分类： society

Dubai Police have hailed the indispensable contribution of 2,479 multinational volunteers in ensuring the seamless execution of the emirate’s monumental New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations. Responding to an official call for community support, an overwhelming 3,111 residents registered their interest, with the selected volunteers representing an extraordinary diversity of 45 nationalities.

These civic-minded individuals were strategically deployed across 15 key locations throughout Dubai, where they performed critical functions in crowd management and operational support. Their duties extended beyond basic assistance to include submitting detailed reports and observations that will serve to refine security protocols for future large-scale events. Dubai Police authorities emphasized that this volunteer force was instrumental in maintaining both safety and order during one of the world’s most spectacular annual gatherings.

Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness at Dubai Police, publicly commended the volunteers for their exemplary professionalism and high morale. He noted that their performance not only reflected Dubai’s civilized image but also demonstrated the powerful synergy between law enforcement and the community. This collaboration, according to Brigadier Al Mansouri, exemplifies the government’s directive to embed volunteering as a sustainable value and cornerstone of comprehensive development.

The institutional framework supporting this effort is Dubai Police’s year-round volunteering platform, which continuously develops opportunities for community integration in security, traffic management, and public awareness initiatives. Captain Saeed Al Ketbi, Director of the Community Relations Department, highlighted the growing public consciousness regarding volunteering’s significance in achieving sustainable development goals. He further praised the volunteer teams for fostering positive citizenship, social responsibility, and constructive partnerships between public and private sectors that ultimately contribute to community safety and stability.

Beijing has ushered in a new regulatory framework for non-motorized vehicles, introducing mandatory helmet usage for electric bicycle riders and passengers alongside a prohibition of scooters on public roads. The comprehensive revisions to the city’s transportation regulations, representing the first major update since 2018, will take effect on May 1st, establishing stricter safety protocols and management systems.

The expanded regulatory framework now encompasses eight chapters with 55 articles, significantly broadening its scope from the previous seven chapters and 35 articles. The updated legislation introduces enhanced registration requirements including a decade-long validity period for electric bicycle licenses and plates, with provisions for renewal upon expiration.

Road safety measures have been substantially strengthened with explicit bans on certain personal transportation devices. The regulations now formally prohibit scooters, balance boards, and similar devices from roadways, redirecting them to appropriate usage areas.

Parking management receives significant attention in the updated regulations. Property developers and management entities are now required to provide adequate parking facilities for non-motorized vehicles in public buildings, spaces, and residential areas, with existing facilities mandated to undergo upgrades to meet growing public demand. These entities also bear responsibility for maintaining parking order and removing abandoned bicycles from premises.

The regulatory changes introduce quantity control mechanisms for internet rental bicycles, including electric variants. This measure follows successful pilot programs in several Beijing districts where approximately 15,000 shared electric bicycles have been deployed with positive operational results. The legislation further stipulates that paid parking facilities must clearly display pricing information while maintaining service standards.

Government and enterprise entities are assigned specific responsibilities under the new framework, requiring them to maintain parking order within their jurisdictions and address illegal parking occurrences. The comprehensive approach demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to creating a safer, more organized urban transportation environment through legislative refinement and enforcement mechanisms.

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, will pursue non-surgical treatment for a hip fracture sustained during a fall at his residence. The medical decision was confirmed by his son Mukhriz Mahathir on Wednesday, citing advanced age as the primary factor against surgical intervention.

The incident occurred Tuesday when the veteran statesman fell inside his home following his routine brisk walking exercise. He was transported conscious via ambulance to Kuala Lumpur’s National Heart Institute, where physicians diagnosed a fracture to his right hip.

Medical specialists have recommended a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol instead of surgical options, acknowledging the heightened risks associated with invasive procedures for centenarian patients. The recovery process is expected to require several weeks of hospitalization for treatment and observation.

Mukhriz Mahathir stated via a video message distributed through his political party’s communications: ‘Considering his remarkable age of 100 years, surgical intervention presents substantial challenges. The medical team has advised a standardized rehabilitation approach that will necessitate considerable time.’

The family expressed gratitude for the public’s concern while respectfully requesting privacy during the recovery period. Daughter Marina Mahathir provided reassurance through national media, characterizing the injury as ‘serious but not dangerous,’ while acknowledging the particular severity of fractures at extreme advanced age.

Mahathir Mohamad’s medical history includes previous cardiac bypass procedures. The nonagenarian leader made history as the world’s oldest elected official during his second premiership from 2018-2020, following his initial landmark tenure from 1981-2003 that transformed Malaysia’s economic landscape.

A recent Arctic cold front has dramatically transformed the mountainous terrain of Guizhou province into a spectacular winter landscape. The Qianxi region’s iconic terraced fields, normally characterized by their vibrant green hues, now appear blanketed in a crystalline layer of rime—a delicate frost formation that occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze upon contact with surfaces.

The aerial perspective reveals an ethereal scene where the intricate patterns of the terraces merge with the frosty covering, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of white against the distant emerald peaks. A persistent mist gently envelops the higher elevations, adding an atmospheric quality to the already stunning visual spectacle.

This meteorological phenomenon highlights the unique agricultural practices of southwest China’s mountainous regions. Due to the challenging topography that limits conventional farmland, local communities have historically developed sophisticated terracing systems along hillsides. These engineered landscapes represent both practical adaptation to geographical constraints and cultural heritage preserved through generations.

The current frost coverage, while creating temporary visual magnificence, serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to temperature fluctuations. Such extreme weather events provide both challenges for local agriculture and opportunities for ecological study regarding microclimates in mountainous areas.

