Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government is treating the death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg as a murder case, with plans to file a chargesheet by December 8. Speaking on Monday, November 3, Sarma emphasized that the investigation is progressing with the aim of submitting the chargesheet before December 17. The case has garnered significant public attention, with protests demanding justice for the late singer, who passed away on September 19 in Singapore at the age of 52. Garg’s death, initially attributed to breathing issues during scuba diving, remains shrouded in mystery, prompting a thorough probe. Sarma also revealed that the investigation involves aspects linked to a foreign country, requiring approval from the Union Home Ministry. He confirmed discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the matter. Additionally, Sarma addressed controversies surrounding the proposed ‘Zubeen Khetra’ memorial, clarifying that the government has allocated land for the project. He dismissed concerns about private land ownership adjacent to the memorial, stating that his focus is solely on the government-allotted land. The remarks come amid political debates and social media discussions about alleged links between Minister Ashok Singhal and land near the project, raising questions about ownership in a protected tribal belt.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Anti-Muslim posts on X about Zohran Mamdani have increased by more than 450 percent
A recent report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) has unveiled a concerning surge in Islamophobic and xenophobic discourse targeting New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. The study, spanning from Mamdani’s Democratic primary victory in June to the end of October, revealed that such content reached an estimated 1.5 billion users on X (formerly Twitter). This spike in hateful rhetoric coincided with the narrowing gap between Mamdani and his chief opponent, Andrew Cuomo, in the mayoral race. The analysis identified 35,522 original posts from 17,752 unique accounts, with 45% authored by verified users, raising questions about the platform’s moderation practices. The report highlights four dominant Islamophobic narratives: terrorist labeling (72% of posts), calls for deportation and citizenship revocation (11%), questioning loyalty to the country (9%), and conspiracy theories about Sharia law and Muslim takeover (8%). CSOH warns that such online hate could escalate into offline violence, citing recent acts of political violence in the U.S. The organization has urged X to enforce stricter moderation, enhance transparency for verified users, and amplify corrective counterarguments in its algorithm to combat misinformation and hate speech.
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China and the US race to the Moon – but first, Musk vs. Bezos
The United States and China are engaged in a high-stakes competition to return humans to the Moon, marking the first such endeavor in over 50 years. However, a new twist has emerged within the US space industry: a rivalry between American companies vying to develop the lunar lander that could secure victory for the nation in this renewed space race. At the center of this contest are two billionaire titans, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, whose companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, are now locked in a battle for NASA’s Artemis III mission contract. SpaceX, initially awarded the $4.4 billion contract in April 2021, has faced delays and technical challenges with its Starship vehicle, prompting NASA’s acting chief, Sean Duffy, to open the contract to competitors. Despite SpaceX’s progress, including 11 test flights since April 2023, concerns over launch safety and orbital refueling technologies have raised doubts about its ability to meet the 2027 mission deadline. Meanwhile, China’s ambitious plan to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 has heightened pressure on the US to accelerate its efforts. Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin have emerged as potential contenders, with Blue Origin exploring modifications to its Mark 1 lander and Lockheed Martin assembling a consortium to develop a lander based on Apollo-era designs. The competition has also sparked a public feud between Musk and Duffy, further complicating NASA’s leadership and strategic direction. As the race to the Moon heats up, the outcome of this contest will not only shape the future of space exploration but also determine which nation—and which company—will lead humanity’s next giant leap.
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Mamdani earns endorsement from influential Orthodox-Jewish community leader in NYC
In a significant political development, Rabbi Moshe Indig, a prominent leader of the Ahronim faction within the Satmar Hasidic community, publicly endorsed Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Sunday. The endorsement, announced at a gathering in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, comes just two days before the mayoral election and has sparked both support and controversy within the Haredi community. Rabbi Indig, who previously backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primaries, described Mamdani as “a very nice guy, very humble” and emphasized his commitment to working with all communities in New York City. However, Mamdani’s critical stance on Israel has alienated some Orthodox leaders, creating divisions within the Jewish electorate. A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that 60% of Jewish voters favor Cuomo, while only 16% support Mamdani. The endorsement has also faced pushback from other leaders within the Ahronim faction, with three prominent figures declaring their support for Cuomo shortly after Rabbi Indig’s announcement. The Satmar Hasidic community, with over 57,000 members in Williamsburg and 300,000 globally, wields significant political influence, often voting as a bloc. Historically, the Ahronim faction has demonstrated its political clout by endorsing winning candidates, including Bill de Blasio in 2013 and Eric Adams in 2021. Meanwhile, the Zalis faction, another major group within the Satmar community, has chosen not to endorse any candidate but has distanced itself from anti-Mamdani campaigns. The Satmar community’s anti-Zionist stance, rooted in religious beliefs, further complicates the political landscape, as they oppose the existence of Israel before the arrival of the messiah and its secular nature.
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India’s weight-loss drug boom – and the risks behind it
India’s anti-obesity drug market has experienced a staggering sixfold increase over the past five years, driven by surging demand among urban professionals and the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Originally developed to manage diabetes, drugs like semaglutide (marketed as Rybelsus and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) are now being hailed as revolutionary weight-loss solutions. These GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a natural hormone regulating hunger, slow digestion and act on the brain’s appetite centers, helping users feel full longer. However, their rapid adoption has sparked concerns about misuse, lack of medical supervision, and the risks of side effects such as nausea, gallstones, and muscle loss.
