In a pivotal meeting held in Jerusalem on Monday, US envoy Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliberated on the progression of the US-mediated ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The discussions centered on the implementation of the second phase of the plan, which aims to disarm Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and ensure that Hamas is permanently excluded from any future governance in the region. Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized that the second phase also involves the formation of an international stabilization force, with specific details still under negotiation. The first phase of the ceasefire, currently in effect, was also reviewed during the talks. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region, with both parties committed to advancing the plan’s objectives.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Pakistan’s army chief to get expanded powers under proposed reform
Pakistan’s Senate has passed a bill proposing significant constitutional reforms that would expand the powers of the army chief and limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The bill, approved in an unusually swift three-hour session on Monday, now awaits approval from the lower house to become law. Opposition leaders have criticized the move, claiming it undermines democracy. Under the proposed changes, Army Chief Asim Munir, whom former US President Donald Trump once referred to as his ‘favourite Field Marshal,’ would assume the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces, granting him command over all military branches, including the air force and navy. Additionally, Munir would retain his rank and enjoy lifelong legal immunity after his term ends. The reforms also propose the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional cases, replacing the Supreme Court in this role. Critics argue that this shift would allow the government to appoint judges for politically sensitive cases, potentially reducing judicial independence. Furthermore, President Asif Zardari would gain lifelong immunity from prosecution. The government defends the reforms as necessary for governance, inter-provincial coordination, and strengthening defense capabilities following recent clashes with India. However, the opposition, led by the party of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, has condemned the lack of consultation and staged a walkout during the Senate debate. The government remains confident in securing the required two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament to enact the changes.
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Prestige One Developments signs Hilton Branded Residences in the UAE
In a landmark collaboration, Prestige One Developments has joined forces with global hospitality giant Hilton to introduce the first waterfront standalone branded residences under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in the Middle East and Africa. The agreement, signed in Dubai, was attended by key executives from both entities, including Sulaiman Saifi, Vice Chairman, and Ajmal Saifi, CEO of Prestige One Developments, alongside Hilton’s Daniel Wakeling, Vice President of Development Luxury & Residential, EMEA, and Feras Hasbini, Managing Director of Development Branded Residences, EMEA.
Situated in one of Dubai’s most exclusive waterfront locations, the project promises to redefine luxury living by integrating Hilton’s century-old hospitality legacy into private residences. The development, soaring over 40 floors, will offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai’s iconic skyline, and the Palm Jumeirah. It will feature a range of residences, from one- to three-bedroom units, including exclusive penthouses, complemented by world-class amenities and bespoke experiences tailored to residents’ needs.
Ajmal Saifi, CEO of Prestige One Developments, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘Hilton’s legacy of hospitality now becomes part of Dubai’s residential landscape, marking a new chapter in refined living.’ Daniel Wakeling of Hilton highlighted Dubai’s thriving real estate market, driven by investor confidence and demand for premium living experiences backed by trusted brands.
The project is strategically located within a mixed-use development, offering vibrant marina zones, seamless connectivity to Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road, and direct shoreline access. This collaboration underscores Prestige One’s reputation for delivering meticulously crafted projects in prime locations, further solidifying its position as a leading developer in Dubai.
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India all-rounder Ghosh eyes T20 glory after World Cup heroics
Indian all-rounder Richa Ghosh is setting her sights on Twenty20 World Cup glory following her pivotal role in India’s historic one-day international victory. Despite battling a hairline fracture, the 22-year-old from Siliguri, West Bengal, remains confident that her participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be instrumental in preparing for the shortest format of the game ahead of the T20 World Cup in England next year. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the WPL, Ghosh is determined to leverage the league to sharpen her skills and contribute to her team’s success. ‘The T20 World Cup is going to be very important for me. We have ticked the one-day World Cup off our list, but we have to tick the T20 World Cup as well,’ Ghosh stated in a recent interview. She emphasized her focus on helping RCB win, regardless of the tournament or format. Ghosh, who has been retained by RCB alongside seasoned players like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, is optimistic about repeating their 2024 title success. ‘I can’t disclose all the things as of now, but our main focus is to bring the second trophy home,’ she added. Ghosh’s remarkable performance during India’s ODI World Cup win, where she equalled Deandra Dottin’s record for most sixes (12) in a women’s World Cup edition, has solidified her reputation as a power-hitter. Her contributions were crucial in the knockout stages, including a 26 off 16 balls in the semifinal against Australia and a 24-ball 34 in the final against South Africa. Reflecting on her journey, Ghosh acknowledged the challenges of managing injuries but credited her mindset and the support of physios for her resilience. ‘Each and every player faces ups and downs, but how you tackle those lows is the real test of a player,’ she said. With a trophy cabinet that includes the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, the 2022 Asian Games gold, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver, Ghosh also expressed her aspirations for success in Test cricket. ‘There is a different feeling while playing Test cricket because as a batter you get many balls to bat. So, I want to score more and do much better in the red-ball format,’ she concluded.
