The 2025 Overseas Generation Z Guangxi Cultural Experience Tour officially commenced on Wednesday in Baise, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This initiative has attracted over 20 young participants, including foreign media representatives and youth delegates from diverse nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the rich heritage of Guangxi to the global Gen Z community. Participants will engage in immersive activities, exploring the region’s unique traditions, landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This tour not only highlights Baise’s significance as a cultural hub but also strengthens international ties through youth engagement and cultural exchange.
作者: admin
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Beijing’s air quality improves further
Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in 2025, with the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reporting a 16.6% reduction in the average PM2.5 concentration during the first ten months of the year. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from January to October stood at 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a significant improvement. Additionally, the city recorded 254 days of good air quality, an increase of 20 days compared to the same period in 2024. These achievements are attributed to systematic efforts, including the promotion of new energy vehicles, which have surpassed 1.2 million in number by October. To address seasonal pollution, Beijing has strengthened regional collaboration and employed advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and online monitoring to identify and mitigate high-pollution areas. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.
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Restaurant Review: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a time machine on a plate
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is not merely a dining experience; it is a masterful exploration of British culinary history, reimagined through the innovative vision of world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. Located in Dubai, this restaurant transcends traditional dining, offering guests an immersive journey where each course tells a story rooted in centuries-old traditions, yet crafted with modern precision. From the moment you step into the elegantly designed space, with its polished wood, copper accents, and theatrical ambiance, you are transported into a gastronomic playground. The service is impeccable—warm, attentive, and executed with finesse. The menu, a blend of historical classics and contemporary creativity, is brought to life with dishes like the iconic Meat Fruit, a mandarin-shaped chicken liver parfait, and the indulgent Tipsy Cake, a slow-roasted pineapple dripping with caramel. Every detail, from the lighting to the giant copper pineapple used for roasting, contributes to an unforgettable sensory experience. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is more than a meal; it is a celebration of culinary artistry that invites diners to think, feel, and explore a world where history and innovation collide.
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Eid Al Etihad 2025: Sharjah announces music show, heritage market to kick off celebrations
Sharjah is gearing up to host an extraordinary series of events to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) in 2025, celebrating the UAE’s enduring unity and progress. From November 19 to December 2, the emirate will transform into a hub of cultural and festive activities, spanning historical landmarks and tourist hotspots. The official opening ceremony will take place at Al Siyouh Family Park on November 19, setting the stage for two weeks of vibrant celebrations. Key venues include Kshisha Park, Sharjah National Park, and the newly added Al Layyah Canal, each offering a unique blend of traditional performances, youth panels, and family-friendly shows. A standout event will be the musical extravaganza at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on November 29, featuring Emirati icons Hussain Al Jassmi and Fouad Abdelwahad. Other highlights include parades, heritage markets, operettas, and fireworks across locations like Al Batayeh, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The festivities aim to reinforce the values of unity, loyalty, and national pride, creating a sense of community and shared achievement among citizens and residents.
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Libyan Haftar forces ‘key fuel supplier’ to Sudan’s RSF on behalf of UAE
Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces have been clandestinely supplying smuggled fuel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the behest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a report by the US-based watchdog, The Sentry. This illicit activity, which has escalated into a national crisis for Libya, costing the country approximately $6.7 billion annually, is also exacerbating the deadly conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The report highlights how Haftar’s loyalty to the UAE has made him a key enabler of the RSF’s operations, particularly in the Darfur region, where the paramilitary group has been accused of systematic atrocities, including murder and sexual violence against civilians. The RSF’s mobility and tactical operations in Darfur are heavily reliant on the persistent flow of diesel and gasoline provided by Haftar’s forces. Additionally, the Haftar family has strengthened its strategic control in southeastern Libya through this illegal trade. The report also implicates Russia as a beneficiary of Libya’s fuel smuggling, which supports Moscow’s military activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Fuel smuggling, a long-standing issue in Libya, has surged since the current government took office in 2021, with more than half of the imported fuel being siphoned off by criminal networks. This has led to severe economic consequences for Libya, including a $20 billion loss in revenue, exacerbating fiscal imbalance, currency depreciation, and inflation. Despite pledges to reform fuel subsidies, the surge in smuggling persists, undermining Libya’s legitimate economy and further entrenching the power of its incumbent rulers.
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De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s film is a passable entertainer
De De Pyaar De 2, the sequel to the 2019 romcom, attempts to revisit the age-gap romance trope but falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Directed by Anshul Sharma and co-written by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, the film stars Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan, and Gautami Kapoor. While it offers moments of humor and charm, the film is marred by tonal inconsistencies, a lackluster plot, and underdeveloped characters. The story follows Ashish (Devgn), a 52-year-old man, and Ayesha (Singh), his 20-something lover, as they navigate the challenges of gaining her parents’ approval for their relationship. Despite a promising premise, the film struggles to balance its comedic and emotional elements, often resorting to exaggerated sequences and a caricatured climax. The performances are uneven, with Devgn appearing disengaged and Singh failing to deliver in emotional scenes. Madhavan and Kapoor shine as Ayesha’s parents, but the absence of Tabu, who brought depth to the first film, is keenly felt. De De Pyaar De 2 is a passable entertainer, suitable for a casual watch, but it lacks the substance needed to make a meaningful impact.
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Thai Select Fest 2025 returns to Dubai with Thailand’s biggest food and culture showcase
The Thai Select Fest 2025 is set to make a grand return to Dubai, promising an immersive celebration of Thailand’s rich culture, cuisine, and creativity. Scheduled from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, this free-entry festival will transform the venue into a vibrant Thai village, offering a multi-sensory experience for visitors.
Organized by the Thai Trade Centre in Dubai under the Royal Thai Government’s Department of International Trade Promotion, the festival will showcase Thailand’s renowned ‘5Fs’: Food, Festival, Fashion, Film, and Fight. This year’s edition aims to strengthen cultural ties between Thailand and the UAE while highlighting Thailand’s creative economy and global appeal.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, live music, Muay Thai demonstrations, and hands-on craft workshops. A highlight of the event is the Loy Krathong Festival of Lights, where visitors can create and release their own krathongs into an illuminated pond, symbolizing renewal and positivity.
Food enthusiasts will be treated to authentic Thai dishes prepared by Thai Select-certified restaurants across the UAE, featuring favorites like Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tum, and Mango Sticky Rice. The festival will also feature fashion showcases by Thai designers, short-film screenings, and family-friendly areas with Thai games and crafts.
Pitichai Ratananaka, director of the Thai Trade Centre Dubai, emphasized the festival’s role in sharing Thailand’s soft power and creativity with the world. ‘This festival reflects Thailand’s spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship, and innovation — values that connect seamlessly with Dubai’s multicultural community,’ he said.
Event highlights include live Muay Thai shows and workshops, the Loy Krathong ceremony, a Thai Select Culinary Village, fashion and art exhibitions, a family fun zone, and daily raffles with exciting prizes, including air ticket giveaways. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @thaiselectfestival for updates and live highlights.
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Freed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah barred from flying to the UK
British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, recently pardoned and released from prison, was reportedly stopped at Egyptian passport control while attempting to travel to the UK, according to his family. Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, had been imprisoned for nearly a decade following President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s military coup in 2013. He was pardoned on September 22 and released from Wadi al-Natrun prison. Abd el-Fattah was scheduled to fly to the UK with his sister, Sanaa Seif, to attend the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards in London, where he and his mother, Laila Soueif, were honored with the Courage Under Fire award for their relentless fight for his freedom. Seif accepted the award on their behalf, expressing her wish for Abd el-Fattah to reunite with his 13-year-old son, Khaled, who lives in Brighton, UK. The Free Alaa campaign noted that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had pledged to secure Abd el-Fattah’s release and reunite him with his family. Despite his release, Abd el-Fattah’s travel plans remain uncertain as he faces obstacles at Egyptian passport control.
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Lancang-Mekong countries vow to target telecom and cyber fraud
In a significant move to tackle the growing menace of telecom and cyber fraud, senior officials from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam convened in Kunming, Yunnan province, for a ministerial-level meeting on Friday. The delegates pledged to deepen law enforcement cooperation and launch coordinated crackdowns against these transnational crimes. The meeting, attended by observers from Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, highlighted the severe impact of such fraud on regional economic development, public security, and social stability. The officials called for concerted efforts to eradicate these crimes and protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens across the region. As a crucial step forward, the six nations signed outcome documents and discussed China’s proposal to establish an international alliance against telecom and cyber fraud, initially presented at the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. The parties expressed strong commitment to the initiative, agreeing to develop a standing coordination mechanism, enhance real-time information exchange, and continue joint repatriation of suspects to improve enforcement effectiveness and safeguard regional peace. In recent years, China has actively implemented the Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, strengthening law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries and achieving concrete results. Notable achievements include the establishment of a trilateral coordination mechanism with Myanmar and Thailand, leading to the repatriation of over 5,500 suspects to China, and joint operations with Laos and Vietnam resulting in the capture of hundreds of suspects. An officer from China’s Ministry of Public Security emphasized the ongoing multinational joint operations against cross-border telecom and cyber fraud, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation and eliminate criminal dens to protect the safety of people’s lives and property.
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Maximilian Büsser & Friends’ new LM101 EVO is definitely a watch to look out for
Celebrating two decades of innovative disruption, Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) has introduced the LM101 EVO, a timepiece that redefines the intersection of art and engineering. Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, MB&F has consistently challenged the norms of traditional watchmaking, transforming timepieces into kinetic sculptures. The Legacy Machine line, launched in 2011, marked a return to classical watchmaking roots, while the LM101, unveiled in 2014, distilled this philosophy into its purest form. The LM101 EVO, released in 2025, represents an evolution of this iconic design, blending technical prowess with aesthetic brilliance. Crafted in titanium, the watch features a lightweight design, 80 meters of water resistance, and an integrated rubber strap, making it as functional as it is beautiful. The dial, available in sunlit salmon or peacock green, shifts hues with the light, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The hand-wound calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve, and the watch’s proprietary FlexRing shock absorber ensures durability in daily use. The LM101 EVO is not just a timepiece; it is a testament to Büsser’s vision of reimagining time as art. With its suspended balance wheel and intricate finishing, the watch embodies the spirit of MB&F, blending tradition with audacity. As MB&F celebrates its 20th anniversary, the LM101 EVO stands as a symbol of the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
