Hundreds of Delhi residents took to the streets on Sunday to protest the worsening air quality in India’s capital and its surrounding areas. The demonstration, which saw participants of all ages, including children, was marked by banners and slogans urging the government to declare a health emergency and implement effective measures to curb pollution. The protest, held near the iconic India Gate, resulted in the brief detention of around 80 individuals by the police, who cited the lack of permission for the gathering. This was the first major protest on air pollution in Delhi in recent times, highlighting the severity of the issue. Air quality in Delhi has been consistently poor, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering between 300 and 400 over the past three weeks, nearly 20-30 times the acceptable limit set by the World Health Organization. The situation is exacerbated in winter due to crop stubble burning in neighboring states and low wind speeds that trap pollutants close to the ground. Protesters, including environmental activists, opposition leaders, and university students, criticized the government’s inadequate response, particularly the delayed implementation of the third level of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which would impose stricter measures to combat pollution. Delhi’s environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, defended the government’s efforts, citing measures such as the installation of anti-smog guns, dust mitigation through water sprinklers, and the increase in electric vehicles in the public bus fleet. However, protesters remain unconvinced, calling for more serious and immediate action to address the crisis.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Nation drives global energy transition through green innovation, cooperation
China is playing a pivotal role in driving the global energy transition by fostering green innovation and deepening international cooperation, as outlined in a recently published white paper. Titled ‘Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality: China’s Plans and Solutions,’ the document, released by the State Council Information Office, underscores China’s unwavering commitment to climate multilateralism and its proactive engagement in global climate governance. The white paper highlights China’s efforts to promote green development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its advancements in international cooperation on green and low-carbon development. Aligning with the Paris Agreement, China has demonstrated exceptional ambition in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), taking substantial actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The paper also emphasizes China’s expanding cooperation with BRI partner countries in green infrastructure, energy, and transportation. To date, China has established energy partnerships with 34 BRI countries and collaborated with over 100 nations on green energy projects. Adhering to the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities,’ China has provided financial, technological, and capacity-building support to developing countries. As of October, China has signed 55 memorandums of understanding on South-South climate cooperation with 43 developing nations and conducted over 300 capacity-building sessions. Looking ahead, China is committed to working with the international community to address global climate challenges and promote sustainable development. Lyu Wenbin, director of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research’s Energy Research Institute, emphasized China’s significant contributions to wind and solar energy development, noting that the country supplies over 80% of the world’s photovoltaic modules and approximately 70% of wind power equipment. Over the past decade, China’s efforts have significantly reduced the global levelized cost of electricity for wind and solar power. With a robust clean energy production capacity and a complete new energy industry chain, China is well-positioned to provide high-quality clean energy products and services globally, fostering a secure, stable, and clean energy industry chain.
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South Korean foreign minister meets Cambodia’s leader to push effort to fight criminal cyberscams
In a significant diplomatic move, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on Monday to address the escalating issue of large-scale online scam operations in Cambodia. The meeting, which was announced by Hun Manet on social media, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat these criminal activities, which have recently been linked to the tragic death of a South Korean student. The 22-year-old Park Min-ho was allegedly lured to Cambodia, forced to work in a scam center, and later found brutally tortured and beaten in August. His death has sparked widespread outrage in South Korea, prompting urgent governmental action. The South Korean foreign ministry revealed that discussions included the establishment of a joint police task force to tackle scam-related crimes. Minister Cho is set to conclude his visit on Tuesday. This initiative follows the repatriation of 64 South Koreans last month, 50 of whom were arrested upon arrival for their alleged involvement in online fraud. The United Nations estimates that international cybercriminals generate billions annually through these scams, which often involve kidnapping, coercion, and violence. Cambodian scam centers are believed to employ around 200,000 workers, including 1,000 South Koreans, highlighting the scale of the problem.
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Indonesia names ex-dictator Suharto a ‘national hero’
The Indonesian government’s decision to posthumously award former President Suharto the title of national hero has ignited widespread controversy and protests across the nation. Suharto, who ruled Indonesia from the 1960s to the 1990s under his New Order regime, is remembered for both his economic achievements and his authoritarian tactics, including political repression and human rights abuses. The award ceremony, presided over by current President Prabowo Subianto—Suharto’s former son-in-law—has further fueled the debate, given Prabowo’s own contentious human rights record. While Suharto is credited with stabilizing Indonesia’s economy and reducing inflation, his regime is also accused of orchestrating the deaths of hundreds of thousands of political dissenters and embezzling billions of dollars. Civil society groups and activists have vehemently opposed the decision, organizing protests and online petitions. Critics argue that the move is an attempt to whitewash Suharto’s legacy and distort history. Despite the backlash, some Indonesians view Suharto as a pivotal figure in the country’s development. The ceremony also honored other figures, including labor activist Marsinah and former President Abdurrahman Wahid, who were vocal critics of Suharto, in what some see as an effort to balance the narrative.
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Waves smash Philippines coastline as typhoon hits
On 9 November, Typhoon Fung-wong unleashed its fury on the Philippines, with powerful waves crashing into the coastline and inundating residential areas. Dramatic footage captured the moment when towering swells surged over houses and palm trees, showcasing the sheer force of the storm. The typhoon, known for its intense winds and heavy rainfall, has caused significant damage to infrastructure and displaced numerous families. Local authorities have issued warnings and are coordinating emergency response efforts to assist affected communities. The event highlights the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.
