Four high-ranking officials from the Greek Coast Guard, including its current commander, Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, are set to face criminal prosecution for negligent manslaughter in connection with the tragic sinking of the migrant vessel Adriana in 2023. The fishing boat, carrying approximately 650 people, capsized off the coast of Pylos, Greece, after a failed attempt by the coastguard to tow it. Survivors reported that the vessel sank due to the coastguard’s mishandling of the operation. The disaster, which occurred in June 2023, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and legal battles. Earlier this year, prosecutors at the maritime court in Piraeus recommended charges against 17 members of the coastguard, including the captain of the coastguard ship and the then-head of the coastguard, Vice Admiral Giorgos Alexandrakis. However, Vice Admiral Kontizas and three other senior officers were initially cleared of blame. This decision was later challenged by lawyers representing survivors and victims’ families. The charges now include manslaughter by negligence, exposure to danger, and failure to fulfill legal obligations to rescue. Although only 82 bodies were recovered, it is believed that hundreds more perished in the incident. Greece has consistently denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and its record of rescuing over 250,000 people at sea in the past decade.
分类： society
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UAE identifies top reasons for traffic jams, plans new systems to curb congestion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking decisive steps to address its growing traffic congestion challenges, driven by a surge in private vehicle ownership and peak-hour bottlenecks. Speaking at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that vehicle numbers on UAE roads are increasing at an annual rate of over eight percent—far exceeding the global average of two percent. This trend, coupled with overlapping school and work hours, has placed significant strain on the nation’s road networks, particularly between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Commuters in these areas reportedly lose up to 460 hours annually to traffic delays, equivalent to 60 working days. To combat this, the UAE is implementing a multi-faceted strategy that includes road expansions, enhanced public transport integration, updated policies, and advanced smart-mobility technologies. A 24-hour integrated traffic-monitoring center is already analyzing congestion patterns and proposing targeted solutions. Additionally, the Dh50-billion UAE Railway Programme, set to launch passenger services by 2026, aims to strengthen connectivity between cities and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Officials believe these measures will ensure the UAE remains ahead of rising transport infrastructure demands as its population and economic activity continue to grow.
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China unveils regulation on ecological environment monitoring
In a significant move to bolster environmental protection, China has unveiled a new regulation on ecological environment monitoring, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Signed by Premier Li Qiang, the State Council decree introduces a comprehensive framework comprising seven chapters and 49 articles. The regulation aims to standardize monitoring activities, enhance capabilities, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of environmental data. Key provisions include the development of a modern monitoring system with advanced automation, digitization, and smart technologies. The regulation also emphasizes the establishment of a public monitoring network, improved supervision of pollution sources, and early warning systems for environmental risks. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a robust management system for emergent environmental incidents and sets stringent requirements for technical service organizations, which must register with environmental authorities. Enhanced oversight and accountability measures are also highlighted to ensure effective implementation.
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Vehicle explodes in huge fireball in the Bronx
A dramatic vehicle explosion in the Bronx sent shockwaves through the community, resulting in a massive fireball that injured seven firefighters. Despite the severity of the incident, the New York City fire chief has provided reassuring news: all injured firefighters are awake, alert, and able to communicate. Medical professionals anticipate a full recovery for each of them. The explosion, which occurred under circumstances still under investigation, highlights the inherent risks faced by first responders. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of safety protocols and the resilience of emergency personnel in the face of danger. Authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of the explosion and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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Blizzard hits Xinjiang in NW China, breaks records, impacts transport
A historic blizzard has engulfed Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region since Wednesday, causing widespread disruption to transportation and setting unprecedented precipitation records. According to the regional meteorological observatory, 538 weather stations across Xinjiang reported rain or snow by Thursday morning, with 77 experiencing blizzard conditions. Eleven areas, including the regional capital Urumqi and the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, were severely impacted by heavy snowfall. Urumqi recorded 35.6 millimeters of precipitation in a single day, the highest November daily total in the city’s history. Chen Chunyan, chief forecaster at the observatory, highlighted Turgen township in Ili as the epicenter of the storm, with snowfall reaching 40.8 millimeters. The blizzard has forced partial or full closures of major highways, including the G7, G216, and G335, with reopening times uncertain. Railway services were also affected, with the cancellation of a passenger train between Urumqi and Korla. The observatory warns of continued snowfall in the coming days, potentially exacerbating travel safety concerns.
