In a tragic maritime incident off the coast of Malaysia, an 18-year-old Rohingya migrant, Iman Shorif, was rescued after enduring days stranded on Langkawi Island. The boat he was on, carrying approximately 70 undocumented migrants from Myanmar, capsized near the Thai-Malaysian maritime border, claiming at least 26 lives. Iman, visibly weak and shaken, recounted witnessing the drowning of a child during the disaster. The journey had begun in Buthidaung, a township in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, and lasted five to six days before the vessel sank. Iman was spotted by Malaysian rescuers waving a polystyrene board and was found near a waterfall, which provided him with fresh water. The migrants were part of a larger group of around 300 people who had left Myanmar two weeks prior, split between at least two boats. The second vessel remains missing, and its fate is unknown. Malaysian authorities have recovered 20 bodies, while Thai officials reported finding six, including two with UNHCR identification cards. Fourteen survivors, mainly Rohingya and Bangladeshi citizens, have been rescued since search operations began on Sunday. The Rohingya, persecuted in Myanmar for decades, often risk their lives on perilous sea journeys facilitated by human trafficking syndicates. In 2024, 657 Rohingya died in the region’s waters, according to UNHCR. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the urgent humanitarian concerns raised by the latest shipwreck, emphasizing that such dangerous journeys are undertaken out of fear for their lives.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Feisty and fearless: Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja on standing up for herself and self-care
In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially launched commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of smart transportation. This initiative, spearheaded by the emirate’s advanced technology sector, underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art AI and sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban mobility by enhancing safety, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing carbon emissions. The deployment of these vehicles aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart city development. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Luanzinho’s heroic performance secured a hard-fought draw for the UAE in their World Cup playoff against Iraq. The match, characterized by intense competition and strategic gameplay, highlighted the resilience and determination of the UAE team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
-
Look: Rare photos and artefacts trace the 70-year journey of Dubai Police
Dubai Police has unveiled a captivating exhibition at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference, tracing its remarkable 70-year journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized institution. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 17, the showcase features rare artefacts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The exhibition, part of the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, marks ICOM’s first general conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The display opens with a striking juxtaposition of the original 1956 khaki uniform and the modern ceremonial attire, symbolizing decades of evolution in service and discipline. Among the highlights is a Sony-made video-call phone from 2000, a testament to the force’s early embrace of technology. Visitors can also explore the origins of the Dubai Police anthem, composed in 1963, and examine historical correspondence detailing the meticulous planning behind symbols of authority. Restored photographs and audio commentary chronicle milestones, from the introduction of aerial surveillance to the pioneering inclusion of female officers. The exhibit’s design, blending traditional wind-tower architecture with digital interfaces, mirrors the institution’s fusion of heritage and innovation. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, expressed pride in the showcase, which underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing progress.
-
Year’s largest wave of migratory birds reaches Wuhan wetland
The Fuhe Wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, has become a bustling haven for migratory birds as this year’s largest wave of avian visitors arrived in early November. This annual phenomenon marks the peak season for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a spectacular display of biodiversity. The wetland’s expansive waters are now teeming with a variety of species, including bean geese, gray geese, gadwalls, green-winged teals, and wigeons. Among the reeds, Eurasian spoonbills elegantly forage with their distinctive shovel-shaped beaks, while pied avocets stride purposefully along the banks. This natural spectacle not only highlights the ecological importance of the Fuhe Wetland but also underscores the region’s role as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. The arrival of these birds is a testament to the wetland’s health and its ability to support diverse wildlife, drawing attention from conservationists and nature lovers alike.
