Iran has strongly criticized recent Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon, labeling them as a direct violation of a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel. The attacks, which targeted civilian facilities, have drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who described the strikes as a breach of the truce negotiated last year.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Japan’s ruling, opposition parties agree to pick new PM on Oct 21
Japan’s political landscape is poised for a significant shift as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan have agreed to elect a new prime minister on October 21, 2025. This decision comes as the current Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, prepares to step down. The parliamentary vote will coincide with the commencement of an extraordinary Diet session, which is scheduled to run for 58 days, concluding on December 17. Sanae Takaichi, who recently secured victory in the LDP presidential election on October 4, is the frontrunner for the position. However, her appointment as prime minister is contingent upon approval by the Diet, Japan’s parliament. The Diet’s two houses will cast their votes, with the lower house’s decision taking precedence in case of a discrepancy. A candidate must secure a majority in the first round to be named prime minister; otherwise, a runoff will be held between the top two candidates. If elected, Takaichi is expected to swiftly address pressing economic issues, including rising prices, and propose a supplementary budget bill for parliamentary review by early December.
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UAE: 2-year licence fee exemption for businesses amid infrastructure works in some RAK areas
In a significant move to bolster the private sector and mitigate the challenges posed by ongoing infrastructure developments, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has announced a two-year exemption from commercial licence fees for businesses in the Al Riffa and Al Jazeera Al Hamra areas. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a resilient and competitive economic environment while ensuring the continuity of local enterprises. The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development emphasized that this decision aligns with the leadership’s vision to empower businesses, enhance economic confidence, and stimulate growth across the Emirate. By alleviating financial burdens on businesses affected by construction works, the government aims to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a regional business hub and promote sustainable development. This strategic measure reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to support the private sector and create a conducive environment for economic prosperity.
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Watch: Dubai Police seize vehicle for reckless driving, nearly hitting delivery rider
In a recent incident highlighting the dangers of reckless driving, Dubai Police seized a vehicle after its driver endangered the life of a delivery rider. The incident, captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows the car abruptly changing multiple lanes, narrowly avoiding a collision with the motorbike. The delivery rider is seen attempting to maintain a safe distance from the erratic vehicle and other traffic. Dubai Police emphasized the severe consequences of such behavior, warning that reckless driving not only jeopardizes the driver’s safety but also endangers the lives of others on the road. Under UAE traffic laws, driving in a manner that threatens lives incurs a fine of Dh2,000, 23 black points on the driver’s license, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment. The police urged motorists to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving in ensuring public safety.
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Army colonel Michael Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar’s President
In a dramatic turn of events, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of Madagascar’s CAPSAT army unit, was sworn in as the nation’s president on Friday, October 17, 2025. This follows a military coup that ousted former President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country amid widespread youth-led protests. The military’s takeover has drawn sharp criticism from international bodies, including the African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Randrianirina, who previously commanded the elite CAPSAT unit, played a pivotal role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power. However, he broke ranks with Rajoelina last week, urging soldiers not to fire on anti-government protesters. During his swearing-in ceremony at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina pledged to ‘fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities’ of his new role, vowing to strengthen national unity and human rights.
The military has dissolved all government institutions except the National Assembly, establishing a transitional committee to rule alongside a provisional government for up to two years before organizing new elections. This political upheaval comes against a backdrop of severe economic challenges in Madagascar, where 75% of the population lives in poverty, and GDP per capita has plummeted by 45% since independence in 1960.
Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing the country, has condemned the coup and refused to step down. The situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the island nation.
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UAE: New ‘smart safety tracker’ to detect health risks at workplaces, offer solutions
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant leap forward in workplace safety with the launch of its innovative Smart Safety Tracker, a cutting-edge system powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Unveiled at Gitex Global 2025 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this advanced tool aims to modernize field inspections and enhance regulatory oversight across workplaces in the UAE. The system leverages Deep Learning algorithms trained on thousands of real-world scenarios, enabling it to detect unsafe practices and health risks instantly. By analyzing field images and data, the Smart Safety Tracker identifies violations such as the absence of protective equipment, unsafe work practices, or hazardous material accumulation with unparalleled accuracy and speed. The GenAI component generates natural-language reports detailing the type, location, and severity of violations, along with recommended corrective actions. This innovation streamlines the inspection process, allowing field inspectors to focus on analysis and decision-making rather than routine tasks. Shayma Yousef Alawadhi, acting undersecretary of Labour Market Development & Regulation at MoHRE, emphasized that the project aligns with the UAE Government’s vision of public service excellence and innovation. Additionally, MoHRE introduced ‘The Eye,’ an AI-powered system for verifying documents, further enhancing the UAE’s push toward smart government services. Together, these initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering safe, sustainable, and efficient workplaces.
