A unique cliffside bookstore nestled within a 326-meter-deep sinkhole in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has captured global attention for its breathtaking setting and innovative approach to the reading experience. Located in the Mianhua Tiankeng Scenic Area, the bookstore opened its doors in May and has since become a must-visit landmark. At night, the space transforms into a luminous ‘knowledge canyon,’ with over 10,000 books arranged along the cliff walls, illuminated by strategically placed lights. Reaching this literary haven requires visitors to navigate more than 1,000 plank-road steps, adding an element of adventure to the journey. The bookstore’s dramatic location and immersive atmosphere have made it a viral sensation, redefining how people engage with literature and nature.
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Hong Kong fire: 3 arrested from ‘grossly negligent’ construction firm for manslaughter
A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has claimed at least 44 lives, with nearly 300 people still unaccounted for. The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, continues to rage, with firefighters struggling to reach residents trapped on upper floors due to intense heat and thick smoke. Hong Kong police have arrested three individuals from a construction firm—two directors and an engineering consultant—on suspicion of manslaughter, citing gross negligence in the use of unsafe materials. The buildings were covered with protective mesh sheets and plastic that may not meet fire safety standards, and windows on one unaffected building were sealed with foam material. The construction company, responsible for year-long maintenance work, has not yet commented on the allegations. The densely populated complex in Tai Po district houses over 4,600 residents in 2,000 apartments, highlighting Hong Kong’s ongoing affordable housing crisis. Authorities have partially controlled the fire in four of the seven blocks, but flames persist in three blocks. The death toll marks the highest in Hong Kong since a 1948 warehouse fire that killed 176 people. Hong Kong leader John Lee emphasized the priorities of extinguishing the fire, rescuing trapped residents, supporting the injured, and conducting a thorough investigation.
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6.3-magnitude earthquake jolts waters off Indonesia’s Aceh, no tsunami warning issued
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook the waters off Indonesia’s Aceh province on Thursday morning, according to the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The seismic event occurred at 11:56 am local time, with its epicenter located 62 kilometers northwest of Sinabang town on the east coast of Simeulue Island. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers. BMKG confirmed that the earthquake posed no risk of triggering a tsunami. A shakemap released by the agency indicated light to moderate tremors in parts of Simeulue Island and surrounding areas. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ is highly susceptible to seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates.
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Rescuers launch search after avalanche on Austrian glacier buries skiers and snowboarders
A significant avalanche incident unfolded on the Stubai Glacier in Austria’s Tyrol region on Thursday morning, resulting in multiple winter sports enthusiasts being buried under snow. Austrian emergency services launched an extensive rescue mission involving approximately 250 personnel, specialized avalanche rescue dogs, and helicopter teams.
According to the Austria Press Agency (APA), nine individuals were successfully extracted alive from the snow masses. Three of the rescued skiers sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention and were subsequently airlifted to nearby hospitals. The severity of their injuries remained unspecified as medical evaluations continued.
The avalanche originated in the notoriously hazardous Daunscharte pass area, located beyond the boundaries of secured ski runs. The snowslide’s impact extended to lower sections of designated pistes, necessitating immediate closure of affected slopes for safety reasons.
As midday approached, search and rescue operations persisted with undiminished intensity. Authorities maintained uncertainty regarding whether additional victims might remain trapped beneath the snow accumulation. The emergency response coordinated multiple agencies in a race against time and challenging alpine conditions.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers of backcountry skiing in unsecured glacial areas, particularly during early season conditions when snow stability remains unpredictable. Austrian alpine safety organizations reiterated warnings about venturing beyond marked ski areas without professional guidance and proper safety equipment.
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Ambassador: Canada to advance China ties ‘at a rapid pace’
Canada is poised to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with China at an accelerated pace, according to Jennifer May, the Canadian Ambassador to China. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, May emphasized the commitment to addressing key bilateral issues swiftly. The event, held in Beijing, was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Canadian Embassy. May highlighted a significant turning point in the relationship following the recent China-Canada leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted an invitation to visit China at a mutually convenient time, a move that May anticipates will further solidify the partnership. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, praised the Canadian government’s proactive and constructive approach to fostering bilateral relations, expressing confidence that such efforts will garner public support and withstand historical scrutiny.
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UAE: New fostering law protects children from abandonment
The United Arab Emirates has ushered in a new era of child welfare protection with the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, a comprehensive legislative overhaul designed to safeguard children of unknown parentage. This groundbreaking legislation introduces transformative updates to the nation’s fostering framework, significantly expanding eligibility criteria while establishing robust protective mechanisms.
Central to the reform is the removal of previous religious and nationality restrictions. The law now permits any married couple over age 25, regardless of nationality or faith, to become foster parents. Single women aged 30 or above residing in the UAE—whether divorced, widowed, or never married—are also eligible, provided they meet financial and caregiving standards.