-
China’s moment: When Washington and Moscow both bow to Beijing
The recent Xi–Trump summit in South Korea has underscored China’s unprecedented rise on the global stage. Once a nation caught between the Cold War superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union, China has now emerged as a pivotal player, wielding significant influence over both Washington and Moscow. This shift marks a dramatic transformation from the past, where China relied heavily on Soviet support and later on Russian military imports. Today, with Russia’s economy faltering under Western sanctions and its military weakened by the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing. Bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a record $237 billion in 2024, with China serving as Russia’s largest trading partner and a critical supplier of dual-use goods essential for its defense industry. Meanwhile, China’s strategic leverage over the United States has also grown, particularly through its dominance in rare earth materials and global supply chains. During the recent trade turbulence, Beijing’s targeted countermeasures forced Washington back to the negotiating table, highlighting a shift from unilateral U.S. sanctions to a more balanced power dynamic. The Xi–Trump summit further revealed China’s ability to assert its interests on the global stage, with both Russia and the United States increasingly constrained by Beijing’s influence. As economic and security frictions intensify, China’s strategic use of its rare earth monopoly and its growing role in global politics signal a new era of power dynamics, where Beijing stands at the forefront of international affairs.
-
Bangladesh on high alert ahead of court fixing verdict date in case against Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh is on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prepares to announce the verdict date in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, during the July 2024 uprising. The announcement, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has sparked widespread tension across the country. Security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to key locations, including airports and major installations, to maintain order. Over the past two days, incidents of vehicle arson and crude bomb explosions have been reported in Dhaka and other regions, further escalating concerns. The Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday, urging citizens to participate. However, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has banned the party’s activities, forcing leaders to organize through social media from undisclosed locations. Police have launched nationwide operations to arrest Awami League leaders and activists, while security checkpoints have been established on major roads. The July 2024 student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, prompting her to flee to India on August 5, 2024. The interim government has since initiated legal proceedings against her in the ICT, which was originally established by her administration to prosecute crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Testimonies in the case have concluded, and the tribunal is set to announce the verdict date on Thursday.
-
Talent plan launched in Shanghai to boost global green transition
Shanghai has taken a significant step toward fostering global green transition with the launch of the ‘Industrial Green-Collar Talents Initiative.’ This groundbreaking program, unveiled during the G20 Entrepreneurship Roundtable 2025 held from November 4 to 5, aims to cultivate talent and promote synergistic development in the green supply chain industry. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Tsinghua University’s Entrepreneurship Research Center on G20 Economies and Horen Group, a leading smart logistics packaging solutions provider based in Shanghai.
-
Dubai launches new film and gaming committees to develop media sectors
Dubai has taken a significant step toward solidifying its status as a global leader in media production with the establishment of two new specialized committees: the Dubai Film Development Committee and the Dubai Gaming Committee. These initiatives, formed under resolutions issued by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), aim to drive innovation and growth in the film and gaming sectors. The committees are part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai’s media ecosystem, attract international talent, and create new opportunities for investors and content creators. The Dubai Film Development Committee, chaired by Issam Kazim, will focus on supporting local and international production studios, facilitating training programs for young filmmakers, and fostering emerging talent. Meanwhile, the Dubai Gaming Committee, led by Khalfan Belhoul, will prioritize partnerships, specialized training, and the expansion of startups to accelerate the digital economy and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in the gaming industry. Both committees will benefit from Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, agile regulatory frameworks, and strategic geographical location. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the DMC, emphasized that these initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and position the creative economy at the heart of Dubai’s economic ecosystem. The resolutions mandate full cooperation from government entities and relevant organizations to ensure the committees’ success in achieving their objectives.
-
Regions across China offer financial incentives to boost marriage rates
In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.
-
Pink-purple buckwheat fields bloom in Guizhou province
Every November, the rolling hills of Anshun in Guizhou province are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink and purple as buckwheat fields burst into full bloom. Unlike the more common white buckwheat flowers, these blooms exhibit a unique and striking pink-purple hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors and photographers alike. The vibrant colors blanket the gently sloping terrain, offering a stark contrast to the region’s usual greenery. This natural phenomenon not only highlights the beauty of Guizhou’s rural landscapes but also underscores the area’s agricultural diversity. The annual bloom has become a symbol of the region’s natural charm, drawing attention to its ecological and cultural significance.