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World shares advance as tech shares rebound and the Senate takes steps to end the shutdown
Global stock markets experienced a significant uptick on Monday, driven by optimism surrounding potential progress in ending the U.S. federal government shutdown and a resurgence in technology shares. The U.S. Senate’s procedural vote on Sunday to advance compromise legislation aimed at funding the government fueled hopes for a resolution, although final approval may still face delays due to potential Democratic objections. This development pushed U.S. futures higher, with the S&P 500 futures rising 0.7% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gaining 0.1%. European markets also saw robust gains, with Germany’s DAX climbing 1.4%, France’s CAC 40 jumping 0.9%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 rising 0.5%. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi led the charge with a 3% surge, driven by strong performances from tech giants like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 added 1.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite also posted gains. The rebound in technology stocks, particularly those tied to artificial intelligence, helped calm investor concerns over recent market volatility. Meanwhile, Wall Street remains focused on corporate earnings and the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rate cuts, with traders awaiting key economic data delayed by the shutdown. Oil prices and the U.S. dollar also saw modest increases early Monday.
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Air pollution levels surge in India’s capital, sparking rare protests
New Delhi, India’s capital, was shrouded in a dense layer of smog on Monday, with air pollution levels reaching hazardous heights and exacerbating an ongoing public health crisis. The air quality index (AQI) soared to 344, a level classified as ‘severe’ by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing significant risks to residents’ health. The acrid smell of pollution permeated the city, prompting widespread concern and frustration among its inhabitants. On Sunday evening, hundreds of protesters, including parents and environmental activists, gathered at India Gate in a rare demonstration, demanding immediate government action. Many participants wore masks and carried placards, with one reading, ‘I miss breathing.’ Meghna, a protester who only provided her first name, expressed her distress, stating, ‘I am here just as a citizen who cares and who is worried about the state of situation that we are in with respect to the lack of clean air to breathe.’ However, police intervened, confiscating banners and placards and dispersing the crowd, citing a lack of permission for the protest. The worsening air quality has led to a surge in health complaints, including headaches and persistent coughs, fueling public anger toward politicians accused of inaction and blame-shifting. New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with India hosting six of the top 10 globally. The city’s air quality deteriorates further during winter due to crop residue burning in neighboring states, combined with vehicle and industrial emissions. Cool, dry, and windless conditions trap toxic particles, sometimes pushing pollution levels to 20 times the WHO’s safe limit. While authorities have implemented temporary measures such as construction bans, diesel generator restrictions, and cloud-seeding experiments, critics argue that only long-term emission reduction strategies can provide lasting relief.
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South Korea’s ousted leader Yoon indicted for flying drones over North Korea
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing additional criminal charges as prosecutors allege he orchestrated drone flights over North Korea to escalate tensions and justify his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office in December 2024, is already standing trial for charges including masterminding a rebellion. His successor, President Lee Jae Myung, has approved independent investigations into Yoon’s actions, including the martial law declaration and other allegations involving his wife and administration. On Monday, Yoon and two top defense officials were charged with benefitting the enemy and abuse of power related to the alleged drone flights, which occurred two months before martial law was imposed. North Korea accused Seoul of flying drones over Pyongyang in October 2024 to drop propaganda leaflets, a claim initially denied by Yoon’s defense minister but later left unconfirmed by South Korea’s military. Tensions between the two Koreas spiked during this period, though no major military actions were taken. Investigators claim Yoon’s actions aimed to create a pretext for martial law, undermining South Korea’s military interests. Yoon’s defense team has previously denied his involvement in the drone flights. If convicted of rebellion, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
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China creates a new visa, competing with the US in wooing global tech talent
In a strategic move to bolster its technological prowess, China has introduced the K-visa program, targeting skilled professionals in science and technology. This initiative comes at a time when the United States is tightening its immigration policies, particularly the H-1B visa program under the Trump administration, making it increasingly difficult for foreign workers to secure employment in the U.S.
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Typhoon moves away from Philippines after killing two
The Philippines has narrowly avoided a catastrophic disaster as Typhoon Fung-wong, once a super typhoon, weakened significantly after making landfall. The storm, which initially carried winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts of 230 km/h (143 mph), struck Aurora province in Luzon, the country’s most populous island, on Sunday evening. Despite the ferocity of the storm, the damage was less severe than anticipated, thanks to extensive preemptive measures. Approximately 1.4 million people were evacuated before the typhoon hit, and hundreds of flights were canceled. Buildings were secured, and residents in vulnerable areas were urged to move to higher ground. The Philippine government had declared a state of calamity nationwide, granting agencies enhanced powers to access emergency funds and expedite the delivery of essential goods and services. The storm’s impact was felt most acutely in low-lying and coastal areas, where flooding has isolated several communities. Power outages have affected much of Luzon, and roads and bridges have been rendered impassable by high water levels. The civil defense office reported two fatalities: one person drowned, and another woman was found dead under debris in Catbalogan City. Two others sustained injuries. The Philippines, located in a region prone to tropical cyclones, is no stranger to such natural disasters. About 20 tropical cyclones form in the area annually, with half directly affecting the country. While climate change is not believed to increase the number of cyclones, it is thought to intensify their severity, potentially leading to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased coastal flooding. The recent back-to-back impacts of Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong have underscored the country’s vulnerability to such extreme weather events. Kalmaegi, one of the strongest typhoons this year, left at least 204 people dead in the Philippines and more than 100 missing. The storm also claimed five lives in Vietnam, where it caused widespread destruction. Despite the challenges, the Philippines’ proactive response to Typhoon Fung-wong has been credited with minimizing casualties and damage, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.