标签: Asia

亚洲

  • The deadly car explosion in New Delhi is being investigated under an anti-terrorism law

    The deadly car explosion in New Delhi is being investigated under an anti-terrorism law

    Indian authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act following a devastating car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort. The incident, which occurred late Monday, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left several others injured. Forensic teams are meticulously working to ascertain the cause of the blast, which is believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 car stopped at a traffic signal. The explosion caused significant damage to nearby vehicles, with images depicting shattered windows, twisted metal, and engulfing flames. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to Bhutan, has vowed that the perpetrators will face justice, emphasizing that investigators will uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that all possible angles are being explored, with security agencies leveraging CCTV footage from the area to expedite the inquiry. In response to the incident, major transportation hubs, including train stations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, have been placed on heightened security alert. The Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument and a symbol of national pride, is a prominent tourist destination and the site of annual Independence Day speeches by Indian leaders. The surrounding area, known for its bustling bazaars, is typically crowded, amplifying the impact of the explosion. Authorities are also working to identify the car’s owner and occupants, who are presumed to have perished in the blast.

  • Ahmed al-Sharaa becomes first Syrian leader to visit the White House

    Ahmed al-Sharaa becomes first Syrian leader to visit the White House

    In a historic turn of events, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda member, made his first-ever visit to the White House on Monday, symbolizing a dramatic shift in US-Syria relations. Sharaa, who led the Islamist rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to overthrow longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, is the first Syrian leader to visit Washington since Syria’s independence from France in 1946. His visit underscores Damascus’s transformation from a US-designated sponsor of terror to a potential partner in regional stability. During the meeting, President Donald Trump praised Sharaa as a “strong leader” and pledged US support to make Syria “successful.” Sharaa’s government has been working to solidify security ties with the US, reassert control over Kurdish-dominated regions, and address Israeli attacks in the south. While Sharaa has faced skepticism from Egypt and the UAE due to his past, he has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The US is reportedly considering integrating Syria into its coalition against the Islamic State (IS) and may establish an air base south of Damascus to monitor a potential de-escalation agreement between Syria and Israel. Despite these diplomatic strides, Syria’s economy remains stagnant, with corruption and lingering sanctions deterring foreign investment. Trump has lifted some sanctions and is lobbying Congress to repeal the 2019 Caesar Sanctions, but progress has been slow. Sharaa’s visit, though cautiously handled by the White House, marks a significant step in reshaping Syria’s role in the Middle East.

  • WWII nurses who dodged bullets and saved lives deserve Congressional honor, lawmakers say

    WWII nurses who dodged bullets and saved lives deserve Congressional honor, lawmakers say

    At 106 years old, Alice Darrow vividly remembers her time as a nurse during World War II, a period marked by bravery and sacrifice. As part of a pioneering group of nurses, she risked her life to treat soldiers’ burns and gunshot wounds, often under enemy fire. Some nurses were killed, while others endured years as prisoners of war. Most returned home to lives of quiet obscurity, their contributions largely unrecognized. Now, eight decades after the war, a coalition of retired military nurses and advocates is campaigning to award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, to all nurses who served in WWII. This effort aims to honor their courage and dedication, which saved countless lives.

  • What we know about the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed 8 people

    What we know about the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed 8 people

    A devastating car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, prompting a high-level investigation under India’s anti-terrorism laws. The incident occurred late Monday evening when a Hyundai i20 vehicle, stopped at a traffic signal, suddenly exploded, igniting nearby cars and rickshaws. The blast caused widespread destruction, with shattered windows, twisted metal, and flames engulfing the area. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with body parts scattered across the site and vehicles reduced to wreckage. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area as forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) began probing the cause of the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that all possibilities, including terrorism, are being explored, with CCTV footage playing a crucial role in the investigation. In response to the incident, security alerts were heightened across major train stations, airports, and government buildings nationwide. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi advised citizens to avoid crowded areas near the Red Fort, a significant tourist attraction and a symbolic location for India’s Independence Day celebrations. The explosion has raised concerns about public safety in one of the city’s busiest areas, known for its bustling bazaars and heavy foot traffic.

