Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Prepaid fees for elderly care secured

    Prepaid fees for elderly care secured

    China has enacted groundbreaking financial safeguards for the rapidly expanding elderly care sector, introducing mandatory third-party custodianship for all advance payments made to private nursing homes. The new regulatory framework, jointly issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, establishes comprehensive protections for seniors’ financial resources amid growing concerns about fund mismanagement and fraud.

    The cornerstone of the regulations requires all privately operated care facilities to deposit prepaid fees exclusively into designated custodial accounts at commercial banks. These funds are strictly isolated from institutional accounts, with withdrawals permitted only upon formal application demonstrating legitimate purposes supported by documentation. Banking institutions bear responsibility for monitoring transactions, refusing suspicious activities, and alerting regulatory authorities immediately.

    Financial institutions must develop integrated systems enabling real-time fund flow monitoring by civil affairs departments and process refund requests within one business day. The regulations explicitly prohibit online banking for these accounts, requiring all transactions to occur through counter services or dedicated platforms that maintain safety margins.

    Dang Junwu, former deputy director of the China Research Center on Aging, characterized the system as “installing a dedicated safe for these fees,” emphasizing three fundamental protections: account isolation, quota control, and purpose review. These measures directly address vulnerabilities exposed by China’s aging demographic transition, with projections indicating the population over 60 will reach 400 million by 2035, representing 30% of the total population.

    The regulatory intervention responds to substantial market growth that saw 41,700 elderly care institutions operating by end-2025, employing 722,000 personnel—a 12.2% annual increase. Private providers dominate the sector, constituting 52.2% of standalone facilities and 71.9% when including publicly built but privately managed operations.

    Despite sector expansion encouraged by national policies welcoming diverse investment, including foreign participation, financial practices have raised concerns. Industry surveys reveal over 90% of institutional care consumers encountered problems, particularly regarding substantial advance payments that sometimes enabled illegal fundraising, financial mismanagement, and refund obstacles.

    Legal experts acknowledge the prepaid model as an inevitable market response to demographic pressures but warn of risks when commercial tactics promise unrealistic returns. Liu Ruini, senior partner at Shaanxi Bingrui Law Firm, noted that promotional gimmicks featuring high returns or substantial discounts could lead to civil and criminal liabilities if capital chains fracture.

    The case of Shanghai resident Wu illustrates persistent vulnerabilities, experiencing a 500-day wait for refund settlement after her mother’s passing, despite contractual agreements. Such instances highlight the necessity of both regulatory frameworks and consumer diligence, including careful contract scrutiny, institution qualification verification, and documentation preservation.

    Industry representatives recognize these safeguards as essential for market development. Li Yong, president of the Shanghai Elderly Care Service and Silver Industry Association, emphasized that enhanced supervision enables older adults to feel more secure about investments, transforming demographic challenges into opportunities for social innovation and industrial upgrading.

  • Barcelona commuter rail crash disrupts service days after deadly Spanish train collision

    Barcelona commuter rail crash disrupts service days after deadly Spanish train collision

    Spain’s transportation infrastructure faces unprecedented scrutiny following two separate rail incidents that have resulted in significant casualties and nationwide disruption. In the latest development, Catalonia’s commuter rail services experienced a complete suspension on Wednesday after a Barcelona-area train collided with a collapsed retaining wall on Tuesday evening.

    The northeastern incident near Gelida, approximately 37 kilometers from Barcelona, resulted in one confirmed fatality and 37 injuries according to emergency services. Five victims sustained serious injuries while six others received treatment for less severe conditions. Regional firefighters confirmed that the majority of casualties occurred in the train’s foremost carriage, with all passengers successfully evacuated from the wreckage.

    This tragedy occurs simultaneously with ongoing recovery operations from Sunday’s devastating high-speed rail accident in southern Spain, approximately 800 kilometers from the Barcelona incident. That collision has claimed at least 42 lives, with emergency crews continuing search operations for potential additional victims. The Spanish government has declared three days of national mourning in response to the dual tragedies.

    Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the recent accident via social media, expressing “all my affection and solidarity with the victims and their families” in the wake of the Barcelona-area crash.

    Initial investigations by Spain’s railway operator ADIF suggest that heavy rainfall across northeastern Spain likely caused the structural failure of the containment wall that ultimately fell onto the tracks. While Spain’s high-speed rail network has historically maintained an excellent safety record, these incidents have raised questions about the reliability of commuter rail infrastructure and the impact of extreme weather events on transportation systems.

