The iconic Eisbach wave in Munich, Germany, a renowned man-made river-surfing spot, has mysteriously disappeared following the city’s annual river cleaning operation. This unexpected event has left the local surfing community in dismay, marking the first time in decades that the wave has failed to return. The Eisbach wave, created in 1972 by strategically placed concrete blocks in the Isar River canal, has been a magnet for surfers worldwide, earning the title of ‘the mother of all river waves’ from SurferToday.com. Known for its formidable height of up to 4 feet (1.22 meters), the wave offers thrilling but brief rides, typically lasting less than a minute. Surfers and spectators alike have long cherished the site, with enthusiasts taking turns to brave the frigid waters while onlookers gather on a nearby bridge. The wave’s sudden disappearance has sparked confusion and concern. Munich’s mayor’s office has confirmed that surfers are collaborating with the building department to investigate the cause and explore potential solutions for its restoration. In the interim, surfers have turned to a secondary wave within the same park, though it lacks the power and prestige of the Eisbach. Munich, globally celebrated for its Oktoberfest festivities, only legalized surfing at the Eisbach in 2010. The sport has faced challenges, including a tragic fatality in April when an experienced surfer’s leash became entangled in the riverbed, leading to her drowning. This incident prompted stricter safety measures, including a ban on nighttime surfing. River surfing remains popular in other regions, such as the United Kingdom and Hawaii, but the loss of the Eisbach wave is a significant blow to Munich’s unique surfing culture. Local resident Lena Stillner, a seven-year veteran of the Eisbach wave, expressed her disappointment and hope for a swift resolution to restore this cherished landmark.
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Exercise may have more significant heart-protecting effect on women: research
A groundbreaking study published in the international journal *Nature Cardiovascular Research* highlights that women may experience significantly greater cardiovascular benefits from exercise compared to men. Conducted by a collaborative team led by Professor Wang Yan and Associate Researcher Chen Jiajin from Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University and Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the research analyzed wearable device data from 85,000 participants. The findings reveal that women need only 250 minutes of weekly exercise to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 30%, whereas men require 530 minutes to achieve the same level of protection. For individuals already diagnosed with coronary heart disease, women exercising 51 minutes weekly can lower their mortality risk by 30%, while men need 85 minutes for similar results. Coronary heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, with organizations like the World Health Organization recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity weekly activity for adults. The study challenges the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to exercise guidelines, advocating for gender-specific recommendations to optimize heart disease prevention and treatment.
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Shenzhou XX crew’s return trip delayed due to space debris risk
The scheduled return of the Shenzhou XX crew from the Tiangong space station has been postponed due to potential risks posed by space debris, as announced by the China Manned Space Agency. Originally planned for Wednesday, the decision to delay the return was made after assessments revealed that the Shenzhou XX spacecraft, responsible for transporting the three astronauts back to Earth, faced a heightened risk of collision with small debris particles. The agency emphasized that the safety of the crew and the success of the mission remain the top priorities, though a new return date has yet to be disclosed. The Shenzhou XX team, consisting of mission commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong and crew members Colonel Chen Zhongrui and Colonel Wang Jie, has been stationed at the Tiangong space station since April 25, marking over six months in orbit. This mission represents China’s 15th manned spaceflight and the ninth group of residents aboard the Tiangong, which stands as the only independently operated space station globally. Meanwhile, the Shenzhou XXI mission, which arrived at the station on Saturday, has assumed control of operations, ensuring a seamless transition. The delay underscores the growing challenges posed by space debris, a critical issue for space agencies worldwide.
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Migrant who returned to UK after removal sent back to France
The year 2025 has witnessed a significant surge in asylum seekers attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, marking an increase compared to the previous year. A recent case highlights the complexities of the UK-France migration agreement, as an Iranian migrant who was removed to France under the ‘one-in, one out’ scheme returned to the UK less than a month later, only to be removed again. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed to be a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smuggling gangs in France. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the government is committed to expediting removals and securing borders, stating, ‘Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed is wasting their time and money.’ The migrant recounted harrowing experiences of abuse and threats by smugglers, explaining his fear for his life in France. So far, 94 migrants have been removed from the UK under the treaty, while 57 have been admitted from France. The government faces mounting pressure to address illegal migration, particularly with 36,734 arrivals by small boat as of October 21, 2025—a figure 8,530 higher than in 2024 but 869 lower than the record high in 2022. Additionally, the government has pledged to end the use of costly asylum hotels, which have sparked anti-migrant protests. The previous Conservative government’s Rwanda asylum plan, which faced legal challenges, was halted by the current Labour administration after only four individuals were sent there.
