A pivotal forum on international communication was held during the 2025 China New Media Conference in Changsha, Hunan province, on Thursday. Titled ‘Media Bridges Across Mountains and Seas,’ the event brought together officials, media experts, and platform representatives to deliberate on constructing a robust global communication ecosystem in the New Era. The forum, one of seven parallel sessions at the conference, aimed to foster industry consensus and drive cultural innovation by integrating China’s rich heritage with cutting-edge advancements in information technology. Organizers emphasized the importance of leveraging media as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation across borders. The discussions highlighted the role of new media in shaping global narratives and the need for collaborative efforts to address communication challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. The event underscored China’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and technological innovation as key pillars of its global communication strategy.
作者： admin
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California revoking 17,000 commercial driver’s licences given to immigrants
California has initiated the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses following an audit that revealed these licenses were issued to immigrants no longer legally permitted to reside in the United States. The Department of Transportation disclosed that California officials had unlawfully granted these licenses to individuals deemed ‘dangerous foreign drivers.’ License holders have been notified that their permits will expire within 60 days. This action comes in the wake of a tragic incident in August, where a truck driver without legal status caused a fatal crash in Florida, prompting the Trump administration to intensify efforts to exclude undocumented immigrants from commercial driving roles. California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the administration’s move as politically motivated, emphasizing that the affected drivers had valid federal work authorizations. However, media reports indicate that the licenses contained incorrect expiration dates, violating state law requiring them to expire concurrently with the holder’s legal status in the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been vocal in criticizing California’s policies, described the situation as ‘the tip of the iceberg,’ vowing to ensure the removal of all undocumented immigrants from commercial driving positions. In September, Duffy introduced stringent new rules complicating the process for immigrants to obtain commercial driver’s licenses, including mandatory verification of immigration status and a maximum one-year validity period. While the transportation department estimated that 97% of non-domiciled drivers would exit the freight market, it downplayed the economic impact given the nation’s 3.8 million commercial drivers. A federal appeals court has temporarily halted these rules pending a lawsuit. California, home to over 130,000 truck drivers and the country’s largest ports, remains the only state to have completed a commercial driver’s license audit, with other states expected to follow suit soon.
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Dubai Fitness Challenge: Fancy climbing 54 storeys of a skyscraper?
Dubai is once again setting the bar high for fitness and community engagement with its annual Dubai Fitness Challenge. This year, the city is taking wellness to new heights—literally—with the ‘Climb for a Cause’ event at ICD Brookfield Place on November 22. Participants will ascend 54 floors of this iconic skyscraper, combining physical endurance with philanthropy to support the Al Jalila Foundation, a UAE-based charity dedicated to medical education and research.
ICD Brookfield Place, renowned for its sustainable design and innovative approach to urban living, is opening its doors to the public for this unique event. The initiative aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate health, foster community spirit, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Ben McGregor, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Management & Operations at Brookfield Properties, emphasized that the event is more than just a fitness challenge. It’s a platform for collective action, where small individual efforts can create a significant impact.
The ‘Climb for a Cause’ initiative aligns seamlessly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge’s broader vision of making fitness inclusive and accessible. By encouraging movement and mindfulness within a landmark setting, the event underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community. Partnering with the Al Jalila Foundation adds a deeper layer of purpose, as every step taken by participants supports advancements in healthcare and medical research.
Organizers anticipate strong participation from a diverse mix of individuals, including professionals from the ICD Brookfield Place business network, fitness enthusiasts, and families. The event promises to be a milestone in the Fitness Challenge calendar, offering participants a chance to test their physical limits, have fun, and contribute to a noble cause. Beyond the physical challenge, the climb aims to inspire a sense of connection, accomplishment, and the realization that even the most daunting goals can be achieved one step at a time.