  • Retired judges lend skills to’silver-haired mediation’

    Retired judges lend skills to’silver-haired mediation’

    In a innovative approach to justice administration, retired judges across China are returning to courtrooms as mediators, leveraging their decades of legal expertise to resolve complex disputes that have eluded conventional resolution. This ‘silver-haired mediation’ program represents a strategic utilization of experienced legal professionals to strengthen grassroots governance and promote the rule of law.

    The effectiveness of this initiative was recently demonstrated in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, where 71-year-old retired judge Hou Chunying successfully mediated a 37-year-old heating fee dispute that had persisted since 1987. The case involved 48 households of former radio factory employees facing a collective debt exceeding 1 million yuan ($142,000) in overdue heating fees, plus substantial penalties.

    Judge Hou discovered that the conflict stemmed from outdated accounting methods, differing opinions among residents, and the factory’s financial difficulties. Rather than proceeding with litigation that would have placed undue burden on the residents, she identified an existing agreement between the heating provider and the factory that offered a pathway to resolution.

    Through separate negotiations with both parties, Hou persuaded the factory to acknowledge its social responsibilities while convincing the heating center to reduce the debt amount considering the factory’s financial constraints. Her mediation resulted in a one-time settlement payment of 700,000 yuan, resolving the nearly four-decade-old dispute to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

    The Supreme People’s Court has officially endorsed this growing movement, recognizing retired judges as valuable legal assets whose extensive experience and specialized knowledge make them particularly effective in alternative dispute resolution. These veteran jurists bring not only technical legal expertise but also the wisdom gained from handling thousands of cases throughout their careers.

    Beyond resolving specific cases, the program addresses systemic challenges within China’s judicial system by reducing caseloads for active judges, easing court congestion, and providing cost-effective resolution mechanisms for complex historical disputes. For the retired judges themselves, the initiative offers meaningful engagement in their post-retirement years, allowing them to continue contributing to the legal system and society.

  • Heady scent of wintersweet beckons all this season

    Heady scent of wintersweet beckons all this season

    As an unusual cold snap blankets even southern Chinese cities in snow, a timeless seasonal tradition has captivated citizens nationwide: the pursuit of wintersweet blossoms. This hardy flower, scientifically known as Chimonanthus praecox, transforms winter landscapes with its vibrant yellow petals and intoxicating fragrance from December through March each year.

    In Beijing’s Summer Palace, the golden-glazed roofs dusted with snow create an imperial backdrop for clusters of wintersweet that burst forth against vermilion walls. This striking contrast of imperial red, pure white, and floral gold forms living paintings that embody both elegance and endurance against the harsh winter elements.

    Southern classical gardens offer equally exquisite settings for the seasonal spectacle. Jiangsu Province’s Humble Administrator’s Garden features delicate pavilions and winding corridors that artfully frame the blossoms, while Shanghai’s Guyi Garden showcases the flowers against ancient architecture with ornate towers and terraces. The blooms’ subtle beauty reflects China’s deep appreciation for seasonal transitions and natural resilience.

    The phenomenon has gained particular attention this year as rare snowfall in southern cities like Wuhan and Shanghai has created extraordinary photographic opportunities. Social media platforms have been flooded with images of snow-dusted wintersweet branches, with many citizens braving the cold to capture the perfect shot of these fragrant blossoms against unusual snowy backdrops.

  • ‘Really scary’: Sydney residents react to shark attacks

    ‘Really scary’: Sydney residents react to shark attacks

    A wave of apprehension has swept across Sydney’s coastal communities following an unprecedented series of four shark encounters within a mere 48-hour timeframe along New South Wales’ coastline. The BBC conducted street-level interviews with residents and beachgoers, capturing raw emotional responses to what many described as deeply frightening incidents that have disrupted the region’s quintessential beach culture.

    The cluster of attacks, occurring in close geographical and temporal proximity, represents a significant deviation from historical patterns, triggering immediate safety reassessments by marine authorities. Lifesaving agencies have intensified surveillance operations while deploying additional aerial patrols to monitor shark movements near popular swimming areas.

    Marine biologists specializing in shark behavior suggest environmental factors including unusual water temperature fluctuations and baitfish migrations closer to shore may have contributed to this anomalous situation. Meanwhile, local authorities have implemented temporary beach closures and installed advanced shark detection technologies while urging swimmers to avoid dawn and dusk ocean activities.

