A catastrophic fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. The blaze, which rapidly spread across eight blocks, forced over a thousand residents to evacuate, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is believed to have been fueled by bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, which were undergoing renovations. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and despair as flames consumed the high-rise structures, with some residents watching helplessly as their homes burned. Local councillor Mui Siu-fung reported receiving numerous distress calls from families searching for missing relatives. Among the affected was Harry Cheung, a 66-year-old resident of block two, who recounted hearing a loud noise before witnessing the fire erupt in a nearby block. “I don’t even know how I feel right now,” Cheung said, expressing uncertainty about his immediate future. Another resident, Jason Kong, shared his devastation, stating, “I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore.” Criticism has been directed at the government’s response, with some residents questioning the lack of immediate action. Ms. Poon, a resident in her sixties, voiced her disappointment, noting the proximity of the fire station and the rapid spread of the flames. Despite the ongoing efforts to contain the fire, officials have not provided a timeline for its complete extinguishment. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee assured that government departments are assisting affected residents, but many expressed frustration and heartbreak over the tragedy. The community has rallied to support victims, with local residents donating supplies such as blankets and heat packs. As the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, the focus remains on preventing further casualties and providing aid to those displaced by the disaster.
分类： society
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Dubai Duty Free draw: Indian man wins $1 million after entering for 15 years
After fifteen years of unwavering participation, Selvaraj Vijayananth, a 50-year-old Indian national from Chennai, has achieved his dream by winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. The life-changing event occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse D.
Vijayananth, a senior engineering manager in the software industry and father of one, purchased his winning ticket (number 1346) online on November 13. His persistent participation in the promotional lottery for over a decade and a half finally yielded the monumental victory. “Winning has always been a dream of mine and now that it has finally come true, I am deeply grateful,” expressed the elated millionaire.
The celebration extended beyond Vijayananth as Atul Dinkar Rao, an Indian expatriate residing in Dubai, also claimed a $1 million prize in the Millennium Millionaire Series 522 with ticket number 2242. Rao, another long-time participant, received his ceremonial check from Dubai Duty Free senior management, stating, “I feel grateful and thankful for this win. I have always had faith and participated for a long time.
Following the millionaire announcements, the Finest Surprise draw awarded two luxury motorbikes to additional winners. Samer El Achkar, a 58-year-old Lebanese businessman and Dubai resident since 1991, won a BMW F 900 GS motorbike after twenty years of participation. Jaya Devan, a 38-year-old Indian storekeeper based in Ras Al Khaimah, secured a BMW S 1000 XR motorbike despite only participating for approximately one year. “I’m still in disbelief but feeling lucky,” Devan remarked.
Notably, Indian nationals represent the most significant demographic among ticket purchasers for these draws, with Vijayananth becoming the 266th Indian citizen to claim the $1 million prize in the promotion’s history.
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UAE: Girl returns money she found in public place; Ajman Police honour honesty
In a heartwarming display of integrity, a young girl named Shaimaa Ali has been honored by Ajman Police for her honesty after she returned a sum of money she found in a public place. The incident occurred when Shaimaa discovered the money and immediately requested her elder sister to accompany her to the Musherif Police Station to hand it over to the authorities. The police station hosted a special ceremony to recognize her commendable act, where officers posed with Shaimaa and her father, celebrating her positive attitude. At the event, Shaimaa was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a gift, acknowledging her honesty. Brigadier General Al Muhairi, who attended the ceremony, praised Shaimaa’s actions, emphasizing that such behavior reflects good upbringing and social awareness. He highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of returning lost items and protecting public property. This incident is not isolated in the UAE, as similar acts of honesty have been frequently reported. For instance, in September, Dubai Police honored a student for returning a lost wallet containing cash and a cheque valued at Dh200,000, and in April, a citizen was recognized for returning a lost passport and money. These acts underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering values of honesty and community responsibility.
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4 dead as fire engulfs residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong: Government
A devastating fire broke out in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries. The blaze, which erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, quickly escalated to a No. 4 alarm, the second-highest emergency level, by 3:34 p.m. local time. According to the Hong Kong government, four individuals were confirmed dead, two are in critical condition, and one is stable as of 5:00 p.m. Public broadcaster RTHK reported that several people remain trapped inside the burning buildings, with two individuals suffering severe burns. Firefighters, some of whom were injured while battling the flames, faced significant challenges due to the scale of the fire and the presence of bamboo scaffolding on several adjacent towers. The incident has also disrupted local transportation, with the Tai Po highway closed and bus routes diverted. Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex comprising eight blocks and nearly 2,000 residential units, is now the site of a tragic disaster that has left the community in shock.