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Waterway aims to revitalize Beijing’s urban rivers
A new 15-kilometer boat route connecting Beijing’s Chaoyang district to the municipal administrative center in Tongzhou district officially opened on a trial basis on Wednesday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the city’s urban waterways and enhance their role in local tourism and commerce. The journey begins at INDIGO Harbor, a riverside location near a popular shopping mall on the Bahe River, and extends to the Wenyu River in Tongzhou. The route offers picturesque views of the changing seasons, with plans to transform it into a vibrant waterfront corridor featuring diverse flora and landscapes throughout the year. Beyond its scenic appeal, the boat line is expected to boost local businesses and tourism by connecting key cultural and commercial hubs such as Taikoo Place Beijing, Langyuan Station, and the 798·751 Art District. Officials from Chaoyang district’s water bureau revealed ambitious plans to expand waterway connectivity during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), aiming to create a 43.4-kilometer waterfront corridor linking the Bahe River to the Beihucheng River upstream and the Qinghe-Wenyu River and Beiyun River systems downstream. The project also envisions integrating waterways with greenways, walking paths, and nearby parks to establish a seamless network of blue, green, and urban infrastructure across eastern Beijing.
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Philippines urges provincial officials to prepare for incoming storm
The Philippines is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Fung-wong, which is expected to intensify into a super typhoon in the coming days. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a directive urging provincial officials to prepare for the potentially devastating storm. This warning comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across the country, claiming over 140 lives and leaving 127 people missing. In response to the dual threats, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos declared a state of national calamity on Thursday. The DILG has called on local government units (LGUs) to take immediate action, including clearing waterways and drainage systems, inspecting roads and bridges, and ensuring evacuation centers are well-stocked with essential supplies. According to the state weather bureau, Fung-wong is likely to reach typhoon status by Friday and could escalate to super typhoon strength by Saturday. The storm is predicted to make landfall in northern or central Luzon on Monday, potentially at its peak intensity. The Philippines remains on high alert as it faces the compounding challenges of recovery from Kalmaegi and preparation for Fung-wong.
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Appeal to stop controversial ostrich cull dismissed by Canada’s top court
Canada’s Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal to halt the contentious culling of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia, leaving the farm owners with limited legal recourse. The cull was mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in December following an avian flu outbreak that claimed the lives of 69 birds. Despite the farm’s efforts to challenge the order, including proposing the use of surviving ostriches for scientific research, the courts have consistently upheld the CFIA’s decision. The agency argues that the birds’ exposure to the virus poses significant risks to both wildlife and humans, disputing claims of immunity among the surviving flock. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal on Thursday paves the way for the cull to proceed, though the CFIA has not specified a timeline. The farm owners, including Katie Pasitney, who tearfully appealed for a miracle on social media, now face the grim reality of losing their flock. Protesters gathered at the farm as the court’s decision was announced, highlighting the emotional and ethical dimensions of the case. The CFIA has emphasized its expectation that the farm owners and their supporters will respect the legal outcome.
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Sudan’s life-saving community kitchens on verge of collapse, report warns
A vital network of community kitchens in Sudan, which has been a lifeline for millions amidst the ongoing civil war, is now on the brink of collapse, according to a report by Islamic Relief. These locally run kitchens, often the only source of food in conflict zones, are struggling due to severe funding shortages, volunteer exhaustion, and operational challenges. The crisis has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of USAID funding earlier this year, leaving the kitchens reliant on donations from the Sudanese diaspora. Volunteers describe the situation as dire, with many kitchens unable to guarantee daily meals due to financial instability and resource shortages. The Integrated Food Security Phase Network (IPC) has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including the besieged cities of el-Fasher and Kadugli, where access to commercial supplies and humanitarian aid is severely restricted. Despite the efforts of Emergency Response Rooms, which have been praised for their innovative approach to crisis management, the scale of need often exceeds available resources. Volunteers face increasing dangers, including looting and violence, as they navigate the complexities of the conflict. The international community’s limited involvement has further strained the system, leaving many to fear that the collapse of these kitchens could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
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Xizang unboxed: Fresh perspectives
The 2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang brought together international guests to explore innovative perspectives on the region’s growth and cultural significance. In a unique interactive session, participants drew random keyword cards to inspire their discussions, offering fresh and diverse viewpoints on Xizang’s development trajectory. The event highlighted the region’s evolving role in China’s broader socio-economic landscape, emphasizing its cultural richness and strategic importance. The forum also served as a platform for fostering international dialogue and collaboration, showcasing Xizang’s potential as a hub for sustainable development and cultural exchange. This gathering underscored the importance of integrating global insights to shape the future of Xizang, aligning with China’s long-term vision for regional progress.