分类： society

A massive police operation involving over 100 officers and military personnel continues in the remote Australian town of Lake Cargelligo as authorities search for 37-year-old Julian Ingram, the prime suspect in Thursday’s domestic violence-related shooting that left three dead and one critically injured. The victims included 25-year-old pregnant woman Sophie Quinn, who had obtained a restraining order against Ingram in December, along with her friend John Harris, 32, and aunt Nerida Quinn, 50. A 19-year-old male victim remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed that Ingram had been out on bail for previous domestic violence charges and had complied with all bail conditions despite his extensive criminal history. The town’s 1,100 residents have been instructed to remain indoors with streets deserted and businesses closed as the manhunt intensifies. Authorities are investigating how Ingram, who also uses the alias Julian Pierpoint, obtained a firearm without a state license. The tragedy occurred on Australia’s National Day of Mourning commemorating the Bondi Beach shooting victims, prompting renewed scrutiny of the country’s bail system and domestic violence protections.

China’s national railway network achieves another milestone as two historically significant revolutionary sites become directly connected through high-speed rail service. Beginning January 26, 2026, travelers can journey between Zunyi in Guizhou Province and Yan’an in Shaanxi Province with unprecedented efficiency.

The new connection, implemented under China Railway Chengdu Group’s first-quarter schedule for 2026, represents a strategic enhancement to the country’s transportation infrastructure. This development effectively bridges the previous service gap between southwestern regions including Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing with the historically important northern city of Yan’an.

Travel time between these symbolic locations has been dramatically reduced. The southbound journey from Yan’an to Zunyi now requires merely 8 hours and 7 minutes, while the northbound route takes 8 hours and 49 minutes. This constitutes a remarkable improvement over the conventional rail service, which previously demanded more than 16 hours for the same journey.

The railway authority confirmed that starting January 27, two round-trip high-speed services will operate daily between these destinations. This connectivity milestone follows earlier railway developments: the Chongqing-Guiyang Railway inaugurated Zunyi’s high-speed era in January 2018, while the new 299-kilometer Xi’an-Yan’an line commenced operations in December 2025.

This expansion contributes to China’s position as operator of the world’s most extensive high-speed network, which recently surpassed 50,000 kilometers in total operational mileage. The connection reinforces the integration of historically significant regions into China’s modern transportation framework, facilitating both cultural exchange and economic development.

On the morning of his departure to Lhasa, English instructor Shi Lei discovered his five-year-old son secretly curled inside his suitcase—a poignant symbol of the personal sacrifices made by educators serving Tibet’s remote communities. The young boy had concealed himself hoping to accompany his father, whispering fearfully, “I’m afraid you’ll leave me behind.

This emotional moment encapsulates the challenging reality faced by hundreds of educators from Shaanxi Normal University who have dedicated their careers to teaching on the ‘roof of the world.’ Since 2007, SNNU has enrolled 1,196 students either originating from Tibet or committed to working in the region post-graduation. Between 2011 and 2025, the institution dispatched 884 graduates to classrooms across the autonomous region, with over 80% of teaching interns choosing to remain long-term.

Shi Lei’s journey began during his formative years at SNNU, where he served as class monitor, joined the Communist Party of China, and met his future wife Wang Baohua. The university’s rigorous teacher training program equipped him with both pedagogical skills and philosophical foundations that would prove essential for high-altitude education.

His commitment was solidified during a 2011 teaching internship at Gonggar Middle School in Lhokha, where he initially faced classrooms with only quarter of students possessing English textbooks. Through innovative methods incorporating English songs and poetry, Shi witnessed a remarkable transformation—within three weeks, nearly all students not only acquired textbooks but had carefully covered them in protective wrapping.

Despite receiving attractive job offers from prestigious schools in Guangzhou, Chongqing, and his hometown Xi’an, Shi honored his commitment to teach at Lhasa Middle School. What began as a five-year plan has extended into nearly 14 years of service, despite significant physical tolls from the high-altitude environment. The region’s oxygen levels—approximately 60% of sea level—have contributed to serious health conditions including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pulmonary edema, immune system damage, and cardiac issues. Shi has collapsed twice during classes and experienced nine-hour blackouts from exhaustion.