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VPN-using Iranians angry after X locations reveal officials using state-issued SIMs
Iranian citizens have expressed outrage after X’s newly introduced location feature exposed government officials and pro-regime figures using Iran-based SIM cards to access the platform, despite its official ban in the country. The revelation has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as ordinary Iranians require VPNs to bypass the government’s strict internet censorship. Among those identified was Information and Communication Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi, whose account appeared to be based in Iran, suggesting he bypassed the VPN requirement. Social media users criticized the government for allegedly distributing ‘white SIM cards’ to officials, granting them unrestricted access to blocked sites. The terms ‘White SIM Card’ and ‘Class-based Internet’ trended on X as Iranians voiced their frustration. Mani Ghasemi, chair of tech site Digiato, condemned Hashemi and other reformist politicians for their use of these SIMs, calling their opposition to internet censorship insincere. The Iranian government has long restricted access to platforms like X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, while attempting to curb VPN usage. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian has pledged to review the stringent internet controls, which aim to steer users toward domestic websites. Critics argue that certain institutions, including news agencies linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enjoy special privileges with unfiltered internet access. Following the controversy, several officials and journalists altered their X account locations from Iran to ‘West Asia.’ Journalist Vahid Khatami defended unrestricted internet as a professional necessity, while Ali Ahmadinia, head of public relations, promised a review of ‘white SIM card’ distribution.
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The wall of silver cups: A tribute to courage and gratitude
The National Museum of the US Air Force in Ohio now houses a poignant tribute to the 80 pilots of the Doolittle Raid—a collection of silver cups arranged in a solemn ‘W’ formation. Each cup, engraved with a pilot’s name, stands upright for the living and inverted for the departed. This tradition began as a heartfelt gesture by the survivors to honor their fallen comrades and the Chinese villagers who risked their lives to save them during World War II. In 1942, after a daring air raid on Japan, the pilots were forced to bail out over China. Local villagers, displaying immense courage, sheltered them, despite facing brutal Japanese retaliation that claimed an estimated 250,000 Chinese lives. Richard Cole, the last surviving pilot, expressed his enduring gratitude before passing away in 2019 at the age of 103. His cup, the final one, was turned over, marking the end of an era. This story transcends war, embodying humanity, courage, and a promise remembered.
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Rime-covered forest with autumn colors draws visitors to Hunan mountain
The recent plunge in temperatures around Ziyun Mountain, nestled within the Shunhuang Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinning, Hunan province, has transformed the landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The forest canopy, now adorned with delicate rime formations, has become a magnet for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. This natural phenomenon, coupled with the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, creates a surreal visual spectacle that captivates all who visit. The Shunhuang Mountain area, renowned for its rich biodiversity and unspoiled subtropical forest ecosystem, forms a vital part of the Nanling Mountain Range. It serves as a critical water-conservation forest for the Yangtze River basin, underscoring its ecological significance. Visitors to this pristine sanctuary are treated to a living canvas of nature’s artistry, where the interplay of frost and foliage paints a dynamic and ever-changing masterpiece.
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Nigerian parents say they are kept in the dark over abducted schoolchildren
In the remote community of Papiri, Nigeria, the parents of over 300 schoolchildren abducted by armed men are grappling with despair and uncertainty. The latest mass abduction, which occurred on Friday, has left families in anguish, with no official communication from the government regarding rescue efforts. Emmanuel Ejeh, whose 12-year-old son Mathew was taken, expressed his frustration, stating, ‘Nobody from the government has briefed us about the abduction.’ The stress has been so overwhelming that one parent reportedly died of a heart attack. While 50 students have managed to escape, the fate of the remaining children remains unknown. This incident is part of a broader pattern of school abductions in Nigeria, often carried out by armed groups seeking ransom. Despite international scrutiny and promises of improved school safety, including the Safe School Initiative, little progress has been made. Activists like Aisha Yesufu, co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, criticize the government for prioritizing propaganda over meaningful action. The crisis is further complicated by the involvement of armed gangs and jihadist groups, which are increasingly targeting schools to exert pressure on the government. As the situation unfolds, parents continue to gather at the school compound, clinging to hope while authorities remain silent.
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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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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.