The elusive Sapria himalayana, a rare holoparasitic flowering plant, has once again entered its blooming period in the Mengla Nature Reserve Rainforest, located in Yunnan province’s Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture. This marks the third consecutive year the plant has been observed flowering in the area, according to local forest rangers. The plant, classified as a second-class nationally protected species, sporadically emerges from the humus layer of primary rainforests and grows directly from the roots of its host plant, Tetrastigma. Sapria himalayana, the only species of the Rafflesiaceae family found in China, lacks stems, roots, or leaves and cannot perform photosynthesis. It relies entirely on nutrients from its host plant and blooms only during its reproductive period from September to December each year. The consistent appearance of this rare plant underscores the ecological integrity of the Mengla Nature Reserve. Found exclusively in Yunnan and Motuo county in the Xizang autonomous region, Sapria himalayana remains exceptionally rare in China. Due to the absence of established conservation or cultivation technologies for parasitic plants, in situ conservation is the primary method for preserving its population.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Embassy of Sri Lanka works with travel agencies to promote Sri Lanka tourism in the UAE
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi has taken a significant step to promote Sri Lanka as a top travel destination for UAE residents. On November 17, 2025, the embassy hosted a tourism promotion event titled ‘Discover the Magic of Sri Lanka’ at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together key stakeholders, including travel agencies, airlines, media representatives, government officials, and diplomats, to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism potential. With 4,827 UAE tourists visiting Sri Lanka by October 2025, the embassy emphasized the need to strengthen promotional efforts in the UAE. Aitken Spence Travels, a major supporter of the initiative, highlighted its longstanding partnerships with UAE-based travel agents and contributed to the event with raffle prizes. The event featured opening remarks by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Arusha Cooray, and a keynote address by Nalin Jayasundara, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels. Attendees gained insights into Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and unique tourism offerings. Ambassador Cooray underscored the growing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE in tourism and expressed gratitude to all participants. The event concluded with a reception and an interactive Q&A session, fostering discussions on enhanced airline connectivity and new tourism experiences. This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier destination for Emirati travelers.
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Messi magic as Miami thrash Cincinnati, face NYCFC next
Lionel Messi delivered a sensational performance as Inter Miami secured a dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, advancing to the Eastern Conference championship. The Argentine maestro scored once and provided assists for all three of Miami’s other goals, showcasing his unparalleled influence on the pitch. Tadeo Allende netted a brace, while Mateo Silvetti added another, ensuring Miami’s emphatic triumph. The match, held at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, drew a sold-out crowd of over 26,000, but the home side failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, heading home Silvetti’s precise cross. Miami’s relentless attack continued, with Messi orchestrating plays that led to Silvetti’s curling strike in the 57th minute and Allende’s two goals in the 62nd and 74th minutes. Miami coach Javier Mascherano hailed the team’s near-perfect performance, particularly praising Messi’s off-the-ball contributions. Inter Miami will now face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final, with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup championship on December 6. Meanwhile, Vancouver awaits the victor of the Western Conference final between San Diego and Minnesota United.
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From one tower to a skyline: My journey through the UAE’s construction story
When Dr. Neelivethil Rajeev first arrived in Dubai three decades ago, the city’s skyline was dominated by a single structure — the World Trade Centre. Standing alone in the desert, it symbolized ambition and possibility. Today, that solitary tower has been joined by hundreds of others, creating one of the world’s most iconic skylines. This transformation is a testament to the UAE’s visionary approach to construction and urban development. In the early years, construction was more than just steel and concrete; it was about daring to dream beyond borders. The 1990s focused on infrastructure and civic projects, while the 2000s introduced architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina. The 2010s brought master-planned communities and sustainability initiatives, and the 2020s are ushering in an era of smart mobility, clean energy, and digital innovation. Dr. Rajeev has played a pivotal role in this journey through ESPA’s contributions to water systems across various developments. Dubai’s present achievements are staggering: in 2024, real estate transactions reached Dh761 billion ($207 billion), and tourism welcomed 18.72 million visitors, a 9% increase from 2023. The UAE is now among the top seven countries for international tourist spending, contributing Dh257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) to GDP. Looking ahead, the UAE is accelerating into a future defined by innovation and sustainability. Projects like the Burj Azizi skyscraper, Dubai Loop, Expo City Dubai, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park are redefining urban landscapes. ESPA continues to support this growth with advanced hydropneumatic and booster systems, ensuring future-ready infrastructure. From a lone tower to a skyline of hyper-towers, Dubai’s journey is a story of resilience, ambition, and boundless innovation.
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Netanyahu diary reveals close contact with Tony Blair and US senators
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2024 diary, recently disclosed by the non-profit organization Hatzlaha, has shed light on his extensive interactions with prominent international figures, including US Republican Senator Lindsay Graham and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The diary, partially redacted for national security reasons, reveals seven in-person meetings and nine phone calls with Senator Graham, alongside seven meetings with Blair. Notably, on October 29, 2024, Netanyahu engaged in an unreported conversation with UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed. These interactions occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Israel and the Biden administration over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been widely condemned as genocide. According to Haaretz, Graham actively sought to secure additional weaponry for Israel and undermine an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu. In May 2024, following a phone call with Netanyahu, Graham criticized the US government’s decision to delay arms sales to Israel, labeling it “obscene” and urging unconditional support. He also advocated for sanctions against the ICC, accusing it of bias against Israel. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2803, approved in late 2024, granted former US President Donald Trump supreme control over Gaza, with Blair playing a key role in its implementation. International law expert Ralph Wilde criticized the resolution as a colonial-style trusteeship that violates Palestinian self-determination rights.
