In a remarkable initiative to ensure justice reaches every corner of China, judges in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are taking to the grasslands on horseback. This innovative approach brings the courtroom directly to herders, providing them with essential legal services in their remote communities. The initiative underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the judicial system, particularly for those living in isolated areas. The mobile courtrooms, though simple in setup, have a profound impact, demonstrating a deep sense of care and responsibility towards the herding community. This effort not only facilitates legal recourse but also strengthens the bond between the government and its citizens, fostering a sense of trust and security. The initiative is a testament to China’s broader strategy of ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the pursuit of justice and equality.
分类： society
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Search for missing Royal Navy crew member stood down
The extensive search for a missing Royal Navy crew member off the north-west coast of the Republic of Ireland has been called off, with the individual remaining unlocated, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed. The crew member, part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge, was last seen around 22:30 local time on Friday. The search operation, which spanned the waters between Tory Island in County Donegal and Eagle Island in County Mayo, involved multiple agencies and resources. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his profound sorrow over the outcome, stating, ‘After an extensive search, it is with deep sadness that we confirm the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been found. My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members.’ He also extended his gratitude to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy for their swift and relentless efforts in the search. The Irish Coast Guard received a distress call from a Royal Navy support vessel before 09:00 on Saturday, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The search involved aerial support from the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, based in Shannon airport; Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo; and the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284. At sea, the search was coordinated by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI all-weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly. The family of the missing crew member has been informed, and an investigation into the incident is now underway. No other individuals were reported harmed or missing during the operation.
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Dubai Exhibition Centre to have over 10,000 parking spaces, extensive transport options
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City is poised to become a hub of global events and exhibitions, with its first phase set to open in early 2026, six months ahead of schedule. The Dh10-billion project will feature over 10,000 parking spaces in its initial phase, strategically distributed across the city to accommodate millions of visitors. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice-President of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), emphasized the Centre’s commitment to sustainability and convenience, with 7,000-plus parking spaces dedicated to exhibitors and a transport hub designed to shuttle visitors efficiently. The first phase will offer 140,000 square metres of space for exhibitions, conferences, and large-scale events, with the first major exhibition scheduled for January 2026. Phase two, covering 160,000 square metres, will be completed by 2028, featuring permanent halls, enhanced road networks, and direct connectivity to Expo City. The final phase, set for 2031, will expand the Centre to 180,000 square metres of indoor space across 26 halls, complemented by integrated hospitality, retail, and commercial facilities. Julfar highlighted the Dubai Metro as a preferred transport option, with plans to increase its frequency and provide park-and-ride services. Additionally, 20 shuttle buses will operate between the Dubai World Trade Centre and DEC every 30 minutes. The Centre’s strategic location includes three nearby hotels, 45-plus hotels within 20 minutes, and over 150 hotels, three shopping malls, and 15 major attractions within a 30-minute drive. The completion of Maktoum International Airport by 2033 is expected to further enhance the ecosystem, solidifying DEC’s reputation as the ‘future city of Dubai.’
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Holocaust survivors group urges German auction house to halt sale of artifacts
A prominent Holocaust survivors’ organization has issued a strong appeal to a German auction house to halt the sale of hundreds of artifacts tied to the Holocaust. The International Auschwitz Committee, based in Berlin, described the planned auction as “cynical and shameless,” urging its immediate cancellation. The event, titled “The System of Terror,” was scheduled for Monday by the Felzmann auction house in Neuss, near Düsseldorf. The collection, comprising over 600 items, included deeply personal artifacts such as letters penned by concentration camp prisoners to their families, Gestapo index cards, and other documents that explicitly identify individuals by name. Christoph Heubner, executive vice president of the committee, condemned the auction, stating that it exploits the suffering of Holocaust victims for profit. He emphasized that such artifacts should be preserved in museums or memorials rather than being commodified. The committee called on the auction house to demonstrate basic decency by canceling the sale. By Sunday afternoon, the auction listing had been removed from the Felzmann website, though the house had not yet responded to inquiries.