A perilous unauthorized mountain crossing expedition has culminated in tragedy, with two fatalities confirmed among a group of five individuals who circumvented safety protocols on Shaanxi province’s Aoshan Mountain. Local authorities in Taibai county reported the devastating outcome on Tuesday, following an intensive multi-day search and rescue operation.

The ill-fated journey commenced in the early hours of January 2nd, when the hikers deliberately evaded the established climbing monitoring outpost at approximately 2:00 AM. The situation turned critical on January 3rd when police received an emergency alert regarding the group’s loss of contact during their unauthorized traverse. According to official reports, one member managed to descend the mountain independently that morning while the remaining four continued missing.

Taibai county immediately activated its emergency response protocol, deploying a coordinated rescue mission comprising four professional rescue teams alongside local residents. The operation achieved its first success on January 4th with the safe recovery of one individual found in satisfactory physical condition.

As the search intensified, authorities escalated the operation on January 5th at 4:30 AM, deploying helicopter assets to access the mountain’s treacherous terrain. Later that afternoon, rescue teams located the remaining two individuals, both deceased. Preliminary investigations indicate one victim had suffered a fatal fall from a cliff face.

Aoshan Mountain presents formidable challenges even for experienced mountaineers, featuring hazardous topography, rapidly changing weather patterns, and protected natural zones. Local authorities have reiterated that unauthorized crossings remain strictly prohibited, emphasizing the extreme dangers posed by such reckless endeavors. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of adhering to mountain safety regulations and monitoring systems designed to protect visitors.

A comprehensive investigation has revealed disturbing details about the conduct of former Fukui Prefecture Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto, who resigned last month amid sexual harassment allegations. The probe, conducted by legal experts, found that the 63-year-old politician sent more than 1,000 sexually suggestive text messages to staff members during his tenure.

The investigation, which included examinations of approximately 6,000 official communications and face-to-face interviews with 14 officials, uncovered a pattern of systematic harassment. Messages contained explicit content such as ‘I won’t say anything about a physical relationship’ and ‘Do you like sexual things?’, creating a hostile work environment for multiple victims.

Beyond digital misconduct, the report documented several instances of alleged physical violations, including inappropriate touching of thighs and buttocks. Although Sugimoto denied these physical allegations to investigators, the legal team concluded that his behavior potentially constitutes criminal offenses under Japan’s laws against non-consensual indecent acts.

Notably, the investigation found that even after apologizing to victims, Sugimoto repeatedly resumed his inappropriate messaging, which may additionally violate Japan’s anti-stalking legislation. The report emphasized that despite his resignation and expressions of remorse, Sugimoto bears ‘grave responsibility’ for his actions.

This case highlights Japan’s ongoing struggle with gender equality issues, as the country ranked 118th among 148 nations in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 gender gap index. While the global #MeToo movement has seen limited traction in Japan, high-profile cases like that of Shiori Ito, whose documentary about her alleged rape recently screened in Japan, continue to draw attention to systemic problems in Japanese workplace culture and accountability structures.

Harbin’s frozen riverfront became an international stage for cultural exchange as mayors from around the world gathered for the Global Mayors Dialogue on January 7, 2026. The event showcased China’s northeastern city’s unique blend of winter traditions and technological innovation against the backdrop of its famous ice culture.

Distinguished guests participated in traditional ice dragon boating competitions before witnessing spectacular demonstrations of short track speed skating and elegant figure skating performances by local athletes. The most striking integration of technology and tradition emerged as robotic canines demonstrated sled-pulling capabilities across the icy surface, symbolizing Harbin’s progressive approach to winter cultural preservation.

Photographs captured by Wang Jian document the convergence of international diplomacy and local culture, with mayors actively engaging in winter activities that have defined the region for generations. The event highlighted how Harbin has successfully transformed its harsh winter climate into an economic and cultural asset through innovative programming.

The demonstration occurred as part of broader efforts to position Harbin as a leading destination for winter tourism and international cultural exchange. The city’s administration has strategically developed its winter offerings to appeal to both traditional culture enthusiasts and technology innovators, creating a unique niche in the global tourism market.

This international gathering served not only as a cultural showcase but also as a diplomatic platform for urban leaders to exchange ideas about seasonal city management, tourism development, and cultural preservation strategies in climate-challenged environments.

Southwest China’s mountainous Guizhou province has reached a significant infrastructure achievement with the recent completion of the main structural framework for the Tianmen Grand Bridge. This engineering marvel, captured in aerial photography on January 6, 2026, stretches an impressive 1,553 meters in length while soaring approximately 560 meters above the terrain below.

The bridge represents a critical component of the developing Anshun-Panzhou highway system, designed to enhance transportation connectivity through Guizhou’s challenging landscape. The region’s complex topography has historically presented substantial obstacles to infrastructure development, making this construction achievement particularly noteworthy.

Engineering teams have employed advanced construction methodologies and cutting-edge materials to overcome the geographical challenges posed by the mountainous territory. The bridge’s design incorporates state-of-the-art seismic resistance features and wind stability technology, essential for the region’s environmental conditions.

This transportation project forms part of China’s broader initiative to improve interregional connectivity and stimulate economic development in previously isolated areas. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to facilitate more efficient movement of goods and people, potentially boosting local economies and reducing travel times significantly.

The completion of the main structure marks a pivotal phase in the overall project timeline, with subsequent work now focusing on deck finishing, safety installations, and connecting roadways. Transportation authorities anticipate the bridge will serve as a vital link in western China’s expanding highway network upon its scheduled opening.