The Joint Weed Science Society Congress convened in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, this week, bringing together over 600 experts and scholars from 42 countries and regions. The event, co-hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Nanjing Agricultural University, featured the 9th International Weed Science Congress, the 29th Asian Pacific Weed Science Conference, and the 17th China Weed Science Conference. The congress aimed to share research progress and explore future developments in global weed science. Weeds pose a significant threat to agricultural production and ecological security, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimating that weeds cause 10 to 15 percent of global crop yield losses annually. In China, the grain-planting area reached 119 million hectares in 2024, with weed occurrence covering nearly 100 million hectares, leading to annual economic losses exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion). Experts highlighted the challenges of weed proliferation, widespread herbicide resistance, and frequent chemical damage incidents, emphasizing the need for technological innovation to ensure global food and ecological security. The conference, themed ‘New Technology Leads the Way of Weed Science,’ showcased advances in weed biology, molecular mechanisms, intelligent identification, resistance management, and green control technologies. Delegates visited demonstration sites showcasing China’s latest research and applications in weed management and discussed the impact of climate change on weed disasters and integrated control strategies, proposing targeted recommendations.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Court summons sought for British citizen accused of serving in Israeli military
A British legal organization has initiated legal proceedings against a British-Israeli individual accused of serving in the Israeli military, marking the first such case since the UK officially recognized Palestine as a state in September. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) filed court documents on Monday, alleging violations of the Foreign Enlistment Act (FEA), which prohibits UK nationals from enlisting in foreign militaries at war with nations friendly to Britain. The accused, a dual national, reportedly served in Israeli military units along the Lebanese border and in the occupied West Bank. The ICJP’s submission highlights that Palestine, now recognized as a ‘friendly state,’ falls under the FEA’s broader definition of a state, despite differing interpretations under international law. The legal documents argue that the individual’s service was voluntary, as non-resident Israelis are not legally obligated to serve. The case could set a precedent for holding British citizens accountable for involvement in foreign conflicts. Offenses under the FEA carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment. ICJP’s legal head, Mutahir Ahmed, emphasized the importance of domestic jurisdictions in prosecuting suspected war criminals, regardless of where the alleged crimes occurred. The UK government has previously avoided commenting on British nationals serving in the Israeli military, and no arrests have been made on these grounds. This case follows Belgium’s arrest of two Israeli soldiers accused of war crimes in Gaza, based on complaints from human rights groups. The ICJP’s action underscores growing international efforts to address alleged war crimes and hold individuals accountable.
-
Experts call for gender equality in digital future at UNESCO forum
At the 13th Forum of UNESCO Chair in Media and Gender, held recently in Beijing, experts emphasized the urgent need for gender equality in the digital future. The event, co-organized by the UNESCO Chair and the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women, brought together over 100 participants from 27 countries. Key discussions focused on creating inclusive digital ecosystems, enhancing artificial intelligence literacy, and ensuring women benefit equally from technological advancements. Zhang Dongmei, Vice-President of the All-China Women’s Federation, highlighted the importance of building a fair digital ecosystem to accelerate women’s development. Hu Bangsheng, a member of the China Writers’ Association, noted the digital era’s potential to empower women in literature. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, stressed the need for AI ethics, media literacy, and cross-sector partnerships to support women in the digital age. The forum coincided with the 7th Global Women’s Development Seminar, organized by the Global Women’s Development Institute, which has been held annually since 2019.
-
Beijing set to ensure heating readiness amid early cold snap
In response to an unexpected early cold snap, the Beijing Commission of Urban Management has mandated that all heating service providers complete essential preparations by October 31. These include system pressurization, water filling, cold-run debugging, and household inspections to ensure centralized heating systems are operational by November 1. The commission has intensified its collaboration with the Beijing Meteorological Observatory since mid-October to monitor the unusually cold weather. The city will rely on meteorological data to determine the precise timing for activating heating systems, adhering to established protocols. Approximately 1.07 billion square meters of urban areas in Beijing will benefit from centralized heating, with 701 million square meters allocated for residential use and 369 million square meters for nonresidential purposes. This year, Beijing has addressed over 950 potential hazards, upgraded around 1,300 kilometers of outdated heating pipelines, and implemented smart retrofitting for heating systems in 30 million square meters of existing buildings. On October 22, the city recorded its first sub-zero temperature of the autumn. Zhao Wei, the chief forecaster, described the cold wave as ‘seeping,’ with successive waves of cold air preventing a quick temperature rebound. While temperatures are expected to rise gradually, minor fluctuations may occur due to weak cold air movements later in the month.
