Apple has launched a groundbreaking Digital ID feature in its Wallet app, enabling US customers to create and present a digital identification using their passport information. This innovation, currently in beta, is initially accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints across over 250 US airports for domestic travel. While the feature offers a secure and convenient way to carry identification on iPhones or Apple Watches, Apple emphasizes that it does not replace physical passports and is not valid for international travel or border crossings.
作者： admin
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Bridge to a Shared Future: Carrying on the Snow legacy to bridge China and US
The documentary ‘Bridge to a Shared Future,’ which premiered on November 7 and 8 in Los Angeles, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, revisits the historic journey of Edgar Snow, Helen Foster Snow, and other international friends who documented China’s societal transformations during the 1930s amid the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Through the lens of Adam Foster, chairman of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation and a modern-day torchbearer of the Snows’ legacy, the film retraces their path, highlighting the enduring spirit of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. The event underscores the importance of fostering mutual respect and collaboration between China and the United States, building on the Snows’ pioneering efforts to bridge the two nations. The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the power of shared narratives in strengthening international ties.
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Salik’s net profit jumps 39% due to higher toll usage, fines
Salik Company, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, has announced a significant 39.1% increase in net profit for the first nine months of 2025, reaching Dh1.14 billion. This growth is attributed to higher toll usage fees, increased fines, and new tag activations. Total revenue for the same period rose by 38.6% year-on-year to Dh2.275 billion, with a 36.9% increase in Q3 2025 alone. EBITDA also saw a substantial 42% growth, amounting to Dh1,583.7 billion, resulting in a margin of 69.6%. The company’s core tolling business recorded 470.5 million chargeable trips, with 152.2 million completed in Q3 2025. Toll usage fees surged by 41.5% year-on-year to Dh2.01 billion, driven by the new variable pricing structure introduced in January 2025 and the addition of two new toll gates. Revenue from fines increased by 18.2% year-on-year to Dh206.7 million, with Q3 2025 fines growing by 23.3% to Dh72.4 million. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, attributed the strong performance to Dubai’s economic growth and the company’s resilient business model. Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO, highlighted the success of strategic initiatives and digital partnerships in driving ancillary revenues.
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Police offer bounty for clues about 2 Taiwan online influencers
Authorities in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, have announced a reward for information leading to the capture of two Taiwanese online influencers accused of promoting national division and separatist activities. The individuals in question, Wen Tzu-yu (known as Pa Chiung) and Chen Po-yuan (known as Minnan Wolf), are alleged to have disseminated rhetoric advocating Taiwan’s independence from mainland China and reliance on the United States. The police have offered rewards ranging from 50,000 to 250,000 yuan ($6,880 to $34,400) for credible information aiding their apprehension. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized that the duo’s actions have a ‘vile influence,’ targeting mainland policies and individuals supporting peaceful cross-Strait relations. This move follows a similar bounty issued in October by Xiamen police targeting 18 members of Taiwan’s military psychological warfare unit for their involvement in separatist activities. The authorities have called on citizens on both sides of the Strait to oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ and assist in maintaining national unity.
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Pakistan fined 20% of match fee for slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
In a dramatic start to their one-day international (ODI) series, Pakistan secured a narrow six-run victory against Sri Lanka but faced a significant penalty for a slow over-rate. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Pakistan was fined 20% of their match fees after falling four overs short of the target during Tuesday’s game. Match referee Ali Naqvi imposed the sanction on Thursday, with Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, admitting guilt for the offense. The match, held in Rawalpindi, was overshadowed by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives just hours before the game. Despite initial fears, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed its team to continue the series after receiving assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding safety measures. The remaining two matches have been rescheduled for Friday and Sunday.
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Pakistan shifts T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi after bombing
In response to a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the relocation of the upcoming T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi. Originally slated to be held in Lahore, the series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is now set to commence on November 18. This decision was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, aiming to address security concerns and operational logistics. The tri-series is a crucial preparatory event for the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka. The shift follows Pakistan’s ongoing one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, which will also conclude in Rawalpindi. The recent bombing, which claimed 12 lives, prompted several Sri Lankan players to request a return home, but their cricket board insisted they remain. Rawalpindi, located just 20 kilometers from Islamabad, has been deemed a safer venue. Pakistan has faced challenges in hosting international cricket since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which led to a long hiatus in home matches. While security has improved in recent years, the incident underscores ongoing concerns. Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the tri-series last month, citing the deaths of three cricketers in military strikes, further complicated the tournament’s organization. Zimbabwe stepped in as their replacement. The series will culminate with the final on November 29.