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Dubai: These designers see gold in fabric waste, scrap metal, turn it into sustainable creations
Dubai Design Week 2025, now in its 11th edition, has once again positioned itself as a global hub for innovation and sustainability in design. Held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the event showcases the UAE’s growing influence in the creative industry while emphasizing the fusion of tradition and modernity. This year’s theme, ‘Community,’ underscores the importance of collaboration and empathy in shaping a sustainable future. Among the highlights is Tashkeel’s Tanween Collection 2025, featuring nine UAE-based designers who have spent nearly a year crafting functional, eco-conscious designs. From repurposed fabric waste to discarded metal, these creations blend environmental responsibility with Emirati heritage. Notable designers include Hessa Al Ghandi, Jassim Alnaqbi, and Sarah Al Dulaimi, whose works reflect a deep connection to local culture and sustainability. Al Dulaimi’s ‘Oculus’ collection, made from discarded chiffon offcuts, explores themes of identity and privacy, while Alnaqbi’s ‘Haila’ collection transforms scrap metal into sculptural pieces inspired by Emirati jewellery. Al Ghandi’s ‘Lamah’ collection, inspired by natural landscapes, embodies the spirit of gathering and memory. These projects not only highlight the UAE’s creative ambition but also aim to inspire global conversations about sustainable design and cultural preservation.
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Palestine Action prisoner absconds while sixth detainee joins hunger strike
A UK remand prisoner, Sean Middleborough, 32, has failed to return to HMP Wandsworth after being temporarily released to attend his brother’s wedding. Middleborough is part of the ‘Filton 24,’ a group of Palestine Action activists arrested in August 2024 for targeting an Elbit Systems weapons facility. Although terrorism charges were dropped, the Crown Prosecution Service maintains that their actions have a ‘terrorism connection,’ potentially leading to harsher sentences. Many in the group have been held on remand for over a year, exceeding the legal six-month pre-trial custody limit. Middleborough’s arrest in November 2024 involved a dawn raid by counterterrorism police, during which he alleges excessive force was used, resulting in physical injuries. He now faces 18 months in prison and has described harsh conditions, including 23-hour lockdowns and overcrowded cells. Middleborough has vowed to join a rolling hunger strike initiated by other remand prisoners protesting ‘systematic abuse’ by prison authorities. Kamran Ahmed, 27, recently became the sixth prisoner to join the hunger strike, demanding immediate bail and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. Ahmed, also part of the Filton 24, was arrested in a similar raid and is set for trial in June 2026. Meanwhile, an independent commission is advising UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to redefine the government’s terrorism laws, citing overly broad definitions. The commission’s report, due for release, calls for stricter criteria and enhanced judicial oversight, likely influenced by criticism of the government’s handling of Palestine Action.
