标签: Asia

亚洲

  • Dubai: AR Rahman, Arno Krimmer announce film on Rumi

    Dubai: AR Rahman, Arno Krimmer announce film on Rumi

    In a captivating event at Dubai’s Noor Royal Gallery, celebrated composer AR Rahman and Hollywood producer Arno Krimmer announced their collaboration on a groundbreaking film about the life and teachings of the 13th-century Sufi poet, Rumi. Hosted under the patronage of Sheikha Somayeh Noor, the evening celebrated the unifying power of art, emphasizing Rumi’s timeless philosophy of unity and non-judgment. The gallery, renowned for its collection of masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Monet, provided a fitting backdrop for the announcement. Rahman described Rumi’s work as profoundly soul-satisfying, highlighting its universal appeal and spiritual depth. Krimmer, who has dreamt of this project for over two decades, drew parallels to Richard Attenborough’s successful Gandhi biopic, expressing confidence in the film’s global resonance. The event underscored art’s ability to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, uniting humanity through shared creativity.

  • Israel’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ of West Bank camps amounts to war crimes, HRW says

    Israel’s ‘ethnic cleansing’ of West Bank camps amounts to war crimes, HRW says

    Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through the forced displacement of Palestinians from refugee camps in the occupied West Bank. In a comprehensive report released on Thursday, HRW detailed that 32,000 individuals were forcibly removed from their homes in January and February 2024, with no permission granted for their return. Israeli forces have continued military operations in these camps, deliberately demolishing civilian infrastructure and homes. The report highlights large-scale assaults on the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps in the northern West Bank, where civilians were expelled and infrastructure systematically destroyed. HRW’s findings are based on interviews with 31 displaced Palestinians, satellite imagery, videos, and photographs, which confirm widespread destruction. The report, titled ‘All My Dreams Have Been Erased’: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank,’ also reveals that Israeli authorities have denied residents the right to return, even in the absence of active military operations. Soldiers have reportedly fired at individuals attempting to access their homes, with only a few allowed to retrieve belongings. The military has bulldozed and razed areas to create wider access routes and blocked all entrances to the camps. According to the United Nations Satellite Centre (Unosat), at least 1,460 buildings have been damaged in the three camps as of October 2023. These actions are part of a broader escalation by Israeli forces in the West Bank, which has included nearly 7,500 raids on Palestinian towns and villages in 2025 alone, as reported by the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA). Over the past two years, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians and arrested thousands more in the occupied West Bank. HRW’s senior refugee and migrant rights researcher, Nadia Hardman, emphasized the urgent need for international action, calling for targeted sanctions on Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz, and the enforcement of International Criminal Court warrants.

  • Zootopia in the air

    Zootopia in the air

    China Eastern Airlines has introduced a Zootopia 2-themed aircraft, transforming air travel into an enchanting adventure for passengers. The inaugural flight took off on November 19, 2025, from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport. In collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, the airline has curated a fully immersive Zootopia experience, extending from check-in to the entire journey. Passengers are greeted with themed decorations, imagery, and elements inspired by the beloved animated film, creating a unique and memorable travel experience. This initiative marks a creative fusion of aviation and entertainment, offering travelers a delightful escape into the world of Zootopia. The themed flight is expected to attract both Disney enthusiasts and families, further enhancing the airline’s appeal in the competitive aviation market.

  • India captain Shubman Gill doubtful for second test due to neck injury

    India captain Shubman Gill doubtful for second test due to neck injury

    India’s cricket captain, Shubman Gill, faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the second test against South Africa due to a neck injury. Gill, who was forced to retire hurt during the first innings of the Kolkata test—a match India lost by 30 runs—traveled with the team to Guwahati on Wednesday. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media on Thursday, indicating that Gill’s availability hinges on the risk of a recurring neck spasm. ‘He is definitely recovering really well. The decision will be made tomorrow evening,’ Kotak stated. ‘If there’s a guarantee that the issue won’t recur, he will play. Otherwise, he will rest for one more game, as it wouldn’t benefit the team.’ Should Gill be sidelined, vice-captain Rishabh Pant is set to lead the team in the second test, which begins on Saturday in Guwahati. Kotak emphasized the team’s depth, noting, ‘Any team would miss a player and captain like Shubman. But we have plenty of good players who should step up and perform.’ Potential replacements include Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. The series between India and South Africa will continue with three one-day internationals and five T20 internationals scheduled from November 30 to December 19.

  • Police, villagers join overnight rescue for missing 76-year-old in Gansu

    Police, villagers join overnight rescue for missing 76-year-old in Gansu

    In a remarkable display of community solidarity and efficient law enforcement, a 76-year-old woman who went missing in Zhenyuan county, Qingyang city, Gansu province, was successfully rescued after an intensive 11-hour search operation. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, involved over 30 police officers and local villagers, who braved the cold mountainous terrain to locate the missing senior. The search utilized advanced technology including drones and a highly trained police dog from Xifeng district, alongside traditional grid search methods. The woman was eventually found in a ravine approximately seven kilometers from her home, exhausted but in stable condition. She was carefully carried up the steep slope by the rescuers and provided with immediate care, including warm water and food, before being safely escorted home. In gratitude, her family presented silk banners to the Mengba Police Station and the police dog unit, acknowledging their relentless efforts and dedication.