The personal costs extend beyond health concerns. Shi carries profound guilt for being unable to adequately care for his mother during cancer treatment, for his wife who abandoned a stable career in Fujian to restart in Xi’an, and for the son who desperately misses his absent father.

Yet these sacrifices are balanced by exceptional professional fulfillment. Shi employs full English immersion techniques, brain science-based memorization methods, and focuses on holistic student development beyond academic scores. His dedication has earned him the affectionate title ‘big brother’ from students and the ultimate professional validation: two former pupils now study at his alma mater, continuing the educational legacy he helped establish.

A remarkable archaeological artifact from China’s Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) has captured widespread public attention, demonstrating that pressure cooking technology existed more than two millennia before its official invention in the West. The Tripod with Bear-Shaped Feet, currently displayed at Hebei Museum in Shijiazhuang, represents an extraordinary fusion of culinary innovation, artistic craftsmanship, and ancient scientific understanding.

Discovered in 1968 within the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng, this 18.1-centimeter bronze vessel features three distinctive bear-shaped feet that serve both decorative and symbolic purposes. During the Han Dynasty, bears were considered auspicious symbols representing good fortune and protection. Beyond its charming aesthetic, the tripod’s true technological marvel lies in its sophisticated sealing mechanism.

The vessel incorporates an ingenious locking system consisting of flip-down animal-shaped latches attached to dual handles. When the lid is positioned and the latches are engaged with a slight twist, they secure beneath four standing animal figures on the lid’s surface, creating an exceptionally tight seal. This design, enhanced by raised patterns on both the rim and lid, effectively contains steam and increases internal pressure, significantly reducing cooking times while tenderizing ingredients.

Archaeological experts from Peking University’s School of Archaeology and Museology have confirmed the functionality of this ancient pressure cooking system through replica testing. Professor Chen Jianli noted that chicken pieces placed inside a reconstructed model became perfectly tender after merely thirty minutes of cooking—a remarkable efficiency for the period.

The technological sophistication evident in this artifact predates French physicist Denis Papin’s 17th-century “steam digester” by approximately 1,700 years. Museum researcher Chen Jing emphasized that the tripod’s manufacturing required exceptional bronze-casting skills, reflecting the advanced metallurgical capabilities of Han Dynasty craftspeople.

The artifact has generated substantial interest on Chinese social media platforms, with many commentators expressing admiration for their ancestors’ ingenuity. The piece serves as a powerful reminder that innovative thinking transcends historical periods, connecting ancient culinary technology with modern kitchen practices through timeless scientific principles.

A captivating visual chronicle from January 16-22, 2026, reveals China’s diverse cultural landscape through ten striking photographs published by China Daily. The collection showcases remarkable human experiences across the nation’s distinctive seasonal settings.

The series highlights an extraordinary culinary innovation at Harbin’s Ice and Snow World in Heilongjiang province, where adventurous diners embraced a unique gastronomic experience within a snow-themed hotpot restaurant. This architectural marvel features an impressive two-story snow castle containing ten individual snow rooms, complete with dining tables meticulously carved from ice. The venue masterfully blends contrasting elements, creating a memorable atmosphere where the chill of the surroundings harmonizes with the warmth of traditional hotpot dining, offering patrons an exceptionally romantic ambience.

Beyond this frozen culinary adventure, the photographic essay captures additional facets of contemporary Chinese life, presenting a multifaceted portrait of society during the winter season. Each image tells a distinct story of cultural practices, recreational activities, and social interactions that characterize the nation’s diverse regions. The collection serves as both artistic expression and documentary evidence of how communities adapt to and celebrate seasonal changes while maintaining rich cultural traditions.

The visual narrative extends beyond mere documentation, offering insights into regional characteristics and the creative ways in which Chinese citizens engage with their environment. From urban centers to rural landscapes, the photographs present a cohesive story of a nation embracing winter’s challenges while transforming them into opportunities for community engagement and cultural expression.

Dubai’s vibrant pet community is preparing for an extraordinary gathering as the Royal Canine Pet Carnival announces its upcoming celebration scheduled for February 13, 2026. The event, orchestrated by Pepper Productions under the leadership of renowned radio personality Pallavi Buch, will transform The Bay by Social into a paradise for pet enthusiasts and their furry companions.

