European Union regulators are escalating their investigation into Shein’s safety protocols following alarming discoveries by French authorities. The fast-fashion giant’s website was found to be selling illegal weapons and child-like sex dolls, prompting immediate action. The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it is leveraging the EU’s Digital Services Act to demand detailed information from Shein regarding its measures to protect minors and prevent the sale of prohibited items on its platform. The French government has already taken steps to suspend access to Shein’s website in France and has urged the EU to launch a formal inquiry. The Digital Services Act mandates that online platforms enhance user protection or face substantial fines. Thomas Regnier, a Commission spokesperson, revealed that Shein has been issued a formal request for information due to “serious indications” of systemic risks to consumers across the EU. Shein, which originated in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, stated that it has received the request and is collaborating with EU regulators to address the concerns promptly. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with regulatory bodies.
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Chicago suspect who set woman on fire a ‘career criminal’, White House says
A shocking incident aboard a Chicago public train has reignited debates over crime policies and mental health systems in the United States. Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, allegedly doused 26-year-old Bethany MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire on November 17. MaGee survived the attack but is now in critical condition with severe burns. Reed, who has 72 prior arrests and a history of mental illness, pleaded guilty in court, potentially facing a life sentence for charges including committing a terrorist attack. The White House has criticized Democratic leadership in Illinois and Chicago, attributing the incident to their ‘soft’ crime policies, particularly the elimination of cash bail. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has previously advocated for redirecting police funds to other public services, called the attack a ‘tragic incident’ and a failure of both the criminal justice and mental health systems. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the intersection of crime, mental health, and political policy.
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Epson strengthens its regional footprint with innovation, sustainability and sector-focused growth
Epson, a global leader in printing and projection technologies, is intensifying its focus on the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central and West Asia (META-CWA), positioning the region as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Junkichi Yoshida, President and CEO of Epson Seiko Corporation, emphasized the company’s alignment with regional demands in education, public services, and digital transformation. Yoshida highlighted that the region is not a secondary market but a priority area where innovation and growth converge with Epson’s long-term ambitions.
Epson’s partnerships in education reflect its commitment to delivering energy-efficient, reliable solutions that support national digital learning initiatives. In the public sector, the company’s high-volume printers and advanced document scanners are integral to digitizing government workflows, reducing operational costs, and transitioning from paper-based processes to integrated digital systems. Beyond traditional sectors, Epson’s technology powers large-scale digital immersive experiences, showcasing its engineering precision and reliability.
Sustainability remains a core pillar of Epson’s strategy. The company’s Environmental Vision 2050 aims for carbon-negative operations and eliminating dependence on underground resources by 2050. Epson has already achieved 100% renewable electricity across all its global sites. Its Heat-Free Micro Piezo printing technology reduces electricity consumption by up to 90%, while the EcoTank line minimizes waste by replacing traditional ink cartridges with long-lasting ink bottles.
In industrial and commercial printing, Epson’s dry fiber and digital textile printing solutions address environmental challenges like wastewater in garment production. The company is also investing in AI-assisted technology to optimize workflows and reduce operational complexity. Epson’s newly established Innovation Centre in the Middle East serves as a hub for showcasing its latest technologies and gathering feedback for R&D.
As Epson approaches the final year of its “Epson 25 Renewed” plan, the company is preparing for its next long-term vision cycle, focusing on sustainability, operational resilience, and technological advancement. With the Middle East and Africa identified as key growth markets, Epson is committed to delivering efficient, sustainable technologies that align with the region’s digital transformation goals.
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Shanghai Jiao Tong University celebrates anniversary of school of medicine merger
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) commemorated the 20th anniversary of its School of Medicine on Tuesday, reflecting on two decades of transformative growth and innovation. The event celebrated the 2005 merger between SJTU and the former Shanghai Second Medical University, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for a world-class medical institution with distinct Chinese characteristics.
Yang Zhenbin, Party Secretary of SJTU, emphasized the university’s commitment to becoming a global leader in education and medical research. ‘We will continue to pursue excellence, embrace reform, and foster mutual empowerment between disciplines,’ he stated. The anniversary event highlighted the university’s achievements in interdisciplinary research, clinical innovation, and talent development.
One of the standout success stories shared was that of Xia Qiang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Renji Hospital. Xia recounted his journey of establishing the liver surgery department from scratch in 2004. Over the years, the department has grown into a major unit with seven wards, over 160 medical professionals, and a robust interdisciplinary platform. ‘The collaborative synergy between the university and its medical school has been instrumental in our growth,’ Xia remarked.
Zhou Yongfeng, Director of Research Management at SJTU, underscored the impact of the university’s medical-engineering interdisciplinary research fund. Since its inception, the fund has invested approximately 674 million yuan ($95 million) in over 2,000 projects, providing critical support to nearly 1,900 researchers. This initiative has significantly enhanced SJTU’s capabilities in translational medicine and original innovation.
Looking ahead, Yang outlined a strategic vision that balances structured support with institutional autonomy. He stressed the importance of leveraging SJTU’s multidisciplinary strengths to deepen integration between medicine and other academic fields. ‘Under our ‘big health’ framework, the School of Medicine will play a pivotal role in advancing basic medicine, pharmaceutical research, medical device development, and clinical applications,’ he said.
The anniversary celebration not only honored past achievements but also set the stage for future breakthroughs, positioning SJTU as a beacon of innovation in global medical education and research.