  • Prabowo Subianto to visit Australia for the first time as Indonesia’s president

    Prabowo Subianto to visit Australia for the first time as Indonesia’s president

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to embark on his inaugural official visit to Australia since assuming office in October 2023. The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, underscores the deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the trip on Tuesday, though specifics remain scarce. Prabowo last visited Australia in August 2023 as defense minister and president-elect, just months before his inauguration. Albanese and Prabowo previously met in Jakarta during the Australia–Indonesia annual leaders’ meeting in May 2024, marking Albanese’s first overseas trip following his reelection. Albanese expressed enthusiasm about hosting Prabowo, stating, ‘I am delighted to welcome President Prabowo to Australia and reciprocate the warm hospitality he extended during my visit to Jakarta earlier this year.’ He emphasized the enduring partnership between the two countries, describing it as a ‘deep trust and unbreakable bond’ that fosters a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Australia views Indonesia, its closest neighbor after Papua New Guinea, as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Notably, newly elected Australian prime ministers traditionally prioritize Jakarta as one of their initial international destinations, reflecting the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship.

  • Malaysia officials recover more bodies from capsized migrant boat

    Malaysia officials recover more bodies from capsized migrant boat

    The Malaysian Coast Guard has entered the third day of a challenging search and rescue operation following the tragic sinking of a migrant boat near Langkawi, a resort island close to the Thai border. The vessel, carrying undocumented migrants, capsized, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens still missing. So far, 13 individuals have been rescued, with 11 identified as Rohingya and two as Bangladeshi nationals. Authorities estimate that around 70 people were on board, part of a larger group of 300 Rohingya who fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state two weeks ago. Another boat with 230 passengers remains unaccounted for. The operation, involving both sea and aerial searches, is expected to continue for seven days. The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar, have faced systemic discrimination and violence, prompting many to undertake perilous journeys in overcrowded boats. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands have fled to Bangladesh, but poor conditions there have driven some to seek refuge in Malaysia, often paying exorbitant sums for the dangerous passage. Amnesty International has highlighted the deadly risks faced by Rohingya migrants, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

  • Six dead after second typhoon in a week hits the Philippines

    Six dead after second typhoon in a week hits the Philippines

    The Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which has claimed at least six lives and caused widespread destruction across Luzon Island. The storm, which made landfall on Sunday night with sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 km/h, triggered severe flooding and landslides, leading to significant casualties and damage. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated preemptively, and more than 4,100 homes were either destroyed or partially damaged. The typhoon, locally known as Uwan, has since weakened but continues to pose a threat as it heads toward Taiwan, where 30,000 people have already been evacuated. This disaster follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left tens of thousands reeling, and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu in September. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emphasized that this series of catastrophes is far from routine, underscoring the escalating climate and seismic risks faced by vulnerable nations. Urgent support is needed to bolster relief efforts and aid recovery.

  • China’s ‘Singles’ Day’ shopping festival a gauge of Beijing’s effort to get consumers to spend more

    China’s ‘Singles’ Day’ shopping festival a gauge of Beijing’s effort to get consumers to spend more

    The annual Singles’ Day shopping festival, China’s equivalent to Black Friday, has seen a noticeable shift in consumer behavior this year, reflecting broader economic challenges. Alice Zhang, a 29-year-old marketer from Guangzhou, exemplifies this trend, having halved her spending compared to last year. Facing a 20% pay cut, Zhang opted for more affordable choices and skipped purchasing new shoes altogether. Her cautious approach mirrors a nationwide pattern as Chinese consumers prioritize necessities over discretionary spending.

  • Dutch legend in Dubai: Gullit gives verdict on GOAT debate

    Dutch legend in Dubai: Gullit gives verdict on GOAT debate

    Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.

  • Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League

    Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League

    The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.