The death toll from a capsized boat carrying Rohingya migrants from Myanmar has climbed to 26, as rescue teams from Thailand and Malaysia recovered additional bodies at sea. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reported that eight more bodies were found off northern Langkawi island, bringing the total to 20 deaths, including seven men, nine women, and four children, alongside 14 survivors. Meanwhile, the Romsai Rescue Foundation in Thailand’s Satun province discovered six bodies in Thai waters, with identification documents suggesting the victims were Rohingya refugees from the same vessel. Malaysian authorities estimate that approximately 70 people were aboard the ill-fated boat, based on survivor accounts. The incident is believed to be part of a larger operation involving a vessel carrying around 300 people from Myanmar’s Rakhine state, which split into three smaller boats near Malaysia. One of these boats reportedly sank near Thailand’s Tarutao island. The United Nations refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration have expressed deep concern over the tragedy, urging enhanced search-and-rescue efforts and safer asylum pathways. This year alone, over 5,300 Rohingya refugees have undertaken perilous sea journeys, with more than 600 reported missing or dead. Escalating conflicts in Myanmar and deteriorating conditions in Bangladesh’s refugee camps have exacerbated the crisis, pushing more vulnerable individuals, including women and children, to risk their lives at sea. Malaysia, a favored destination for Rohingya due to its Muslim-majority population, has historically accepted refugees on humanitarian grounds but has recently tightened restrictions to prevent mass arrivals.
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The gilded cross on Germany’s highest peak has too many stickers. Now it’s being restored
Germany’s iconic Zugspitze peak, the country’s highest mountain, will temporarily lose its famed gilded cross as it undergoes restoration. The 4.88-meter (16-foot) tall, 300-kilogram (661-pound) cross was airlifted by helicopter on Tuesday from the 2,962-meter (9,718-foot) summit, shared between Germany and Austria in the Bavarian Alps. The restoration is necessitated by the accumulation of hundreds of stickers left by visitors over the years. The cross is now at the workshop of craftswoman Andrea Würzinger in Eschenlohe, where she will meticulously remove the stickers, sand the iron surface, and reapply gold leaf selectively due to the high cost of gold. The current cross, crafted by Würzinger’s father, Franz, in 1993, replaced the original 1851 version, which was irreparably damaged. Würzinger noted that the number of stickers has surged from just three during its first re-gilding 15 years ago to hundreds today. The Zugspitze, attracting around 600,000 visitors annually, is easily accessible via mountain railway and cable car. However, the actual peak, where the cross stands, requires a short but potentially hazardous climb from the summit station. Visitors often attempt risky maneuvers to place stickers on the cross, prompting the installation of a replica cross inside the summit station in July to deter such behavior. Würzinger and the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, the operator of the summit transport system, aim to complete the restoration in time for the ski season’s start on November 28.
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Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra dies at 89 years old
The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89. The veteran actor, known for his charismatic performances and enduring contributions to Bollywood, breathed his last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Sources close to his family confirmed that he was not on ventilator support and was under medical observation prior to his demise. Dharmendra, who was set to celebrate his 90th birthday in December, had been hospitalized on October 31 for what was described as a routine medical check-up. His last appearance was in the 2023 film *Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani*, and he was slated to star in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama *Ikkis*, inspired by the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his grief on X, stating, ‘Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers.’ Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his versatility and dedication.
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Probe finds no evidence of abuse in case of Yunnan child filmed naked
Authorities in Yunnan Province have concluded an investigation into the case of a 3-year-old boy, nicknamed Pingping, who was filmed crawling naked at a highway service area in Shimian County, Sichuan Province. The video, which went viral online, sparked widespread concern and allegations of child abuse or trafficking. However, the probe found no evidence of mistreatment, illegal activity, or profit-making. The boy is reported to be in stable health and living safely with his parents. The incident occurred on October 15 during a family road trip. Following the video’s circulation, local authorities in Nanjian County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, where the family resides, launched an investigation alongside provincial officials. The family was located in Sichuan on October 18 and persuaded to return home by October 21. Medical professionals conducted thorough physical and psychological assessments, confirming that both children were unharmed. Pingping has since adapted well to daily routines, as observed by a local caregiver who has been accompanying him since mid-October. Videos from a nearby kindergarten show him playing and laughing with other children. Officials also verified that Pingping and his younger brother are the biological children of their parents, surnamed Li and Wan. The couple, who have not yet registered their marriage, have now received official birth certificates for the boys, and local authorities are processing their household registration. Li explained that Pingping had eczema and sometimes disliked wearing clothes in warm weather, adding that the boy’s crawling behavior was a playful imitation of the family’s pet dog.
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Ghana’s Asante king welcomes return of artefacts from the UK and South Africa
In a significant move towards cultural restitution, Ghana’s Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has received 130 gold and bronze artefacts returned from the UK and South Africa. These items, some of which were looted during colonial times and others acquired through legitimate means, include royal regalia, drums, and ceremonial gold weights dating back to the 1870s. The artefacts highlight the profound cultural significance of gold in Asante society. The return ceremony, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, saw contributions from British art historian Hermione Waterfield and South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti. AngloGold Ashanti’s gesture was described as an act of cultural respect and reconciliation, addressing past tensions with local residents over resource exploitation. King Osei Tutu II expressed gratitude, emphasizing the goodwill and respect shown towards the Asante kingdom’s legacy. This event follows a broader trend of African countries reclaiming looted artefacts, with recent successes including the return of Benin bronzes to Nigeria by Germany in 2022. The ongoing efforts underscore a growing global recognition of the need to address colonial injustices and restore cultural heritage.
