In a significant move to enhance aviation safety, three major Taiwanese airlines—Uni Air, Tiger Air, and Eva Air—have imposed a ban on Bluetooth earphones in checked baggage. The decision stems from concerns over the lithium-ion batteries embedded in these devices, which pose risks of short-circuiting and potential fire hazards. According to Uni Air, Bluetooth earphones and their charging cases are classified as portable electronic devices (PEDs) that remain in ‘standby mode’ due to their automatic charging feature. This violates the requirement that PEDs must be entirely powered off when stored in checked luggage. Tiger Air has also restricted the transport of earphone charging cases, permitting them only in hand-carried baggage. Eva Air has echoed similar guidelines, reinforcing the industry-wide focus on safety. The dangers of lithium batteries were highlighted in a recent incident aboard an Air China flight, where a fire erupted in an overhead compartment due to these batteries, causing panic among passengers. This incident underscores the necessity of such precautions. Additionally, Emirates, the UAE’s flagship carrier, recently banned the use of power banks onboard, aligning with broader regional safety measures. These restrictions reflect the aviation industry’s proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices.
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Thousands of Chinese lured abroad and forced to be scammers – now Beijing is cracking down
In a rare exposé, Chinese state media has unveiled the inner workings of a sweeping crackdown on organized crime syndicates operating in Southeast Asia, which have ensnared thousands of Chinese nationals in a web of fraud, human trafficking, and violence. The documentary, aired on CCTV, provides an unprecedented glimpse into the justice system’s handling of these criminal networks, which have long operated with impunity in Myanmar’s border town of Laukkaing.
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Watch: Sheikh Mohammed shares how Dubai Metro makes commute easy for millions
The Dubai Metro, inaugurated in 2009, has revolutionized urban transportation in the Emirate, offering millions of residents and visitors a seamless, eco-friendly, and efficient commuting experience. On November 8, 2025, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a video showcasing the Metro’s daily operations, emphasizing its role in enhancing the lives of diverse commuters. The video, posted on his official Twitter account, highlighted the Metro’s punctuality, cleanliness, and the respectful behavior of its passengers, which Sheikh Mohammed described as a reflection of the nation’s progress. Testimonials from commuters, including a ticket salesperson and an elderly couple, underscored the Metro’s importance in fostering happiness and inclusivity. Managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Metro serves an average of 850,000 passengers daily, with ridership surpassing one million during major events. Sheikh Mohammed’s post reinforces the Metro’s significance as a cornerstone of Dubai’s future-ready infrastructure.
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Meet 17-year-old KT+150 changemaker redefining how we recycle electronic waste
At just 17 years old, Rishabh Mittal has already made a significant impact on environmental sustainability through his initiative, Going Green Dubai. Founded when he was only 13, this youth-led project aims to inspire community members to recycle and reduce their environmental footprint, with a particular focus on electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, which includes discarded electronic devices, is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams globally, according to the World Health Organisation. Mittal’s journey began with a simple school project on recycling, where he started by collecting plastic bottles in his residential building. However, his passion for technology soon led him to tackle the more complex issue of e-waste, which is notoriously difficult to decompose and often releases harmful toxins into the environment. To amplify his efforts, Mittal partnered with EnviroServe, the region’s largest e-waste processing facility. Together, they have organized school campaigns and set up e-waste bins to safely dispose of unused electronics. The facility recycles everything from mobile phones and laptops to larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, breaking them down into raw materials such as copper, aluminium, and steel. Since its inception, Going Green Dubai has collected and recycled 7,109kg of e-waste, 19,960 bottles, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 8,951kg. Mittal’s dedication has earned him recognition as a KT+150 achiever, a list that highlights young changemakers making significant impacts across various industries. His story is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in driving meaningful environmental change.
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How an Indian comic book legacy was lost in a fire
For generations of Indians, Amar Chitra Katha has been a cherished portal into the realms of religion, mythology, and history through its iconic comic books. Launched in 1967 by Anant Pai, the series, whose name translates to ‘immortal illustrated stories,’ has captivated readers with its engaging visuals and accessible language. However, a tragic fire on October 1 at its Bhiwandi warehouse near Mumbai has left a significant portion of this legacy in ashes. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, took four days to control and destroyed nearly 600,000 books, including special editions, merchandise, and over 200 original hand-drawn illustrations from the 1960s and 1970s. Archival materials, such as original positives on transparent film, were also lost. While most published titles have been digitized and remain accessible through apps, the irreplaceable original artworks are gone forever. The emotional toll on comic book enthusiasts is profound, as Amar Chitra Katha has long been a cornerstone of Indian cultural education. The 1970 issue on the Hindu deity Krishna, illustrated by Ram Waeerkar, marked a turning point for the series, paving the way for stories on Indian mythological and historical figures. Despite the loss, the publication remains resilient, with plans to innovate digitally and rebuild its legacy. Yet, for art lovers, the absence of these originals is a heartbreaking reminder of what has been lost.
