The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed for a second consecutive day on Monday as authorities intensified their search for masked thieves responsible for a brazen daylight heist. The audacious robbery, which took place on Sunday, saw the thieves steal nine pieces of priceless jewelry, including the crown of Empress Eugenie, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The crown was dropped and damaged during the escape, highlighting the chaotic nature of the crime. According to officials, the thieves executed the robbery in just seven minutes, using a truck equipped with an extendable ladder to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery through a window. The stolen items, which include a diamond-and-emerald necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, are considered irreplaceable. The heist has reignited concerns over the security of France’s cultural institutions, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez calling for enhanced protection measures. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin admitted to significant lapses in security, describing the incident as a national embarrassment. This marks the first theft from the Louvre since 1998, when a painting by Camille Corot was stolen and never recovered. The museum, home to iconic works like the Mona Lisa, may remain closed until Wednesday, disrupting the plans of thousands of visitors. The robbery underscores a troubling trend of museum thefts in France, with several high-profile incidents reported in recent months.
标签： Asia
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Exclusive: Israel allows Haniyeh family members to leave Gaza after Turkish request
In a significant diplomatic move, Israel permitted the departure of at least 66 Palestinians and Turkish citizens from the Gaza Strip earlier this month, following a formal request from Turkey. Among the group were 16 members of the family of the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in July 2024. The arrangement, facilitated through bilateral negotiations, included 14 Turkish citizens and 40 close relatives of Turkish nationals, such as spouses, children, and parents. This decision aligns with the Gaza ceasefire agreement brokered in early October, where Turkey played a pivotal mediating role by engaging Hamas in negotiations. Notably, five of the Haniyeh family members were related to Turkish citizens, underscoring Turkey’s longstanding ties with Hamas leadership. Despite not hosting an official Hamas office, Turkey has been a frequent destination for the group’s leaders, who often travel between Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. Israel’s decision to allow Haniyeh’s family to leave is particularly striking, given its military’s April 2024 airstrike that killed three of his sons and four grandchildren in Gaza. Analysts suggest this move reflects Israel’s broader strategy to ease tensions with Turkey, responding positively to Ankara’s diplomatic overtures. Since the ceasefire, Israeli media has adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Turkey, with prominent figures like Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin being praised for his empathy and efforts to rebuild ties. Israeli journalist Ben Caspit highlighted Israel’s forward-looking approach, while Uriel Lynn, president of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, emphasized the importance of restoring relations with Turkey for regional stability and economic growth. Lynn noted the historical strength of trade, economic, and tourism ties between the two nations, advocating for a pragmatic foreign policy guided by prudence rather than political posturing.
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Record number of Israelis leaving and not returning since 2020, Knesset report says
Israel is facing an unprecedented wave of emigration, with record numbers of citizens leaving the country since 2020. A report by the Knesset’s Research and Information Center (RIC) reveals that between 2020 and 2024, approximately 145,900 more Israelis departed for the long term than returned. This alarming trend has sparked concern among policymakers, who fear the implications of a declining Jewish population in the state. The exodus has been particularly pronounced in recent years, with 59,400 Israelis leaving in 2022 and 82,800 in 2023—a surge partly attributed to the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. Cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, and Jerusalem have seen significant numbers of residents departing. The report was prepared for a session of the Knesset Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, where MP Gilad Kariv described the situation as a ‘tsunami.’ Kariv emphasized that the trend threatens the resilience of Israeli society and is a direct result of government actions that have fractured society and neglected civilian concerns. He called for urgent intervention from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the issue, warning that the current government’s priorities are exacerbating the problem and undermining Zionist values.
