In a significant move to enhance food security, Sharjah has launched the fourth phase of its agricultural initiative, distributing 20 tonnes of organic, non-GMO wheat seeds to 500 local farmers. This initiative, funded by Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign imports and bolster the emirate’s strategic food reserves. The distribution is taking place at the Mleiha wheat farm’s administrative building and will continue for a week. The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock is spearheading the effort, aiming to empower farmers by providing essential resources for expanding organic wheat cultivation. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department, emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance, stating that it aligns with the government’s goal to increase local production and reduce dependency on external sources. Beyond seed distribution, the program includes comprehensive support such as guidance from agricultural engineers, training in modern techniques, and the development of a smart agricultural platform to monitor farms via satellite. This platform will enhance production efficiency, promote natural resource conservation, and facilitate market access for farmers. Mohammed Obaid Al Teneiji, Director of the Central Region Branch, highlighted the holistic approach, which includes land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting services. Sharjah’s focus on organic wheat cultivation underscores its commitment to sustainable agriculture and community participation in achieving long-term food security.
博客
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Average life expectancy in Beijing rises to 83.93 years
Beijing has reached a new milestone in public health, with the average life expectancy of its residents climbing to 83.93 years in 2024, up from 82.51 years in 2023, according to the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. This remarkable improvement underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. Key maternal and infant health indicators have also achieved international standards, with maternal mortality at 0.69 per 100,000 and infant mortality at 1.35 per 1,000. Wang Jianhui, deputy director of the commission, attributed these advancements to the expansion of high-quality medical resources and the strengthening of primary healthcare services. In recent years, Beijing has strategically allocated medical resources to underserved areas, increasing hospital beds per 1,000 residents in new urban districts by 14.6% since 2021. The city has also established 62 comprehensive medical alliances and 122 specialized consortia to promote tiered diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric services are now universally available in all secondary and higher-level hospitals, while community health centers provide comprehensive children’s medical care. Additionally, 162 medical institutions offer psychological clinics, and 94 provide treatments for sleep disorders. Beijing’s focus on critical care is evident with 12 national medical centers and 23 national clinical research centers, representing nearly half of the country’s total. Over 900 community health centers have been upgraded, and 763 specialized clinics have been established, with traditional Chinese medicine services now accessible in all community centers. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Beijing aims to further enhance community healthcare capacity, ensuring residents have access to high-quality, convenient medical services close to home.
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Energy drink overdose sends delivery worker to hospital
A 36-year-old food delivery worker in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, was hospitalized after consuming six bottles of energy drinks in a single day, leading to severe health complications. The man, surnamed Hu, was found unconscious by his family after attempting to stay alert during his evening shift. He experienced symptoms including a racing heartbeat, fever, sweating, and recurring seizures, with one episode lasting up to 30 minutes. Hu was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, where tests revealed caffeine intoxication. Despite medical interventions to promote excretion, such as hydration and diuretics, toxicology tests detected high levels of caffeine in his blood and urine 40 hours after consumption. Doctors estimated that Hu had ingested 300 to 350 milligrams of caffeine, far exceeding the European Food Safety Authority’s recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Caffeine poisoning can cause severe symptoms, including convulsions, impaired consciousness, and even death in extreme cases. After targeted treatment, Hu recovered and was discharged. Medical experts warn that excessive caffeine intake can overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to palpitations, anxiety, and toxic encephalopathy, and urge adherence to recommended consumption limits.
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Nepal police arrest more than 400 over September protests
Nepalese authorities have detained more than 400 individuals linked to the widespread protests that erupted in September, leading to the collapse of the government. According to police data released on Monday, the arrests include suspects accused of crimes ranging from murder and vandalism to illegal possession of weapons, theft, and indecent behavior. The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, quickly escalated into nationwide unrest fueled by economic struggles and widespread corruption. The violence resulted in at least 76 deaths, including protesters, escaped prisoners, and police officers. During the chaos, over 2,700 structures were attacked, including government buildings, police stations, and private residences. Additionally, around 14,500 detainees escaped from prisons, with 5,020 still at large. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced a special operation to recapture the escapees and recover looted weapons. Meanwhile, representatives of the youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protest groups have called for Aryal’s resignation, accusing him of failing to hold those responsible for the deadly crackdown accountable. The government has imposed travel bans on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and four senior officials as an investigation into the unrest continues.
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US envoy Jared Kushner in Jerusalem to press Gaza truce
US envoy Jared Kushner held a crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, intensifying Washington’s efforts to solidify the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The truce, which has been in effect since October 10, 2025, has significantly reduced hostilities following the devastating conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The initial phase of the ceasefire has seen a series of prisoner and hostage exchanges in recent weeks, marking a tentative step toward peace. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the meeting but withheld further details. Israeli media reported that Kushner’s visit aligns with ongoing US initiatives to stabilize the truce and prepare for its next phase. The second stage of the agreement aims to address highly contentious issues, including Hamas’s disarmament, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas has consistently declared that relinquishing its weapons is non-negotiable. Additionally, plans are underway to deploy an ‘international stabilization force,’ coordinated by US troops, to ensure security across the region.
