分类: society

  • CIIE to be fully powered by renewable energy

    CIIE to be fully powered by renewable energy

    The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), set to take place from November 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, will be fully powered by renewable energy for the third consecutive year. This milestone was achieved through an inter-provincial green power transaction totaling approximately 130 million kilowatt-hours for November, orchestrated by the State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Co. About 8 million kilowatt-hours of this green power will directly cover the expo’s electricity needs. The State Grid Shanghai has also utilized the CIIE’s influence to promote green electricity consumption among exhibitors and broader users across the city, resulting in a record-breaking green power trading volume of over 1 billion kilowatt-hours in November. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 798,000 tons. The State Grid Shanghai has developed a three-tier green power supply model, encompassing cross-regional, regional, and local levels, and conducted multiple green electricity transactions. During the CIIE, green power will be supplied from the northwest, northeast, east China, and local Shanghai regions. The expo’s commitment to 100% green power has established it as a benchmark for low-carbon transformation in large-scale events. The State Grid Shanghai will continue to assist more enterprises in adopting green electricity, promoting low-carbon energy transition, and contributing to China’s dual-carbon goals. Additionally, the company has enhanced its power supply assurance system to version 8.0, leveraging digital transformation and AI-based decision models to ensure safe and reliable power supply during the expo. Over 3,100 emergency repair personnel and 891 power supply vehicles will be on standby to provide comprehensive power security for the event.

  • Moroccan court sentences man accused of trafficking people to scam compound in Asia

    Moroccan court sentences man accused of trafficking people to scam compound in Asia

    In a groundbreaking verdict, a Moroccan court in Casablanca has sentenced Nabil Moafik to five years in prison and imposed a fine of $107,300 for his involvement in human trafficking. This marks the first such ruling in Morocco against an individual accused of luring victims to scam compounds in Asia. The case centered on several young Moroccans who were deceived by online job offers promising lucrative employment in Thailand. Instead, they were trafficked to Myanmar, where they were forced to work over 9,300 miles from home, participating in online fraud and scams. Moafik, who denied the charges, described human trafficking as a ‘crime against humanity’ he would never commit. Victims present in court recounted harrowing experiences of torture and degrading treatment in Myanmar, with some securing their release only after paying ransoms in cryptocurrency. Prosecutors revealed that Moafik operated a Facebook group aiding Moroccan immigrants in Turkey, where he advertised call-center jobs in Thailand. One victim, Youssef Amzouz, was introduced to another recruiter who demanded he either pay a ransom or recruit 100 others to gain freedom. Moafik claimed he was merely a job mediator, unaware of the trafficking scheme. The International Organization for Migration noted that middlemen often unknowingly participate in such crimes, complicating prosecutions. Morocco’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly secured the release of 34 citizens from similar scam centers in Myanmar, though the total number of affected Moroccans remains unclear.

  • Tommy Robinson thanks Elon Musk for defence funds as he’s cleared of terror charge

    Tommy Robinson thanks Elon Musk for defence funds as he’s cleared of terror charge

    Far-right activist and self-proclaimed journalist Tommy Robinson, legally known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been acquitted of terrorism charges in the UK, avoiding potential jail time. The verdict follows a high-profile legal battle financially backed by tech mogul Elon Musk. The charges stemmed from an incident earlier this year when Robinson was stopped by police at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone while en route to Benidorm, Spain. Officers, acting under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, detained him after he provided vague responses to their questions and refused to grant access to his phone, citing confidential journalistic material. During the two-day trial, Robinson’s defense argued that the police action was a baseless ‘fishing expedition,’ with no evidence from MI5 linking him to terrorism. Judge Sam Goozee ruled in Robinson’s favor, expressing concerns that the stop may have been motivated by his controversial beliefs rather than legitimate security concerns. Following the verdict, Robinson publicly thanked Musk on X (formerly Twitter), crediting the billionaire’s financial support for his legal victory. Robinson, who has a history of legal issues and has built a reputation for stoking anti-Islamic sentiments, remains a polarizing figure in the UK.

