Chaoyang District, a pivotal economic hub in Beijing, is on track to achieve a GDP exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($140.6 billion) by 2026, as announced by Zhao Haidong, Deputy Secretary and Executive Deputy District Head of Chaoyang. This ambitious target was revealed during the Linjia No 7 Salon, an investment-promotion event hosted by the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association. Zhao highlighted Chaoyang’s robust economic foundation, noting that the district is home to over 1,800 licensed financial institutions, including nearly 400 foreign-invested entities, accounting for approximately 65% of Beijing’s total. Additionally, Chaoyang serves as a central hub for international resources, hosting 90% of foreign media outlets with Beijing offices, 80% of international organizations and chambers of commerce, and 70% of multinational regional headquarters in the capital. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25), the district saw the establishment of 2,481 new foreign enterprises, the highest number citywide. Chaoyang also hosts more than half of Beijing’s international conferences and over one-third of its international exhibitions annually. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30), Zhao emphasized the district’s commitment to developing a modern industrial system and providing a high-quality business environment for global companies. Chaoyang’s GDP grew by 5.3% in the first three quarters of this year, underscoring its dynamic economic momentum.
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US judge resigns after being disciplined for wearing Elvis wig in court
A Missouri judge has faced disciplinary action for his unconventional courtroom behavior, which included dressing as Elvis Presley and playing the singer’s music during legal proceedings. Judge Matthew EP Thornhill, the longest-serving circuit judge in St Charles County, is a self-proclaimed Elvis enthusiast. However, his fondness for the King of Rock’n’Roll led to a formal complaint by the Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges. The commission cited his frequent and ‘irrelevant’ Elvis references as undermining the integrity of the court. In a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court dated 12 November, Judge Thornhill admitted that his actions, intended to lighten the mood, were inappropriate and acknowledged their impact on the solemnity of judicial proceedings. The disciplinary report highlighted instances where Judge Thornhill wore an Elvis wig and sunglasses on the bench, particularly around Halloween, and occasionally played Elvis music during swearing-in ceremonies. Additionally, he was criticized for sharing his political views and promoting his re-election campaign from the bench. The commission recommended a six-month suspension without pay, followed by an 18-month probationary period before retirement. Judge Thornhill accepted the terms, concluding his 20-year judicial career.
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Dubai Police respond to emergencies in 5.8 minutes
Dubai Police have set a new benchmark in emergency response efficiency, achieving an average response time of just 5.8 minutes in the first ten months of 2025. This marks a significant improvement from 6.2 minutes in 2024 and 6.8 minutes in 2023, showcasing the department’s commitment to rapid and effective service. The Dubai Police General Department of Transport and Rescue, equipped with advanced resources such as heavy rescue trucks and the Dubai Police Air Wing, has been instrumental in this achievement. Lt-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dubai Police commander-in-chief, highlighted that over 5,200 rescue and salvage missions were conducted from January to October 2025, including responses to accidents, fires, and rescues of individuals trapped in vehicles, homes, and elevators. Al Marri emphasized the critical role of rescue teams as the first line of defense in safeguarding lives and property. He stressed the importance of continuous investment in both human and technological capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and readiness. The department’s strategic target for response time was 6.6 minutes, making the 5.8-minute average a remarkable accomplishment. Al Marri also reviewed the readiness of rescue vehicles, inflatable boats, and modern equipment, underscoring the need for preparedness in handling diverse incidents across land, sea, and mountainous terrains. This achievement reflects Dubai Police’s high level of preparedness, precise field response, and outstanding operational efficiency, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a city with world-class emergency services.
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Abu Dhabi Police catch 5 drivers for reckless overtaking, lane indiscipline
In a recent enforcement drive, Abu Dhabi Police have apprehended five drivers for multiple traffic violations, including reckless overtaking, lane indiscipline, and improper use of the emergency shoulder. The violations also encompassed failing to maintain a safe distance, overtaking from the right side, and sudden stops without warning. Authorities emphasized that the emergency shoulder is strictly reserved for emergency vehicles, enabling them to swiftly reach accident sites and save lives. Drivers were reminded to overtake only from the left side and to adhere to lane discipline. The crackdown comes as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. In a related development, Dubai Police announced the seizure of 210 motorcycles and e-scooters for reckless driving on the same day. Motorists were also warned against rapid lane switching without signaling or observing road conditions. These measures underscore the UAE’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring public safety on its roads.
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Watch: Dubai Police seize 210 motorbikes, scooters for reckless driving
In a significant move to enhance road safety, Dubai Police have confiscated 210 motorcycles and electric scooters for reckless driving. The operation, announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, also resulted in 271 traffic violations being issued for dangerous behaviors. The police force emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure public safety. A video shared by Dubai Police on social media highlighted several instances of reckless driving, including an e-scooter rider traveling on the leftmost lane and a motorcyclist dangerously overtaking vehicles. The campaign underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order and safety on Dubai’s roads. Residents are urged to follow traffic rules and prioritize safety to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer community.