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Former China volleyball star Hui Ruogi: May the sports spirit of the National Games inspire everyone
The 15th National Games, currently taking place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, has drawn attention not only for its athletic competitions but also for its inspirational messages. Hui Ruoqi, a celebrated Olympic champion and former captain of the Chinese women’s volleyball team, has extended her heartfelt wishes to the event. She emphasized the power of sports to uplift spirits and disseminate positivity and joy among participants and spectators alike. Hui’s message resonates deeply in a world increasingly in need of unity and encouragement. Her illustrious career, marked by resilience and teamwork, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of sportsmanship. As the games unfold, her words aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, fostering a collective sense of achievement and camaraderie.
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Bangladesh arrests one over petrol bomb attacks rocking capital
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has been shaken by a series of petrol bomb attacks targeting key locations, including a building associated with interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Police reported that seven crude petrol bombs were detonated on Monday, though no injuries were sustained. A 28-year-old man, identified as a member of the student wing of the outlawed Awami League, has been arrested in connection with the attacks. The Awami League, the former ruling party of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, was removed from power in a violent uprising in August 2024. The suspect is currently under interrogation for multiple incidents, including petrol bomb attacks on St Mary’s Cathedral and a Catholic school in Dhaka over the weekend. Early Monday, additional petrol bombs targeted the offices of Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Prize-winning Yunus, as well as properties linked to Yunus’ cabinet member Farida Akhtar, two buses, and a hospital. These incidents have escalated tensions in Bangladesh as political parties prepare for the first elections since Hasina’s fall, scheduled for February 2026. Security forces have launched a citywide manhunt to apprehend all individuals involved in these violent acts. The election campaigns, which began in early November, have already been marred by violence, including a fatal shooting at a campaign rally last week. Bangladesh continues to grapple with political unrest, with police offering rewards for the surrender of over 1,300 firearms looted during last year’s turmoil.
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Bird flu outbreak confirmed near Northern Ireland border
A fresh outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected on a commercial turkey farm in the Republic of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland. The announcement was made by Martin Heydon TD, the Republic’s Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, who confirmed the infection in a flock located near Clontibret, County Monaghan. This area lies just one mile from the border with County Armagh in Northern Ireland. In response to the outbreak, authorities have established restriction zones around the affected site, including a 3km (1.9 miles) protection zone and a 10km (6.2 miles) surveillance zone, in compliance with national and EU regulations. This marks the third confirmed case of bird flu on a commercial turkey farm in the Republic of Ireland within a week. Earlier this week, a mandatory housing order was enacted, requiring all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors to prevent further spread. The situation has raised concerns across the region, particularly in Northern Ireland, where six outbreaks have been reported in commercial farms since the beginning of the year. Last week, a turkey flock in County Fermanagh was culled, and 12,000 chickens were reportedly being culled at a poultry facility in Pomeroy, County Tyrone. The repeated outbreaks highlight the ongoing challenges in controlling the spread of avian influenza in the region.
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No link between paracetamol and autism, reveals major review
A comprehensive review published in the British medical journal BMJ has conclusively refuted claims associating paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism in children. This comes after former US President Donald Trump sparked controversy in September by asserting that the common painkiller, also known as acetaminophen, was linked to higher autism rates. Trump’s remarks, which urged pregnant women to avoid paracetamol and ‘tough it out,’ drew widespread criticism from the medical community, who warned that such statements could deter women from using the safest available pain relief option and further stigmatize autistic individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasized the lack of robust evidence supporting a connection between paracetamol and autism. The BMJ review, led by a UK-based team of researchers, analyzed all existing scientific studies on the topic and found no clear link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring. Previous studies suggesting a potential link were deemed of ‘low to critically low’ quality, as they failed to account for confounding factors like genetic predisposition. The review also highlighted the historical underinvestment in women’s health research and called for more rigorous studies. Experts, including Professor Dimitrios Siassakos of University College London and Steven Kapp of the University of Portsmouth, praised the findings, noting that neurodivergence is not caused by paracetamol and that efforts should focus on improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals rather than attempting to prevent neurodivergence. Trump and his vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have repeatedly made unfounded claims about autism, including labeling it an ‘epidemic.’ However, experts attribute the rise in autism diagnoses to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness.
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Armed men in Mali publicly killed a TikTok influencer, authorities say
In a chilling act of violence, a prominent TikTok influencer in Mali was abducted and executed by armed men, authorities confirmed on Monday. Mariame Cissé, known for her pro-military posts on the platform, was forcibly taken from a weekly market in Echel on Friday. The following evening, she was brought to Independence Square in Tonka and publicly executed in front of a horrified crowd. Yehia Tandina, the mayor of Timbuktu, provided these harrowing details to The Associated Press. Mamadou Konipo, the mayor of Tonka, corroborated the incident but noted a lack of further information. Tonka, a village near the Niger River approximately 150 kilometers from Timbuktu, is a known stronghold for the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). No group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing. Cissé, who amassed over 140,000 followers on TikTok, frequently shared images of herself in military attire, which likely drew the attention of her assailants. She had reportedly received death threats days before her abduction. Mali has been grappling with escalating violence since 2012, with JNIM and other armed groups dominating vast rural areas. The military seized power in 2020, citing the need to address insecurity, but the situation has deteriorated further, exacerbated by a recent fuel blockade imposed by JNIM.