Shiban Street, a historic stone-slab lane nestled in Duyun, Guizhou province, has become a captivating destination for visitors. This ancient pathway, dating back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), winds through rows of stilted wooden houses, offering a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. The street’s undulating path follows the natural terrain, flanked by vibrant painted doors and windows. Local shops showcase traditional crafts, including Bouyei homespun cloth, Miao silverwork, and Shui embroidery, adding to the area’s allure. Historically, this mountain road served as the southern gateway to the city and was a vital part of an ancient route connecting Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the Ming and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Today, Shiban Street stands as a testament to the region’s enduring legacy, attracting tourists eager to explore its timeless charm.
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Sheikh Hasina, former Bangladesh prime minister, sentenced to death
A Bangladeshi court has handed down a death sentence to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia, convicting her of crimes against humanity. The verdict stems from her alleged role in ordering a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, which resulted in significant casualties and the collapse of her government. The International Crimes Tribunal, comprising three judges, found Hasina guilty of incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the protests.
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Less fruits, banned items: Many Dubai school canteens fail on nutrition, audit finds
A recent audit conducted by Dubai Municipality has uncovered significant shortcomings in the nutritional quality of food offered in school canteens across the emirate. The audit, part of the My School Food campaign, examined over 7,000 food items across more than 200 schools, revealing a lack of fruit options and the use of banned ingredients in some cases. Hassa Al Sumaiti, Acting Head of the Applied Nutrition and Awareness Section, highlighted the disparity between schools offering healthy choices and those failing to meet basic nutritional standards. She emphasized the importance of fruits in daily nutrition and the need for stricter oversight to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines. The findings were discussed at the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, where Al Sumaiti stressed the long-term impact of school food on children’s health and academic performance. The audit is the first phase of a broader initiative to improve school food systems in Dubai, with pilot programs already underway in selected schools. The municipality plans to implement these improvements citywide, aiming to foster healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases among students. Additionally, the event honored students who participated in the school food hero competition, showcasing innovative ideas like AI-powered canteens to promote sustainability and nutrition.
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China’s GDI hailed pillar of South-South Cooperation
Experts from Kenya have lauded China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), introduced four years ago, for its pivotal role in advancing equitable and inclusive growth while strengthening South-South cooperation. The initiative, which has garnered international attention, is being recognized as a cornerstone in fostering collaborative development among nations in the Global South. By prioritizing shared prosperity and sustainable development, the GDI has facilitated partnerships that address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Kenyan analysts highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing its potential to bridge development gaps and promote mutual benefits. The GDI’s emphasis on inclusivity and innovation has also inspired other nations to adopt similar frameworks, further solidifying its impact on international development efforts. As South-South cooperation gains momentum, China’s initiative is increasingly viewed as a model for fostering global solidarity and progress.
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Cervical cancer vaccine push has saved 1.4 million lives: Gavi
A groundbreaking three-year campaign led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has successfully prevented an estimated 1.4 million cervical cancer deaths in low-income countries. The initiative, which focused on delivering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, has protected 86 million girls against the leading cause of cervical cancer. Gavi announced this milestone on World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, highlighting the disproportionate impact of HPV-related cancers in low-income regions, which accounted for 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022. These areas often lack access to screening and treatment services, exacerbating the crisis. Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, praised the ‘incredible commitment’ of participating countries and organizations in achieving this life-saving goal. The vaccine coverage rate in Africa surged from 4% in 2014 to 44% by the end of 2024, surpassing Europe’s 38% rate. Gavi leveraged economies of scale to reduce vaccine costs, making doses available for as low as $2.90 to $5.18 in supported countries, compared to over $100 elsewhere. The World Health Organization’s 2022 endorsement of a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule further doubled the reach of existing vaccine stocks. Despite these advances, cervical cancer remains a critical threat, claiming a woman’s life every two minutes. Gavi’s efforts underscore the importance of global collaboration in combating this preventable disease.
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Life imprisonment for ex-Heilongjiang official in bribery, embezzlement case
Li Xiangang, a former high-ranking official in Heilongjiang Province, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for bribery and embezzlement, as reported by China Central Television. The court also stripped Li of his political rights for life and confiscated all his personal property. The illicit gains from his crimes were forfeited to the state treasury, and the embezzled funds are to be returned to the affected organizations. From 2006 to 2024, Li exploited his various positions, including mayor and Party secretary of Shuangyashan city, secretary-general of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, and deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Congress, to provide undue advantages to businesses and individuals in exchange for bribes totaling 117 million yuan ($16.46 million). Additionally, in 2009 and 2012, Li embezzled public assets worth over 1.68 million yuan through fraudulent property transactions. The court noted the severity of his crimes and their detrimental impact on public trust. However, due to Li’s confession, remorse, and restitution of illegal gains, he was granted a more lenient sentence. The case was publicly tried on May 22, with prosecutors presenting substantial evidence. Li admitted to his crimes in his final statement.