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Exhibition highlighting the ‘Two Airlines Incident’ opens in Tianjin
A new exhibition hall dedicated to the ‘Two Airlines Incident’ officially opened its doors in Tianjin on Sunday, offering a profound exploration of a pivotal moment in China’s civil aviation history. The event drew approximately 180 distinguished guests, including representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the Tianjin municipal government, Hong Kong patriotic education groups, and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, among others. The ceremony featured a historical short film recounting the 1949 ‘Two Airlines Uprising,’ during which staff from the China National Aviation Corporation and Central Air Transport Corporation flew 12 aircraft from Hong Kong to Tianjin and Beijing, marking a significant act of patriotism. Descendants of participants donated rare artifacts, while two surviving veterans, Wang Huide and Ding Yukang, shared their firsthand experiences. The exhibition hall, constructed and funded by China National Aviation Holding Corporation Ltd., is located at the former Zhangguizhuang Airport site. It showcases the uprising’s history through detailed accounts, scale models of domestically produced aircraft like the C909 and C919, and a C919 simulator. The venue also serves as a memorial to the establishment of civil aviation in the early years of the People’s Republic, highlighting the sector’s evolution and achievements. Designed as a platform for patriotic education and civil aviation knowledge dissemination, the hall is open to the public, offering free access for schools, universities, and community groups. The renovation of the old terminal building, which dates back to the early 1950s, integrates local historical education resources with the uprising’s narrative. Chen Shaozeng, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong two airlines association and son of a pilot who participated in the uprising, emphasized the event’s enduring legacy, stating, ‘The patriotic deeds of our parents will always inspire people in civil aviation.’ The exhibition hall is poised to become a key destination for public education, industry research, and historical study, honoring the achievements of China’s early civil aviation pioneers and inspiring future generations.
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Average life expectancy in Beijing rises to 83.93 years
Beijing has reached a new milestone in public health, with the average life expectancy of its residents climbing to 83.93 years in 2024, up from 82.51 years in 2023, according to the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. This remarkable improvement underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. Key maternal and infant health indicators have also achieved international standards, with maternal mortality at 0.69 per 100,000 and infant mortality at 1.35 per 1,000. Wang Jianhui, deputy director of the commission, attributed these advancements to the expansion of high-quality medical resources and the strengthening of primary healthcare services. In recent years, Beijing has strategically allocated medical resources to underserved areas, increasing hospital beds per 1,000 residents in new urban districts by 14.6% since 2021. The city has also established 62 comprehensive medical alliances and 122 specialized consortia to promote tiered diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric services are now universally available in all secondary and higher-level hospitals, while community health centers provide comprehensive children’s medical care. Additionally, 162 medical institutions offer psychological clinics, and 94 provide treatments for sleep disorders. Beijing’s focus on critical care is evident with 12 national medical centers and 23 national clinical research centers, representing nearly half of the country’s total. Over 900 community health centers have been upgraded, and 763 specialized clinics have been established, with traditional Chinese medicine services now accessible in all community centers. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Beijing aims to further enhance community healthcare capacity, ensuring residents have access to high-quality, convenient medical services close to home.
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Energy drink overdose sends delivery worker to hospital
A 36-year-old food delivery worker in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, was hospitalized after consuming six bottles of energy drinks in a single day, leading to severe health complications. The man, surnamed Hu, was found unconscious by his family after attempting to stay alert during his evening shift. He experienced symptoms including a racing heartbeat, fever, sweating, and recurring seizures, with one episode lasting up to 30 minutes. Hu was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, where tests revealed caffeine intoxication. Despite medical interventions to promote excretion, such as hydration and diuretics, toxicology tests detected high levels of caffeine in his blood and urine 40 hours after consumption. Doctors estimated that Hu had ingested 300 to 350 milligrams of caffeine, far exceeding the European Food Safety Authority’s recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Caffeine poisoning can cause severe symptoms, including convulsions, impaired consciousness, and even death in extreme cases. After targeted treatment, Hu recovered and was discharged. Medical experts warn that excessive caffeine intake can overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to palpitations, anxiety, and toxic encephalopathy, and urge adherence to recommended consumption limits.
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Nepal police arrest more than 400 over September protests
Nepalese authorities have detained more than 400 individuals linked to the widespread protests that erupted in September, leading to the collapse of the government. According to police data released on Monday, the arrests include suspects accused of crimes ranging from murder and vandalism to illegal possession of weapons, theft, and indecent behavior. The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, quickly escalated into nationwide unrest fueled by economic struggles and widespread corruption. The violence resulted in at least 76 deaths, including protesters, escaped prisoners, and police officers. During the chaos, over 2,700 structures were attacked, including government buildings, police stations, and private residences. Additionally, around 14,500 detainees escaped from prisons, with 5,020 still at large. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced a special operation to recapture the escapees and recover looted weapons. Meanwhile, representatives of the youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protest groups have called for Aryal’s resignation, accusing him of failing to hold those responsible for the deadly crackdown accountable. The government has imposed travel bans on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and four senior officials as an investigation into the unrest continues.