A delegation of African grassroots officials recently embarked on a visit to the Hemei e-commerce poverty alleviation workshop in Minning township, Yinchuan city, as part of a poverty reduction exchange program in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The workshop, established in 2019, stands as the region’s pioneering e-commerce-based poverty alleviation center and has garnered international recognition as a model for poverty reduction. During their visit, the officials explored the workshop’s innovative approach to leveraging e-commerce to create job opportunities, particularly for local women, and its broader impact on community development. The initiative highlights the potential of digital platforms in addressing poverty and fostering economic empowerment, offering valuable insights for similar efforts in Africa. The exchange program underscores the growing collaboration between China and African nations in sharing best practices for sustainable development.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Beijing issues fog alert with visibility dropping below 500 meters
On the morning of October 29, 2025, the Beijing Meteorological Service issued a yellow fog alert for several districts, including Daxing, Tongzhou, Chaoyang, Shunyi, Fangshan, and Fengtai. Visibility in some areas dropped below 500 meters, significantly impacting transportation and public safety. The National Meteorological Center also renewed the yellow fog warning at 6 a.m., indicating that foggy conditions would persist across Beijing and other parts of the country until noon. In southern Beijing, visibility was reported to be as low as 200 meters. Authorities advised the public to stay updated on traffic conditions, use public transportation, and exercise caution on the roads. Outdoor activities, particularly high-altitude work, were suspended for safety. Meteorologists predict that visibility will improve from late night into Thursday morning due to northerly winds. China’s four-tier weather warning system categorizes yellow as the third most severe level, following red and orange.
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Israel kills 100, including 35 children, in night of heavy Gaza bombardment
In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli military forces conducted a series of air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians, including 35 children. The attacks targeted key areas such as Gaza City, Khan Younis, and refugee camps in central Gaza, striking homes, tents, and even the courtyard of a hospital. The death toll is anticipated to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition, and others remain trapped under the rubble. The director of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City described the health situation as ‘catastrophic,’ citing a severe shortage of medical supplies and medicines to treat the injured. The Palestinian Civil Defence has urgently called for an ‘immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.’ After nearly 12 hours of intense bombing, the Israeli military announced the reimposition of the ceasefire at 10 am local time. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire, pointing to an alleged attack on troops in Rafah that resulted in the death of one soldier and delays in the return of dead captives. Hamas denied involvement in the Rafah incident, attributing the delay to logistical challenges known to both Israel and the United States. US President Donald Trump supported Israel’s actions, stating it had ‘the right to retaliate’ and warning that Hamas could be ‘eliminated’ if it fails to comply with the ceasefire. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned the strikes, holding the US administration ‘fully responsible’ for the massacre and criticizing Trump’s statements as political cover for Israel’s actions. According to the Gaza-based Government Media Office, Israel has committed at least 125 ceasefire violations since October 11, resulting in over 180 deaths and 300 injuries. Israel has also continued to restrict aid entry and keep the Rafah crossing closed, further violating the ceasefire agreement.
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Exclusive interview with the designer of the 15th National Games mascots after their viral social media debut
As the 15th National Games draw near, the mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong have captured the hearts of millions with their endearing, chicken-like designs. Contrary to their whimsical appearance, these mascots are inspired by the Chinese white dolphins inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, near the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. In an exclusive interview, Liu Pingyun, the lead designer, expressed his delight at the mascots’ viral success on social media. He encouraged the public to use accessible and popular language to describe the mascots, believing it would amplify their reach and message. Liu emphasized the importance of cultural representation in the design, aiming to bridge tradition with modernity. The mascots have not only become symbols of the upcoming games but also a testament to China’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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From India to Pakistan and the global diaspora, South Asian sounds make an impact worldwide
The global music scene is witnessing a remarkable rise in South Asian influences, as artists from the region gain international recognition and audiences. Arooj Aftab made history in 2022 as the first Pakistani Grammy winner, securing the Best Global Music Performance award for her song “Mohabbat.” In 2023, Diljit Dosanjh became the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, highlighting the region’s rich musical heritage. Meanwhile, Avara, a first-generation Indian American artist, captivated fans during her debut tour, with her monthly Spotify listeners skyrocketing by over 250% since November 2024. Warner Music Group’s launch of 5 Junction Records in April further underscores the growing demand for South Asian-inspired music in North America. Billboard CEO Mike Van attributes this surge to evolving tastes, technological advancements, and the activation of diaspora audiences. Artists like Nora Fatehi, who transitioned from Bollywood to global stardom, exemplify the power of cross-cultural collaboration. As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, younger generations are embracing global sounds, with Gen Z and Gen Alpha leading the charge. Avara’s journey, blending Indian classical and Western influences, reflects the rise of “third culture kids” who navigate multiple cultural identities. Her upcoming album, “MARA,” aims to create a new genre by fusing diverse musical styles. This cultural fusion is reshaping the global music industry, offering fresh perspectives and innovative sounds.
