Nearly a year after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was intended to restore peace along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel, tens of thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return to their homes. Despite the truce, Israeli strikes continue to devastate the region, hindering reconstruction efforts and leaving communities in limbo. Among those affected is Zeinab Mehdi, a 50-year-old farmer from Naqoura, who fled her home during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Mehdi, like many others, had hoped the ceasefire would allow her to return safely, but ongoing strikes and destruction have dashed those hopes. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters reveals extensive damage to structures in Naqoura and Houla, with buildings flattened months after the truce took effect. Israel claims its strikes target Hezbollah’s military activities, while Lebanese officials and rights groups accuse Israel of deliberately preventing civilians from returning. The International Organization for Migration reports that over 64,000 people remain displaced, with some living in schools in Tyre. Community initiatives, such as Mounifa Aidibeh’s Mhanna kitchen, provide meals for the displaced, but the lack of security and ongoing strikes underscore the persistent state of war. Reconstruction efforts remain stalled, with the World Bank estimating Lebanon needs $11 billion to rebuild. However, international donors have yet to convene, and some countries link recovery funds to progress in disarming Hezbollah. For residents like Bidaya Sleiman, who lost her home in Houla, the priority is not compensation but security. ‘The war never ended,’ Aidibeh said. ‘It will end when Israel leaves Lebanon completely.’
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Ponting predicts India’s Kohli and Rohit will regain form after Perth defeat
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence that Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will regain their form following India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the first one-day international (ODI) in Perth. The defeat marked the duo’s return to action since their Champions Trophy victory in March, as they focus on the 2027 World Cup. Despite their underwhelming performance in Perth, where Rohit scored eight runs and Kohli was dismissed for a duck, Ponting believes their experience and skill will see them through. Speaking on the ICC Review podcast, Ponting emphasized, ‘You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and I expect them to bounce back quickly.’ The three-match series now moves to Adelaide, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions, though Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in, highlighting the legacy of Kohli and Rohit, who have dominated the sport for over a decade. Shastri remarked, ‘Their contribution is special, and their legacy will remain intact regardless of when they decide to retire.’
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UAE’s FTA launches AI tools to simplify tax filing, support taxpayers
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the United Arab Emirates has introduced cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems aimed at simplifying tax filing processes and enhancing support for taxpayers. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to modernize its tax administration and improve compliance. Among the standout innovations is FTAGPT, an internal conversational AI engine designed to provide FTA employees with instant, accurate responses to complex tax-related inquiries. This tool is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of customer service, ensuring taxpayers receive consistent and reliable information. Zahra Al Dahmani, Director of the Taxpayer Services Department at the FTA, emphasized the importance of FTAGPT in addressing employee queries related to the UAE’s three primary taxes: Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax. Additionally, the FTA has upgraded its existing AI-powered platform, TARA, which is accessible to taxpayers via the FTA’s official website. TARA now supports a broader range of queries, including Corporate Tax filing and the status of reconsideration cases. The FTA is also utilizing AI to proactively identify common taxpayer errors and send targeted educational messages to prevent potential penalties. This data-driven approach underscores the FTA’s commitment to transitioning from a reactive to a proactive support model, fostering a seamless and efficient tax environment. The UAE’s tax framework, which includes VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification and strategic goals. By leveraging AI, the FTA aims to align with international tax standards and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global business hub.
