分类： society

A tragic incident unfolded in Bucheon, South Korea, on Thursday when a truck collided with pedestrians at a bustling outdoor market, resulting in two fatalities and 18 injuries, according to local fire and police authorities. The driver, a man in his 60s whose identity remains undisclosed, was promptly taken into custody for questioning. Preliminary investigations revealed that he was neither under the influence of alcohol nor drugs, as confirmed by Bucheon police official Son Byeong-sam. Witnesses recounted that the vehicle initially reversed approximately 28 meters (92 feet) before accelerating forward for about 150 meters (492 feet), striking numerous pedestrians along its path. The driver attributed the incident to a mechanical malfunction, a claim currently under scrutiny as officials analyze security camera footage. Among the injured, 11 sustained severe injuries, though the extent of their conditions remains unclear. The chaotic aftermath of the crash was captured in photographs, depicting the truck lodged into a storefront amidst scattered debris, including overturned boxes, clothing, and shattered signboards. The vehicle’s front left side was severely damaged, and its windows were completely broken. Authorities later removed the truck from the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

A coalition of Jewish organizations has strongly criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its creation of the ‘Mamdani Monitor,’ labeling it as a blatantly Islamophobic and racist initiative targeting New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The coalition, which includes groups such as IfNotNow, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, and J Street NYC, released a letter on Tuesday condemning the project, stating that it undermines the collective fight against antisemitism and Islamophobia in the city. The letter emphasized unity with Mamdani and rejected the ADL’s claim to represent all Jewish communities. It also highlighted Mamdani’s commitment to combating hate violence and his outreach to Jewish communities during his campaign. The ADL, however, defended its initiative, with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt asserting that Mamdani has promoted antisemitic narratives and demonstrated animosity toward Israel. The tracker has faced widespread backlash, with critics accusing the ADL of scaremongering and conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Despite the controversy, Greenblatt stated that the monitor would also share positive news if Mamdani’s administration takes steps to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish New Yorkers.

India’s caste system, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy, continues to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape. The upcoming 2027 national census will mark a historic shift by including a full enumeration of castes for the first time in nearly a century. This move, driven by political pressure and demands for equitable distribution of government benefits, aims to provide a clearer picture of who benefits from affirmative action and who remains marginalized. However, the initiative has sparked intense debate among scholars and activists. Anand Teltumbde, a prominent scholar-activist, warns that counting castes risks legitimizing and perpetuating the very system it seeks to address. In his provocative book, *The Caste Con Census*, Teltumbde argues that caste is inherently hierarchical and defies measurement, echoing B.R. Ambedkar’s call for the annihilation of caste rather than its management. Critics like Teltumbde fear that the census could be exploited by political parties to redraw quotas or fuel caste-based resentment, further entrenching inequality. On the other hand, proponents such as sociologist Satish Deshpande and economist Mary E John view the census as a necessary tool for achieving social justice. They argue that reliable caste data can expose both privilege and deprivation, enabling more targeted welfare policies. Political scientist Sudha Pai suggests that linking caste data to income and educational indicators could shift India from a caste-based to a rights-based welfare system. Yet, challenges abound, from the complexity of data collection to the risk of solidifying caste identities. As India prepares for this monumental exercise, the question remains: Will the caste census pave the way for social justice, or will it deepen the divisions it seeks to address?

Every November, South Korea halts its usual pace for the Suneung, the nation’s rigorous college entrance exam. While most students complete the test by late afternoon, blind students often endure a grueling 13-hour marathon, finishing close to 10 p.m. This year, over 550,000 students are taking the Suneung, marking the highest number of applicants in seven years. Among them are 111 blind test-takers, including Han Dong-hyun and Oh Jeong-won from Seoul Hanbit School for the Blind. The Suneung, short for College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), is a pivotal moment in South Korean education, determining university admissions, job prospects, and even future relationships. For most students, the exam spans eight hours, covering subjects like Korean, mathematics, English, and social or natural sciences. However, blind students are granted 1.7 times the standard duration, extending their test day significantly. The physical demands of reading braille, coupled with the lack of dinner breaks, make the exam particularly exhausting. Braille test booklets are six to nine times thicker than standard ones, as every sentence, symbol, and diagram must be converted into tactile form. Additionally, blind students face challenges in accessing study materials, often receiving braille versions of state-produced EBS preparation books months later than their sighted peers. Despite these hurdles, students like Dong-hyun and Jeong-won remain determined. Dong-hyun, who was born completely blind, uses braille and screen-reading software to navigate the exam. He finds the Korean language section particularly challenging due to the extensive braille pages. Jeong-won, on the other hand, struggles with the late afternoon fatigue, as the exam continues without a dinner break. Both students emphasize the importance of perseverance, viewing the Suneung as a test of their resilience. Their teacher, Kang Seok-ju, praises their endurance, noting the physical toll of reading braille for hours. While the Suneung is a high-stakes exam, Mr. Kang reminds his students that it is not the sole measure of their worth. For these blind students, the Suneung is not just an academic challenge—it is a testament to their years of hard work and determination.

The 15th National Games, currently underway, is not only a prestigious platform for athletes to compete for gold medals but also a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao. The event has become a gastronomic journey for thousands of spectators and journalists alike. At the main press center in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, organizers have curated a diverse menu featuring iconic dishes from across the province. Highlights include shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, braised goose, and beef balls, showcasing the region’s culinary expertise. Since November 9, 21 cities in Guangdong have taken turns hosting food-themed days at the press center’s restaurant, presenting a total of 168 specialty dishes. During Shantou’s themed day, dishes like braised goose and beef balls left both domestic and international journalists impressed by the city’s unique rice noodle preparations. This edition of the National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao for the first time, has drawn over 3,200 registered journalists from media outlets worldwide, further amplifying the cultural and culinary exchange.