A South Korean ferry carrying 267 individuals, including 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks off the country’s southwest coast on Wednesday, according to the coast guard. The vessel was en route from Jeju Island to Mokpo when the incident occurred. Initial reports from the Yonhap news agency indicated that five people sustained minor injuries, but no fatalities or serious casualties have been confirmed. The coast guard swiftly mobilized all available resources to ensure the safety and rescue of those aboard. The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing the situation promptly and ensuring the well-being of all passengers and crew members.
分类： society
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UAE weather: 9.2°C recorded in Al Ain; lowest temperature on November 19
The city of Al Ain in the UAE has once again made headlines for its extreme weather conditions, recording the nation’s lowest temperature of 9.2°C on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that the temperature was recorded in Raknah at 6:45 AM local time. This marks the second time in ten days that Raknah has experienced the coldest temperature in the country, following a previous low of 9.8°C on November 9. Interestingly, Al Ain also claimed the highest temperature in the UAE on Tuesday, November 18, with Sweihan reaching 34.7°C at 2:15 PM. As the UAE transitions into winter, residents are welcoming the cooler weather, which offers a refreshing break from the intense summer heat and encourages outdoor activities and travel.
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Nigeria’s president promises to intensify efforts to rescue 24 abducted schoolgirls
In a distressing incident that has shaken the nation, 24 schoolgirls were abducted by armed gunmen from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, when the assailants scaled the school’s fence, engaged in a gunfight with security personnel, and forcibly took the girls after killing a staff member. While no group has claimed responsibility, local analysts attribute the kidnapping to criminal gangs, often former herders, who target schools and communities for ransom amid ongoing resource conflicts in the region.
Among the abducted, 15-year-old Hawau Usman managed to escape during the chaos. She recounted her harrowing experience, stating that she fled when the gunmen were distracted and sought refuge at a teacher’s house after finding no response at the principal’s residence. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has since directed security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the remaining girls, emphasizing the disruption of education by what he termed ‘heartless terrorists.’
This incident is part of a broader pattern of school abductions in Nigeria, with over 1,500 students seized since the infamous Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping by Boko Haram in 2014. Analysts and residents have criticized the government for its failure to prosecute known attackers and address corruption, which has hampered security efforts. Usman Muhammad, whose daughter narrowly escaped, expressed his lack of trust in authorities until all the girls are safely returned and security measures are strengthened.
Security experts, including Abuja-based analyst Senator Iroegbu, have called for intelligence-driven operations to locate the abductors while ensuring the safety of the girls. Negotiations, potentially involving ransom, may be necessary if contact is established. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has mobilized military and vigilante groups to conduct relentless search operations in the region. Local residents, however, lament the insufficient number of vigilantes, who are more familiar with the terrain, and criticized security forces for ignoring prior warnings about suspicious activities in the area.
The abduction has reignited concerns about the safety of educational institutions in Nigeria, with calls for immediate action to prevent future tragedies.
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Mountain of illegally dumped trash near Oxford river causes outcry in England
A colossal illegal waste dump near the River Cherwell outside Oxford, visible from space, has ignited widespread concern over environmental degradation and criminal activity. Concealed behind a dense tree line along the busy A34 highway, the trash pile spans the length of three Olympic-sized swimming pools and reaches the height of a two-story house. Despite its enormity, the dump went unnoticed for months, raising questions about oversight and enforcement. The Environment Agency identified the site as high-risk in July and issued a cease-and-desist order, but illegal dumping persisted, prompting a criminal investigation. Satellite imagery revealed the transformation of verdant fields into a sprawling garbage site between April and July 2024. The discovery has drawn attention to England’s struggle against organized crime groups responsible for illegal waste disposal, which costs the economy £1 billion annually. With winter rains approaching, fears mount that the waste could flood into the River Cherwell, threatening local ecosystems and waterways. The cleanup cost could exceed £26 million, surpassing the budget of the Cherwell District Council. Environmental advocates and lawmakers have criticized the government’s slow response, urging stricter enforcement and accountability. This incident highlights the growing problem of “fly-tipping” across the UK, with over 1.1 million incidents reported in 2023-24, a 6% increase from the previous year. The government has pledged increased funding for waste enforcement, but the scale of the crisis underscores the need for urgent action.
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Louvre to set up new cameras and anti-intrusion systems after stunning crown jewels heist
The Louvre Museum in Paris is set to implement a series of advanced security measures following last month’s audacious crown jewels heist. Museum director Laurence des Cars announced on Wednesday that approximately 100 new surveillance cameras will be operational by the end of next year, with anti-intrusion systems being installed within the next two weeks. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized access to the museum’s premises and ensure comprehensive protection of its surroundings. Des Cars emphasized that these upgrades are part of over 20 emergency actions being taken in response to the October 19 robbery, which saw thieves steal an €88 million ($102 million) treasure trove in less than eight minutes. The breach occurred when intruders used disc cutters, typically meant for concrete, to penetrate the Apollo Gallery’s display cases. Des Cars revealed that the cases, designed in 2019 to withstand internal attacks, held up remarkably well during the heist, making the thieves’ task more challenging. The security enhancements align with the Louvre’s decade-long ‘New Renaissance’ plan, launched earlier this year with an estimated budget of €800 million ($933 million). This initiative aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, reduce overcrowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031. Des Cars also highlighted the museum’s struggle with mass tourism, noting that visitor numbers have surged to over 8 million this year, far exceeding the 4 million capacity envisioned when the iconic glass pyramid was inaugurated in 1989. In a related development, the Louvre temporarily closed some employee offices and a public gallery due to structural fragility.
