Sri Lanka has launched an official investigation into allegations of mistreatment involving two elephants gifted by Thailand decades ago. The elephants, presented as symbols of diplomatic friendship in 1980 and 2001, are reportedly suffering under the care of Buddhist temples. Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi confirmed that a panel of veterinarians has been appointed to assess the animals’ health and living conditions. The probe follows concerns raised by Thailand, which has reportedly expressed interest in repatriating the elephants. Animal rights activists in Sri Lanka have also been contacted by Thai authorities seeking updates on the elephants’ welfare. Elephants hold a sacred status in Sri Lanka, revered as national treasures and Buddhist symbols. However, reports of cruelty by private owners and monks have tarnished this reputation. In 2023, Sri Lanka repatriated a Thai elephant named Muthu Raja, also known as Sak Surin, after allegations of neglect and abuse surfaced. The illegal trade of elephant calves has further exacerbated conservation challenges, with mothers often killed to capture their young. Human-elephant conflicts have also escalated, resulting in significant losses for both species. Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, but their survival remains under threat.
作者： admin
-
Poetic autumn scenery unveiled at 99 Dragon Pools in Yunnan
The 99 Dragon Pools, nestled within the Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang, Yunnan province, have unveiled their most breathtaking autumn spectacle. As the season transitions, the high-altitude basins are adorned with drifting clouds and mist, resembling a delicate white scarf draped over the landscape. The pools, often referred to as the heart of Laojun Mountain, shimmer like vivid blue-green gems embedded within the ancient forests. The surrounding foliage, now ablaze with autumnal hues, casts a mesmerizing reflection on the crystal-clear waters, creating a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. This annual transformation attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, eager to capture the serene and poetic ambiance of this unique location.
-
Ice-and-snow tourism scenic area opens in NE China
China Snow Town, a premier ice-and-snow tourism destination in Heilongjiang Province, officially opened its doors to visitors on November 17, 2025. Located in Mudanjiang City, the scenic area has curated over 30 cultural and tourism activities, blending traditional folk customs, modern performances, and cutting-edge light shows to create an immersive winter experience. The region, known for its extended snow season, witnessed its first snowfall on October 17 this year, six days earlier than in 2024. With snow depths reaching up to 2 meters during peak season, the area attracts global tourists, drawing a record 1.45 million visitors last winter. Heilongjiang’s ice-and-snow economy has become a significant contributor, achieving a market value of 266.17 billion yuan ($37.6 billion) in 2024, with tourism alone accounting for 182.33 billion yuan. China’s ambitious plan to develop its ice-and-snow economy aims for a total market value of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.
-
UK threatens visa bans on three African countries ahead of asylum overhaul
The United Kingdom has issued a stern warning to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, threatening to halt visa issuance to their nationals unless these countries agree to repatriate their citizens deemed as criminals or irregular migrants. This announcement, made by the UK Home Office on Monday, precedes a significant overhaul of the nation’s asylum system, described as the most comprehensive in modern history. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to unveil these reforms, which aim to address the contentious issue of illegal migration, particularly the surge of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel from France. The UK government has criticized the three African nations for their lack of cooperation in facilitating the return of migrants, giving them a one-month ultimatum to comply. The proposed measures, inspired by Denmark’s stringent asylum policies, include ending automatic benefits for asylum seekers, reducing refugee protections, and shortening the duration of refugee status from five years to 30 months. Additionally, refugees will face stricter conditions for permanent residency, with the waiting period extended from five to 20 years. These reforms have sparked criticism from charities and opposition lawmakers, who argue that they create unnecessary hardship for refugees and hinder their integration into society.
-
UAE: Endangered migratory bird on Red List observed in Wasit Reserve
In a significant ecological discovery, the White-Tailed Lapwing, an endangered migratory bird, has been observed in the Wasit Nature Reserve in the UAE. This medium-sized wader, scientifically known as Vanellus leucurus, is listed on the UAE’s Red List of threatened species, as confirmed by Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority. The bird is easily recognizable by its white belly and tail, brown upper plumage, long legs, and pointed bill, which it uses to forage for insects and worms in wetland habitats. The White-Tailed Lapwing breeds in Central Asia and migrates to regions such as India, the Middle East, and North Africa during winter. During breeding season, it exhibits territorial behavior, engaging in aerial and vocal displays to protect its nest. The sighting highlights the importance of wetland conservation efforts in the UAE and underscores the region’s role as a critical habitat for migratory species. This discovery also raises awareness about the need to protect endangered species and their ecosystems, particularly in the face of environmental challenges.
