Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the urgent need to relocate the country’s capital from Tehran, citing severe ecological challenges that make the city unsustainable. Speaking at a meeting in Qazvin, Pezeshkian emphasized that overcrowding and chronic water shortages in Tehran, home to 9.7 million people, have made the move unavoidable. The government has proposed the underdeveloped Makran region in southeastern Iran as a potential new capital. Pezeshkian acknowledged that budget constraints previously hindered such plans but stressed that relocation is no longer optional. He warned that continuing to expand Tehran is untenable due to its water crisis, exacerbated by a prolonged drought and inefficient water management. Environmental experts have long cautioned that Tehran’s ecological capacity has been exceeded, with poor resource management worsening the situation. Tehran’s water supply, primarily sourced from dams and underground reserves, has been severely impacted by low rainfall and increased evaporation. Pezeshkian has repeatedly raised concerns about the crisis, even discussing the issue with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The government now faces mounting pressure to address the city’s ecological and infrastructural challenges.
博客
-
Outcry at army chief’s warning France must prepare to ‘lose children’ in war
France’s newly appointed army chief, General Fabien Mandon, has ignited a heated political debate with his stark warning about the nation’s readiness for a potential conflict with Russia. Speaking at a congress of mayors on Tuesday, Mandon emphasized that France’s greatest vulnerability lies not in its military or economic capabilities but in its lack of collective will to endure the sacrifices necessary for national defense. ‘We possess the expertise, economic strength, and demographic resources to deter Moscow,’ he stated. ‘However, what we lack is the spirit to accept suffering in defense of our values. If our nation falters because it is unwilling to lose its children or endure economic hardships for military production, we are truly at risk.’ Mandon urged mayors to foster this spirit within their communities. His remarks, consistent with previous warnings about a looming confrontation with Russia, were met with sharp criticism from both the left and nationalist right. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party denounced the general’s comments as ‘warmongering,’ while Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel condemned the ‘intolerably belligerent’ rhetoric. In contrast, Raphael Glucksmann, a pro-Ukraine MEP, supported Mandon, accusing critics of being in ‘denial and capitulation.’ The far-right National Rally was divided, with Sébastien Chenu questioning Mandon’s legitimacy but Louis Aliot affirming the necessity of readiness for war. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon defended Mandon, stressing the importance of preparation while striving to avoid conflict. Mandon’s warnings align with broader European concerns, as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently suggested that Europe may have experienced its ‘last peacetime summer,’ with potential Russian aggression anticipated as early as 2028.
-
Superman copy found in mum’s attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m
In a remarkable turn of events, three brothers discovered a pristine copy of the first edition Superman comic from June 1939 while cleaning out their late mother’s attic in California last Christmas. The comic, found under a stack of faded newspapers in a cardboard box, has now become the most valuable comic book ever sold, fetching an astounding $9.12 million at auction. The sale was hosted by Texas-based Heritage Auctions, which described the find as the ‘pinnacle of comic collecting.’ The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are in their 50s and 60s and were unaware of their mother’s valuable collection until the discovery. Their mother had preserved the comics since purchasing them between the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. The cool northern California climate played a crucial role in maintaining the comic’s excellent condition, earning it a 9.0 rating from CGC, a leading third-party comics grading service. This rating surpasses the previous record of 8.5 for a Superman #1 comic. The sale price of over $9 million, including the buyer’s premium, easily eclipsed the previous record of $6 million set by Action Comics No. 1 last year. The youngest brother reflected on the discovery, stating that it was not just about a collectible but a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past resurfaces.
-
China stocks putting AI froth over fragile economic reality
As global markets ride the wave of irrational AI exuberance, China’s soaring stock valuations appear increasingly disconnected from economic fundamentals. The world’s second-largest economy is slowing, with deflationary pressures persisting. Despite this, Chinese equities are rallying to decade highs, creating a critical challenge for President Xi Jinping to bridge the gap between investor optimism and the $19 trillion economy’s financial realities. Xi’s administration must act decisively to implement the 15th Five-Year Plan, unveiled in October, which emphasizes technological self-reliance, efficient manufacturing, and a green transformation. Key priorities include boosting domestic consumption, leveling industry playing fields, and advancing the ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, which targets dominance in AI, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other future technologies. However, the plan’s execution remains a significant hurdle. Since 2013, Xi has championed market-driven reforms, yet the gap between rhetoric and action persists. As deflation deepens and US tariffs impact global demand, Beijing faces the temptation to prioritize short-term stimulus over long-term structural reforms. Premier Li Qiang’s ability to balance these competing demands in 2026 will be crucial. Meanwhile, global investors are increasingly drawn to Chinese tech stocks, driven by successes like BYD, DeepSeek, and Alibaba. Despite concerns over deflation and property sector woes, China’s stock market rally shows resilience, with analysts noting that valuations remain below their 2015-2021 peak. However, economists warn that prolonged deflation could erode profits, weaken consumer confidence, and entrench weak domestic demand. The success of Xi’s economic strategy hinges on effectively implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan, fostering domestic consumption, and addressing structural vulnerabilities. As the global AI frenzy continues, China’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine its economic trajectory in the years ahead.