ICD Brookfield Place’s commitment to wellness and sustainability is evident in its design and community programs. The ‘Climb for a Cause’ event exemplifies this ethos, transforming a workplace into a platform for positive impact. As Dubai continues to turn ambitious ventures into reality, this unique blend of fitness, philanthropy, and corporate philosophy sets a new standard for community-driven initiatives.
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Oman Air grounds some aircraft, reschedules flights due to supply chain disruptions
Oman Air has announced temporary adjustments to its flight schedules due to global supply chain disruptions that have rendered several of its aircraft inoperable. The airline disclosed this development on Thursday, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing the impact on passengers. Oman Air is actively collaborating with aircraft manufacturers to expedite the return of grounded planes to service. In the interim, affected passengers are being rebooked on alternative flights, a standard procedure the airline follows to ensure minimal disruption. The airline reiterated its dedication to maintaining operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction despite the challenges posed by the supply chain issues. This situation underscores the broader impact of global supply chain disruptions on the aviation industry, which continues to grapple with logistical and operational hurdles.
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Afghan nationals carried out two suicide bombings in Pakistan, says minister
In a concerning escalation of regional tensions, Afghan nationals were responsible for two separate suicide bombings in Pakistan this week, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The attacks, which occurred in Islamabad and South Waziristan, have further strained the already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations. The first incident took place on Tuesday near a lower court in Islamabad, where a suicide bomber detonated explosives close to a police patrol, resulting in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries. The second attack unfolded on Monday in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, when a bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military-run school, killing three individuals. Militants subsequently infiltrated the school, engaging in a prolonged 24-hour confrontation with Pakistani forces until all attackers were neutralized. Naqvi, addressing parliament, identified both bombers as Afghan nationals, though Kabul has yet to respond to these allegations. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been mounting, with Islamabad accusing militants based in Afghanistan of orchestrating attacks within its borders. Kabul, however, denies providing sanctuary to such groups. The recent bombings follow last month’s deadly border clashes, which claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers from both sides. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities.
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Turkey-registered plane crashes in Croatia reportedly killing the pilot
A tragic aviation incident unfolded in western Croatia on Thursday when a Turkey-registered aircraft crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to local authorities. The Air Tractor AT-802 vanished from radar screens shortly before 5 p.m. local time, as confirmed by an official statement from Croatia’s Interior Ministry. Approximately 20 minutes later, emergency services were alerted to a plane engulfed in flames near the coastal town of Senj, located along the Adriatic Sea. The aircraft was reportedly en route from the northern port city of Rijeka to the capital, Zagreb, and was on its return journey when the accident occurred. The Air Tractor AT-802, typically utilized for agricultural purposes or firefighting, was identified as belonging to Turkey’s forestry administration. Rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, extinguishing the fire and recovering the pilot’s body. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Further details regarding the cause of the incident remain under investigation.
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Turkey suspends C-130 flights after fatal plane crash
Turkey has temporarily suspended all flights of its C-130 military cargo planes following a tragic crash in neighboring Georgia that claimed the lives of all 20 individuals on board. The incident occurred on November 6, 2025, as the aircraft was returning to Turkey from Azerbaijan. The Turkish Defence Ministry announced the suspension on November 13, stating that operations would only resume after comprehensive technical inspections and safety checks are completed on all C-130 planes. The ill-fated plane had departed from Ganja Airport in western Azerbaijan but crashed shortly after crossing into eastern Georgia. Eyewitness footage, shared by Azerbaijani media, captured the plane spinning horizontally alongside debris as it plummeted. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the ministry emphasizing that the accident investigation team is working diligently to determine the root cause. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, commonly referred to as the black boxes, have been recovered and sent to Ankara for analysis. The ministry clarified that the plane was carrying personnel and maintenance supplies, with no ammunition on board. Among the victims were maintenance specialists for F-16 fighter jets, who had participated in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations in Baku. The C-130 aircraft, originally purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012, underwent maintenance and upgrades before being added to the Turkish air force inventory in 2014. It was modernized and put into service in 2022, with regular maintenance ensuring its operational readiness. The ministry refuted claims that the plane had been decommissioned by its previous operator, stating it was a surplus aircraft.