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Global forum explores Xizang’s modernization
A significant international forum, the ‘2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China,’ convened in Nyingchi city, Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Xizang regional government, attracted over 400 participants from 44 countries and regions, including government officials, diplomats, experts, and media representatives. The forum, themed ‘Discovering a beautiful Xizang and writing a new chapter on the plateau,’ focused on key areas such as international communication, the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) governance guidelines, Xizang’s image-building, and its development philosophies and practical pathways. Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office, emphasized the importance of Xizang’s modernization as China formulates its 15th Five-Year Plan. He highlighted the exchange of governance experiences, improving people’s well-being, and enhancing civilizational exchanges. Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, praised Xizang’s transformation, noting its modern infrastructure and expanded opportunities. The forum, which has been held since 2007, included four sub-forums on international communication, sustainable local industries, youth engagement, and environmental protection. Prior to the main event, participants visited a high-altitude pasture, a local village, and a wetland park in Nyingchi.
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Dubai: Gold prices steady after a week of downward trend; 24K drops to Dh476
After experiencing a significant drop of over Dh50 in the past week, gold prices in Dubai have shown signs of stabilization as of Wednesday morning. The 24K gold price settled at Dh476 per gram, down from Dh479 on Tuesday. Other variants, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also saw slight declines, standing at Dh440.75, Dh422.75, and Dh362.25 per gram, respectively. This follows a brief dip in prices on Tuesday afternoon, which later recovered. Globally, spot gold prices fell to $3,959 per ounce at 9:30 AM UAE time, while silver prices rose by 0.63% to $47.5 per ounce. Market analysts attribute the volatility to shifting investor sentiment, with many opting for equities over safe-haven assets like gold. Josh Gilbert, a Market Analyst at eToro, noted that the potential for a trade deal between major economies has reduced the demand for gold as a safe haven. He explained that strong inflows into ETFs, Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, and geopolitical tensions had driven gold prices up by 50% in 2025. However, recent data indicates a cooling momentum, with gold-backed ETFs experiencing significant outflows as investors lock in profits. Gilbert added that while lower interest rates, central bank purchases, and inflation hedging demand could support gold prices in the long term, the near-term outlook remains uncertain due to positive equity market drivers.
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3 rare North China leopards spotted in Hebei nature reserve
In a significant ecological development, infrared cameras have captured rare footage of three North China leopards in the Hebei Yinheshan Provincial Nature Reserve. The sightings, which include both male and female individuals, suggest that this endangered species may be expanding its range. The reserve, spanning 36,000 hectares in western Fuping county, Baoding, has been under joint biodiversity monitoring since April 2024. The team has recorded multiple clear videos of the leopards, with some individuals appearing repeatedly, indicating a stable presence rather than transient passage. This marks the northernmost sighting of the North China leopard in the Taihang Mountains in the past decade, just 160 kilometers from Beijing’s administrative boundary. The monitoring team also recorded footage of the Chinese goral, a primary prey species of leopards, in the same area in March, although the goral population size remains unclear. Yang Jianwei, head of the Fuping County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, attributed these findings to Fuping’s long-term commitment to ecological protection and afforestation. The reserve’s forest coverage has increased substantially in recent years, leading to greater biodiversity among both plant and animal species. The forestry department will continue monitoring and has reminded visitors and villagers to be cautious in the mountains.
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Shanghai unveils innovation associations to promote Yangtze River Delta integration
Shanghai has taken a significant step towards fostering regional integration and technological advancement with the establishment of sector-specific innovation associations. The announcement was made on October 26, 2025, during the World Cities Day Series of Events and Technology and Industrial Collaborative Innovation Day at the T-Center in Putuo district. The newly unveiled associations focus on key industries such as biomedicine, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and an online services platform. Additionally, 74 technology managers were appointed to spearhead these initiatives. This move aligns with the global theme of ‘People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future’ and supports the integrated development strategy of the Yangtze River Delta region. The Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt, which includes nine cities—Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, and Taizhou—is at the forefront of this effort. These cities collectively represent one of China’s most economically vibrant and innovative regions, contributing 11.8% to the national GDP and 48% to the Yangtze River Delta’s economic output. Since February, Putuo district has actively participated in this initiative, leveraging its strategic location to enhance Shanghai’s position as a global hub for science and technology innovation.
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One killed as Cyclone Montha lashes India’s east coast
Cyclone Montha wreaked havoc along India’s eastern coastline, resulting in the tragic death of a 48-year-old woman in Andhra Pradesh. The victim succumbed after a palm tree collapsed on her amidst the storm’s ferocious winds and torrential rains. The cyclone, which made landfall around midnight, has inflicted significant damage across the region, including the destruction of crops spanning over 38,000 hectares and the toppling of numerous power lines and utility poles. Local authorities are actively engaged in restoring electricity to affected areas and clearing debris from roads. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall and wind gusts reaching up to 90 kmph in the coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal. Although the cyclone is anticipated to weaken into a deep depression later in the day, its impact has been far-reaching. Unusual weather patterns triggered by the cyclone have also led to unseasonal heavy snowfall on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, prompting authorities to suspend visitor access to the iconic peak. Rescue operations, as captured in videos from ANI, depict personnel diligently working to mitigate the storm’s aftermath amidst ongoing rainfall.