-
Gunmen kill Pakistan militia chief and five others
In a violent incident that has escalated tensions in Pakistan’s northwestern border region, gunmen attacked and killed a pro-government militia leader along with five others. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the victims, doused their vehicle with fuel, and set it ablaze, according to a senior administration official who spoke to AFP on Thursday under the condition of anonymity. The attack occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an area that has seen a surge in violence since the Taliban regained control of neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. The official stated that the attackers’ intent was to instill fear, as the bodies of the six victims were completely charred. While no group has claimed responsibility, the official suggested that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, may have orchestrated the attack. The TTP had allegedly demanded extortion money from the militia leader, who refused to comply, leading to his execution. Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan of harboring TTP militants and facilitating cross-border attacks, a claim that Kabul denies. The border between the two nations was recently closed following clashes earlier this month, which were triggered by an explosion in Kabul on October 9 that resulted in significant civilian and military casualties on both sides. Afghanistan’s Taliban government blamed Pakistan for the blast and launched a retaliatory offensive along the border. A ceasefire brokered over the weekend remained in effect as of Thursday, with officials from both countries scheduled to meet in Turkey on Saturday to discuss the ongoing tensions.
-
Morocco’s $15bn promise falls short of GenZ 212 demands for real change
In response to widespread protests led by Morocco’s Generation Z, the royal cabinet announced a significant allocation of nearly $15 billion to the health and education sectors by 2026, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year. The protests, which have shaken the North African nation, were sparked by the tragic deaths of eight women following C-sections in a public hospital in Agadir, as well as concerns over disproportionate investment in football infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup at the expense of public services. The government also pledged to create over 27,000 jobs in these sectors. However, skepticism remains among experts and the GenZ 212 movement, who question the adequacy of the funds and their implementation. In a statement, the movement urged vigilance, emphasizing the need for anti-corruption measures and transparency. Redouane Amimi, a professor at Mohammed V University, described the allocation as a ‘positive political signal’ but stressed that its impact would be limited without structural reforms. Corruption continues to plague Morocco, with Transparency International ranking it 99th out of 180 countries in its 2024 Corruption Perception Index. Critics argue that the sudden budget announcement appears reactive rather than part of a long-term strategy. Insaf Elouard, a GenZ 212 activist, likened the government’s response to its handling of the Arab Spring protests in 2011, suggesting that superficial reforms may not address systemic issues. The protests have been met with harsh repression, with hundreds of young demonstrators arrested and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Despite the challenges, the youth-led movement represents a historic generational revolt against the Moroccan regime, driven by demands for meaningful change. While King Mohammed VI has called for reforms and greater social impact, the path forward remains fraught with bureaucratic inefficiencies and regional disparities. Separately, the government has proposed measures to encourage youth participation in politics ahead of next year’s general election. The 2026 draft budget will be presented to parliament next week for detailed discussion.