    This series of incidents has reignited debates about coastal management strategies, with community members expressing divided opinions on shark mitigation measures ranging from traditional netting programs to newer non-lethal deterrent technologies. The psychological impact on the community appears substantial, with many residents reconsidering their relationship with the ocean that has long defined Sydney’s identity.

  • ‘Unimaginable situation’: Family of child, 5, allegedly stabbed by woman break silence

    ‘Unimaginable situation’: Family of child, 5, allegedly stabbed by woman break silence

    A five-year-old boy from Launceston, Tasmania, continues to fight for his life at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital after sustaining severe injuries in an alleged stabbing incident. The traumatic event occurred late Tuesday night, prompting an emergency medical response that ultimately required the child to be airlifted to Melbourne for specialized critical care.

    The young victim, whose identity remains protected under legal provisions, was initially treated at Launceston General Hospital before being transferred to the Melbourne facility. Medical teams have performed multiple surgical procedures on the child, who remains sedated to facilitate recovery and comprehensive assessment of his injuries.

    In a parallel development, Tasmanian police have charged a 33-year-old woman with attempted murder in connection with the incident. Authorities confirmed the woman, who presented to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, was known to the child. The precise nature of their relationship has not been disclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings.

    The family has described the situation as “unimaginable” through a GoFundMe campaign organized by the boy’s aunt. The fundraising initiative, created to support the father’s immediate needs, has demonstrated remarkable community solidarity, surpassing $35,000 in donations within hours of establishment.

    Family representatives indicate the child’s condition remains stable but critical, with medical teams closely monitoring his progress over the coming days. The family’s current focus remains on providing unwavering support to the father during this profoundly challenging period, ensuring he can maintain constant presence at his son’s bedside throughout the recovery process.

  • As fires in Chile burn, a mobile clinic fights to save furry survivors

    As fires in Chile burn, a mobile clinic fights to save furry survivors

    In the fire-ravaged town of Lirquén, Chile, a critical rescue operation is underway to save animals caught in one of the nation’s most devastating wildfire emergencies. National police canine units and volunteer teams have established mobile veterinary clinics to provide emergency care to pets and wildlife suffering from severe burns, dehydration, and smoke inhalation.

    The makeshift medical facility, operating from a small van, treats a continuous stream of cats, dogs, and other animals arriving with burned paws and whiskers, conjunctivitis from toxic fumes, and severe dehydration after days trapped under debris. According to Dr. Angiella Scalpello, veterinarian with the investigative police’s canine squad, their primary mission involves locating and treating animals discovered in rubble, ash, or those that escaped with owners but sustained injuries during the massive fires.

    Lirquén, a community of approximately 20,000 residents in south-central Chile, has endured catastrophic damage with 80% of the town consumed by flames. The Trinitarias fire, spanning over 140 square kilometers in the Bío Bío region, represents the most destructive among approximately 30 active wildfires nationwide. Official reports indicate the fires have resulted in at least 20 fatalities and nearly 300 human injuries.

    Veterinarian Juan Vivanco reported that rescue teams frequently discover cats sheltering in small spaces that miraculously survived both the initial inferno and subsequent days without care. However, the timeframe for successful rescues remains extremely limited. “We’ve also found several pets already deceased… it happens regularly,” Vivanco acknowledged.

    Treatment protocols include intravenous fluids, vital sign monitoring, and wound care, with the most critical cases transported to established veterinary hospitals. Volunteer Vanessa Morales described transporting severely burned animals, including a kitten with all four paws and tail burned, highlighting the emotional toll on rescue workers.

    Beyond medical treatment, the mobile clinic serves as a coordination point for residents seeking missing pets amid the chaos. Yasna Hidalgo searches for her grandmother’s two dogs left behind during an emergency evacuation, while Kevin Carrasco brought his poodle Chica for treatment of fire-related conjunctivitis despite the family’s successful escape from their completely destroyed home.

    This disaster echoes Chile’s previous wildfire tragedy two years prior that claimed over 130 lives, marking what authorities now consider one of the nation’s most serious emergencies in recent years.

