The Philippines is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most severe storm to threaten the archipelago this year. As the typhoon approached the northeastern coast on Sunday, it brought powerful winds and heavy rain, knocking out power and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued urgent warnings, urging millions in high-risk areas to evacuate before it’s too late. Fung-wong, with a massive rain and wind band spanning 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), is expected to affect two-thirds of the country, compounding the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently claimed over 200 lives in the central provinces before moving on to Vietnam. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the dual crises. Fung-wong, packing sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph), is forecast to make landfall in Aurora or Isabela province by late Sunday or early Monday. The storm’s approach has already caused widespread disruptions, including school and government office closures, flight cancellations, and the stranding of thousands at seaports. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces an average of 20 typhoons annually, alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Delhi airport operator says all flight operations back to normal after glitch
Delhi International Airport has announced the full restoration of normal flight operations following a significant technical malfunction that disrupted services over the past two days. The issue stemmed from a failure in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), a critical component used for generating flight plans, which caused delays affecting hundreds of flights at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The system was reportedly restored to automatic functionality by Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by the Indian government. In response to the incident, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has directed officials to implement system upgrades, including the addition of fallback servers to enhance the resilience of air traffic operations. This move aims to prevent similar disruptions in the future and ensure smoother operations at the airport. The incident highlights the increasing reliance on advanced technological systems in managing complex aviation networks and underscores the need for robust contingency planning in the face of technical failures.
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Bend It Like Beckham director has a sequel – and a spin on a Christmas classic
Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for her 2002 hit ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ has ventured into the festive genre with her latest creation, ‘Christmas Karma.’ This musical film, which premieres on November 14, offers a Bollywood-inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Featuring a star-studded cast including Kunal Nayyar, Hugh Bonneville, Pixie Lott, Boy George, Danny Dyer, Charithra Chandran, and Eva Longoria, the film blends British and Indian cultural elements to deliver a heartwarming holiday narrative. Chadha, who also penned the script, aims to capture the essence of joy and celebration inherent in Bollywood cinema, making it a fitting tribute to the festive season. The story follows Mr. Sood, a modern-day Scrooge portrayed by Nayyar, who embarks on a transformative journey guided by three spirits. The film not only revisits Dickens’ themes of redemption and empathy but also delves into contemporary issues such as migration and racial dynamics in modern Britain. Chadha’s inspiration for the character of Mr. Sood stems from her own family experiences and observations of political rhetoric during the pandemic. The film also features a Bhangra Christmas song and a tribute to George Michael, performed by Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. With its blend of humor, emotion, and cultural richness, ‘Christmas Karma’ promises to be a festive treat for audiences worldwide.
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Several individuals arrested in Syria on nationwide Daesh crackdown
In a significant nationwide operation, Syrian security forces, in collaboration with the General Intelligence Agency, have successfully dismantled several Daesh-affiliated terrorist cells and apprehended numerous wanted individuals across multiple provinces. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the operation on social media platform X, highlighting that it was executed based on precise intelligence and weeks of meticulous surveillance. The operation also led to the confiscation of materials and evidence directly linked to terrorist activities. Authorities have emphasized that this crackdown is part of a broader national strategy to combat terrorism, enhance national security, and safeguard the well-being of Syrian citizens. Investigations are currently underway to analyze the seized materials and build a comprehensive case against the suspects. This operation underscores Syria’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorist threats and maintaining stability within the region.
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Thousands of Chinese lured abroad and forced to be scammers – now Beijing is cracking down
In a rare exposé, Chinese state media has unveiled the inner workings of a sweeping crackdown on organized crime syndicates operating in Southeast Asia, which have ensnared thousands of Chinese nationals in a web of fraud, human trafficking, and violence. The documentary, aired on CCTV, provides an unprecedented glimpse into the justice system’s handling of these criminal networks, which have long operated with impunity in Myanmar’s border town of Laukkaing.
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How an Indian comic book legacy was lost in a fire
For generations of Indians, Amar Chitra Katha has been a cherished portal into the realms of religion, mythology, and history through its iconic comic books. Launched in 1967 by Anant Pai, the series, whose name translates to ‘immortal illustrated stories,’ has captivated readers with its engaging visuals and accessible language. However, a tragic fire on October 1 at its Bhiwandi warehouse near Mumbai has left a significant portion of this legacy in ashes. The blaze, reportedly caused by a short circuit, took four days to control and destroyed nearly 600,000 books, including special editions, merchandise, and over 200 original hand-drawn illustrations from the 1960s and 1970s. Archival materials, such as original positives on transparent film, were also lost. While most published titles have been digitized and remain accessible through apps, the irreplaceable original artworks are gone forever. The emotional toll on comic book enthusiasts is profound, as Amar Chitra Katha has long been a cornerstone of Indian cultural education. The 1970 issue on the Hindu deity Krishna, illustrated by Ram Waeerkar, marked a turning point for the series, paving the way for stories on Indian mythological and historical figures. Despite the loss, the publication remains resilient, with plans to innovate digitally and rebuild its legacy. Yet, for art lovers, the absence of these originals is a heartbreaking reminder of what has been lost.