-
Olive groves under siege: Palestinian families face Israeli violence during harvest
Afaf Abu Alia, a 53-year-old Palestinian woman, described a harrowing experience of being brutally attacked by Israeli settlers while harvesting olives near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. “I felt like I was dying,” she recounted, detailing how more than 20 settlers beat her with sticks, leaving her with severe injuries, including brain bleeding and extensive bruising. The attack occurred as she and her family worked in Turmus Ayya, a village where settlers from nearby settlements like Maale Levona and Shilo have increasingly targeted Palestinian farmers. Despite fleeing to a safer area, the family returned to find their vehicle destroyed and their harvested olives stolen. Later, an Israeli military patrol intercepted them, firing a gas canister that left Afaf, who suffers from respiratory issues, incapacitated. The settlers returned in greater numbers, forcing the family to flee again, but Afaf, unable to move, endured further violence. This attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating settler violence against Palestinian olive harvesters, often under the protection of Israeli soldiers. The Abu Alia family, who had already been forced to rent land after settlers repeatedly targeted their own olive groves in al-Mughayyir, described the destruction of their olive trees as a devastating loss of heritage. Their great-grandfather had planted these ancient Roman olive trees over 150 years ago, and the family views them as a symbol of their identity and connection to the land. Since the start of the olive harvest season, over 158 settler attacks have been documented, resulting in the destruction of thousands of olive trees and significant economic losses for Palestinian families. The olive harvest, a deeply communal and cultural tradition, has become a battleground in the ongoing conflict, with settlers and Israeli forces systematically targeting Palestinian farmers to sever their ties to the land. Despite these efforts, Palestinians continue to resist, driven by a profound spiritual and ancestral bond with their olive trees.
-
Pakistan bans hard-line Islamist party after recent deadly clashes with police
In a decisive move, Pakistan’s federal Cabinet has officially banned the radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following a series of violent protests that resulted in significant casualties. The decision, enacted under the country’s anti-terrorism law, comes after clashes between TLP supporters and law enforcement on the outskirts of Lahore left at least one police officer and four civilians dead, with over 100 officers and dozens of protesters injured. The unrest erupted as TLP members attempted to march to Islamabad to hold a pro-Palestinian rally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office condemned the group for its involvement in extremist activities, marking the second time in recent years that TLP has faced prohibition. The party was previously banned in 2020 after violent protests over caricatures of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad in France, though the ban was lifted in 2021 following negotiations with the government. Authorities are now searching for TLP leader Saad Rizvi, who has gone into hiding since the clashes began on October 13. The Punjab government has already shut down TLP offices, signaling a firm stance against the group’s disruptive actions. Known for its aggressive rallies, TLP gained prominence in Pakistan’s 2018 election by advocating for the strict enforcement of blasphemy laws.
-
China’s national anthem: A battle cry
The March of the Volunteers, China’s national anthem, is more than just a melody — it is a powerful rallying cry that unites millions. When its notes rise, they evoke a profound sense of patriotism and determination. The anthem, with its stirring lyrics, calls upon the people to rise together, face adversity, and march forward with unwavering courage. Each word and note carries the weight of history, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity that has defined China’s journey. Beyond its role as a national symbol, the anthem serves as a reminder of the collective strength and shared purpose that continue to inspire the nation. Its timeless message resonates deeply, igniting hearts and uniting minds in a common cause.
-
Hong Kong revving up the talent engine
Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative educational overhaul aimed at positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and technology. Spearheaded by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, the reforms focus on bridging the talent gap by increasing the intake of international students, enhancing academia-industry collaboration, and addressing critical infrastructure needs such as student housing. The initiative aligns with the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the cultivation of a diverse, market-ready talent pool to drive strategic sectors like artificial intelligence, new energy technology, and pharmaceuticals. Projections from the Labour and Welfare Bureau highlight the urgency of these reforms, with demand for inno-tech professionals expected to surge to over 100,000 by 2028. Key measures include raising the admission ceiling for nonlocal students to 50% of funded local student places and expanding research postgraduate programs. Additionally, the government is incentivizing the conversion of underused commercial buildings into student dormitories and designating universities of applied sciences to foster vocational learning. The reforms also promote cross-boundary collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating seamless employment and study opportunities. A HK$40 million grant will bolster international marketing efforts under the theme ‘Hong Kong: Your World-class Campus,’ showcasing the city’s academic excellence. Tech leaders emphasize the need for a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, including safety nets for failed ventures, improved investment platforms, and streamlined cross-boundary channels. These comprehensive measures aim to transform Hong Kong into a thriving innovation powerhouse, leveraging its unique position to commercialize cutting-edge technologies and attract global talent.