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Wuxi partners with iFlytek to launch AI industrial park
Wuxi, a prominent industrial hub in Jiangsu Province, has taken a significant leap into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) by partnering with iFlytek to launch the Wuxi Artificial Intelligence Industrial Park. The inauguration ceremony, held on October 31 at the Wuxi Software Park, marked the official opening of the iFlytek Wuxi Industrial Acceleration Center and the AI industrial park, signaling a transformative step in AI-driven manufacturing support. Spanning an impressive 390,000 square meters, the park is strategically located within the Wuxi National Hi-Tech District and is the city’s first facility dedicated to advancing AI technologies. The park will focus on cutting-edge fields such as multimodal large language models, generative AI, and humanoid robotics. The Corona Borealis Building B, designated as the first phase of the ‘AI Industry Ecological Agglomeration Zone,’ will serve as a hub for top-tier manufacturing enterprises. It will offer comprehensive support, including demand matching and computing resources, to streamline the entire AI workflow—from solution development to collaboration. Additionally, the ‘Xishu Factory’ AI industry service platform has been established within the building, functioning as a one-stop solution provider to empower the manufacturing sector with advanced AI technologies. This initiative underscores Wuxi’s commitment to fostering innovation and solidifying its position as a leader in industrial transformation.
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Philippines: 66 dead in Typhoon Kalmaegi as survivors confront destruction
The Philippines is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed 66 lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The province of Cebu, the hardest-hit region, is now a landscape of shattered homes, debris-clogged streets, and displaced families. Survivors are grappling with the aftermath, sifting through the ruins in a desperate search for remnants of their former lives. Among them is Eilene Oken, 38, who returned to her neighborhood in Talisay city only to find her home obliterated. ‘We worked and saved for this for years, then in an instant, it was all gone,’ she lamented, though she expressed gratitude that her family remained unharmed. The typhoon’s devastation comes just weeks after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, compounding the region’s suffering. Kalmaegi, the 20th storm to hit the Philippines this year, intensified as it moved toward Vietnam, where preparations are underway for its expected landfall. Over 200,000 people were evacuated across the Visayas region, including parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao, as the storm submerged homes, caused widespread flooding, and triggered power outages. The disaster also claimed the lives of six military personnel whose helicopter crashed during a humanitarian mission in Agusan del Sur. As the Philippines confronts yet another natural disaster, the resilience of its people is being tested once more.
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LEPAS unveils the future of ‘Elegant Living’ during global brand debut
The 2025 Chery International User Summit in China marked the global debut of LEPAS, Chery Group’s premium mobility brand, introducing a transformative vision of ‘Elegant Living.’ The event showcased three groundbreaking innovations: LEPAS DAY, the world’s first Elegant Lifestyle House, and the brand’s new design philosophy, Spatial Aesthetics. These initiatives reflect LEPAS’s commitment to integrating technology and design into a richer, more human-centric lifestyle experience.
The Elegant Lifestyle House, a pioneering concept, was unveiled as a miniature community embodying LEPAS’s core values of beauty, emotion, and innovation. Designed to blend automotive and home aesthetics, it features three immersive zones: Leopard Shadow Window, Slow Living Corner Café, and Colour & Art District. These spaces harmonize fashion, art, home décor, and nature, seamlessly integrating LEPAS vehicles like the L8, L6, and L4 into daily life. The automobile is reimagined as a cultural and lifestyle element, symbolizing modern elegance.
LEPAS also introduced its Spatial Aesthetics design language, exemplified by the flagship L8 SUV. This model combines spacious interiors, elegant design, and advanced new energy technologies to redefine mobility. The L8’s dynamic exterior and meticulously crafted interior balance comfort and functionality, catering to diverse scenarios from solo drives to family trips.
LEPAS DAY, a global declaration of ‘Elegant Technology,’ highlighted the brand’s philosophy of ‘understanding and serving people.’ The event showcased the Elegant Technology System, a comprehensive framework encompassing next-generation platforms, new energy innovation, holistic safety, and intelligent cockpit design. LEPAS DAY celebrated technology as a bridge between composure, confidence, and grace, demonstrating how elegance can drive global progress.