Legal experts highlight the law’s multifaceted protections. Essa Galadari of Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants emphasizes that the legislation grants children legal identity documentation, including birth certificates, facilitating their social integration. The framework specifically prevents cultural or religious assimilation, preserving each child’s original identity in alignment with constitutional values of dignity and belief freedom.
A significant procedural innovation establishes a dedicated committee to assess concerns within foster placements. Rather than automatically removing children for minor issues, this committee implements corrective plans, preventing traumatic separations when problems are solvable. However, the committee retains authority to immediately withdraw children in cases of serious harm, with no right of objection for foster families.
Asma Siddiqui of BSA Law notes the reform delivers substantial social benefits by expanding family-building options for residents while prioritizing child welfare. The changes enhance the UAE’s attractiveness to global talent by offering a progressive, family-friendly legal environment that reflects the nation’s diverse population.
The legislation maintains important distinctions: fostering remains an administrative custody arrangement rather than full adoption, and does not create inheritance rights. Horizon & Co. legal firm observes that the reform promotes civic solidarity and institutionalizes child welfare as part of the UAE’s strategic focus on social sustainability and inclusivity.
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Guizhou’s new high-speed rail set to boost tourism, development
A transformative high-speed railway in Guizhou province, set to launch on November 28, is poised to unlock the region’s tourism potential and spur economic development. Spanning 99 kilometers between Panzhou and Xingyi cities, the railway will operate at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, with seven daily bullet train services. The journey from Xingyi South Station to Panzhou Station will now take just 33 minutes, while travel to Guiyang North Station will be reduced to approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. This enhanced connectivity is expected to significantly boost tourism and foster high-quality regional economic and social development. The railway, which traverses challenging karst terrain, was constructed with a focus on green development principles. Major engineering feats, such as the Xiangshui Town Grand Bridge and the Tuole Tunnel, were completed despite geological difficulties. The new line integrates into the national high-speed network via a connection with the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway at Panzhou Station, passing by scenic areas like the Wanfenglin (Forest of Peaks). The inauguration of this railway marks a historic moment for Xingyi city, bringing it into the ‘high-speed rail era’ and signaling a new chapter of growth for this picturesque region of Guizhou.
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Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits western Indonesia: USGS
Western Indonesia was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event adds to the ongoing natural calamities in the region, where northern areas are already reeling from the devastating impacts of floods and a tropical cyclone. The recent earthquake occurred amidst a backdrop of severe weather conditions that have claimed at least 28 lives in North Sumatra province due to landslides and flooding caused by relentless heavy rains. Rescue operations are significantly hindered by the complete disruption of road access and communication networks, as described by local officials. Earlier in the week, a rare tropical cyclone swept across Sumatra, exacerbating the situation by flooding the Malacca Strait and triggering further landslides. This series of natural disasters has left large parts of Southeast Asia struggling with the aftermath of deadly floods. Just days prior, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake had already shaken the eastern part of Indonesia, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such frequent and intense geological and meteorological events.
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Shenzhen Fire Department dismisses speculation about cross-border assistance
The Shenzhen Fire Department has officially addressed rumors surrounding the deployment of fire vehicles near Liantang Port, confirming that the activity was part of a standard readiness drill. This clarification, reported by the Shenzhen Evening News on Thursday morning, comes in response to widespread speculation on social media that the fire engines were mobilized to assist with a severe residential fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The incident at Wang Fuk Court, which tragically claimed 44 lives, occurred on Wednesday night, coinciding with the sighting of the fire vehicles. Both the Shenzhen and Hong Kong Fire Services Departments have confirmed that no cross-border assistance was requested or provided. The Shenzhen Fire Department emphasized that such drills are routine and essential for maintaining operational preparedness. This incident highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination, particularly during emergencies, to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.
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Ban harmful content from social media instead of us, say Australian teens
Two Australian teenagers, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, are spearheading a legal challenge against Australia’s controversial ban on social media access for individuals under 16. The ban, set to take effect on December 10, mandates platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to prevent young Australians from creating accounts. While the government and campaigners argue the law is essential to shield children from harmful content and manipulative algorithms, the teenagers, supported by the Digital Freedom Project (DFP), contend it infringes on their right to free communication and access to knowledge. Noah Jones emphasized that resources should be directed toward removing predators and harmful content rather than enforcing age restrictions. Macy Neyland acknowledged the downsides of social media but highlighted its benefits, such as education, communication, and societal inclusion. She advocated for better education on online safety, enhanced measures like age verification, and guidance on responsible social media use. The pair also argued that the ban would disrupt their relationships and access to political information, stating that ‘democracy doesn’t start at 16.’ The case, filed in Australia’s High Court by DFP leader and New South Wales parliamentarian John Ruddick, has drawn a firm response from Communications Minister Anika Wells, who vowed the government would not yield to legal challenges or pressure from tech companies. Despite widespread public support for the ban, mental health advocates warn it could isolate children from peers and drive them to less-regulated online spaces.