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National Games vibe is everywhere in Guangzhou
The vibrant city of Guangzhou is abuzz with anticipation as the 15th National Games of China draw near. The event, set to commence soon, has transformed the city into a hub of sports enthusiasm and cultural celebration. Streets are adorned with banners and decorations, while local communities are actively participating in pre-event activities, showcasing their support and excitement. The National Games, a prestigious multi-sport event, brings together athletes from across the nation to compete in various disciplines, fostering a spirit of unity and sportsmanship. Guangzhou, known for its rich history and modern infrastructure, is well-prepared to host this grand event, promising an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. The city’s fervor for the Games is palpable, with residents eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony and the thrilling competitions that will follow.
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More than 1,000 flights cancelled as US air traffic cuts enter second day
The ongoing federal government shutdown has plunged the US aviation sector into chaos, with over 1,000 flights canceled and nearly 4,000 delayed on Saturday, according to FlightAware. This marks a slight improvement from Friday’s 7,000 delays but underscores the growing strain on air travel as the shutdown enters its 39th day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a 10% reduction in air traffic capacity at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, citing fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers. Newark Liberty International Airport experienced some of the longest delays, with arrivals averaging over four hours and departures delayed by 1.5 hours. Charlotte/Douglas International, Newark Liberty International, and Chicago O’Hare International were the most affected airports in terms of cancellations. Departures from major hubs like John F. Kennedy International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and La Guardia were also significantly delayed. The FAA has announced a gradual increase in flight reductions, starting at 4% on Friday and reaching 10% by November 14. The shutdown has also impacted private jets, with restrictions redirecting them to smaller airports to ease the burden on controllers. As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the busiest travel periods in the US, the situation is expected to worsen. The shutdown has left 1.4 million federal workers, including 64,000 Transportation Security Agency (TSA) agents, working without pay. Bipartisan negotiations are underway in Washington to resolve the impasse, but no agreement has been reached. The current shutdown is now the longest in US history, surpassing the 2018 shutdown under President Donald Trump, during which 10% of TSA staff chose not to work unpaid.
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Thousands take to Lisbon streets over proposed labour laws
Lisbon witnessed a massive wave of protests as tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets to oppose proposed labour reforms by Portugal’s centre-right government. The reforms, which aim to enhance job flexibility and productivity, include measures that would simplify the process of firing employees, allow greater outsourcing of work, and reduce certain types of compassionate leave, such as bereavement leave for women who experience miscarriages. Critics argue that these changes severely undermine workers’ rights and job security. Tiago Oliveira, general secretary of Portugal’s largest union, CGTP, condemned the reforms as ‘one of the greatest attacks ever made against workers’ and announced a general strike scheduled for December 11. The bill is expected to pass in parliament with backing from the far-right party Chega. Protesters, including medical device worker Miriam Alves and archive technician Madalena Pena, expressed concerns that the reforms would reverse decades of progress in labour rights and worsen job security. Additionally, demonstrators demanded higher wages, citing official data showing that over 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros per month in 2023, with the minimum wage set at just 870 euros. The protests highlight growing discontent over economic inequality and the government’s perceived disregard for workers’ welfare.
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US cleaning woman shot and killed after arriving at wrong home
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Whitestown, Indiana, when Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a 32-year-old house cleaner and mother of four, was fatally shot after mistakenly arriving at the wrong home for a cleaning appointment. The tragedy occurred early Wednesday morning, with police discovering Perez dead in her husband’s arms on the front porch of the residence. Authorities were responding to a call about a potential home invasion but confirmed that neither Perez nor her husband had entered the home. The case has been formally submitted to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office for review to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against the homeowner. Police have refrained from identifying the individuals involved, citing the case as ‘complex, delicate, and evolving.’ They also warned against the spread of misinformation online and urged patience as the investigation proceeds. Mauricio Velazquez, Perez’s husband, expressed his anguish, stating that the bullet came through the door and emphasizing that the homeowner should have called the police instead of resorting to violence. The case is further complicated by Indiana’s stand-your-ground law, which allows individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves. This incident echoes similar tragedies across the U.S., including the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl in Missouri and the fatal shooting of Kaylin Gillis in New York, highlighting the ongoing debate over self-defense laws and their consequences.
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Forum unites global experts to enhance city image communication
The International Communication (Wuxi) Forum convened in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on November 8, 2025, attracting more than 150 distinguished guests from across the world. The forum focused on innovative approaches to enhance city image communication on a global scale. Centered around the theme ‘AI Powering a World of Smart Connectivity,’ the event explored how cities can leverage advanced storytelling techniques and digital technologies to amplify their international presence. Wuxi showcased its ambitious communication initiatives for 2025 and 2026, including the establishment of the Wuxi International Communication Alliance, the launch of the IP WUXI Platform, a city documentary project, and a campaign to promote Chinese folk music. These efforts aim to position Wuxi as a leading city in global communication and cultural exchange.