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Francesca Albanese says Starmer helped ‘manufacture’ consensus for Israeli genocide
The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of facilitating Israel’s actions in Gaza, which she describes as genocide. In a recent interview with Middle East Eye’s Expert Witness podcast, Albanese highlighted the findings of her report, ‘Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime,’ presented to the UN General Assembly last month. The report implicates 63 states, including the UK, in enabling Israeli violations of international law. It specifically criticizes the UK for conducting over 600 surveillance missions over Gaza, sharing intelligence with Israel, and aligning these operations with major Israeli military actions. Albanese also pointed to the UK’s historical threats to defund the International Criminal Court (ICC) under the previous Conservative government, as revealed by Middle East Eye in June 2024. She argued that Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has used his legal expertise to dismiss allegations of genocide in Gaza, contradicting the ICJ’s recognition of potential irreparable harm to Palestinians. Albanese further condemned the Labour government’s crackdown on civil society and activists opposing the genocide, including the recent designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. She called for domestic and international judicial proceedings against UK officials, emphasizing the need for accountability.
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Israeli settlers torch West Bank mosque and spray racist slogans
In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers set fire to the Hajja Hamida Mosque near the occupied West Bank city of Salfit on Thursday. The attack, which occurred between the towns of Kafr Haris and Deir Istiya, left the mosque severely damaged, with charred walls, shattered windows, and racist graffiti spray-painted on its exterior. Residents arriving for dawn prayers were met with flames and thick smoke, forcing them to call the Civil Defence to control the blaze. Imam Ahmad Ahed Salman, who leads prayers at the mosque, described the scene as devastating, noting that settlers had poured flammable materials inside before the attack. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments condemned the incident as a ‘heinous crime,’ accusing Israel of systematically targeting places of worship to intimidate Palestinians. This attack is part of a broader surge in settler violence, which has intensified since October 2023, particularly during the olive harvest season—a critical period for Palestinian livelihoods. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, over 2,350 attacks were recorded in October alone, with the majority occurring in Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern about the violence, warning that it could undermine ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Israeli security data also reveals a sharp increase in ‘nationalist crimes’ against Palestinians, with 704 incidents documented from January to October 2025, surpassing the total for 2024. The attack has left local communities fearful but resolute, with Salman vowing to rebuild the mosque and protect their homes.
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Where school is a tent: Yemeni kids learn without classrooms, textbooks
In the war-torn landscapes of Yemen, education has become a luxury for many children. Crammed under tattered tents or in makeshift classrooms, young learners grapple with the basics of Arabic grammar, often without textbooks or even shoes. Born into a nation fractured by years of conflict, these children are among the fortunate few who still have access to any form of schooling. Yemen’s education system lies in ruins, with nearly 3,000 schools destroyed and those still standing plagued by power outages, water shortages, and a dire lack of trained teachers. At Al Ribat Al Gharbi school near Aden, a typical example, students endure overcrowded conditions, with classes often exceeding 100 pupils. Teacher Suad Saleh, clad in the traditional black niqab, struggles to maintain order in her rudimentary classroom, where many children sit on the tiled floor with exercise books on their laps. ‘It takes me 10 minutes just to quiet them down,’ she laments. The crisis extends beyond infrastructure. Many teachers have abandoned their posts due to meager wages, with some earning as little as $31 a month. The consequences are dire: over 4.5 million children in Yemen are out of school, according to UNICEF, leaving an entire generation at risk of illiteracy. Amid this devastation, Saudi Arabia has stepped in with development programs, focusing on rebuilding schools and training teachers in government-controlled areas. However, the scars of war remain deep. ‘Stopping education has had a terrible impact,’ says Fathiya Al Afifi, a school principal. ‘An entire generation can neither read nor write. This is a disaster.’