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Syrian Kurdish commander wants to visit Turkey and meet Ocalan
Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has expressed his desire to visit Turkey and meet Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In an interview with a Turkish news agency, Abdi emphasized the SDF’s support for ongoing peace talks between Turkey and the PKK, which announced its dissolution earlier this year to facilitate peace efforts. Turkey, however, views the US-backed SDF as a Syrian branch of the PKK and has designated Abdi and other SDF leaders as terrorists. Despite this, Turkey has been engaging in talks with Ocalan since last year, aiming to resolve the decades-long conflict through political amnesty and reforms to strengthen Kurdish cultural rights. Abdi stated that a meeting with Ocalan would positively contribute to resolving issues in northeastern Syria and advancing the peace process. He also acknowledged the direct impact of Turkey’s peace efforts on northeastern Syria, where Kurdish authorities have maintained control for the past decade. Abdi highlighted the current ceasefire with the Turkish army, attributing it to the ongoing peace process. He revealed that he received a message from Ocalan last year and stressed that certain issues, such as the presence of PKK fighters within the SDF, require Ocalan’s personal involvement. Abdi also discussed his meetings with the Syrian government and US officials, noting tentative agreements on military matters but emphasizing that Kurdish rights and governance structures must be clearly defined in Syria’s new constitution for a comprehensive agreement to be achieved. He reiterated the SDF’s preference for a federal system in Syria, focusing on realistic and acceptable solutions for both Damascus and the international community.
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Oman issues advisory after Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts in 10,000 years
The Oman Environment Authority has issued a public advisory following the unprecedented eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had remained dormant for 10,000 years. The eruption, which began on November 23, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM UTC, sent towering ash plumes soaring up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere. These ash clouds drifted across the Red Sea, impacting regions in Yemen and Oman. Despite the significant scale of the eruption, Oman’s monitoring stations have not yet detected any rise in pollutant levels or deterioration in air quality. The authority has assured the public that continuous monitoring is underway through 68 stations across the country, including key locations in Dhofar and Al Wusta. Real-time air quality updates are accessible via the ‘Naqi’ platform. Aviation authorities have also been alerted due to the extensive ash cloud, which reached altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet. Scientists have described the event as one of the most remarkable volcanic awakenings in the region’s recorded history. The Oman Environment Authority has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments.
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Dubai Airshow crash ‘isolated occurrence’; Tejas maker HAL issues statement
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas light combat aircraft, has described the recent crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow as an ‘isolated occurrence’ caused by exceptional circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. HAL emphasized that the crash would not affect its business operations, financial performance, or future deliveries. In a statement filed with the stock exchange, the state-owned company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and committed to keeping stakeholders informed of any significant developments. Despite the assurances, HAL’s stock experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% in early trading on Monday, reflecting investor concerns. The Tejas, an indigenously developed multi-role combat aircraft, is designed for air defence, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Indian Air Force has expressed deep regret over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Wing Commander Syal’s last rites were performed in his native village of Patialkar, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday.
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Students practice restoring Yuan Dynasty mural details at Shanxi University
At Shanxi University in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, over 20 international students from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Yemen engaged in a hands-on mural restoration workshop on Friday. The session focused on the Yongle Palace murals, a masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) art. Participants worked on restoring a detailed close-up of the White Tiger Deity’s hand from the renowned Chaoyuan Tu (The Assembly of the Gods). Instructor Lan Fang explained that the workshop emphasized coloring, outlining, antiquing, and mounting techniques, aiming to make mural art more accessible to a wider audience. Students used specialized brushes to trace contours, mix traditional pigments, and replicate the texture and hues of historical artifacts. Ahmed Muhannad Abduljalil Abdullah, a 21-year-old Yemeni student, shared his fascination with the unique art form, noting the challenge of achieving the perfect shade with just three colors. Meechai Chanitsara from Thailand, who had previously visited the Yongle Palace, expressed deep admiration for the artisans’ craftsmanship, emphasizing the patience and precision required. Liu Xiaohui, a teacher at the university’s School of International Education and Exchange, highlighted that the workshop is part of the Understanding Contemporary China course launched in September 2023. The course employs immersive teaching methods, seminars, and field visits to help international students gain insights into China’s energy transition, sci-tech innovation, and cultural heritage protection.
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Dubai’s Harmonious Model: Tourism That Builds for Tomorrow
Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism and urban excellence is a testament to its forward-thinking strategies and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and continued under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s development has always been rooted in long-term planning, ambition, and a people-centric approach. Today, the city stands as a model of harmonious growth, where tourism is not merely an economic driver but a cornerstone of collective prosperity and sustainability.