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Students in Xinjiang’s prestigious ski destination to embrace 1st ‘snow break’
In a groundbreaking initiative, over 70,000 primary and secondary school students in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, are set to enjoy their first official ‘snow break.’ This innovative holiday, spanning nine days from December 1 to 5, including adjacent weekends, aims to promote the region’s burgeoning ice-and-snow economy. During this period, students will have free access to local ski resorts and public transit within Altay city, facilitated by their identity certificates. Additionally, local cultural venues, libraries, and museums will host a series of ice and snow-themed events. The initiative seeks to connect students with nature, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance physical health. Altay’s cultural and tourism departments are collaborating with ski resorts, hotels, and cultural venues to offer discounts on skiing, food, accommodations, and transportation. This move is part of China’s broader strategy to develop its ice-and-snow economy, which has seen significant growth since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. In the 2023-2024 snow season, Altay attracted approximately 4.89 million tourists, generating 5.1 billion yuan in revenue, contributing significantly to Xinjiang’s overall growth. The State Council’s guidelines aim to expand the ice-and-snow economy to 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.
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Family of Indian man lynched over beef rumours vows to keep fighting for justice
The family of Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man brutally lynched by a Hindu mob in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2015, has vowed to continue their fight for justice. This comes after the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently moved to drop all charges against the accused. Akhlaq, then 50, was killed following rumors that he had stored and consumed beef—a claim his family vehemently denies. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, which dominates India’s population of 1.2 billion, and Uttar Pradesh is among 20 states with strict laws banning cow slaughter and beef consumption. The incident, which occurred in Dadri, 49km from Delhi, marked the first widely reported case of cow-related violence in India, sparking nationwide protests. Initially, 18 individuals were charged with offenses including murder and rioting, all of whom are currently out on bail. Last month, the public prosecutor filed an application citing ‘inconsistencies’ in witness testimonies, urging the court to close the case. The court is expected to decide on the application by December 12. Akhlaq’s family, who fled their village after the attack, expressed shock and fear over the government’s move, questioning whether it would embolden criminals. The incident unfolded on September 28, 2015, when a mob armed with sticks, swords, and pistols stormed Akhlaq’s home, accusing the family of slaughtering a cow. While Akhlaq died on the spot, his son Danish sustained severe injuries. The family maintains that the meat found in their fridge was mutton, not beef. The case has drawn widespread criticism, including accusations of delayed response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP members allegedly defending the attackers. Despite the challenges, Akhlaq’s brother, Jaan Mohammad, remains hopeful, stating, ‘I still have faith in the court. I believe justice would be done one day.’
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Japan’s largest urban fire in decades rips through 170 buildings
A devastating urban fire, described as the largest in Japan in decades, has ravaged the city of Oita on the island of Kyushu. The inferno consumed approximately 170 buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Local media reports confirm that one individual lost their life in the catastrophic blaze. The fire, which broke out unexpectedly, quickly spread due to strong winds and densely packed structures, overwhelming emergency response teams. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, while rescue operations continue to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of affected residents. This tragic event has drawn national attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban areas to such disasters and prompting discussions on improving fire prevention and response strategies.
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Shanghai offers a blueprint for waterfront renewal
Shanghai has emerged as a global leader in waterfront renewal and urban innovation, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and cultural exchange. The Jing’an central business district, encompassing the Suhewan and West Nanjing Road functional areas, recently joined the Global Business Districts Innovation Club. This prestigious alliance connects Shanghai with elite business districts across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Africa, fostering collaboration to enhance waterfront spaces and urban functionality. The announcement was made during the launch of the second season of the ‘Our Water’ event in Shanghai, which emphasized intercultural dialogue among world cities. The event, hosted by the Shanghai United Media Group and the Shanghai International Culture Association, introduced a global initiative to collect innovative waterfront case studies. This project aims to promote ecological resilience, climate response, and the integration of cultural and economic development, ensuring waterfronts become accessible and sustainable urban assets. Over 200 international and domestic guests attended the event, engaging in discussions on sustainable design, urban renewal, and the role of waterfronts in global cultural exchange. Ruan Cunfan, director of the Lonsen Group, highlighted how Suhewan’s development drew inspiration from global cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London, emphasizing a people-centric approach. Jing’an district, known for its openness and professional services, continues to strengthen its position in the global urban network, with high-caliber institutions like Roland Berger and Morgan McKinley establishing a presence in Suhewan. This initiative underscores Shanghai’s role as a blueprint for waterfront renewal and urban innovation on the global stage.
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Hong Kong senior retraces Long March
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and dedication, 74-year-old Michael Cheng Chun-yim from Hong Kong has completed a year-long journey retracing the historic Long March of the Red Army. Starting from Yudu county in Jiangxi province on October 17, 2024, Cheng walked approximately 5,000 kilometers across eight provinces, culminating in Wuqi township, Shaanxi province, on October 19, 2025. This journey was not just a physical challenge but a profound pilgrimage to connect with the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Red Army’s legendary trek from 1934 to 1936. Cheng’s inspiration stemmed from Edgar Snow’s ‘Red Star Over China,’ a book he read as a university student in 1972, which ignited his lifelong fascination with the Long March. Despite the grueling conditions—scorching heat, freezing winds, and rugged terrains—Cheng remained steadfast, driven by the belief that if the Red Army could endure hunger and gunfire, he could overcome his own challenges. Along the way, he encountered the warmth and kindness of local people, who offered food, shelter, and encouragement, reinforcing his belief in the enduring spirit of unity. Cheng documented his journey in a diary, reflecting on the transformation of the landscapes and the lessons of the Long March. His story, now being considered for publication, aims to inspire younger generations, particularly in Hong Kong, to understand and embrace the values of faith, perseverance, and unity. For Cheng, the Long March is not just a historical event but a metaphor for life’s challenges, offering timeless guidance in navigating modern complexities.