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Former PM Murayama leaves behind notable legacy of confronting history head-on
Tomiichi Murayama, former Prime Minister of Japan, passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 101 in Oita City. His death marks the end of an era for a leader who profoundly shaped Japan’s post-war identity through his commitment to historical accountability and fostering cross-border friendships, particularly with Asian neighbors. Murayama, who led a coalition government in the mid-1990s, is best remembered for the landmark Murayama Statement issued on August 15, 1995. This declaration acknowledged Japan’s wartime aggression and colonial rule, expressing remorse for the immense suffering inflicted on Asian nations. The statement played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust between Japan and its neighbors, including China. On his 100th birthday in 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning praised Murayama as a steadfast advocate for Sino-Japanese friendship, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Murayama Statement as a solemn commitment to peace. Murayama’s leadership also navigated domestic crises, including the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. His visit to China in 1995, where he paid respects at the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall, underscored his dedication to reconciliation. Born in 1924, Murayama’s political career spanned decades, culminating in his premiership from 1994 to 1996. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Japan’s post-war diplomacy and its pursuit of a peaceful future.
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GFS Developments marks a new milestone with grand groundbreaking ceremony
GFS Developments, a leading global real estate developer, celebrated a significant milestone with a grand groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven communities. The event, held on October 17, 2025, was attended by renowned actress and GFS brand ambassador Tamannaah Bhatia, whose presence highlighted the company’s vision of luxury and cosmopolitan living. With over 25 years of industry expertise, GFS Developments has delivered more than 2 million units across 10+ countries, setting new standards in modern residential and mixed-use developments. Michael Collings, General Manager of GFS Developments, reiterated the company’s mission to create world-class communities that inspire confidence and pride. The company’s flexible payment structures and tailored financial solutions cater to both end-users and investors, ensuring convenience and long-term value. Bhatia praised GFS for its future-ready approach, blending innovation and trust to redefine urban living. As GFS continues to expand globally, it remains dedicated to delivering projects that embody sustainability, modern luxury, and excellence.
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Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway handles over 12m passengers in 2 years
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail system, has successfully completed two years of operation, transporting over 12 million passengers since its inauguration. Operated by the China State Railway Group, the 142.3-kilometer railway has achieved more than 5.65 million kilometers of safe travel, with daily ridership peaking at 26,770 passengers.
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Tanishq brings the magic of ‘India Wali Diwali’ to the heart of the UAE and GCC
Tanishq, India’s renowned jewellery brand under the Tata Group, is bringing the essence of ‘India Wali Diwali’ to the UAE and GCC regions this festive season. The brand has unveiled a vibrant campaign that encapsulates the traditions, emotions, and togetherness of Diwali, making it a celebration of love, laughter, and legacy. The campaign aims to recreate the sights, sounds, and soul of an Indian Diwali, ensuring that the festive spirit resonates with people, no matter where they are. From the glow of diyas to the shimmer of gold, Tanishq’s initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the cherished moments that make Diwali special. To enhance the festive experience, Tanishq has introduced exclusive offers, including savings on gold and diamond jewellery, zero deductions on gold exchange, and advance booking benefits to safeguard against rising gold prices. These limited-time promotions are designed to make festive shopping more rewarding, encouraging customers to invest in meaningful pieces that carry lasting value. Aditya Kejriwal, head of marketing for Titan Company Limited’s international business, emphasized that Diwali is more than a festival—it’s an emotion that connects people to their roots and to each other. The ‘India Wali Diwali’ campaign reflects this sentiment, celebrating the idea that the spirit of Diwali transcends geographical boundaries. The campaign is supported by a festive film that captures moments of joy, belonging, and shared celebration, reinforcing Tanishq’s belief that jewellery is not just adornment but a symbol of love and connection. The brand’s festive collection features designs that embody Diwali’s optimism and elegance, crafted with timeless artistry and intricate detailing. Each piece is designed to evoke the beauty of connection, whether as a gift for a loved one or a celebration of one’s personal journey.