  • Man wanted in connection to stabbing of 18yo woman in Melbourne’s inner suburbs found dead: police

    Man wanted in connection to stabbing of 18yo woman in Melbourne’s inner suburbs found dead: police

    A violent incident that unfolded in Melbourne’s inner suburbs has reached a tragic conclusion with the discovery of the prime suspect’s body mere hours after the attack. The case began when an 18-year-old woman was brutally stabbed outside a Miller Grove residence at approximately 1:00 AM on Wednesday morning, shortly after returning from an evening out.

  • Illicit tobacco shops across WA refilled ‘10 times a day’ as cops scramble to clamp down

    Illicit tobacco shops across WA refilled ‘10 times a day’ as cops scramble to clamp down

    Western Australia’s top law enforcement official has provided a startling revelation about the challenges authorities face in combating the illicit tobacco trade, describing a sophisticated criminal operation that rapidly restocks shops despite ongoing police raids and firebombings.

    Police Commissioner Col Blanch disclosed that organized crime networks are resupplying illicit tobacco retailers up to ten times daily, creating an endless cycle that overwhelms enforcement efforts. The criminal business model capitalizes on the high demand for prohibited products, with suppliers immediately replacing confiscated goods even at locations damaged by arson attacks.

    “The operational pattern demonstrates remarkable coordination,” Commissioner Blanch explained during an ABC Perth interview. “When enforcement agencies execute warrants and seize contraband, suppliers receive immediate notification to deliver replacement inventory, effectively neutralizing the impact of individual raids.”

    This revelation comes as authorities intensify collaboration between police and health departments through Operation Maverick, a multi-agency initiative targeting non-compliant tobacco retailers across Western Australia. Since November, the operation has resulted in 59 criminal charges against twelve individuals, including allegations of arson, burglary, and drug-related offenses.

    Commissioner Blanch issued a stern warning to property owners, emphasizing potential insurance complications for landlords harboring tenants engaged in illegal tobacco sales. “Property owners face significant financial risks when their premises are used for illicit activities,” he noted. “Insurance providers may deny coverage for fire damage or other claims if landlords were aware of or suspected illegal operations.”

    Some commercial property owners in the state’s South West region have already taken preventive measures by evicting tenants involved in the illegal tobacco trade to protect their assets from potential damage and insurance complications.

    The state government is developing new legislative measures to strengthen enforcement capabilities, including provisions for store closure orders that would disrupt the rapid resupply chain. Premier Roger Cook affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis, stating: “Western Australians should be reassured that new legislation will be introduced to parliament as a priority. We must employ every available tool to disrupt this illegal trade and ensure community safety.”

    Police Minister Reece Whitby highlighted the broader consequences of the illicit tobacco market, noting that consumer purchases fund international criminal networks. “Choosing cheap cigarettes ultimately supports violent criminal organizations,” Minister Whitby cautioned. “Our police taskforce will continue targeting these networks through aggressive enforcement actions while protecting legitimate businesses operating within the law.”

  • Tourist helicopter goes missing near volcano in Japan

    Tourist helicopter goes missing near volcano in Japan

    Rescue operations are underway in southwestern Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture after a sightseeing helicopter carrying three individuals vanished during a tour near the volatile Mount Aso volcano. The aircraft, operated by Takumi Enterprise, departed from Aso City Zoo at 10:52 local time Tuesday for what should have been a routine 10-minute scenic flight but failed to return as scheduled.

    According to local authorities, police helicopters scanning the area later identified an object resembling an aircraft within the crater of Nakadake—one of Mount Aso’s five distinct peaks—during afternoon surveillance. Official confirmation regarding whether this object is indeed the missing Robinson R44 helicopter remains pending as investigation continues.

    The flight manifest included a 64-year-old veteran pilot with four decades of aviation experience and two Taiwanese tourists. The operator confirmed the aircraft had completed two uneventful tours earlier that day before disappearing on its third scheduled trip. Weather conditions at the time of disappearance were reported as cloudy over the Nakadake region, complicating initial search efforts which were suspended Tuesday evening due to visibility constraints before resuming at dawn Wednesday.

    In response to the incident, Takumi Enterprise has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of sightseeing helicopters. The volcanic helicopter tours represent a significant tourism attraction for the region, offering aerial views of one of Japan’s most geologically active landscapes. This incident echoes a previous emergency involving the same company in 2024 when one of their helicopters made an emergency landing at Mount Aso, resulting in injuries to three occupants.

    Mount Aso, which last erupted in October 2021 producing substantial volcanic plumes, remains one of the country’s most monitored volcanic zones due to its persistent activity.