  • Exclusive: Violent Maccabi fans were organised fighters ‘linked to IDF’, UK police found

    Exclusive: Violent Maccabi fans were organised fighters ‘linked to IDF’, UK police found

    Dutch authorities have disclosed alarming details to their British counterparts regarding the conduct of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans during a November 2024 match in Amsterdam. According to intelligence reports, over 200 fans were linked to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with hundreds more described as ‘experienced fighters,’ ‘highly organized,’ and ‘intent on causing serious violence.’ This revelation has sparked significant controversy, particularly in light of the recent ban on Maccabi fans from attending a match in Birmingham, England, which was criticized by the British government as antisemitic. The ban, upheld by West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group, was based on Dutch police reports detailing the fans’ violent behavior in Amsterdam. The assessment highlighted incidents of targeted hate crimes, including assaults on Muslim taxi drivers, vandalism, and clashes with police. British MP Jeremy Corbyn condemned the government’s handling of the issue, accusing officials of distorting facts for political gain. Meanwhile, Birmingham Police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety during the upcoming match, amid planned protests by pro-Palestine groups. The situation underscores the complex intersection of sports, politics, and public safety.

  • Schools close as torrential rain from Typhoon Kalmaeigi hits Hainan

    Schools close as torrential rain from Typhoon Kalmaeigi hits Hainan

    Hainan Province faced severe disruptions as Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of schools in several cities and counties. On November 4, 2025, educational institutions in Qionghai, Tunchang, Ding’an, and Qiongzhong were forced to shut down to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Qionghai Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters escalated its emergency response from Level IV to Level III at 10:20 am, reflecting the escalating crisis. The relentless downpour caused the Wanquan River in Qionghai to swell dangerously, with water levels upstream of the Jiaji Dam reaching 11.54 meters by 11 am, accompanied by a flow rate of 5,125 cubic meters per second. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise, posing significant risks to local communities. Emergency operations have been mobilized across the region to mitigate the impact of the flooding and safeguard residents.

  • Planting trees and cuddling babies: William visits Brazilian island

    Planting trees and cuddling babies: William visits Brazilian island

    Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has embarked on a significant five-day visit to Brazil, blending royal diplomacy with environmental advocacy. The visit, which began on Monday, has already seen the future king engage in a series of high-profile activities, from receiving an honor from Rio de Janeiro’s mayor to participating in training drills with children at the iconic Maracana Stadium. However, the heart of his mission lies in his environmental initiatives, particularly the presentation of the Earthshot Prize and his upcoming speech at the COP30 climate summit. On Tuesday, Prince William took a 50-minute ferry ride to Paqueta, a car-free island where bicycles are the primary mode of transport. There, he interacted with locals, cuddled a baby, and planted new trees in the mangrove area, highlighting the island’s commitment to environmental protection. The visit was declared a ‘Day of the Prince,’ with children given time off school to meet him, armed with colorful drawings as gifts. The prince’s engagement with the community was warmly received, with residents expressing their admiration for his humility and dedication to environmental causes. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, one of the ‘Guardians of the Mangroves,’ praised the prince for his hands-on approach, stating, ‘The most important thing for me is his humility.’ Prince William’s visit to Brazil marks a pivotal moment in his environmental advocacy, as he prepares to conclude his trip with a significant appearance at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest. This visit not only underscores his commitment to the Earthshot Prize but also positions him as a key figure in the global fight against climate change.

  • Day 35: Millions of Americans to get reduced food aid during shutdown

    Day 35: Millions of Americans to get reduced food aid during shutdown

    The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 35th day, is causing widespread hardship as millions of Americans face reduced food assistance. The White House has announced that only partial payments will be made to the 42 million individuals reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. This decision comes as the shutdown nears a record length, crippling essential public services. Federal courts recently ruled that the Trump administration must allocate $4.65 billion from an emergency fund to cover part of November’s SNAP costs, estimated at $9 billion. However, officials from the Agriculture Department confirmed they would not bridge the funding gap, leaving 50% of eligible households with reduced benefits. The shutdown has also jeopardized other critical programs, including WIC, which supports pregnant women and infants, and Head Start, which provides nutrition and family support to thousands of children. At the core of the political impasse is the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to lapse at year’s end unless Congress intervenes. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, with Democrats demanding a deal to extend health care subsidies and Republicans refusing to negotiate until the government reopens. President Trump has instructed government lawyers to explore legal avenues to fund SNAP, but delays are expected. Critics, including top Senate Democrat Patty Murray, have condemned the administration for failing to fully fund SNAP payments, calling the partial funding ‘not acceptable.’