-
Federal agents arrest 81 people in Charlotte immigration crackdown
Charlotte, North Carolina, became the latest focal point of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy as federal agents arrested 81 individuals in a swift five-hour operation over the weekend. The crackdown, dubbed ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’ by US Customs and Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, targeted individuals with ‘significant criminal and immigration history,’ according to Bovino’s social media post. The operation’s name, inspired by a popular children’s book, has done little to quell public outrage. Protesters took to the streets on Saturday, condemning the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics, which included masked, heavily armed agents in unmarked vehicles. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, sharply criticized the operation, accusing agents of racial profiling and endangering citizens. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also reported an incident where a US citizen allegedly rammed a law enforcement vehicle, injuring an officer. While DHS has not specified the duration of the raids, the ongoing crackdown in Chicago, which began in September, suggests a prolonged enforcement effort. Bovino hinted at further actions, leaving Charlotte residents anxious about what lies ahead.
-
Louvre Museum closes offices and a gallery over structural fragility concerns
The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced the temporary closure of certain employee offices and a public gallery due to structural vulnerabilities. The decision follows a technical report highlighting the fragility of beams supporting the second level of the museum’s Sully wing. The report, submitted on Friday, cited ‘recent and unforeseen developments’ as the cause, though no further details were provided. As a precaution, 65 employees will be relocated for three days while experts assess the damage. Additionally, the Campana Gallery, which houses antique Greek ceramics and is located beneath the affected offices, will also be closed temporarily. This development comes as the Louvre continues to recover from last month’s high-profile heist of crown jewels valued at over $100 million. The museum’s Sully wing is a key focus of its ambitious renovation plans, which were unveiled earlier this year.
-
Tom Cruise promises support for cinema as he accepts honorary Oscar
In a star-studded ceremony celebrating his illustrious career, Tom Cruise was awarded an honorary Oscar, recognizing his contributions to cinema spanning over four decades. The 63-year-old actor, a four-time Oscar nominee but never a winner, was honored for his iconic roles in films such as ‘Risky Business,’ the ‘Top Gun’ series, and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. The event, held on Sunday, also saw director Alejandro Inarritu praising Cruise’s precision and dedication, emphasizing that his talent extends far beyond the daring stunts he is renowned for. Cruise, in his acceptance speech, reflected on his lifelong passion for cinema, recounting how childhood experiences in theaters inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking. ‘Making films is not what I do. It’s who I am,’ he declared, vowing to continue supporting the art form and nurturing new voices in the industry. The gala also honored Dolly Parton with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work, including her efforts to provide millions of books to children. Other recipients included Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas, celebrated for their contributions to the arts.
-
High-speed rail linking China’s old revolutionary base with Xi’an begins trial operation
A groundbreaking high-speed railway connecting Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, with Yan’an, a city of immense historical significance, has officially entered its trial operation phase. This marks a pivotal step toward the full operational launch of the 299.8-kilometer line, designed to travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. The trial run began on Monday morning with the departure of test train 55302 from Xi’an, transitioning from joint debugging and testing to operational simulations. Once fully operational, the railway will reduce travel time between the two cities from 2.5 hours to approximately one hour. Yan’an, known as the revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China from 1937 to 1947, holds a special place in the nation’s history. This project not only enhances regional connectivity but also underscores the modernization of transportation infrastructure in northern Shaanxi. The high-speed rail is expected to boost economic development, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region, further integrating Yan’an into the broader national network.
-
Top US admiral says he’s watching China’s rapid naval buildup closely
In a significant address during his 10-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. Admiral Daryl Caudle expressed admiration for China’s burgeoning shipbuilding capabilities while underscoring the critical importance of American alliances with Japan and South Korea. Speaking in Tokyo on Monday, Caudle described China’s naval expansion as ‘impressive,’ particularly highlighting the recent commissioning of its latest aircraft carrier, Fujian, and the sea trials of its advanced amphibious assault ship. Despite China’s numerical advantage in total ships, the U.S. Navy maintains superiority in key vessel categories such as aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. Caudle emphasized that China’s global deployment of these assets remains a concern for U.S. strategic interests. However, he reassured that the combined naval capabilities of the U.S. and its regional allies, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, form a formidable counterbalance. Caudle’s visit coincides with heightened tensions between Japan and China, as Japan’s new conservative Prime Minister has suggested a potential military response to any Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. Earlier in the day, Caudle toured the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka and a local shipbuilding facility, reiterating the U.S. commitment to bolstering its shipbuilding capacity through collaboration with Japan and South Korea. He also described South Korea’s recent agreement to develop a nuclear-powered submarine as ‘very nascent,’ while noting Japan’s interest in similar technology, which may face public opposition due to the nation’s historical trauma and non-nuclear principles.