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National Games vibe is everywhere in Guangzhou
The vibrant city of Guangzhou is abuzz with anticipation as the 15th National Games of China draw near. The event, set to commence soon, has transformed the city into a hub of sports enthusiasm and cultural celebration. Streets are adorned with banners and decorations, while local communities are actively participating in pre-event activities, showcasing their support and excitement. The National Games, a prestigious multi-sport event, brings together athletes from across the nation to compete in various disciplines, fostering a spirit of unity and sportsmanship. Guangzhou, known for its rich history and modern infrastructure, is well-prepared to host this grand event, promising an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. The city’s fervor for the Games is palpable, with residents eagerly awaiting the opening ceremony and the thrilling competitions that will follow.
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Forum unites global experts to enhance city image communication
The International Communication (Wuxi) Forum convened in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on November 8, 2025, attracting more than 150 distinguished guests from across the world. The forum focused on innovative approaches to enhance city image communication on a global scale. Centered around the theme ‘AI Powering a World of Smart Connectivity,’ the event explored how cities can leverage advanced storytelling techniques and digital technologies to amplify their international presence. Wuxi showcased its ambitious communication initiatives for 2025 and 2026, including the establishment of the Wuxi International Communication Alliance, the launch of the IP WUXI Platform, a city documentary project, and a campaign to promote Chinese folk music. These efforts aim to position Wuxi as a leading city in global communication and cultural exchange.
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Miao New Year celebrations get underway in Guizhou’s Leishan county
The Miao New Year, a cherished cultural event, commenced with grandeur in Leishan County, Guizhou Province, on Wednesday. This annual festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Miao ethnic group, marks the culmination of the agricultural cycle and serves as a time to honor ancestors and express gratitude to nature. For the Miao community in Leishan, the New Year arrives in the 10th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, symbolizing the completion of the year’s harvest when grain is brought into homes.
This year’s celebrations are set to span over a month, promising a rich tapestry of cultural activities. The festivities began with a spectacular opening ceremony and a vibrant parade, which attracted over 10,000 participants and spectators from across the nation. The event not only showcases the unique heritage of the Miao people but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride among attendees.
The Miao New Year is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the enduring traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Miao community. Through these celebrations, the Miao people reaffirm their connection to their ancestors, nature, and the cyclical rhythms of life. The event also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, drawing visitors who are eager to experience the rich traditions and hospitality of the Miao people.
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Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi begins hunger strike
Prominent Tunisian opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi, aged 84, has initiated a hunger strike in protest against what he and his supporters describe as his ‘unjust imprisonment,’ according to statements from his legal team on Saturday. Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda party and a vocal critic of President Kais Saied, joins two other detained politicians—Jawhar Ben Mbarek and Issam Chebbi—who have also resorted to hunger strikes to demand their release. The trio’s actions underscore a broader crackdown on dissent in Tunisia, with much of the opposition now incarcerated and accusations that Saied is using the judiciary to consolidate his power, transforming the nation into what critics call an ‘open-air prison.’
Ghannouchi’s hunger strike is not only a show of solidarity with Ben Mbarek, who was sentenced to 18 years in April on charges of ‘conspiracy against state security’ and ‘belonging to a terrorist group,’ but also a stand to ‘defend freedoms in the country.’ Ghannouchi himself has been detained since 2023, facing a cumulative 37-year sentence across multiple cases, including allegations of unlawful foreign funding and plotting against the state. He has refused to participate in court proceedings, asserting that judges are acting under Saied’s directives.
Concerns over the health of the hunger strikers have escalated, with lawyers, family members, and human rights organizations warning that Ben Mbarek’s condition has deteriorated significantly. Despite these concerns, the Tunisian Prisons Authority maintains that the prisoners’ health is ‘normal and stable,’ based on medical evaluations, though it has provided no further details. Earlier this year, several opposition leaders, including Ben Mbarek and Chebbi, were handed prison sentences ranging from five to 66 years on similar charges. Human rights groups argue that these cases are politically motivated, designed to silence critics of the government.
The situation has drawn international attention, with rights organizations condemning the alleged misuse of the judiciary to suppress dissent. As the hunger strikes continue, the plight of Tunisia’s opposition figures highlights the deepening political crisis in the country and the growing tensions between the government and its critics.