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.
分类： society
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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.
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Dubai-based Indian travel influencer Anunay Sood passes away; family issues statement
The travel and social media community is mourning the sudden loss of Anunay Sood, a prominent Indian travel influencer based in Dubai, who passed away at the age of 32. The tragic news was confirmed by his family through a statement shared on his official social media account. Anunay was in Las Vegas attending the Strip Shutdown event at Wynn Las Vegas, which featured automotive icons Horatio Pagani and Christian Von Koenigsegg. His final Instagram post, captioned ‘Still can’t believe I spent the weekend surrounded by legends and dream machines,’ reflected his passion for travel and adventure. The cause of his death on November 4 remains undisclosed. Anunay, a Golden Visa holder and longtime UAE resident, was known for his inspiring travel vlogs, including his challenging journey to Spiti, which he described as ‘paradise.’ He also appeared on ‘Seat 07A,’ a podcast hosted by UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali, where he shared his belief that ‘travel changes everyone.’ His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, urging well-wishers to respect their need for space. Anunay is survived by his parents, Rahul Sood Kuthiala and Ritu, and two sisters, who are also Dubai residents. Tributes have poured in from fans and followers, expressing shock and grief over his untimely demise.
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French auditors slam Louvre for prioritising art over security
Three weeks following the audacious theft of €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre, the museum faces severe criticism for its neglect of security measures. A report by the Court of Auditors, prepared prior to the heist, revealed that for years, the Louvre prioritized acquiring new artworks and enhancing exhibition spaces over essential maintenance and security upgrades. The theft, which occurred in broad daylight on October 19, saw thieves using an angle-grinder to break into display cases in the Apollo Gallery, making off with priceless jewels once owned by 19th-century queens and empresses. The report highlighted that between 2018 and 2024, the Louvre spent €105.4 million on new acquisitions and €63.5 million on exhibition spaces, while allocating only €26.7 million to maintenance and €59.5 million to the restoration of the palace building. This imbalance has drawn sharp criticism from figures like Culture Minister Rachida Dati and art expert Didier Rykner, who accused the museum of favoring ‘eye-catching initiatives’ over fundamental security. The incident has also cast doubt on the Louvre’s ambitious New Renaissance project, which aims to expand the museum’s facilities but has been criticized for lacking proper feasibility studies. The Louvre has acknowledged most of the court’s recommendations but defended its long-term vision. Meanwhile, one of the suspected thieves, Abdoulaye N, a former guard at the Center Pompidou, has been identified, with French media suggesting the heist may have been orchestrated by a wealthy third party. The investigation continues as authorities search for the missing jewels and the fourth suspect.
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China’s first double-deck cable-stayed suspension bridge opens to traffic over Yangtze
In a landmark achievement for infrastructure development, China has inaugurated its first double-deck cable-stayed suspension bridge, the Tongling Yangtze River Third Bridge, in Tongling city, Anhui province. This engineering marvel, which opened to traffic on November 6, 2025, spans an impressive 11.9 kilometers and serves as the 11th bridge over the Yangtze River in the region. The bridge uniquely integrates expressways, intercity railways, and freight lines, facilitating seamless intermodal transport between rail and water networks. Strategically located, the bridge traverses the Tongling River Dolphin National Nature Reserve and a protected drinking water source area, reflecting its adherence to stringent ecological standards. Authorities anticipate that the bridge will significantly enhance the comprehensive transportation system in the Yangtze River Delta, fostering regional economic growth and connectivity. This project underscores China’s commitment to innovative and sustainable infrastructure development, setting a new benchmark for future endeavors.
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Mistakenly released UK prisoner turns himself in as search continues for second freed convict
In a glaring administrative error, two inmates were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, a Victorian-era prison in London, drawing sharp criticism of the UK’s overcrowded and under-resourced prison system. Billy Smith, 35, who was sentenced to nearly four years for multiple frauds, surrendered himself on Thursday after being accidentally freed on Monday. Meanwhile, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, a registered sex offender serving time for trespass with intent to steal, remains at large after his erroneous release on October 29. The Algerian national, who had overstayed his visa, was in the initial stages of deportation. These incidents have reignited scrutiny of Wandsworth, which faced similar criticism two years ago when another inmate escaped by clinging to a food delivery truck. The blunders follow stricter controls implemented after Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an asylum-seeker convicted of sexual assault, was mistakenly released from Chelmsford Prison in October. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister David Lammy expressed outrage, blaming the previous Conservative government for systemic failures. Government data reveals a 128% increase in erroneous releases, with 262 cases recorded in the year ending March 2025. Critics argue the Labour government’s decision to release prisoners early to alleviate overcrowding has exacerbated the issue.