Li Xiangang, a former high-ranking official in Heilongjiang Province, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for bribery and embezzlement, as reported by China Central Television. The court also stripped Li of his political rights for life and confiscated all his personal property. The illicit gains from his crimes were forfeited to the state treasury, and the embezzled funds are to be returned to the affected organizations. From 2006 to 2024, Li exploited his various positions, including mayor and Party secretary of Shuangyashan city, secretary-general of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, and deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Congress, to provide undue advantages to businesses and individuals in exchange for bribes totaling 117 million yuan ($16.46 million). Additionally, in 2009 and 2012, Li embezzled public assets worth over 1.68 million yuan through fraudulent property transactions. The court noted the severity of his crimes and their detrimental impact on public trust. However, due to Li’s confession, remorse, and restitution of illegal gains, he was granted a more lenient sentence. The case was publicly tried on May 22, with prosecutors presenting substantial evidence. Li admitted to his crimes in his final statement.
作者： admin
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Samsung users report ‘unremovable’ Israeli bloatware AppCloud on devices
Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, is embroiled in a global controversy as users and cybersecurity experts raise alarms over pre-installed bloatware on its devices. The software in question, AppCloud, initially reported in Samsung Galaxy A and M series phones in West Asia and North Africa, has now been found in devices across Europe and South Asia. Users claim the app is unremovable without root access, the highest level of system control, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns.
AppCloud, linked to the Israeli firm ironSource, has been accused of secretly harvesting user data and lacking a transparent privacy policy. IronSource, now owned by American company Unity, has a notorious history of creating invasive programs that bypass user permissions and security checks. Despite being disabled, AppCloud persists on devices, reappears after updates, and can covertly install additional software.
Digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted these issues, noting that Samsung’s terms of service fail to address AppCloud or ironSource explicitly. In May, SMEX sent an open letter to Samsung, but the company has yet to respond. The issue has gained traction online, with users sharing screenshots of AppCloud’s extensive permissions, including full network access and the ability to download files without notification.
Cybersecurity experts warn that while AppCloud’s behavior doesn’t confirm it as classic spyware, its aggressive data collection and unremovable nature blur the line between ad-tech and surveillance. As the controversy grows, Samsung faces mounting pressure to address these privacy concerns and provide users with greater control over their devices.
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Cash vouchers for newlyweds as China tries to boost marriages
In a bid to reverse the declining trend of marriages, the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has launched a new initiative offering cash vouchers to newlyweds. Couples who register their marriage between October 28 and December 31, 2025, will receive eight marriage consumption vouchers, totaling 1,000 yuan ($141). These vouchers can be used for wedding-related expenses such as photography, ceremonies, hotel stays, and retail purchases. The initiative, announced by Ningbo’s civil affairs department on its official WeChat account, is part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to encourage young people to marry and start families. Similar programs have been introduced in other eastern cities like Hangzhou and Pinghu, with vouchers available until the end of the year. China’s marriage rates have plummeted, with only 6.1 million couples registering for marriage last year, a significant drop from 7.68 million the previous year. The decline is attributed to the high costs of childcare and education, as well as shifting societal attitudes. To address the issue, the government has implemented various measures, including promoting ‘love education’ in universities and urging local governments to allocate resources to support marriage and childbearing. With China’s population aging rapidly, boosting marriage and birth rates has become a critical priority for policymakers.
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How Dubai played a role in Russian teenager’s rise in tennis
The 2025 WTA season concluded with a remarkable story of 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who ended the year ranked World No. 9. Her breakthrough season was highlighted by a stunning victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC), a pivotal moment that catapulted her into the sport’s elite ranks. At just 17, Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007 and the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history. Her triumph in Dubai, where she defeated higher-ranked opponents including World No. 2 Iga Świątek, marked her as a rising star in the tennis world. The DDFTC has long been a prestigious platform for top talents, hosting legends like Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, and Justine Henin, as well as current stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Świątek, and Coco Gauff. The 2026 edition of the tournament, scheduled for February 15-21, promises to bring together the world’s best players, including Andreeva, who will defend her title. Fans can expect two weeks of world-class tennis action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.
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Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ to release across 800 defence theatres in India
Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated war drama, ‘120 Bahadur,’ is set to make cinematic history as it becomes the first film to be released exclusively across 800 defence theatres in India. The film, which is based on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, will premiere on November 21, offering a unique cinematic experience to the nation’s armed forces and their families. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandra (Trigger Happy Studios), the movie features an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and Dhanveer Singh. Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a valiant leader of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, whose unwavering courage and determination are central to the narrative. The film’s trailer captures pivotal moments, including a powerful dialogue where Akhtar’s character declares, ‘Main ladey bina haar nahi manna chahta’ (I don’t want to accept defeat without fighting). The initiative, spearheaded by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, aims to bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and India’s defence community. Sushil Chaudhary, founder and CEO of PictureTime, emphasized the significance of this move, stating that it seeks to expand access to cinematic experiences for the underserved 70% of India’s 20-million-strong veteran and family audience. This groundbreaking release underscores the film’s resonance with the armed forces and its potential to inspire audiences nationwide.