  • Valetax stands out as multi-award winner at Jeddah Fintech Week 2025

    Valetax stands out as multi-award winner at Jeddah Fintech Week 2025

    Valetax, a leading global trading solutions provider, made a significant impact at Jeddah Fintech Week 2025, held on November 16-17 at the Jeddah Hilton Hotel. As the Official Sponsor, the company showcased its innovative trading services, strengthened relationships with industry professionals, and reaffirmed its commitment to driving fintech growth across the MENA region. The event, themed ‘Reimagining Finance in the Digital Era,’ attracted over 40 global and regional experts and featured more than 50 educational workshops, focusing on open banking, digital currencies, Islamic fintech, regulatory technology, and AI in financial services. Valetax’s interactive booth, led by MENA leadership team members Muhammed Hussin and Ahmed Rehab, became a hub for traders and partners seeking insights into the company’s expanding services and regional strategies. The company also hosted thought leadership sessions, offering practical guidance on financial brokerage, stock market careers, and digital gold as a modern asset. Valetax’s excellence was recognized with three prestigious awards: Best Forex Broker Global, Best Copy Trading Platform, and Best Account Management Services. CEO Viktor Karpinski emphasized the company’s dedication to trust, innovation, and client empowerment, highlighting Jeddah Fintech Week as a pivotal moment for regional fintech development. Valetax’s participation underscores its mission to advance financial education, foster digital innovation, and expand global partnerships, solidifying its position as a key player in the MENA fintech landscape.

  • Farage’s Reform appoints director of ‘anti-Muslim’ think tank as senior advisor

    Farage’s Reform appoints director of ‘anti-Muslim’ think tank as senior advisor

    Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has appointed Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), as its chief advisor on global affairs. This move has ignited significant controversy, given HJS’s reputation as a polarizing think tank. Critics, including its own founders, have labeled HJS as a ‘monstrous animal’ and a ‘racist organisation,’ particularly for its anti-Muslim stance and neoconservative policies. Mendoza, a former Conservative councillor, recently defected to Reform, a party known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric and rising popularity in national polls. His appointment signals a potential shift in Reform’s foreign policy, which may align with HJS’s hardline approach to Islamist extremism and strong pro-Israel stance. HJS has long advocated for banning Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and has funded Tory MPs to attend pro-Israel conferences. Mendoza’s past statements, including opposition to allowing Palestinian students’ dependents into the UK and criticism of the government’s handling of radical Islam, further underscore his controversial views. This appointment comes amid broader scrutiny of Reform UK, with Farage himself facing allegations of racist behavior during his youth. The party has also been accused of ’embracing racism’ following the hiring of Matthew Goodwin, who has made contentious remarks about immigrant integration. Reform UK’s alignment with figures like Mendoza and Goodwin raises questions about its ideological trajectory and its appeal to a broader electorate.

  • Top court urges stricter regulation of minors’ online behavior

    Top court urges stricter regulation of minors’ online behavior

    In a significant move to safeguard minors in the digital age, China’s Supreme People’s Court has emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulation of children’s online behavior. This directive follows the release of three pivotal cases involving minors, which underscore the growing concerns over internet-related crimes and cyberbullying. The court has mandated judicial bodies nationwide to enhance their handling of such cases and implement robust legal measures to foster a safer online environment for young users. One notable case involved a student, Li, who posted defamatory remarks about his classmate, Wang, on a social media platform. The court ruled that Li’s actions constituted an insult and violated Wang’s right to reputation. Given Li’s minor status and his parents’ failure to fulfill their guardianship duties, the court ordered them to issue a written apology to Wang. The Supreme People’s Court highlighted that minors often lack the emotional maturity to handle conflicts appropriately, which can lead to harmful online behavior. It stressed that the internet is not a lawless space and that minors are subject to legal constraints when expressing themselves online. Parents, as guardians, have a crucial role in guiding their children and will be held accountable for any infringing behavior. Additionally, the court urged collaboration with internet platforms to prevent juvenile crimes. Another case involved two teenagers who extorted over 75,000 yuan by claiming to be practicing online games. The court discovered that they learned these criminal methods through harmful content on a short video platform, prompting a judicial recommendation to strengthen content monitoring. The court praised this proactive approach, noting its dual benefit in preventing juvenile crimes and ensuring the healthy development of the internet industry.

  • Syrian teenage activist wins Children’s Peace Prize

    Syrian teenage activist wins Children’s Peace Prize

    Bana Al Abed, a 16-year-old Syrian activist, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation. Recognized for her relentless advocacy for children affected by war, Al Abed has dedicated her efforts to reuniting families, reopening schools, and offering hope to children in conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria. Her journey began in 2016 when she and her family were evacuated from Aleppo to Turkey, where she has since become a global voice for children’s rights. Al Abed has attended international conferences, visited refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan, authored two books, and garnered recognition from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. In her acceptance speech at Stockholm City Hall, Al Abed boldly addressed global leaders, including former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning their roles in the suffering of children worldwide. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for rebuilding war-torn societies, stating that it provides hope and opportunities for growth. Al Abed also highlighted the plight of 5,000 Syrian children forcibly separated from their families during the war, whose fates remain unknown. Marc Dullaert, founder and chairman of KidsRights, praised Al Abed’s courage and resilience, noting her transformation of personal hardship into a powerful advocacy platform. Previous recipients of the award include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.

  • Weekly quiz: Why was KPop Demon Hunters banned by a school?

    Weekly quiz: Why was KPop Demon Hunters banned by a school?

    This week witnessed a series of significant global events that captured public attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the release of the highly anticipated Epstein files, shedding light on a controversial chapter in recent history. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom experienced severe weather conditions, with heavy rain and cold temperatures disrupting daily life. On a more uplifting note, the BBC’s annual Children In Need appeal achieved a remarkable milestone, raising over £45 million for charitable causes. These events, while diverse in nature, underscore the dynamic and interconnected nature of global affairs. As we reflect on the past seven days, it’s worth considering the broader implications of these developments and their impact on society. For those eager to test their knowledge of recent events, quizzes curated by Ben Fell offer an engaging way to stay informed and revisit key moments from the week.