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Chinese researchers make breakthrough in scanning the universe
Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in spectroscopic imaging, developing a technique that combines exceptional resolution with a panoramic view, revolutionizing the way the universe is scanned. Named RAFAEL (Yuheng in Chinese), this innovative technology, created by a team from Tsinghua University, is compact enough to fit on a chip the size of a mobile phone SIM card. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, highlights the chip’s ability to capture full spectral data with sub-angstrom resolution for approximately 10,000 stars per second. Professor Fang Lu, the lead researcher, emphasized that this technology could reduce the time required to compile complete spectra for all stars in the Milky Way from thousands of years to under a decade. The chip’s miniaturized design also makes it suitable for mounting on satellites or deep-space probes, paving the way for unprecedented spectral maps of the universe. The core innovation lies in resolving the long-standing trade-off between resolution and field breadth in spectral imaging. By employing advanced computational imaging methods and reconfigurable integrated photonics based on lithium niobate, the team achieved snapshot spectroscopy with ten-megapixel-level spatial resolution and sub-angstrom spectral resolution across visible and near-infrared wavelengths. This breakthrough significantly surpasses existing international counterparts, improving spectral resolution by two orders of magnitude. The technology’s practical applications extend beyond astronomy to fields such as material identification, plant health, autonomous driving, and atomic spectroscopy. Efforts are underway to implement the technique on giant telescopes at observatories in China and Spain. Professor Fang described the study as a beginning, showcasing how intelligent photonics can continue to push the boundaries of what light can reveal.
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Cambodian PM opens kingdom’s biggest international airport
Cambodia has taken a monumental leap in its aviation and economic development with the inauguration of the Techo International Airport on October 20, 2025. Prime Minister Hun Manet, accompanied by First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, officially opened the kingdom’s largest and most advanced airport, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. The $2.3 billion world-class facility, spanning 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, is strategically located more than 20 kilometers from the capital, Phnom Penh. The Techo International Airport, classified as a 4F-level facility, is designed to enhance air travel and cargo transport, positioning Cambodia as a key hub in Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the airport reflects Cambodia’s long-term development vision and will serve as a catalyst for attracting tourists, investors, and fostering economic growth. Mao Havannall, Minister of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, highlighted the airport’s role as a critical bridge connecting Cambodia to the global stage, driving tourism, logistics, and economic expansion. The new airport replaces the aging Phnom Penh International Airport, which ceased operations on September 8, 2025. The former airport will be preserved as a reserve runway or transformed into a public park and aviation museum, offering benefits to Phnom Penh residents. The Techo International Airport is poised to redefine Cambodia’s aviation landscape and bolster its position in the global economy.
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Tommy Robinson schooled by social media over ‘propaganda’ tour in Jerusalem
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, has sparked controversy after sharing inaccurate information about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. In a social media video posted on Sunday, Robinson, visiting the site as a guest of the Israeli government, claimed that the church’s accessibility was due to Israeli control. However, he omitted crucial historical context: the church has been protected under Muslim caliphs for centuries, and its 20cm-long iron key has been entrusted to two Palestinian Muslim families—the Nuseibehs and Joudehs—since 1187, when Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi established this arrangement to ensure neutrality among Christian denominations. Social media users swiftly corrected Robinson, emphasizing the long-standing Muslim-Christian coexistence symbolized by this tradition. Critics accused Robinson of spreading propaganda that whitewashes Israeli violence against Palestinians, particularly Christians. They highlighted instances of Israeli attacks on Christian sites, including the destruction of the 5th-century Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza and the burning of the Church of Saint George in the West Bank. Robinson’s visit, facilitated by Israel’s diaspora minister Amichai Chikli, has been widely condemned, including by Jewish organizations like the Board of Deputies of British Jews, which labeled him a ‘thug.’ Robinson defended his trip as a ‘fact-finding mission’ amid what he called ‘propaganda against Israel.’
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Look: Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco make red carpet debut as married couple
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco made their highly anticipated red carpet debut as a married couple at the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, October 20, 2025. The event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, was a star-studded affair, drawing attention to the newlyweds who recently tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, on September 27, 2025. The couple’s appearance marked their first public outing since their wedding, captivating onlookers with their coordinated yet distinct fashion choices. Gomez, celebrated for her timeless elegance, donned a glamorous black gown adorned with sparkling embellishments, paired with a draped black suit jacket, bold red lipstick, and statement earrings. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, exuding vintage Hollywood charm. Blanco complemented her look with a stylish ensemble featuring a shiny blue shirt, black jacket, and matching pants, subtly mirroring his wife’s color palette. The couple paused for a brief photo session, radiating joy and affection. Their wedding, attended by close friends and family, reportedly included A-list guests such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Martin Short, and Steve Martin. Gomez later shared glimpses of the ceremony on social media, captioning a post simply with the date, ‘9.27.25.’ The Academy Museum Gala also honored notable figures from film and music, including Penelope Cruz, Walter Salles, Bruce Springsteen, and Bowen Yang. The annual fundraising event supports the museum’s exhibitions, screenings, and educational programs, making it a significant occasion in the entertainment industry.