  • US fugitive Nicholas Rossi to serve at least 10 years in jail

    US fugitive Nicholas Rossi to serve at least 10 years in jail

    Nicholas Rossi, a 38-year-old American fugitive who notoriously faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade extradition from Scotland, has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for raping two women in Utah in 2008. His elaborate attempts to escape justice captivated global attention after he was identified in a Glasgow hospital’s COVID ward in 2021. Despite claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, hospital staff recognized him from an Interpol notice due to his distinctive tattoos. Rossi’s charade continued through court hearings, where he appeared in an electric wheelchair, wearing an oxygen mask, and maintained his innocence. However, his claims were debunked, and he was extradited to the U.S. in January 2024. Following separate trials in August and September 2024, Rossi was convicted of both rapes. Utah’s indeterminate sentencing system means he could face life imprisonment, with the state’s parole board determining his final release date. During the trials, Rossi’s victims delivered emotional impact statements, describing the lifelong trauma he inflicted. Rossi, however, denied the allegations and vowed to appeal. His defense argued for concurrent sentences, but prosecutors highlighted his manipulative behavior, including thousands of unauthorized prison calls. Judge Derek Pullan labeled Rossi a serial sex offender and a danger to society. Born Nicholas Alahverdian in Rhode Island, Rossi had a troubled past, including time in foster care and a brief stint as a child welfare advocate. Reports of his death in 2020 were later revealed as a ruse to escape FBI investigations into alleged credit card fraud. His eventual capture and conviction mark the end of a long and bizarre saga of evasion and deception.

  • Finnish ex-PM Marin says her female cabinet faced torrent of sexism

    Finnish ex-PM Marin says her female cabinet faced torrent of sexism

    Sanna Marin, Finland’s former Prime Minister, has revealed the pervasive sexism and misogyny she and her female-dominated cabinet faced during her tenure in her newly published memoir, *Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead*. Marin, who became the world’s youngest elected head of government at 34 in 2019, led a coalition of five women party leaders, four of whom were under 35. Despite her groundbreaking leadership, she and her team were subjected to relentless online harassment, including threats of rape and sexual assault. Marin recounts how their competence was frequently undermined, with their government dismissively labeled the “lipstick government” and “girl government.” She also highlights the outdated moralizing of her behavior, particularly after a leaked video of her dancing at a private party sparked global controversy in 2022. Marin’s memoir underscores the challenges of being a young, female leader in a society that often clings to traditional expectations of political figures. After her party’s defeat in the 2023 elections, Marin stepped away from politics, taking on a role as a strategic counsellor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

  • The County Clare lion which was actually a ‘Mouse’

    The County Clare lion which was actually a ‘Mouse’

    A recent case of mistaken identity in County Clare, Ireland, has brought unexpected fame to a Newfoundland dog named Mouse. Reports of a ‘lion-like’ animal spotted in a wooded area prompted a police investigation after a video went viral on social media on October 29. Gardaí (Irish police) later confirmed that the animal in question was not a lion but Mouse, a friendly Newfoundland dog. The confusion arose due to Mouse’s shaved coat, which altered his appearance significantly. Gardaí from Killaloe humorously remarked, ‘If you go down to the woods today… it’s not a lion you will find but the very friendly Newfoundland dog named Mouse.’

    Mouse’s owner had recently shaved his coat, a practice generally discouraged for Newfoundland dogs due to their double-layered fur, which regulates body temperature and protects their skin. Siobhan McHaffie, Director of Operations at The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), emphasized that shaving such breeds is not advisable unless for medical reasons. ‘Their thick double coat plays a vital role in regulating temperature and protecting their skin. Removing it can lead to sunburn, overheating, and other health complications,’ she explained.

    Despite the grooming controversy, Mouse has reportedly embraced his newfound fame. The USPCA expressed relief that the situation was resolved without harm to the dog or the public. The incident highlights the importance of proper pet care and the unexpected consequences of viral social media posts.