-
Lawmakers’ thousands of proposals receive responses
In a significant development for China’s legislative framework, all 9,160 proposals submitted by national lawmakers earlier this year have been fully addressed, as announced at a recent work conference in Beijing. These suggestions were put forward by deputies during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s highest legislative body, held in March. Following a thorough review, the proposals were distributed to 211 organizations for implementation, with all actions completed on schedule and feedback provided to the respective deputies. The top areas of focus included ‘science, education, health, and sports,’ ‘development planning and comprehensive economy-related matters,’ and ‘social and public affairs,’ which collectively accounted for nearly half of all suggestions. This achievement underscores the efficiency and responsiveness of China’s legislative process in addressing critical national issues.
-
Vaccination, hygiene urged as China enters winter flu season
As China steps into the winter flu season, health authorities are calling for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to curb the spread of influenza. Peng Zhibin, a prominent researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the current surge in flu cases is primarily driven by the H3N2 subtype of influenza A. While infections from the H1N1 subtype and influenza B viruses are less prevalent, the overall situation remains concerning. Peng confirmed that no novel influenza strains or new respiratory pathogens have been detected so far. However, she emphasized that flu activity is rapidly escalating across most regions, with childcare facilities and schools being particularly affected. Data reveals that children aged five to 14 are experiencing significantly higher flu detection rates compared to other age groups. To mitigate the spread, Peng urged the public to get vaccinated promptly and adhere to personal protective measures such as wearing masks and ensuring proper ventilation. She also stressed the importance of health monitoring and maintaining hygienic environments in schools and other key facilities. Schools are advised to track student absences due to illness and encourage sick individuals to stay home.
-
Forum hailed for promoting Global South modernization
The Global South Modernization Forum, held in Beijing on November 21, 2025, brought together international experts to discuss strategies for advancing modernization tailored to the unique conditions of Global South nations. Themed ‘Working Together to Advance Modernization: A Shared Vision and the Path to Development,’ the forum emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and reforming the global governance system. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department, highlighted the pivotal role of Global South countries in reshaping the global economic landscape and fostering international stability. He underscored China’s modernization as a groundbreaking innovation in global development theory, reaffirming China’s commitment to the Global South. Participants from various countries shared experiences and insights, promoting mutual learning and collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable modernization.
-
Man jailed for 24 years for manslaughter of Irish woman in New York
A tragic incident that shook the Irish community in New York has reached a legal conclusion. Marcin Pieciak, a man responsible for the fatal stabbing of Sarah McNally, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. The horrific event occurred on March 30 last year at the Céilí House pub in Maspeth, Queens, where McNally, originally from County Longford, Ireland, was working as a bartender. Pieciak, who had previously been in a relationship with McNally, attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 19 times. The assault resulted in severe injuries to her neck, back, and chest, including a severed spine and damage to her carotid artery. Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, McNally succumbed to her injuries. Pieciak, who initially faced a murder charge, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter last month. During the court proceedings, he expressed remorse, stating that he thinks about McNally daily and hopes for forgiveness from her family in Ireland. The attack ended with Pieciak attempting to stab himself, but he was restrained by bar patrons until law enforcement arrived.
-
Dubai: 2 bridges to open in January 2026 as Trade Centre Roundabout work 40% complete
Dubai is poised for a significant transformation in its traffic infrastructure, with the first phase of the World Trade Centre Roundabout project set to open in January 2026. The iconic roundabout, a central hub connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial streets, will be converted into a surface-level intersection to enhance traffic flow. This ambitious project includes the construction of five bridges spanning 5,000 metres, with two bridges scheduled to open in January 2026, serving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Street. Currently, the project is 40% complete.
The initiative, reviewed by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to double the junction’s capacity, reduce average delays from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds, and cut travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to one. The project is part of a broader effort to improve Dubai’s road network, which includes the Al Mustaqbal Street improvement project, scheduled for completion in 2027. This project will widen the street from three to four lanes in each direction, increasing capacity from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time from 13 minutes to six minutes.
Together, these two projects involve the construction of seven bridges and three tunnels spanning 6,500 metres, at a cost of Dh1.3 billion. They are expected to benefit over one million residents and visitors, reducing travel time by 75%. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues to lead in infrastructure efficiency, constructing an average of 829 lane-kilometres of roads annually, more than double the global average. The RTA plans to deliver 72 new projects between 2025 and 2027, at an estimated cost of Dh35 billion, further enhancing the city’s transport network and contributing to increases in property values of 6% to 16%.
-
G20 Summit inspires reflection in the Global South
The upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, is poised to catalyze a profound reassessment among Global South nations regarding their historical ties with the Global North. James Shikwati, director of the Nairobi-based Inter Region Economic Network, highlights that this summit could accelerate the Global South’s pivot toward emerging alliances like BRICS, as they seek to capitalize on new opportunities. This shift underscores a growing desire for greater autonomy and strategic diversification in international relations. The summit’s location in Africa further amplifies its symbolic importance, offering a platform for developing nations to assert their voices on the global stage. As the Global South increasingly explores alternative partnerships, the traditional North-South paradigm faces unprecedented challenges, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape.