标签: Asia

亚洲

  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold may launch together this September

    iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold may launch together this September

    Apple appears poised to revolutionize its smartphone lineup with the simultaneous launch of its inaugural foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 Pro series this September, according to emerging supply chain intelligence. Recent disclosures indicate that display production for both product categories will commence in July, maintaining Apple’s traditional timeline for fall releases.

    The technological convergence represents a significant strategic shift for Apple, which previously considered staggering the release of its standard iPhone 18 models across different timeframes. Industry observers note that Samsung Display has been exclusively commissioned for manufacturing the sophisticated foldable screens, with LG Display notably absent from this particular project.

    Engineering foldable displays presents substantial technical challenges, particularly regarding crease minimization, durability enhancement, and precision hinge mechanics. Apple has reportedly dedicated extensive research and development resources to overcome these hurdles, with prototype testing circulating through supply chains for several years.

    The anticipated September unveiling would mark Apple’s formal entry into the competitive foldable smartphone market, positioning its offering alongside established flagship models. This strategic move demonstrates Apple’s commitment to innovation while maintaining its premium product positioning.

    Despite mounting evidence from manufacturing channels, Apple maintains its characteristic silence regarding unannounced products, neither confirming nor denying the existence of the foldable iPhone project. The tech community awaits official confirmation, potentially coming during Apple’s traditional September launch event.

  • 50 feared missing after another Philippines landfill collapse

    50 feared missing after another Philippines landfill collapse

    A catastrophic landfill collapse in Montalban, Rizal, on Saturday afternoon has left approximately 50 individuals missing, raising fears of a death toll surpassing January’s deadly garbage slide in Cebu City that claimed 36 lives. The incident occurred at 2:00 PM local time at the ISWIMS-operated facility in Barangay San Isidro, initially affecting around 100 people according to preliminary assessments.

    Initial reports from the University of the Philippines’ Philippine Collegian indicate a concerning absence of coordinated government-led rescue operations in the immediate aftermath. The student publication further revealed that landfill operator International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (ISWIMS) has been restricting access to information, blocking both journalists and local residents from obtaining details about the disaster and its casualties.

    The collapse, reportedly triggered by three backhoe vehicles operating at the site, buried numerous victims under tons of waste material. The tragedy strikes a vulnerable community that had already been facing the threat of demolition, with approximately 1,000 families potentially facing displacement from their homes adjacent to the landfill facility.

    This disaster echoes previous waste management tragedies in the Philippines, including the April 2013 Rodriguez trash slide that killed four people, and more recently, the January 8 Binaliw landfill collapse in Cebu City that resulted in 36 fatalities. The Cebu incident was attributed to unsafe operational practices by private contractors, including improper waste stacking techniques that created unstable garbage mounds.

    The Montalban area has undergone significant environmental transformation in recent decades, with once-pristine mountains and valleys converted into dumping grounds for metropolitan Manila’s waste. This shift occurred following the permanent closure of Quezon City’s Payatas Landfill in 2017, which itself was the site of the country’s most devastating garbage slide in July 2000 that killed at least 218 people with hundreds more remaining missing.

    As of Sunday, local government authorities had not issued official statements regarding the latest incident, with response efforts potentially hampered by the weekend holiday. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in waste management practices and regulatory oversight of private landfill operators across the Philippines.

  • Iran’s leader ‘entrusts’ security chief to run country in case of war, assassination

    Iran’s leader ‘entrusts’ security chief to run country in case of war, assassination

    In a significant revelation about Iran’s contingency planning, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has implemented comprehensive directives to ensure governmental continuity should the nation face external attacks or leadership decapitation. According to intelligence obtained by The New York Times, these measures include a sophisticated four-tier succession framework for both military and civilian leadership positions.

    The strategic blueprint designates Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as a pivotal figure in maintaining national stability. While Larijani cannot assume the Supreme Leadership due to religious qualifications (requiring senior Shia clerical status), he emerges as the central operational authority should upper echelons be compromised. The network of potential successors also includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and former President Hassan Rouhani.