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France investigating Vinted over alleged links to pornographic content
French authorities have launched an investigation into the second-hand clothing platform Vinted following allegations that some user accounts were redirecting visitors to pornographic content. The issue was first reported by French media, prompting France’s Children’s Rights Commissioner, Sarah El-Haïry, to request an examination by the regulatory watchdog Arcom. Vinted, which boasts 23 million users in France, lacks an age-verification process, potentially exposing minors to explicit material. The Lithuania-based company has stated it enforces a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against unsolicited sexual communications or the promotion of sexual services, and it removes inappropriate content while blocking offending users. The controversy emerged after sellers of swimwear or lingerie were found to be directing buyers to adult platforms like OnlyFans. El-Haïry condemned the misuse of ordinary clothing sales to funnel users to pornographic sites. This case is part of a broader crackdown on e-commerce platforms in France, including Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, which are under scrutiny for allegedly allowing the sale of illicit or harmful content accessible to minors. Shein has already banned the sale of sex dolls globally and blocked associated seller accounts. The French consumer watchdog has described some of these products as having a ‘child-pornography nature.’
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When is the Epstein files vote – and what happens next?
In a surprising shift, former US President Donald Trump has called on Congressional Republicans to support the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This reversal comes after Trump initially opposed making the files public, fearing potential political fallout. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a measure that would require the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents within 30 days in a searchable and downloadable format. While the measure is expected to pass the House, its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces significant pressure from both political parties, with some Republicans expressing support for transparency. However, concerns persist about the potential release of sensitive personal information and its impact on ongoing investigations. The debate has sparked intense political divisions, with some Republicans accusing Democrats of using the issue to undermine Trump. The proposed bill allows the Attorney General to redact information that could invade personal privacy or jeopardize active investigations. Legal experts warn that partial disclosure could lead to public outrage and legal challenges. Advocates for full transparency, including Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, argue that the public deserves access to the truth. The outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for accountability and transparency in US politics.
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Saudi prince, eyeing defence pledge, to meet Trump after long US absence
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington this week, marking his first visit to the US since 2018. The three-day trip, which began on Monday, will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, with the prince prioritizing enhanced US security guarantees for Saudi Arabia. This comes in the wake of recent Israeli strikes on Qatar, a key US ally, which have heightened regional tensions. While Trump is expected to push for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, Riyadh remains reluctant, citing its longstanding condition for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for such a move. The visit also includes a US-Saudi investment forum, highlighting collaboration in energy and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the crown prince is reportedly seeking advanced defense systems, including F-35 fighter jets, and access to high-tech chips to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions. The meeting underscores the complex dynamics of US-Saudi relations, with both nations navigating regional security challenges and economic diversification efforts.
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Watch: BTS member J-hope touches down in Dubai, sends UAE fans into frenzy
BTS member J-hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok, has arrived in Dubai, sending fans into a frenzy. The K-pop superstar landed in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, and shared a photo from his Emirates flight on his Instagram Story. Known for his active social media presence, J-hope frequently updates fans on his activities, making this trip no exception. While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, fans speculate he might be attending Dubai Watch Week, which begins on November 19. The event, held at Dubai Mall, features a special exhibition by Audemars Piguet, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Additionally, the presence of J-hope’s dance team members in Dubai has fueled rumors of a potential performance, though no official confirmation has been made. The Dream Concert UAE, scheduled for November 22 in Abu Dhabi, features several K-pop acts but does not list any BTS members. Fans are eagerly anticipating any surprises J-hope might have in store, making this one of the most talked-about topics in the K-pop community.
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South Africa to refuse charter flights of Palestinians over fears of ‘cleansing agenda’
South Africa has expressed deep suspicions regarding the recent arrival of a group of Palestinians, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding their journey. The controversy stems from a chartered flight that landed at OR Tambo International Airport last Thursday, carrying 153 passengers from Gaza. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described the flight as part of a ‘clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank,’ though Israeli authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. The Palestinian embassy in South Africa claimed the group departed from Israel’s Ramon Airport, transiting through Nairobi, Kenya, without prior coordination, and accused an ‘unregistered and misleading organization’ of exploiting the situation by deceiving families and facilitating irregular travel. Initially, the passengers were denied entry due to missing departure stamps in their passports, but after a 10-hour delay and intervention by a local charity, 130 were allowed to disembark. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cited ’empathy and compassion’ as the reason for their eventual admission. Lamola suggested the flight was part of a broader effort to relocate Palestinians globally, with similar flights reportedly sent to other countries. This incident follows another flight two weeks earlier, which brought 176 Palestinians to Johannesburg, some of whom continued to other destinations. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously discussed ‘voluntarily’ resettling Palestinians from Gaza, a move criticized by Palestinians and human rights groups. South Africa, a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, even filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The country’s historical solidarity with Palestine, rooted in its anti-apartheid struggle, has fueled widespread pro-Palestinian sentiment, though smaller pro-Israel demonstrations have also occurred. The situation remains under investigation, with South Africa continuing to scrutinize the motives behind these arrivals.