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Abu Dhabi: 25-week-old foetus undergoes spine surgery in mother’s womb
In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a 25-week-old foetus weighing just 800 grams underwent a successful fetoscopic surgery to repair spina bifida while still in the mother’s womb. The procedure, performed at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, lasted 90 minutes and utilised a minimally invasive technique involving a tiny camera and miniature instruments inserted through three small incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spine and spinal cord fail to develop properly, can lead to severe neurological complications and long-term disabilities if left untreated. The surgery, part of Abu Dhabi’s Visiting Physicians Programme, aimed to correct the defect prenatally, significantly improving the baby’s chances of walking independently and leading a healthier life. The procedure’s precision and minimal invasiveness ensured a faster recovery for the mother and preserved the uterine environment, allowing the pregnancy to continue safely until the planned delivery date. This milestone underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global healthcare hub, driven by innovation and collaboration with international medical experts. Dr Adel Ali Al Junaibi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at SKMC, emphasised the long-term benefits of prenatal repair, stating that early intervention reduces the risk of paralysis and the need for multiple surgeries post-birth. Dr Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant in Fetal Medicine at Seha Corniche Hospital, highlighted the complexity of the procedure, which requires meticulous planning, advanced training, and a multidisciplinary approach. The Foetal Medicine Centre at Seha Corniche Hospital has performed over 500 therapeutic interventions, achieving outcomes that meet global standards and positioning the UAE as a leader in foetal care.
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Amazon Web Services confirms global recovery after outage impacts UAE users
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has confirmed the full recovery of its global services following a significant outage that impacted users worldwide, including those in the UAE. The disruption, which lasted nearly three hours, affected major platforms such as Roblox, Snapchat, Fortnite, and Amazon.com. AWS attributed the issue to a DNS resolution problem related to the DynamoDB API endpoint in the US-East-1 region, which caused increased error rates and latency for multiple services.
The outage, which began in the early afternoon, left hundreds of UAE users struggling with online disruptions. Snapchat users reported issues with loading and sending messages, while Fortnite and Perplexity experienced smaller-scale disruptions. AWS implemented initial mitigations within two hours, observing early signs of recovery, but warned that some requests might continue to fail until full resolution was achieved.
This incident highlights the growing reliance on cloud services and the potential vulnerabilities of such systems. AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, competes with Google and Microsoft in providing on-demand computing power, data storage, and other digital services to companies, governments, and individuals. The outage underscores the need for robust contingency plans to minimize the impact of such disruptions on global operations.
This is not the first time the UAE has faced internet-related challenges. In September, undersea fiber cuts in the Red Sea caused disruptions to landline internet, TV streaming, and mobile internet services, leaving users frustrated during a three-day weekend. As digital dependence grows, ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure remains a pressing concern.
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Aerial photos reveal Guizhou’s dramatic karst landscape
Recent aerial photographs have unveiled the breathtaking karst landscapes of Guizhou province, showcasing its dramatic gorges and serpentine rivers that sculpt the region’s natural beauty. The images, captured near Qianxi city along the upper reaches of the Wujiang River, highlight the crystal-clear waters meandering between towering cliffs. This area exemplifies quintessential karst topography, with jagged mountain peaks of diverse shapes rising abruptly from the canyon’s edges, creating a rugged and awe-inspiring vista. The photographs not only underscore the geological uniqueness of Guizhou but also serve as a testament to the province’s natural wonders, drawing attention to its potential as a destination for eco-tourism and geological studies. The striking visuals provide a rare perspective on one of China’s most distinctive landscapes, emphasizing the interplay of water and rock that has shaped this region over millennia.