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Pakistan says Afghan nationals carried out this week’s suicide attacks
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed on Thursday that Afghan nationals were responsible for two devastating suicide attacks this week. The first targeted a cadet college near the Afghan border, while the second occurred outside a district court in Islamabad. The attacks, which claimed multiple lives and left dozens injured, have heightened concerns over Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation. Naqvi emphasized that Afghan citizens orchestrated both bombings, though Kabul has yet to respond to these allegations. The Islamabad court bombing on Tuesday resulted in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, while Monday’s assault on Cadet College Wana in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed three soldiers during a fierce gunbattle. These incidents underscore the escalating militancy in Pakistan, strained relations with Afghanistan, and the fragility of the border truce. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an olive branch to Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Wednesday, proposing renewed peace talks following the collapse of negotiations in Istanbul last week. However, fears persist that the ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey could unravel, potentially reigniting border clashes. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders, a claim Kabul denies. While a TTP breakaway faction initially claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing, it later retracted the statement. Pakistani authorities have arrested suspects linked to the attacks, with investigations pointing to Afghan involvement in planning and executing the assaults. The Pakistan Army escorted journalists to the cadet college, revealing the extent of the damage. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that all five attackers were neutralized, and over 600 individuals, including cadets and staff, were safely rescued. The ministry highlighted that the attackers used American-made weapons sourced from Afghanistan, further exacerbating tensions. The situation remains volatile as both nations grapple with the fallout from these attacks and the broader implications for regional stability.
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Dubai Chambers opens New York office to strengthen UAE-US business ties
Dubai Chambers has unveiled its inaugural office in New York City, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic and investment ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US). The announcement, made during the Dubai Business Forum-USA, highlights Dubai’s growing global influence and its strategic ambition to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets. This move aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to channel $1.4 trillion in planned investments across emerging sectors, positioning the New York office as a pivotal hub for fostering international business opportunities. Eng Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, emphasized that the office will deepen engagement with US businesses and investors, leveraging New York’s status as a global financial capital. The city’s proximity to major markets like Canada and Mexico, coupled with its concentration of multinational corporations, makes it an ideal location for Dubai’s expansion. The office will facilitate easier access for US companies to explore Dubai’s business potential while serving as a gateway for Emirati investors in the US. Notably, 787 new US companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first nine months of 2025, bringing the total number of active American members to 3,690. This surge underscores Dubai’s increasing appeal to the American business community. Dubai’s foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $14.2 billion in 2024, cementing its position as a top global destination for new projects. The city’s business-friendly environment, characterized by zero personal income tax, over 200 global flight connections, and thriving sectors like fintech, clean energy, and digital innovation, further enhances its attractiveness. Al Mansoori highlighted the potential for strategic partnerships in high-growth sectors, including the digital economy, infrastructure, oil, and gas. He also reiterated Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), citing initiatives like the AI-driven expansion of Dubai’s airport and DP World’s BoxBay automation system as examples of innovation in action. With a focus on fostering bilateral trade and investment, the UAE-US partnership is poised for continued growth, driven by emerging technologies and shared economic goals.
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Table tennis on the rise in America
The United States is witnessing a significant surge in the popularity of table tennis, thanks to the strategic partnership between Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) and the China National Tourist Office New York (CNTO.NY). This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as CNTO.NY steps in as the sponsor for the New York Slice, one of MLTT’s latest expansion teams. The alliance not only highlights the cultural importance of table tennis in China but also emphasizes the increasing international influence and growing appeal of MLTT within the American sports landscape. This partnership is set to enhance the visibility and accessibility of table tennis in the US, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport across diverse communities.
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Pope Leo XIV appoints his first Irish bishop
In a significant development for the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, Bishop Niall Coll has been appointed as the new Bishop of Raphoe, his native diocese. This marks the first Irish appointment by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The announcement was made at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny, County Donegal, following Mass on Thursday. The diocese had been without a bishop since February 2024, when Bishop Alan McGuckian was appointed to Down and Connor. Bishop Coll, 62, a native of Saint Johnston in east Donegal, returns to the northwest after serving as Bishop of Ossory since January 2023. Ordained a priest in 1988, Bishop Coll has a rich academic and pastoral background, including studies in Maynooth, Rome, and Trinity College Dublin, and roles as a chaplain, teacher, and parish priest. His appointment underscores the Church’s commitment to leadership continuity and local roots.