For more details, visit www.cheryinternational.com.
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Kristen Stewart ‘so angry Hollywood has gone backwards’ for women
In a fervent address at a women’s luncheon hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, acclaimed actress and director Kristen Stewart expressed her profound frustration over the stagnation and regression of progress for female filmmakers in Hollywood. The event, held in Los Angeles, saw Stewart, known for her role in the Twilight series and her directorial work on the upcoming film *The Chronology of Water*, delivering a powerful critique of the industry’s treatment of women post-MeToo. ‘The backsliding from a brief moment of progress is statistically devastating,’ Stewart lamented. ‘Such a pitiful number of films from the past year have been made by women.’ Citing *The Celluloid Ceiling* report, she highlighted that only 11 of the top 100 grossing films in 2024 were directed by women, a decline from 16 in 2020. Stewart recounted the initial optimism following the MeToo movement, which had spurred a reckoning in Hollywood regarding gender representation both on and off-screen. However, she emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by women in the industry, particularly when their work delves into darker or taboo subjects. ‘The violence of silencing is pervasive,’ she stated. ‘It’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I can eat this podium with a fork and knife. I’m so angry.’ Her speech, which lasted seven minutes, was met with multiple rounds of applause from attendees, including prominent figures like Sarah Paulson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Tessa Thompson. Stewart concluded with a call to action, urging women to resist tokenism and assert their creative autonomy. ‘Let’s try and not be tokenized. Let’s start printing our own currency,’ she declared. Despite the presence of films by acclaimed female directors such as Chloé Zhao, Kathryn Bigelow, and Mona Fastvold in the upcoming Oscars race, the best director category is once again anticipated to be predominantly male.
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Saudi Arabia: Pilgrim arrested after video pushing security at Makkah Grand Mosque goes viral
A recent incident at the Makkah Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia has sparked widespread attention after a video of a pilgrim confronting a security officer went viral on social media. The footage shows the man raising his voice and resisting the officer’s attempts to maintain order, despite repeated warnings. The Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security swiftly responded, confirming the man’s arrest for violating the mosque’s regulations and procedures. Legal actions are now underway against the individual.
In the wake of the incident, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, President of the Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, emphasized the importance of adhering to security protocols. He stated that following these rules is not only a legal obligation but also a profound act of worship and devotion. Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman highlighted the sacred duty of safeguarding the sanctity of the holy sites and reiterated that while Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring the safety of pilgrims, it is equally the responsibility of every visitor to comply with the established guidelines. He described security as a ‘red line that cannot be crossed,’ underscoring the gravity of maintaining order in such revered spaces.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between religious devotion and adherence to regulations in holy sites, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing rules to protect the safety and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques.
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‘Beacon of hope’: Ugandans find inspiration in Mamdani’s win and ask if they can do the same
The recent victory of Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race has been hailed as a significant political milestone, offering inspiration to many in Uganda, though some view it as a distant achievement. Joel Ssenyonyi, an opposition leader in Uganda’s Parliament, acknowledged the symbolic importance of Mamdani’s win, stating, “It’s a big encouragement even to us here in Uganda that it’s possible. But we have a long way to get there.” Uganda, where Mamdani was born in 1991, has been under the rule of President Yoweri Museveni for nearly four decades, with opposition leaders struggling to challenge his authoritarian regime. Museveni, who is seeking reelection in January, has resisted calls for retirement, raising concerns about the country’s political stability. His main challenger, 43-year-old entertainer Bobi Wine, alleges electoral fraud in the 2021 election. Mamdani, who briefly lived in Uganda before moving to South Africa and later the United States, retains Ugandan citizenship despite becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent political theorist and critic of Museveni’s government, has significantly influenced his political outlook. In his recent book, “Slow Poison,” the elder Mamdani critiques the legacies of Museveni and former dictator Idi Amin, arguing that both leaders relied on violence to maintain power. Mamdani’s victory in New York has been seen as a beacon of hope for Ugandan activists, particularly the youth. Robert Kabushenga, a retired media executive and family friend, described Mamdani as an unconventional leader who “follows a tradition of very honest and clear thinkers.” Mamdani’s campaign, which focused on progressive policies like free city buses, child care, and rent freezes, has been both celebrated and criticized. Despite the challenges, his success serves as a reminder of the potential for young people to shape politics. As Ssenyonyi noted, “Mamdani is Ugandan-born, like us. It inspires us.”