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Ellington Properties awards Dh1 billion+ construction contract
Ellington Properties has taken a significant step forward in its acclaimed Mercer House project by awarding a Dh1 billion+ construction contract to China Railway 18th Bureau Group. This landmark deal solidifies Mercer House’s position as one of Dubai’s most ambitious residential developments, blending architectural innovation, wellness, and lifestyle excellence. Located in Uptown Dubai, the project has already garnered international recognition, winning the prestigious International Property Award for Best Mixed-Use Development. The development comprises two towers—a 34-storey North Tower and a 41-storey South Tower—offering a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as luxurious 4-bedroom penthouses. Complementing the residential spaces, Uptown Plaza will introduce a vibrant retail and dining destination, featuring boutique shops, cafés, and lifestyle concepts designed to foster urban connectivity. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasized the growing demand for high-quality, integrated communities in prime locations like Uptown Dubai. He praised the project’s refined design, world-class amenities, and the partnership with China Railway 18th Bureau Group, a global leader in large-scale urban infrastructure. Zhou Lin, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering excellence in quality and timely execution. Joseph Thomas, Co-founder of Ellington Properties, underscored the significance of Mercer House as a milestone in Dubai’s dynamic real estate landscape, reflecting the aspirations of discerning homeowners and investors. The development will feature a range of lifestyle amenities, including an urban beach club, wellness-focused fitness zones, a multi-sports hall, and elegantly designed communal spaces. Mercer House aligns with Dubai’s vision for vibrant, integrated communities that combine innovation, lifestyle, and long-term value, further cementing the city’s status as a global leader in urban living.
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Britain ends terrorist designation of Syria’s Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham
In a significant policy shift, the UK government has removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of proscribed terrorist organizations. This decision follows the dramatic overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, marking a turning point in Syria’s protracted conflict. The Home Office confirmed the move late Monday, citing ‘significant developments in Syria’ as the rationale behind the decision. Originally banned in 2017 as an alias of al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS’s proscription had made it a criminal offense in the UK to support or associate with the group. The Home Office emphasized that the de-proscription does not signify political endorsement of HTS but reflects a reassessment of the group’s role and the evolving threat landscape. ‘The UK’s engagement with the new Syrian authorities will be guided by our national security priorities,’ the statement read. This decision aligns with a similar move by the US earlier this year, as Western nations seek to re-engage with Syria’s new leadership under HTS’s long-time leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Formed in 2017 through the merger of several factions in Idlib province, HTS initially aligned with al-Qaeda but later declared independence, focusing on Syria’s internal conflict. The group established a de facto administration in northwest Syria, known as the ‘Salvation Government,’ and played a pivotal role in the 2024 offensive that toppled Assad’s regime. The UK’s decision leaves 83 organizations still listed as terrorist groups under the Terrorism Act 2000, with the Home Office noting that proscription can be reinstated if new evidence of terrorism emerges.
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Baoting positions itself as model for COP30 climate action
As the global community gears up for COP30, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County in Hainan Province is stepping into the spotlight as a pioneering example of local climate action. From October 20 to 21, the county hosted the ‘From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan’s Actions in the COP Process’ conference, attracting over 100 delegates from international organizations, governments, research institutions, and corporations. The event focused on translating climate commitments into tangible practices, with Baoting showcasing its innovative initiatives under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework, a UN Development Programme on green and digital innovation, and a World Health Organization-led project highlighting the health benefits of climate action. The county also unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint. China’s former special envoy for climate, Xie Zhenhua, emphasized that Baoting’s collaboration with European partners not only accelerates its sustainable development but also provides a localized blueprint for global zero-carbon progress. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and special envoy to Europe for COP30, lauded Baoting as an inspiring model, noting that its multi-stakeholder approach aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals and offers valuable insights for other island economies.
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Ajmal Perfumes marks a milestone with the opening of its 70th store in the UAE
Ajmal Perfumes, a heritage fragrance house with 74 years of olfactory artistry, has achieved a significant milestone by opening its 70th store in the UAE. Located in Ajman, the new store underscores the brand’s evolution from a family-run perfumery to a globally recognized name with a presence in over 60 countries. The Ajman Avenue store showcases Ajmal’s extensive range of fresh and oriental perfumes, concentrated oils, and oud, reflecting the brand’s deep understanding of regional preferences and its commitment to craftsmanship. Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Group, emphasized the brand’s focus on purposeful growth, stating, ‘As we cross the 70-store milestone in the UAE, our goal remains to deepen our local presence while setting new benchmarks in the world of perfumery.’ The UAE’s role in shaping the global fragrance industry is evident, with homegrown brands like Ajmal leading the charge. Oud, once a regional treasure, has gained international acclaim, thanks in part to Ajmal’s pioneering efforts. This expansion solidifies Ajmal Perfumes’ position as a trusted and enduring name in the Middle East, shaping the future of modern perfumery.