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UAE Lottery announces last Lucky Day draw before revamp: 4 ways to win up to Dh100 million
The UAE Lottery has announced its final Lucky Day draw before undergoing a significant revamp, offering residents one last chance to win a life-changing Dh100 million prize. The draw, scheduled for November 29, 2025, marks the end of the current format, with new prize tiers and structures to be introduced thereafter. This announcement follows the recent success of Abu Dhabi resident Anilkumar Bolla, who won the Dh100 million jackpot last month. The UAE Lottery, the country’s first and only regulated lottery operation, provides multiple opportunities for residents aged 18 and above to win substantial prizes through various games and scratch cards. Participants can purchase tickets online or use the ‘Easy Pick’ feature for random number selection. Additionally, other raffles like Dream Dubai at Global Village, Millennium Millionaire at Dubai Duty Free, and Big Ticket Abu Dhabi continue to offer lucrative prizes, ranging from Dh3.67 million to Dh30 million, making the UAE a hotspot for aspiring millionaires.
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Massive fire rips through Bangladesh slum, leaves thousands homeless
A catastrophic fire erupted in Korail, one of Dhaka’s largest and most densely populated slums, on Tuesday evening, reducing thousands of tin-roofed shanties to ashes and leaving countless residents homeless. The blaze, which began shortly after sunset, illuminated the night sky with towering orange flames and enveloped the area in thick smoke, forcing residents to flee with whatever possessions they could salvage. Firefighters faced significant challenges in their response, initially delayed by heavy traffic and further hampered by the slum’s narrow lanes, which prevented fire trucks from reaching the heart of the inferno. Instead, crews were forced to drag hoses through cramped alleys and struggled to secure sufficient water to combat the flames. After more than five hours of intense effort, the fire was finally brought under control. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and while no casualties have been reported, the destruction is described as near-total. Residents like Amena Begum, who lost everything, expressed despair over their uncertain future. This incident highlights ongoing issues with lax regulations and poor enforcement in Bangladesh, where similar fires have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
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What we know about the Hong Kong apartment fires
A catastrophic fire engulfed multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and injuring 15 others. The blaze, which erupted at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex comprising eight 31-storey towers, began at 14:51 local time on Wednesday. The buildings, constructed in 1983 and currently undergoing renovations, were shrouded in bamboo scaffolding, which appears to have facilitated the rapid spread of the flames. Thick smoke filled the skyline as 767 firefighters battled the inferno, which was classified as a level five alarm—the highest severity rating—marking the first such incident in Hong Kong in 17 years. The death toll, initially reported as four, surged to 13, with fears it could rise further as several individuals remain unaccounted for. Among the victims was 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who lost his life while responding to the emergency. The Hong Kong government has established emergency shelters and a hotline for public inquiries, while an emergency monitoring center has been activated to manage the crisis. The incident has reignited debates over the safety of bamboo scaffolding, a traditional construction material in Hong Kong, following recent government efforts to phase it out in favor of metal alternatives due to safety risks.
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NYC ‘diva’ food influencer arrested for skipping out on restaurant bills
A 35-year-old woman, Pei Chung, has been arrested in New York City for allegedly dining at multiple high-end restaurants and refusing to pay for her meals. Known as the ‘dine-and-dash diva,’ Chung has been banned from at least seven restaurants since late October, according to police records. Her modus operandi involves arriving at restaurants dressed in expensive attire, equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting gear, and then allegedly leaving without settling her bills. As of Tuesday, Chung is being held on $4,500 bail at Rikers Island jail, with a court appearance scheduled for this week. She faces multiple charges of misdemeanor theft of services. Restaurant staff have documented her unusual behavior on social media and in local news stories. For instance, at Peter Luger Steak House, she reportedly offered items from her handbag, including a pair of scissors, as payment and later posted a glowing review of the meal online. Other restaurateurs have accused her of offering to review their food or post photos on her social media account as payment, while some claim she simply walked out without paying. Chung, who has 26,000 followers on Instagram, did not respond to a message from the BBC. Her case has sparked discussions about the role of influencers in fine dining and restaurant policies regarding their presence. Tom Rowse, founder of Hole In The Wall, one of the affected restaurants, noted that Chung’s actions brought more exposure than coordinated influencer campaigns, even after they took back their food.
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Watch: UAE residents fall for QR code scam; Sharjah Police issue warning
In a recent public awareness campaign, Sharjah Police conducted an eye-opening experiment to highlight the dangers of scanning unverified QR codes. The police printed a QR code labeled ‘Free WiFi’ and placed it in a public area. The code, lacking any official branding or clear destination, was designed to test how many individuals would scan it without hesitation. Instead of accessing free WiFi, those who scanned the code were met with a warning about the potential risks of such actions. The experiment aimed to educate the public on the ease with which QR codes can be exploited for fraudulent purposes. QR codes, while convenient, can be manipulated by malicious actors to redirect users to harmful websites or install malware on their devices. To combat this, Dubai Municipality has previously shared safety tips, including avoiding the input of sensitive information on QR-linked sites, verifying URLs before proceeding, and refraining from scanning codes in public places without knowing their origin. This initiative underscores the importance of vigilance in an increasingly digital world.
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Qatari citizens exempt from Canada visa, can now apply online for eTA
In a significant development for Qatari citizens, Canada has officially exempted them from visa requirements, allowing them to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. This announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on November 25, 2025, marking a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The eTA programme, designed for citizens of visa-exempt countries, enables travelers to obtain electronic approval for entry or transit through Canada in just minutes. The application process costs a mere 7 Canadian dollars and is exclusively applicable to air travel. This initiative stems from ongoing collaboration between Qatar and Canada, highlighted by a visit from Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) delegation to Qatar in June 2024. The Qatari Ministry has also shared a QR code to facilitate the eTA application process for its citizens. The eTA programme is part of Canada’s broader effort to streamline travel for nationals of visa-exempt countries, which includes over 50 nations such as the UAE, Australia, Japan, and most European Union member states. This move is expected to enhance travel convenience and strengthen diplomatic ties between Qatar and Canada.