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Samsung users report ‘unremovable’ Israeli bloatware AppCloud on devices
Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, is embroiled in a global controversy as users and cybersecurity experts raise alarms over pre-installed bloatware on its devices. The software in question, AppCloud, initially reported in Samsung Galaxy A and M series phones in West Asia and North Africa, has now been found in devices across Europe and South Asia. Users claim the app is unremovable without root access, the highest level of system control, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns.
AppCloud, linked to the Israeli firm ironSource, has been accused of secretly harvesting user data and lacking a transparent privacy policy. IronSource, now owned by American company Unity, has a notorious history of creating invasive programs that bypass user permissions and security checks. Despite being disabled, AppCloud persists on devices, reappears after updates, and can covertly install additional software.
Digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted these issues, noting that Samsung’s terms of service fail to address AppCloud or ironSource explicitly. In May, SMEX sent an open letter to Samsung, but the company has yet to respond. The issue has gained traction online, with users sharing screenshots of AppCloud’s extensive permissions, including full network access and the ability to download files without notification.
Cybersecurity experts warn that while AppCloud’s behavior doesn’t confirm it as classic spyware, its aggressive data collection and unremovable nature blur the line between ad-tech and surveillance. As the controversy grows, Samsung faces mounting pressure to address these privacy concerns and provide users with greater control over their devices.
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Cash vouchers for newlyweds as China tries to boost marriages
In a bid to reverse the declining trend of marriages, the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has launched a new initiative offering cash vouchers to newlyweds. Couples who register their marriage between October 28 and December 31, 2025, will receive eight marriage consumption vouchers, totaling 1,000 yuan ($141). These vouchers can be used for wedding-related expenses such as photography, ceremonies, hotel stays, and retail purchases. The initiative, announced by Ningbo’s civil affairs department on its official WeChat account, is part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to encourage young people to marry and start families. Similar programs have been introduced in other eastern cities like Hangzhou and Pinghu, with vouchers available until the end of the year. China’s marriage rates have plummeted, with only 6.1 million couples registering for marriage last year, a significant drop from 7.68 million the previous year. The decline is attributed to the high costs of childcare and education, as well as shifting societal attitudes. To address the issue, the government has implemented various measures, including promoting ‘love education’ in universities and urging local governments to allocate resources to support marriage and childbearing. With China’s population aging rapidly, boosting marriage and birth rates has become a critical priority for policymakers.
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How Dubai played a role in Russian teenager’s rise in tennis
The 2025 WTA season concluded with a remarkable story of 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who ended the year ranked World No. 9. Her breakthrough season was highlighted by a stunning victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC), a pivotal moment that catapulted her into the sport’s elite ranks. At just 17, Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007 and the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history. Her triumph in Dubai, where she defeated higher-ranked opponents including World No. 2 Iga Świątek, marked her as a rising star in the tennis world. The DDFTC has long been a prestigious platform for top talents, hosting legends like Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, and Justine Henin, as well as current stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Świątek, and Coco Gauff. The 2026 edition of the tournament, scheduled for February 15-21, promises to bring together the world’s best players, including Andreeva, who will defend her title. Fans can expect two weeks of world-class tennis action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.
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Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ to release across 800 defence theatres in India
Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated war drama, ‘120 Bahadur,’ is set to make cinematic history as it becomes the first film to be released exclusively across 800 defence theatres in India. The film, which is based on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, will premiere on November 21, offering a unique cinematic experience to the nation’s armed forces and their families. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandra (Trigger Happy Studios), the movie features an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and Dhanveer Singh. Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a valiant leader of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, whose unwavering courage and determination are central to the narrative. The film’s trailer captures pivotal moments, including a powerful dialogue where Akhtar’s character declares, ‘Main ladey bina haar nahi manna chahta’ (I don’t want to accept defeat without fighting). The initiative, spearheaded by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, aims to bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and India’s defence community. Sushil Chaudhary, founder and CEO of PictureTime, emphasized the significance of this move, stating that it seeks to expand access to cinematic experiences for the underserved 70% of India’s 20-million-strong veteran and family audience. This groundbreaking release underscores the film’s resonance with the armed forces and its potential to inspire audiences nationwide.