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Xiong’an bonded store offers affordable global shopping
A groundbreaking bonded direct purchase store has recently opened in the comprehensive bonded zone of Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province, offering consumers an innovative shopping experience. This store features a wide array of bonded imported items, allowing customers to enjoy offline trials, place online orders, and receive direct deliveries from nearby bonded warehouses. According to a report by Hebei Daily, one shopper was pleasantly surprised to find a branded skincare product priced at just 588 yuan, significantly cheaper than online alternatives. The affordability is attributed to the 1210 model, which exempts tariffs and provides a 30 percent discount on value-added and consumption taxes, as explained by the Hebei Provincial Department of Commerce. The 1210 model, also known as the bonded warehouse model, enables e-commerce companies to ship international products in bulk to comprehensive bonded zones for storage. This approach allows shoppers to sample items like cosmetics and snacks from Japan, Europe, and South Korea before making online purchases, thereby reducing the risks associated with blind cross-border shopping. The introduction of this model underscores the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce in Xiong’an, which has achieved full operational modes and attracted major projects, significantly enhancing the consumer experience, according to local authorities.
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India proposes strict rules to label AI content citing growing risks
In a significant move to address the growing risks of artificial intelligence (AI) misuse, the Indian government has proposed stringent regulations requiring AI and social media companies to clearly label AI-generated content. Announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the draft rules aim to curb the spread of deepfakes and misinformation, particularly in a country with nearly 1 billion internet users and diverse ethnic and religious communities where fake news can incite deadly conflicts. The proposal follows similar initiatives by the European Union and China. The new regulations mandate that AI-generated content be labeled with markers covering at least 10% of the visual display or the initial 10% of an audio clip’s duration. Social media platforms must also obtain user declarations confirming whether uploaded content is AI-generated and implement technical measures to ensure transparency and accountability. The Indian IT Ministry emphasized that the rules will ‘ensure visible labelling, metadata traceability, and transparency for all public-facing AI-generated media.’ Public and industry feedback on the proposal is invited until November 6. The government expressed concerns about the increasing misuse of generative AI tools, which can spread misinformation, manipulate elections, or impersonate individuals. High-profile lawsuits related to deepfakes, including those involving Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, are currently being heard in Indian courts. The proposed regulations are among the first global attempts to set quantifiable visibility standards for AI-generated content. If implemented, AI platforms in India will need to develop automated labeling systems to identify and mark AI-generated content at the point of creation. India is rapidly becoming a major market for AI firms, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noting in February that India is its second-largest market by user base, which has tripled in the past year.
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Bangladesh court detains army officers for landmark trial
In a groundbreaking legal proceeding, a Bangladeshi court has remanded 15 high-ranking army officers, including five generals, into custody on charges related to enforced disappearances and atrocities committed during the 2024 uprising that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This marks the first time formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh, and the first instance of such a large number of senior military officials facing a civilian trial. The officers are accused of operating a secret detention center during Hasina’s tenure, with all defendants having served in military intelligence or the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force notorious for its alleged human rights abuses. The army has pledged cooperation with the judicial process, though tensions remain high following the issuance of arrest warrants earlier this month. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam emphasized the defendants’ respect for the legal process, while UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk hailed the trial as a significant step toward accountability for victims and their families. The officers were transported to court under heavy police guard. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina, now a fugitive in India, faces a separate trial in absentia for crimes against humanity, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Her Awami League party denies all charges, maintaining her innocence.