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Dubai seizes 519 vehicles, 12,367 cylinders for illegal LPG filling, distribution
Dubai has taken decisive action against illegal activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector, seizing 519 unlicensed vehicles and confiscating 12,367 cylinders filled with petroleum products of unknown origin. These materials failed to meet safety standards, posing significant risks to public safety. The crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) to enhance regulatory compliance and combat hazardous practices in the LPG industry. Since July 2022, 449 joint inspections have been conducted by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, in collaboration with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and Dubai Civil Defence. These efforts uncovered 596 violations, highlighting the scale of the issue. DSCE Resolution No. 3 of 2021 mandates that LPG cylinders distributed in Dubai must be packaged by approved factories within the emirate, ensuring adherence to local standards and laws. Authorities have urged consumers to purchase gas cylinders exclusively from authorised distributors, verify filling seals, and retain purchase invoices to safeguard their rights. Building, farm, and estate owners have also been encouraged to report any suspected illegal activities to protect lives and property. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, emphasised the commitment to stringent regulatory standards, while Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the DSCE, highlighted the importance of monitoring compliance to protect consumers. Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, underscored the role of intensified inspections in ensuring communal safety and maintaining a fair market environment.
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Railway network handles record-high 3.95 billion passenger trips
China’s railway network has set a new milestone by handling an unprecedented 3.95 billion passenger trips from January to October 2025, according to the China State Railway Group. This figure represents a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring the growing reliance on rail transport in the country. The achievement highlights the efficiency and scalability of China’s railway infrastructure, which continues to play a pivotal role in connecting millions of people across vast distances. The record-breaking numbers also reflect the government’s ongoing investments in rail modernization and expansion, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for citizens. As China’s population and urbanization rates rise, the railway network remains a cornerstone of the nation’s transportation strategy, facilitating economic growth and social mobility.
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Arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin approved by prosecutors
Prosecutors have officially approved an arrest warrant for Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the globally renowned Shaolin Temple. This development marks a significant legal step in a case that has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Shi Yongxin, who has long been a prominent figure in Chinese religious and cultural circles, is now under scrutiny for unspecified allegations. The Shaolin Temple, known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and martial arts, has been a symbol of Chinese heritage and spirituality for centuries. The approval of the arrest warrant raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the case and its potential implications for the temple’s legacy. Authorities have yet to disclose detailed information about the charges, but the move underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold legal accountability, even for high-profile individuals. The case is expected to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.
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Make way for the flock! Hundreds of sheep head through German city to their winter pastures
In a charming annual tradition, the streets of Nuremberg, Germany, were transformed into a pastoral scene on Sunday as hundreds of sheep paraded through the city center. The flock, led by shepherd Thomas Gackstatter, comprised approximately 600 sheep, drawing curious onlookers who eagerly captured the spectacle on their cellphones. The event marks the sheep’s journey from their summer grazing grounds in Nuremberg’s meadows to their winter pastures located west of the city. The 10-kilometer (6-mile) route took the flock through the iconic Hauptmarkt, the central market square, making Nuremberg the only known German city where sheep traverse such a prominent urban space. City authorities ensured a smooth passage by urging residents to keep the route clear and keep dogs away. Drones were also prohibited during the event. This practice of using sheep as natural lawnmowers is not unique to Nuremberg; cities like Berlin, Potsdam, and Augsburg also employ sheep for eco-friendly grass maintenance. The slow grazing process supports biodiversity by creating insect-friendly environments and reduces municipal mowing costs. For shepherds like Gackstatter, this arrangement provides a valuable solution to the scarcity of open grazing spaces.
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Dubai: Can a landlord charge different rents to tenants of the same building?
In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees, marking a significant gesture of recognition for this national occasion. Simultaneously, the UAE has declared a holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can partake in the festivities. This decision underscores the nation’s commitment to honoring its cultural heritage and fostering unity among its citizens. The extended break provides an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of the occasion. The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation, as it reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing work-life balance and acknowledging the importance of national milestones.
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UAE: Is it legal for employees with families to be given priority for annual leave dates?
In the UAE, the allocation of annual leave dates has sparked questions among employees, particularly those without families, who wonder if it is legal for employers to prioritize families during school breaks. According to UAE labor laws, employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of annual leave per year of service, as stipulated in Article 29(1)(a) of the Employment Law. However, Article 29(4) grants employers the authority to determine leave dates based on operational needs, provided they notify employees at least one month in advance. This means employers can prioritize families during peak holiday periods, such as school breaks, to accommodate their needs. Nevertheless, employers must ensure that all employees receive their full annual leave entitlement within the year or allow them to carry forward at least 50% of their leave to the following year, as per Article 29(8). Employees are encouraged to discuss alternative leave dates with their employers to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding these legal provisions to navigate leave-related disputes effectively.