分类： society

Young people from Taiwan gathered in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, emphasizing the importance of understanding history and fostering a strong sense of national identity. The event, held at the Taiwan Guild Hall, was organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, China Daily’s national news channel, the Beijing Taiwan Compatriots Association, and the association for relatives of patriots who resisted Japanese occupation. Four youth representatives shared personal stories and reflections on Taiwan’s historical ties to the mainland. Lo Chih-ying, 23, from Changhua county, traced her family roots back to Fujian province, highlighting the enduring connection between Taiwan and the mainland. Lu Ying-chu, 21, from Taipei, recounted the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which ceded Taiwan to Japan, and her great-grandfather’s resilience during the occupation. Lin Ching-mao, 26, from Changhua, honored the resistance against Japanese rule, while Lin Kuan-ting, from Taipei, stressed the belief that a strong motherland will resolve the Taiwan question. The event also featured the documentary ‘Stories across the Strait,’ which deepened participants’ understanding of Taiwan’s history. Li Zhenguang, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, underscored the significance of remembering this history for the future of the Chinese nation.

An Australian man has been formally charged following allegations of stealing dozens of Labubu dolls, valued at approximately A$9,000 (US$5,800, £4,400). Victoria Police conducted a raid on a Melbourne property on Tuesday, confiscating 43 of the highly sought-after dolls, some of which were limited editions worth up to A$500 each. According to detectives, the collectibles were stolen during four separate incidents at a shopping center since July. Labubu, an elf-like creation by Chinese manufacturer Pop Mart, features plush bodies, vinyl faces, pointed ears, and a mischievous grin displaying exactly nine teeth. These dolls have surged in global popularity, often causing long queues outside stores and generating significant revenue for the company. In a press release titled ‘These Labubu are not for you,’ Victoria Police confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect faces four counts of burglary and two counts of theft. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in May 2024. Since their launch in 2019, Labubu dolls have propelled Pop Mart into a global retail powerhouse, with over 2,000 vending machines and stores worldwide. Their international success has been bolstered by endorsements from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink. However, Pop Mart’s stock has recently declined amid concerns raised by JPMorgan, which questioned the company’s valuation and its ability to maintain its current level of global popularity.

In a landmark ruling, a Singaporean court has acquitted three women who organized a walk to the presidential office in support of Palestine. The trio—Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, Kokila Annamalai, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar—were initially charged with organizing an illegal procession in February 2024. However, the judge ruled that their actions did not fully meet the legal criteria for the charge, citing their lack of awareness that the route they took was in a prohibited area. The women had walked along public roads and pavements, with no signage indicating restrictions. The judge noted that they had made efforts to comply with the law, and their procession, though unpermitted, did not warrant conviction. If found guilty, each could have faced fines of up to S$10,000, six months in jail, or both. The acquittal has been hailed as a significant moment for civil rights activists in Singapore, where public demonstrations are rare and heavily regulated. The women’s supporters celebrated outside the court, with one of the defendants stating that the verdict provides ‘a new sense of energy and hope’ for the movement. The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly as Singapore maintains strict rules against public assemblies, especially those related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities have consistently denied permits for such events, citing the risk of public disorder. The government supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine but enforces stringent measures to maintain domestic harmony. The prosecution has two weeks to appeal the verdict, while police continue to investigate other events related to the conflict.

Farmers worldwide may soon have a new revenue stream by storing carbon in their soil, contributing to environmental protection while boosting their incomes. This innovative concept was highlighted at the Abu Dhabi Global Food Week (ADFW) 2025, where experts discussed the potential of carbon credits in regenerative farming practices. Satyam Bose, Chairman and CEO of Virenxia Group, emphasized that sustainable agriculture is not only beneficial for the planet but also financially viable for farmers. Bose’s company is at the forefront of this transformation, integrating sustainable bio-inputs, digital soil testing tools, and AI-based advisory systems to guide farmers in real-time decision-making. However, Bose stressed that technology alone doesn’t drive change—people do. He shared the success story of Ajay Chauva, a young agricultural graduate from India, who, after training in Virenxia’s systems, now runs his own enterprise and is a respected figure in his farming community. This shift towards data-driven agriculture is fostering a culture of innovation, with farmers discussing advanced topics like drone scheduling and soil organic carbon as casually as sports scores. Bose also drew parallels between the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India and those in the UAE’s controlled agricultural systems, noting that both must learn to trust data while preserving traditional wisdom. To support this transition, new systems are being introduced, such as greenhouses that provide real-time soil and water readings directly to farmers’ phones. This evolution is reshaping farmers’ identities, empowering them to make data-backed decisions and inspiring a new generation of tech-savvy farmers who balance traditional practices with modern innovations. Bose’s insights were shared during the AgriTech Forum at ADFW 2025, a three-day event bringing together global experts to explore how emerging technologies can build resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.

In response to severe weather conditions, schools in Chennai will remain closed on Wednesday, October 22, as heavy rains continue to batter the region. The decision, announced by Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade on Tuesday, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. This closure extends the Diwali holidays, which were initially set to end on Tuesday. The torrential downpour, caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has resulted in widespread waterlogging, disrupting daily life and making commutes across the city extremely difficult. The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist, with other parts of Tamil Nadu also bracing for heavy rainfall. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has inspected infrastructure projects aimed at improving water drainage in Chennai and its surrounding areas to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and stay updated on weather advisories.

The United States is increasingly becoming a less attractive destination for non-permanent residents, particularly Indian nationals, due to stringent visa regulations and limited access to housing loans, according to recent media reports. Historically, Indians have dominated the H-1B visa category, often arriving in the US for higher education and subsequently pursuing employment opportunities. However, escalating visa fees, restrictive policies, and diminishing housing prospects are deterring Indian students and professionals from choosing the US as their preferred destination.