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Taiwan students visit historical sites in Tianjin for exchange program
A group of Taiwanese students has embarked on a week-long cultural exchange program in Tianjin, China, aimed at exploring modern Chinese history and fostering cross-strait friendships. Organized jointly by Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Chung Hua University in Taiwan, this annual event is now in its 11th year. The program includes visits to significant historical sites such as the Dagukou Fort Ruins Museum, the Liang Qichao Former Residence, and the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School, alongside interactive sessions with local students. Hu Zhigang, deputy Party secretary of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, emphasized the program’s role in enhancing mutual understanding and camaraderie among young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This year, 22 Taiwanese students participated, engaging in activities designed to deepen their appreciation of Chinese history and culture.
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‘Be Aware, Stop, Think, Protect’: New platform in Sharjah to fight cyber fraud
In response to the escalating sophistication of cyber fraud, Sharjah Police has unveiled a groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness platform titled ‘Be Aware – Stop, Think, Protect.’ Launched on Thursday at City Centre Al Zahia, the initiative aims to arm residents with practical tools to thwart online scams. Brigadier Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, emphasized the growing prevalence of fraudulent digital platforms that mimic legitimate consumer-protection services. He cautioned that authentic government entities never solicit OTP codes, bank PINs, or payments, urging the public to verify platforms meticulously before sharing sensitive information. The platform fosters direct communication between law enforcement and the community, enabling residents to report suspicious activities and seek guidance. It also features a virtual component with interactive stations that simulate cyber fraud scenarios and provide actionable advice to avoid victimization. A dedicated children’s station, developed in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation for School Education, educates students on online safety. Colonel Dr. Khalifa Yousef Balhai, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, highlighted the rise in social engineering scams, phishing attempts, and unauthorized remote-access applications. Authorities identified five major cyber fraud types affecting UAE residents, including fake consumer-protection websites, remote-access app scams, social-media discount traps, phantom property listings, and bogus complaint-resolution services. Sharjah Police plans to expand the campaign through workshops and seminars in schools, malls, and community centers, combining physical outreach with virtual resources to enhance digital literacy and reduce victimization across the emirate.
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Iran’s president says capital must move from Tehran over ecological concerns
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the urgent need to relocate the country’s capital from Tehran, citing severe ecological challenges that make the city unsustainable. Speaking at a meeting in Qazvin, Pezeshkian emphasized that overcrowding and chronic water shortages in Tehran, home to 9.7 million people, have made the move unavoidable. The government has proposed the underdeveloped Makran region in southeastern Iran as a potential new capital. Pezeshkian acknowledged that budget constraints previously hindered such plans but stressed that relocation is no longer optional. He warned that continuing to expand Tehran is untenable due to its water crisis, exacerbated by a prolonged drought and inefficient water management. Environmental experts have long cautioned that Tehran’s ecological capacity has been exceeded, with poor resource management worsening the situation. Tehran’s water supply, primarily sourced from dams and underground reserves, has been severely impacted by low rainfall and increased evaporation. Pezeshkian has repeatedly raised concerns about the crisis, even discussing the issue with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The government now faces mounting pressure to address the city’s ecological and infrastructural challenges.
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Outcry at army chief’s warning France must prepare to ‘lose children’ in war
France’s newly appointed army chief, General Fabien Mandon, has ignited a heated political debate with his stark warning about the nation’s readiness for a potential conflict with Russia. Speaking at a congress of mayors on Tuesday, Mandon emphasized that France’s greatest vulnerability lies not in its military or economic capabilities but in its lack of collective will to endure the sacrifices necessary for national defense. ‘We possess the expertise, economic strength, and demographic resources to deter Moscow,’ he stated. ‘However, what we lack is the spirit to accept suffering in defense of our values. If our nation falters because it is unwilling to lose its children or endure economic hardships for military production, we are truly at risk.’ Mandon urged mayors to foster this spirit within their communities. His remarks, consistent with previous warnings about a looming confrontation with Russia, were met with sharp criticism from both the left and nationalist right. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party denounced the general’s comments as ‘warmongering,’ while Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel condemned the ‘intolerably belligerent’ rhetoric. In contrast, Raphael Glucksmann, a pro-Ukraine MEP, supported Mandon, accusing critics of being in ‘denial and capitulation.’ The far-right National Rally was divided, with Sébastien Chenu questioning Mandon’s legitimacy but Louis Aliot affirming the necessity of readiness for war. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon defended Mandon, stressing the importance of preparation while striving to avoid conflict. Mandon’s warnings align with broader European concerns, as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently suggested that Europe may have experienced its ‘last peacetime summer,’ with potential Russian aggression anticipated as early as 2028.
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Superman copy found in mum’s attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m
In a remarkable turn of events, three brothers discovered a pristine copy of the first edition Superman comic from June 1939 while cleaning out their late mother’s attic in California last Christmas. The comic, found under a stack of faded newspapers in a cardboard box, has now become the most valuable comic book ever sold, fetching an astounding $9.12 million at auction. The sale was hosted by Texas-based Heritage Auctions, which described the find as the ‘pinnacle of comic collecting.’ The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are in their 50s and 60s and were unaware of their mother’s valuable collection until the discovery. Their mother had preserved the comics since purchasing them between the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. The cool northern California climate played a crucial role in maintaining the comic’s excellent condition, earning it a 9.0 rating from CGC, a leading third-party comics grading service. This rating surpasses the previous record of 8.5 for a Superman #1 comic. The sale price of over $9 million, including the buyer’s premium, easily eclipsed the previous record of $6 million set by Action Comics No. 1 last year. The youngest brother reflected on the discovery, stating that it was not just about a collectible but a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past resurfaces.