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China’s stranded astronauts ‘in good condition’ after space debris delays planned return
The crew of China’s Shenzhou-20 mission is reported to be in excellent health and continuing their daily activities despite an unexpected delay in their return to Earth. The astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, were originally scheduled to return on November 5, but their plans were disrupted after their spacecraft was suspected to have been hit by a small piece of space debris. The exact date for their return remains unspecified, but the mission team is actively conducting tests and drills to ensure a safe journey back. The China Manned Space Engineering Office confirmed that the crew is ‘in good condition, working and living normally.’ The trio had been stationed at the Tiangong space station since April, completing a six-month rotation. Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-21 mission successfully docked with the space station on November 1, marking a milestone by transporting mice for the first time for scientific experiments. China’s space program has seen significant advancements since its inception in 2003, including the construction of its own space station and ambitious plans to land a human on the moon by 2030.
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Pakistan: Suicide attack outside Islamabad court kills 12
A tragic suicide bombing occurred outside a court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. The attack, which took place in a bustling area of the capital city, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about security measures in public spaces. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation to determine the motives behind the attack and identify the perpetrators. Preliminary reports suggest that the bomber detonated explosives near the entrance of the court, causing widespread devastation and injuring several others. The incident has drawn condemnation from both local and international leaders, who have called for increased efforts to combat terrorism and protect civilians. This attack underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in maintaining security and stability amidst persistent threats from extremist groups.
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Report: China’s scientific journal capacity needs enhancement
China’s scientific journals have made significant strides in recent years, with a notable increase in both the number of journals and the volume of published papers. However, a recent report highlights that there is still considerable room for improvement in terms of scale and global influence. The blue book on China’s scientific journal development, published by the Service Center for Societies of the China Association for Science and Technology, reveals that 247 Chinese international journals were included in the Science Citation Index (SCI) last year, accounting for 1.7 percent of the 40,000 total SCI papers published in 2024. The report also notes that the academic quality and global recognition of these journals have steadily improved. The citation impact of papers published in these journals reached 5.11 last year, surpassing the 3.51 for all international papers authored by Chinese scholars and the global average of 2.77. Additionally, 63.2 percent of the journals were positioned in the top quarter of Journal Citation Reports (JCR), and 68.7 percent of the papers published in China’s journals were in the top quarter of the JCR, up from 50 percent in 2022. Despite these improvements, the scale of publishing in China’s journals still falls short compared to the over 830,000 international papers published by Chinese scholars. This underscores the need to enhance the overall carrying capacity of China’s domestic journal platforms. Furthermore, 88 percent of the papers published in China’s journals last year were authored by Chinese scholars, but this represented only 4.2 percent of the total international papers published by Chinese scholars. This indicates that more than 95 percent of their work is still being published in overseas journals, highlighting the need for further development of world-class international journals in China.
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Thailand demands apology from Cambodia for land mine explosion that injured soldiers
Thailand has announced an indefinite suspension of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Cambodia, demanding an apology for a land mine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers on Monday. The incident occurred along the contentious border in Sisaket province, where one soldier lost his right foot and three others sustained minor injuries. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the injured troops on Tuesday, while the Thai army accused Cambodia of violating the truce by allegedly laying new mines. Cambodia has denied responsibility, attributing the explosion to remnants of past conflicts and urging Thai troops to avoid patrolling in known minefield areas. The ceasefire, mediated by Malaysia and signed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in October, aimed to de-escalate tensions following five days of deadly combat in July. However, territorial disputes and nationalist sentiments have hindered progress. Thailand has also postponed the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since the July conflict. Analysts, including Matthew Wheeler of the International Crisis Group, argue that the ceasefire was primarily a diplomatic gesture to appease U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges from both nations. Wheeler noted that the agreement’s breakdown was predictable, given its superficial focus on trade and Trump’s desire to be seen as a peacemaker. Despite the setback, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability, emphasizing the need to ensure civilian safety.
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US Senate passes bill to end longest government shutdown in country’s history
The US Senate has passed a pivotal bill to conclude the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history, marking a significant breakthrough after weeks of political gridlock. The legislation, approved with a 60-40 vote, garnered support from nearly all Senate Republicans and eight Democrats. The shutdown had severely impacted millions of Americans, disrupting food benefits, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid, and causing widespread air traffic delays. The bill restores funding for federal agencies, which expired on October 1, and temporarily halts President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, preventing layoffs until January 30. However, the agreement does not guarantee the continuation of health subsidies benefiting 24 million Americans, which are set to expire at year’s end. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass it swiftly and send it to Trump for enactment. While Trump has praised the deal as ‘very good,’ many Democrats remain frustrated, citing the lack of assurances for extending health insurance subsidies. The shutdown has fueled partisan tensions, with a recent poll showing 50% of Americans blaming Republicans and 43% blaming Democrats. Despite the controversy, US stocks rallied on Monday following news of the progress.