    The reporting further illuminates the intricate power dynamics within Iran’s governance structure. Notably, during recent tensions, when U.S. regional envoy Steve Witkoff attempted communication with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following President Trump’s threats, the request was ultimately redirected to Larijani for authorization—bypassing both the foreign minister and President Masoud Pezeshkian. This incident underscores Larijani’s elevated authority in security and foreign policy matters.

    These developments occur against a backdrop of intensified U.S.-Iran hostilities, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. Recent discreet talks, reportedly facilitated through Omani channels in Cologny, represent efforts to avert military confrontation. Khamenei’s public defiance toward U.S. threats emphasizes Iran’s preparedness for any scenario, with these newly revealed succession plans serving as a concrete manifestation of this strategic posture.

  • No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in complete isolation at International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facilities as pivotal hearings commence regarding crimes against humanity charges. The Duterte family confirmed through an official statement that all requests for face-to-face visits have been denied throughout the judicial proceedings.

    The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I convenes this week to examine evidence supporting allegations against Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of fatalities during his presidency and earlier tenure as Davao City mayor. Despite the former leader’s formal request to be excused from physical attendance, the court maintains strict protocols limiting external contact.

    Duterte’s legal defense team includes prominent Filipino attorneys such as former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, ex-Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. They are joined by attorneys Martin Delgra III, Alfredo Lim Jr., and Caesar Dulay in challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction.

    The judicial process represents the culmination of an eight-year legal battle that began with initial complaints filed in June 2017. Duterte’s administration subsequently withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute in March 2018, though the ICC asserts jurisdiction over crimes alleged between November 2011 and March 2019, when the nation remained a state party to the treaty.

    Official government records acknowledge approximately 6,000 fatalities during Duterte’s anti-drug operations, though international human rights organizations and ICC prosecutors estimate the actual death toll between 12,000 and 30,000. The former president, who describes himself as ‘old, tired and frail,’ has accepted the possibility of dying in detention while maintaining his non-recognition of the court’s authority.

  • Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm

    Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm

    A major winter storm poised to batter the US Northeast has triggered widespread flight cancellations across international carriers, with Air India taking preemptive action by scrapping all services to New York and Newark scheduled for February 23rd. The airline confirmed the operational halt stems from severe weather forecasts predicting blizzard conditions along the densely populated I-95 corridor.

    Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have issued urgent blizzard warnings for New York and six adjacent states, anticipating accumulation of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) of heavy, wet snow accompanied by gale-force winds reaching 60 mph (96 km/h). The rapid-onset storm threatens to create near-impossible travel conditions and potential widespread power outages across the region.

    Air India’s cancellation decision prioritizes passenger and crew safety, with dedicated teams providing rebooking assistance through 24/7 call centers and online channels. The carrier emphasized that affected travelers should contact support services for alternative arrangements.

    The aviation disruption extends beyond Indian carriers, with UAE-based Emirates and Etihad Airways implementing significant schedule changes. Emirates advised passengers to coordinate with booking agents, while Etihad cancelled four specific flights and warned of potential additional delays as weather conditions evolve.

    This severe weather event compounds existing travel challenges along the East Coast, which had only recently recovered from previous winter storms. The coordinated response from international airlines highlights the growing emphasis on proactive safety measures in extreme weather situations, though it creates substantial logistical complications for transatlantic travel during this period.

  • As promo of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan movie drops, everyone’s asking who’s the villain

    As promo of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan movie drops, everyone’s asking who’s the villain

    Indian cinema witnesses an unprecedented cinematic event as screen legends Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan announce their monumental collaboration in the tentatively titled ‘KH*RK’. The project, officially confirmed through a multi-language promotional release, marks the first full-fledged on-screen reunion of the iconic actors since their 1979 romantic comedy ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’.

    Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film will be produced by Red Giant Movies with musical composition handled by Anirudh Ravichander, Rajinikanth’s nephew and acclaimed composer of recent blockbusters including ‘Jailer’ and ‘Vikram’. Industry insiders indicate the project will embrace a light-hearted tone consistent with Dilipkumar’s signature filmmaking style, a creative direction both veteran actors reportedly favored.

    The recently released promotional teaser, available in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, showcases the two icons displaying their characteristic style while walking toward a vintage Mercedes. The clip strategically fuels speculation about narrative roles when Haasan pointedly asks the director and composer: ‘Who’s the hero?’ This ambiguous moment has ignited fervent discussion among fans regarding potential villainous roles for either legend, drawing parallels to Rajinikanth’s antagonist turn in the 1977 classic ’16 Vayathinile’ which featured Haasan and Sridevi as leads.

    Dilipkumar brings considerable directorial credibility to this ambitious project following his recent blockbuster success with Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer’ (2023), which achieved remarkable commercial performance with approximately ₹6.5 billion (Dh 250 million) in global earnings. His filmography demonstrates consistent innovation, beginning with the critically acclaimed dark comedy ‘Kolamavu Kokila’ (2018) through the unconventional ‘Doctor’ (2019) and the commercially successful ‘Beast’ (2022).

    Production is scheduled to commence imminently, with industry analysts predicting this collaboration between three powerhouse talents—Rajinikanth, Haasan, and Dilipkumar—could redefine contemporary Indian cinema standards. The project represents not merely a film but a cultural moment, uniting two generations of cinematic excellence in what promises to be a landmark addition to both actors’ legendary careers.

  • Guggenheim Abu Dhabi nears completion; opening expected in 2026

    Guggenheim Abu Dhabi nears completion; opening expected in 2026

    Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape is poised for a monumental expansion as the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum approaches its completion phase, with official opening ceremonies scheduled for 2026. This architectural marvel, conceived by the late visionary architect Frank Gehry, represents his final and most ambitious museum project, destined to become a centerpiece of the UAE’s thriving arts ecosystem.

    Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, confirmed the project’s progress, emphasizing that comprehensive national development remains intrinsically linked to cultural advancement. “Cultural components form fundamental pillars of our renaissance,” stated Dr. Gargash, underscoring the institution’s significance beyond mere aesthetics.

    The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will join an already impressive collection of world-class institutions on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the recently opened Natural History Museum, and the Zayed National Museum. This strategic clustering establishes the UAE capital as a genuine ‘global oasis of creativity,’ offering visitors an unparalleled museum district within the Middle East.

    Though Gehry passed away last year, his architectural legacy will endure through this groundbreaking structure that promises to redefine museum experiences. The design incorporates innovative elements that respond to both the local environment and global contemporary art standards.

    Prospective residents and visitors can anticipate unique opportunities to inhabit spaces overlooking both the Guggenheim and Louvre museums, as Abu Dhabi continues developing Saadiyat Island into a comprehensive cultural and residential destination. The museum’s completion will mark the culmination of a decades-long vision to position Abu Dhabi as an international hub for artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

  • Restaurant review: Year of the Horse, wishes and an intimate Lunar New Year experience at MiMi Mei Fair Dubai

    Restaurant review: Year of the Horse, wishes and an intimate Lunar New Year experience at MiMi Mei Fair Dubai

    Nestled within the prestigious Address Residences Dubai Opera, MiMi Mei Fair Dubai has crafted an immersive Lunar New Year celebration that transcends conventional dining. The restaurant’s centerpiece—an elegant wishing tree adorned with crimson ribbons and envelopes—invites patrons to participate in a meaningful ritual: penning their aspirations for the Year of the Horse and hanging them alongside others’ hopes, creating a collective tapestry of wishes.

    The ambiance embodies refined intimacy, with mood lighting casting a warm glow across deep green and scarlet accents. Despite operating at full capacity, the space maintains an atmosphere of cozy exclusivity rather than crowded chaos, facilitating effortless conversation without auditory interference. The layout features distinct lounges, each with its unique character, making the venue ideal for romantic evenings or special celebrations though less suited for formal business engagements.

