分类： society

In a strategic move to invigorate its winter tourism sector, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China has announced the launch of a consumption voucher program starting November 14, 2025. This initiative, unveiled by the regional culture and tourism department, aims to attract more visitors to its renowned ski resorts during the snowy season. A total of 10,000 vouchers, each valued at 20 yuan (approximately $2.82), will be distributed. These vouchers are redeemable at 11 high-quality ski resorts rated 4S class or above, located in popular winter destinations including Urumqi, Changji, Ili, and Altay. To utilize the voucher, skiers must purchase a ski pass worth at least 100 yuan, and the vouchers can be claimed via a WeChat mini-program. Xinjiang, celebrated for its extended snowy periods and superior snow quality, offers a robust winter tourism experience that combines skiing, snow sightseeing, and cultural immersion. The previous winter season saw a significant influx of 3.57 million tourists to standardized ski resorts in the region, marking a 10.22% increase from the previous year, and generating a tourism revenue of 844 million yuan, up by 39.13%. According to Li Meng, an official from the department, the voucher program is set to continue until February 2026, with the dual objectives of stimulating expenditure on winter sports and fostering the high-quality development of the region’s winter tourism industry.

A 20-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of six people, including a mother and her four young children, in Ottawa, Canada. The horrific incident occurred in March 2024, when De-Zoysa, who was living in the basement of the Wickramasinghe family’s rented townhouse, fatally stabbed Darshani Ekanayake, 35, and her children: Inuka, 7; Ashwini, 4; Ranaya, 3; and two-month-old Kelly. A family friend, Gamini Amarakoon, 40, was also killed, while the father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, sustained injuries. Justice Kevin Phillips, delivering the verdict, described De-Zoysa’s actions as ‘stupefying, monstrous,’ and emphasized the profound loss and grief caused by the crimes. De-Zoysa, who cannot seek parole for 25 years, showed no emotion during most of the hearing but apologized, stating he would spend his life acknowledging the truth of his actions. The victims, except for the newborn, were Sri Lankan immigrants who had moved to Canada in search of a better life. De-Zoysa claimed he committed the murders because he was out of money and did not want to return to Sri Lanka when his student visa expired. He used a 38cm hunting knife, which he had purchased over a month prior, initially intending to take his own life. The tragedy has left the survivors and the community devastated, with Mr. Wickramasinghe expressing that his world has been irreparably destroyed. The case has been described as one of the most shocking incidents of violence in Ottawa’s history.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A series of explosions rocked a mosque during Friday prayers at a state high school in Jakarta, leaving at least 54 people injured, predominantly students, according to police reports. The incident occurred at SMA 27, a school located within a navy compound in the Kelapa Gading neighborhood of northern Jakarta. Witnesses recounted hearing at least two loud blasts around midday, coinciding with the start of the sermon. Chaos ensued as students and worshippers fled the mosque, which was quickly engulfed in gray smoke. The majority of the victims sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, primarily caused by shattered glass. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri indicated that the explosions originated near the mosque’s loudspeaker, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, with 20 students still receiving medical attention, three of whom are in serious condition. Authorities discovered toy rifles and a toy gun near the mosque, prompting further scrutiny. Suheri urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that the findings will be disclosed in due course.

A devastating explosion occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque located within a high school complex in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Indonesia. The incident resulted in injuries to dozens of worshippers, with 54 individuals rushed to hospitals for treatment. Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed the casualties during a televised press briefing, noting that the injuries ranged from minor to severe, including burns. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, with a bomb disposal team from the Mobile Brigade Corps deployed to conduct a detailed search of the area. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in public spaces, particularly in places of worship. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from law enforcement officials.

The historic Xi’an City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing a thorough health assessment following months of heavy rainfall linked to climate change. Since September, Shaanxi province has experienced three prolonged rainy periods, with 87 monitoring stations recording over 20 days of rainfall. The average precipitation reached 314 millimeters, 1.6 times higher than the normal level, marking the second-highest rainfall since 1961. This has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the ancient wall, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Gao Heng, head of the cultural heritage protection department of the Xi’an City Wall Management Committee, highlighted the risks posed by water infiltration. Increased moisture has led to surface deterioration, such as moss and lichen growth, and structural issues, including water seeping into the wall’s rammed-earth core. This can reduce the soil’s bearing capacity, potentially causing localized settlement or collapse.

To mitigate these risks, the committee has implemented a differentiated maintenance approach. Routine measures include sealing cracks and re-leveling surface bricks, while engineering solutions involve re-compacting loose soil and enhancing drainage systems. A key drainage project, approved by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, is underway to divert rainwater from the wall’s foundation.

Technology plays a crucial role in preservation efforts. Since 2018, a ‘digital cabin’ system with over 3,000 sensors has monitored settlement and crack displacement. Drones conduct aerial inspections quarterly, and a four-color warning system assesses risks based on damage severity. In 2023, a comprehensive ‘CT health scan’ using ground-penetrating radar revealed over 1,300 historical cavities and 800 areas of less compact soil within the wall.

Collaboration with local meteorological bureaus and academic institutions ensures specialized weather forecasts and technical support. The committee has also introduced a ‘wall chief’ system, assigning individuals to oversee specific sections for routine monitoring and early issue reporting.

Despite these challenges, Gao emphasized that the wall’s original structure remains intact, with only restored outer layers affected by recent damage. The ongoing efforts aim to safeguard this cultural treasure for future generations.

In the shadows of Southeast Asia, a sinister industry thrives, exploiting both victims and laborers. Scam operations, often initiated through innocuous text messages, have become a global menace, siphoning billions of dollars from unsuspecting individuals. These schemes are powered by a network of forced laborers, many of whom are lured with false promises of lucrative jobs, only to find themselves trapped in sprawling compounds across the region. The scale of this crisis is staggering, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of people are coerced into working in these fraudulent operations. The issue is further complicated by the involvement of local elites and transnational criminal syndicates, making it a formidable challenge for law enforcement agencies. Despite recent crackdowns, such as the shutdown of Myanmar’s infamous KK Park, the problem persists, with new scam centers emerging across Southeast Asia and beyond. The United Nations has highlighted the global reach of these scams, which now target victims as far afield as Africa and Latin America. Activists argue that while rescuing victims is crucial, dismantling the criminal networks behind these operations is essential to eradicating the scourge. The fight against this global fraud epidemic requires coordinated international efforts and a sustained commitment to justice.