The carnival promises an immersive experience featuring an impressive assembly of over 30 premium pet brands showcasing the latest innovations in pet care, nutrition, and accessories. Attendees can anticipate a diverse program including an interactive petting zoo, educational workshops, and creative craft stations. The entertainment lineup will feature captivating bubble and magic performances, lively roaming mascots, and energetic bouncy shows to keep both pets and owners engaged throughout the day.

Pallavi Buch emphasized the event’s core philosophy: “This celebration fundamentally honors the special connection between people and their pets. The Bay by Social provides an ideal environment for creating joyful community memories and strengthening these precious bonds.”

Beyond the entertainment, the carnival will serve as an educational platform where visitors can sample premium pet food products, explore specialized pet services, and discover cutting-edge offerings from leading industry brands. The event aims to create a comprehensive experience that caters to all aspects of pet ownership while fostering community connections among Dubai’s animal lovers.

For additional information regarding participation or attendance, interested parties can contact the organizers at +971 50 713 6654.

Rescue operations persist in New Zealand’s North Island following devastating landslides that struck popular tourist areas, resulting in multiple casualties and numerous missing persons. The catastrophic events occurred after days of torrential rainfall battered the region, triggering massive earth movements that engulfed campgrounds and residential areas.

At Mount Maunganui, a renowned tourist destination with cultural significance to the Māori people, emergency crews continue searching for six individuals reported missing after a landslide obliterated a crowded campsite. Among the unaccounted are two teenagers, with the youngest being just 15 years old. Authorities have additionally requested public assistance in locating three international tourists believed to have been present during the incident but who may have since departed the area.

In the neighboring community of Welcome Bay, tragedy struck with confirmed fatalities when another landslide destroyed a residential property. Radio New Zealand reported the heartbreaking loss of a grandmother and her grandchild, with police confirming one victim held Chinese citizenship.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the disaster zones on Friday, expressing admiration for the community’s resilience and the professional response of emergency services. ‘Despite the tragedy, I remain incredibly impressed by the professionalism demonstrated in the wake of this disaster,’ Luxon stated, while acknowledging ongoing challenges including road access to isolated communities and continuing risks of additional slips and flooding.

Rescue coordinator Police District Commander Tim Anderson confirmed that no signs of life had been detected beneath the rubble during recent operations, but emphasized that teams were ‘working 24/7’ and ‘leaving no stone unturned’ in their efforts. Footage from the scenes shows rescue personnel and specially trained dogs meticulously searching through crushed caravans and flattened tents.

The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand expressed profound sorrow over the events, with Ambassador Wang Xiaolong stating on social media platform X: ‘Our hearts are with the impacted families at this difficult moment.’

The region has experienced multiple landslide incidents in recent years, raising questions about environmental management and safety protocols in areas increasingly affected by severe weather patterns.

A young Indian laborer’s hopeful return from Saudi Arabia ended in tragedy when he and his romantic partner became victims of an apparent honor killing in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district. Arman, 26, who had spent nearly four years working in Medina’s construction sector, recently returned to his homeland to pursue a relationship with Kajal Saini, a Hindu woman from his neighborhood.

The couple’s cross-faith relationship, maintained through long-distance communication during Arman’s overseas employment, allegedly provoked violent opposition from Kajal’s family. According to police investigations, the tragedy unfolded when Kajal’s brothers discovered the couple together at their family home. Law enforcement officials report that the attackers restrained Arman before fatally assaulting him with sharp weapons, subsequently killing Kajal in what authorities describe as a premeditated honor crime.

Following the murders, the perpetrators transported both bodies to the Gagan riverbank where they buried the victims in a shared grave. The crime remained concealed until Arman’s family initiated missing person reports, prompting police intervention that led to the excavation of the burial site and recovery of evidence.

Moradabad police have arrested Kajal’s father and three brothers, charging them with murder and evidence destruction. Senior Superintendent of Police Satpal Antil confirmed that the accused have provided detailed confessions during interrogation. As a precautionary measure, additional security forces have been deployed in the religiously mixed village to prevent communal tensions.

The case has highlighted the persistent challenge of honor-based violence in certain Indian communities, where interfaith relationships frequently encounter severe opposition. Medical examinations were conducted under video surveillance to ensure procedural transparency, with authorities reporting that the situation remains controlled but emotionally charged in the affected community.