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Starbucks to sell majority stake in China business
Starbucks has announced a groundbreaking $4 billion deal with investment firm Boyu Capital, selling a 60% stake in its China operations. Under the agreement, Starbucks will retain a 40% stake in its Chinese retail business and maintain ownership of its brand in the region. The coffee giant, which entered China in 1999, has faced increasing competition from local brands like Luckin Coffee, despite being the country’s second-largest market outside the U.S. The partnership with Boyu Capital, described as a ‘significant milestone,’ underscores Starbucks’ commitment to long-term growth in China. The company plans to expand its footprint from 8,000 to 20,000 outlets and introduce new beverages and digital platforms. Boyu Capital, known for its investments in retail, financial services, and technology, brings deep consumer insights to the collaboration. The deal, set to finalize by mid-2025, follows months of uncertainty after former CEO Laxman Narasimhan hinted at strategic partnerships to bolster competitiveness. This move mirrors similar strategies by global brands like KFC and Pizza Hut, which spun off their Chinese operations in 2016. Starbucks has faced declining sales in China due to the pandemic, reduced consumer spending, and fierce competition. Luckin Coffee, with its lower prices and aggressive expansion, now operates more stores than Starbucks in China. Despite price cuts to compete, Starbucks has seen profit margins shrink. Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company is revamping its menu, hiring more baristas, and scaling back automation efforts as part of a broader turnaround strategy. With over 40,000 outlets worldwide, Starbucks continues to navigate challenges in one of its most critical markets.
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HK urged to advance nation’s strength, self-reliance
Hong Kong is being urged to harness its potential as a global hub for technology, innovation, and high-caliber talent to bolster China’s scientific and technological self-reliance. This call follows the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held in Beijing from October 20 to 23, which outlined the Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). The plan emphasizes enhancing scientific and technological capabilities as a core principle for national development. Hong Kong’s unique position, supported by its integration with the mainland and global connections, is seen as pivotal in advancing its roles as a financial, shipping, trade, and innovation hub. The recommendations also stress the importance of governance by patriots and law-based administration in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. Experts like Lau Siu-kai, a consultant and former vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, highlighted the need for proactive industrial transformation and improved governance in Hong Kong to align with national strategies. Additionally, Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, emphasized the importance of upgrading youth capabilities and vision to support emerging fields like green finance and digital trade. The central government is expected to support Hong Kong’s development, particularly through initiatives like the Northern Metropolis project, to solidify its role in global innovation and technology.
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Sweet sixteen as Aoife Kelly trumps rivals to win Sharjah Ladies Open title in style
The 16th Sharjah Ladies Open Golf Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club (SGSC), with Aoife Kelly of Trump International emerging as the champion. Kelly’s composed and confident performance, marked by a one-under 71, secured her first SGSC Ladies Open title. The event, held on a picturesque morning, showcased Kelly’s precision and poise as she navigated the course with three birdies and two bogeys. Her victory was celebrated with enthusiastic applause from fellow competitors and spectators.
Kelly expressed her elation after receiving the trophy, praising the course’s impeccable condition and its ability to reward skillful play. “It’s always a pleasure to play here at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club,” she remarked. Sana Tufail finished as the runner-up with a one-over-par 73, while Lara Bakhour secured third place with a determined 79.
In the Net Division, Ela Camurlu claimed the top spot in Division A with a net 72, and Debra Jaunich of SGSC matched that score to win Division B. The tournament underscored the rising prominence of women’s golf in the UAE, reflecting SGSC’s dedication to fostering competitive and inclusive opportunities for players of all skill levels. The event not only highlighted the growing talent in the sport but also reinforced the club’s reputation as a premier venue for high-stakes golf competitions.
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Barca boss Flick wants Rashford to be more clinical in front of goal
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has called for Marcus Rashford to improve his efficiency in front of goal despite the forward’s crucial strike in their recent 3-1 LaLiga triumph over Elche. Rashford’s goal, scored from a challenging angle, sealed the victory, propelling the defending champions to second place in the league standings with 25 points, just five behind leaders Real Madrid.
Since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in July, the England international has netted six goals across all competitions. Flick, however, believes Rashford has the potential to convert more of the opportunities he creates. ‘When you see the chances he has, I think one or two more goals would be beneficial, also for him,’ Flick remarked in a post-match interview. He praised Rashford’s importance to the team, stating, ‘I know he can perform at this level, and I am pleased he is demonstrating it for the fans, the club, and his teammates.’
Rashford himself acknowledged areas for improvement in his decision-making on the pitch. ‘I always strive to make the right choices during the game. Even today, I could have had more assists or goals; sometimes the decision to shoot or pass was incorrect,’ the 28-year-old admitted to Spanish media. He emphasized his team-first mentality, adding, ‘My focus is not solely on my output. If I am doing the right things, I know I will always be able to score and assist. My priority is to build relationships within the team and feel comfortable.’
Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures include a Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday, followed by a LaLiga encounter with Celta Vigo on Sunday.
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UAE nears historic Moon mission as Rashid Rover 2 heads to US for launch preparations
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on the brink of a groundbreaking lunar exploration mission as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announces the completion of the Rashid Rover 2’s development phase. The rover, a key component of the Emirates Lunar Mission, has been dispatched to the United States for final launch preparations in collaboration with Firefly Aerospace. This mission aims to explore the far side of the Moon, a region that remains largely uncharted. The rover underwent rigorous testing in the UAE, including Thermal Vacuum testing in collaboration with the French space agency CNES, as well as solar panel performance tests, antenna and robotic arm deployment simulations, and vibration tests to ensure its readiness for the harsh lunar environment. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, chairman of MBRSC, emphasized that this milestone reflects the UAE’s growing expertise in space science and technology. The mission, set for 2026, marks a significant step in the UAE’s ambitions to expand its presence in space exploration.