    Culinary offerings commence with the symbolic ‘basket of wealth’ dim sum assortment, featuring prawn and coriander, truffle edamame, and chicken and chives dumplings—a standout opening act. The steamed XO okra provides a nostalgic yet sophisticated flavor profile, while rock oysters offer a briny freshness enhanced by citrus notes.

    Main courses showcase smoked Chilean seabass glazed in black bean sauce, sweet and sour chicken with bell pepper and pineapple, and a braised truffled mushroom trio accompanied by stir-fried green beans and hakka noodles. The theatrical table-side preparation of wok-baked lobster—where staff expertly extract the tender meat—adds culinary drama to the experience.

    The celebration concludes with classic crème brûlée, though the dessert serves more as a pleasant epilogue rather than matching the memorability of the savory courses. Priced at AED 478 per person for the Lunar New Year sharing menu, the experience positions itself as a premium occasion destination rather than everyday dining, justified by meticulous service, thoughtful details, and well-executed cuisine.

  • Back in the jungle: Nick Jonas begins filming for ‘Jumanji 3’

    Back in the jungle: Nick Jonas begins filming for ‘Jumanji 3’

    Nick Jonas has officially rejoined the production of the upcoming Jumanji sequel, marking his return as the character Jefferson ‘Seaplane’ McDonough. The singer-actor confirmed his participation through an Instagram Reel posted on February 22, 2026, with the caption “We are so back. Jumanji round 3,” expressing evident enthusiasm for reprising his role as the skilled pilot avatar.

    The production, informally referred to as Jumanji 3 (though technically the fourth installment in the franchise), initially commenced filming in Los Angeles during November 2025. Jonas rejoins an ensemble cast featuring returning stars Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. Johnson himself recently shared production updates, including a tribute post on February 17, 2026, commemorating the completion of Danny DeVito’s scenes.

    Jonas’s return to the action-adventure series follows a significant milestone in his music career—the February 6, 2026 release of his fifth solo studio album, ‘Sunday Best.’ Billboard describes the 37-minute project as his most “honest and introspective” work to date, featuring a departure from his typical pop sound toward a more organic, stripped-down aesthetic incorporating acoustic guitars, piano, choirs, and string arrangements. The album explores themes of family, love, faith, and his two-decade journey living with Type 1 diabetes, even featuring his Dexcom G7 glucose monitor on the cover art as a symbol of transparency.

    The upcoming Jumanji film is scheduled for global theatrical release on December 11, 2026, continuing the successful revival of the popular adventure franchise.

  • China’s railways handle 258 mln passenger trips since start of 2026 Spring Festival rush

    China’s railways handle 258 mln passenger trips since start of 2026 Spring Festival rush

    China’s railway network has demonstrated extraordinary capacity during the 2026 Spring Festival travel period, handling a staggering 258 million passenger journeys as the annual migration reached its midpoint. The China State Railway Group Co Ltd reported these figures on Sunday, highlighting the massive scale of transportation operations during the world’s largest annual human migration event.

    Recent data reveals that February 21st, marking the 20th day of the chunyun season, witnessed approximately 17.19 million railway trips. Transportation authorities anticipated even higher volumes for the following day, with projections reaching 17.93 million passenger journeys. To accommodate this unprecedented demand, railway operators have deployed an additional 2,203 special service trains across the national network.

    The comprehensive transportation strategy has involved significant capacity expansion on major routes, coupled with enhanced station facilities and upgraded onboard services. Railway authorities have implemented multiple measures to optimize passenger experience throughout the travel period, which officially spans from February 2 to March 13, 2026.

    This year’s Spring Festival, traditionally known as the Chinese New Year, occurred on February 17, triggering the massive population movement that characterizes modern Chinese society. The chunyun phenomenon represents not only a transportation challenge but also a cultural tradition that sees millions of Chinese citizens returning to their hometowns for family reunions and celebrations.