the historic Red Fort, a site of national significance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a ‘conspiracy’ and pledged to bring all perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. The death toll remains disputed, with the NIA reporting 10 fatalities and hospital sources indicating at least 12. The court has ordered Ali to be held in custody for 10 days as investigations continue. The incident has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian officials issuing stern warnings to their neighbor. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi likened the recent cross-border conflict to a ‘trailer,’ suggesting that India is prepared for further escalation if provoked. The attack underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and raises questions about the motives and networks behind the suspects.
-
Look: UAE flag colours sky at Dubai Airshow 2025 as crowds wowed by flying displays
The Dubai Airshow 2025 kicked off in grand style on November 17, captivating audiences with an array of breathtaking aerial performances. The event, held at Dubai World Central, featured 19 teams and aircraft types on its opening day, making it one of the busiest schedules in the airshow’s history. The lineup included national aerobatic teams, military formations, next-generation fighters, and commercial aircraft, offering a diverse and thrilling experience for attendees. The skies were painted with the colours of the UAE flag as Fursan Al Emarat, the national aerobatic team, performed a stunning vertical climb, releasing trails of red, white, black, and green smoke. The Emirates A380 also made a dramatic low pass, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. Adding to the excitement, a flying taxi made its debut in the flying programme, signaling a leap toward future mobility solutions. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, graced the event, emphasizing the UAE’s pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry. The airshow continues to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for aviation and aerospace.
-
China to maintain pressure on Japan over PM’s Taiwan comments
China has issued a stern warning to Japan, demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial comments regarding Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized during a press briefing on Monday that China will persist in making strong representations to Japan, urging immediate reflection on its actions. This development follows the arrival of Masaaki Kanai, a senior official from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in China. Kanai is expected to engage in discussions with Liu Jinsong, the director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry. The diplomatic friction underscores the sensitivity of Taiwan-related issues in Sino-Japanese relations, with China reiterating its firm stance on Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.
-
The deadly fungus Chinese scientists smuggled into the US
In a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old Chinese plant scientist at the University of Michigan, pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025, to charges of smuggling and making false statements to the FBI. Jian, who was arrested in June 2025 along with another Chinese scientist, was accused of smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a crop-damaging fungus, into the United States. Under her plea agreement, Jian was sentenced to time served and is expected to be deported. In a statement to the court, she claimed her research was aimed at protecting crops from disease.
Fusarium graminearum, a well-known pathogen, poses significant risks to crops such as wheat, corn, and barley, causing Fusarium head blight, or scab. This disease can reduce crop yields by up to 45% in severe cases and has been responsible for substantial economic losses in the U.S., estimated at over $1 billion annually. The fungus also produces mycotoxins, which can harm both humans and livestock, leading to gastrointestinal damage, immune system issues, and nervous system inflammation.
The case has highlighted the strict regulations surrounding the import and movement of plant pathogens in the U.S., governed by the Plant Protection Act of 2000. Scientists must obtain permits from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to transport such pathogens, a process that can take up to six months. The goal is to prevent the introduction of new genetic material that could exacerbate crop damage.
Farmers combat Fusarium graminearum through integrated management strategies, including the use of fungicides, crop rotation, and planting resistant crop varieties. Researchers are also developing predictive models to forecast scab outbreaks, helping farmers apply fungicides at optimal times to minimize damage.
Jian’s case underscores the delicate balance between scientific research and biosecurity, raising questions about the ethical and legal responsibilities of scientists working with potentially harmful pathogens.
-
Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 60 GE engines for Boeing aircraft
Flydubai, Dubai’s second-largest carrier, has announced a significant agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 60 GEnx-1B engines for its new fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The deal, unveiled on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the airline’s ambitious entry into long-haul operations. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores flydubai’s strategic shift from its all-Boeing 737 fleet to diversify its offerings and meet evolving market demands. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency, will enable flydubai to expand its global reach and enhance its competitive edge. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized the critical role of engine performance and durability in the airline’s expansion plans, particularly as it prepares to integrate the 787 aircraft into its fleet. The announcement comes amid challenges posed by Boeing’s delivery delays, which have impacted flydubai’s growth trajectory. Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about supporting flydubai’s expansion, highlighting the GEnx engine’s proven reliability and efficiency. Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has logged over 62 million flight hours, cementing its reputation as a trusted powerplant for modern aircraft.
-
At least 98 Palestinian prisoners died in Israeli custody: Report
A staggering 98 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli detention since October 2023, with the actual number likely much higher, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI). The Guardian reported on Monday that most of these fatalities were civilians, with systematic torture and abuse being rampant in detention centers. Causes of death ranged from physical violence to medical neglect and malnutrition. Among the deaths, 52 occurred in military custody, all from the Gaza Strip, while 46 took place in Israel Prison Service (IPS) custody, including detainees from the West Bank and Palestinian citizens of Israel. PHRI compiled its findings from forensic reports, testimonies, eyewitness accounts, and official information requests. The report highlights that Israeli authorities have only provided detailed data for the first eight months of the conflict, revealing a mortality rate of one death every four days. Since May 2024, PHRI has identified an additional 35 deaths, but the true number is believed to be higher, especially as hundreds of Gazan detainees remain unaccounted for. Naji Abbas, PHRI’s director, emphasized that the reported figures do not represent the full picture, as many deaths remain undocumented. Allegations of extrajudicial killings, physical abuse, sexual assault, and starvation have surged since October 2023, with no legal proceedings or accountability for these deaths. PHRI warns that every Palestinian detainee is at risk, regardless of health or age, and accuses Israel of implementing a policy of forced disappearance and lack of transparency. Currently, an estimated 9,250 Palestinian prisoners are held across 23 facilities, excluding unaccounted detainees in military camps. PHRI condemned Israel’s violations of international law, making it nearly impossible to trace the fate of many detainees. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities claim to act in accordance with the law and investigate all deaths in custody.
-
Ming Dynasty stone street attracts visitors in Guizhou
Shiban Street, a historic stone-slab lane nestled in Duyun, Guizhou province, has become a captivating destination for visitors. This ancient pathway, dating back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), winds through rows of stilted wooden houses, offering a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. The street’s undulating path follows the natural terrain, flanked by vibrant painted doors and windows. Local shops showcase traditional crafts, including Bouyei homespun cloth, Miao silverwork, and Shui embroidery, adding to the area’s allure. Historically, this mountain road served as the southern gateway to the city and was a vital part of an ancient route connecting Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the Ming and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Today, Shiban Street stands as a testament to the region’s enduring legacy, attracting tourists eager to explore its timeless charm.
-
Sheikh Hasina, former Bangladesh prime minister, sentenced to death
A Bangladeshi court has handed down a death sentence to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia, convicting her of crimes against humanity. The verdict stems from her alleged role in ordering a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, which resulted in significant casualties and the collapse of her government. The International Crimes Tribunal, comprising three judges, found Hasina guilty of incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the protests.