A landmark 20-day seminar on bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic has concluded in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in China-Brazil bilateral cooperation in the forestry and grassland sector. Organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the event brought together 25 Brazilian government officials and experts for an intensive exchange of knowledge and technical expertise. The seminar underscored the shared commitment of both nations to advancing green development and fostering sustainable practices. Luiz Keppe, representative of the Brazilian embassy in China, lauded the initiative as a testament to the deepening ecological collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the dual benefits of technical exchange and strengthened mutual trust, expressing hope for future collaborations. The Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative, launched in 2022 by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization in partnership with the Chinese government, aligns with China’s vision of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets.’ Brazil, a member of INBAR and a pilot country for related projects, is poised to leverage its abundant bamboo resources to enhance regional capacities. This seminar is part of China’s broader commitment to international training programs, with 176 initiatives conducted during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, benefiting nearly 9,000 participants worldwide. The event not only strengthens China-Brazil ties but also sets the stage for a new ‘Golden 50 Years’ of bilateral cooperation.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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China’s first humanoid robot 7S shop opens in Wuhan
Wuhan, Hubei province, has marked a significant milestone in the robotics industry with the grand opening of China’s first ‘7S shop’ dedicated to humanoid robots. The event, held on Tuesday, showcased a variety of robot activities, offering the public a closer look at cutting-edge humanoid robot technology. Developed by the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, the 7S model redefines the traditional 4S car dealership concept by incorporating three additional elements: solution, show, and school. This innovative retail and service model aims to provide comprehensive support for humanoid robot applications. The store features a range of locally produced humanoid robots, priced between 70,000 yuan ($9,834) and 500,000 yuan, tailored for diverse sectors including industrial manufacturing, tourism, elder care, and healthcare. This pioneering initiative underscores China’s commitment to advancing robotics technology and integrating it into everyday life.
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Crab King & Queen take crowns
In a spectacular celebration of aquatic excellence, Shanghai Ocean University hosted its 19th Crab Culture Festival and the 2025 ‘Wang Bao He Cup’ National River Crab Competition on November 11. The event, which drew nearly 4,000 river crabs from across the nation, culminated in the crowning of a 622.1-gram male crab as the Crab King and a 451.2-gram female crab as the Crab Queen. Experts noted that this year’s hairy crabs were notably larger in size, with a stable yield, reflecting favorable breeding conditions. The festival, a blend of cultural heritage and ecological awareness, showcased the intricate beauty and significance of river crabs in Chinese cuisine and tradition. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive ‘beauty contest’ where crabs were judged on various criteria, including size, health, and overall appearance. The event not only highlighted the ecological achievements in crab farming but also served as a platform for promoting sustainable practices in the industry.
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India bank on spin and big first-innings total against South Africa
India is set to leverage its traditional strengths of spin bowling and substantial first-innings totals as they face South Africa in a two-Test series starting in Kolkata on Friday. The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, currently holds the third position in the World Test Championship rankings. Their recent performances include a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep against the West Indies at home. South Africa, the reigning world champions, managed a 1-1 draw in Pakistan but face a formidable challenge in India, particularly with eight players in their squad lacking Test experience in Indian conditions. India’s strategy will focus on their top-order batsmen to counter the pace attack led by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. The return of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant adds depth to the middle order, creating a selection dilemma as Dhruv Jurel had impressed in Pant’s absence. India’s spin attack, featuring Kuldeep Yadav, along with the conditions favoring low bounce and reverse swing, will be crucial. Jasprit Bumrah’s prowess with both new and old balls will test the South African batsmen. South Africa, aware of the challenges, has included three specialist spinners and remains optimistic about their chances, with Keshav Maharaj emphasizing the team’s hunger to succeed in one of the toughest tours on their calendar.
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Super Typhoon Fung-wong downgraded to tropical storm, reenters Philippines
Former Super Typhoon Fung-wong, now downgraded to a tropical storm, made its return to the Philippines on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. While the storm is not anticipated to inflict significant structural damage, the Philippine weather bureau, Pagasa, has issued warnings about potential impacts on rice crops. The storm is expected to bring strong winds to regions including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte, with continued effects forecasted for the following day. Pagasa has advised residents to stay updated with severe weather bulletins issued every six hours and to proceed with normal activities unless flooding occurs. Despite the reduced intensity, the agricultural sector remains vulnerable, particularly rice farming, which is crucial to the country’s food security.
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‘Almost every day’: Japan battles spike in bear attacks
Northern Japan is grappling with an alarming rise in bear attacks, which have claimed 13 lives since April, marking a record high. Reports of bears invading homes, wandering near schools, and causing chaos in supermarkets have become increasingly common, instilling fear among residents. In response, locals have resorted to measures like attaching bells to their bags to deter the animals, while authorities deploy troops and riot police to manage the crisis. The government has also authorized the use of rifles to shoot bears, which can weigh up to half a ton and outrun humans.
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Twinkle Khanna returns with ‘Mrs Funnybones’ sequel after a decade
Bollywood actress-turned-author Twinkle Khanna has announced the much-anticipated sequel to her bestselling book, ‘Mrs Funnybones’, a decade after its initial release in 2015. Titled ‘Mrs Funnybones Returns’, the new edition promises to delve deeper into themes of women’s lives, politics, humor, and societal observations. Khanna shared the first look of the book on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her fans’ unwavering support and curiosity about the sequel. The book’s tagline, ‘She’s older, wider, but is she any wiser?’, has already sparked intrigue among readers. Khanna, who transitioned from acting to writing in 2015, has since authored several acclaimed works, including ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’, ‘Pyjamas Are Forgiving’, and ‘Welcome to Paradise’. Her literary achievements were recognized with the Crossword Book Award 2024 in the Popular Fiction category. Currently, she co-hosts the talk show ‘Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle’ on Prime Video, further cementing her multifaceted career in entertainment and literature.
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Kazakhstan’s parliament passes law restricting LGBTQ+ content
Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill aimed at prohibiting what authorities describe as the ‘propaganda’ of LGBTQ+ relations. The legislation, approved on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue it will further marginalize the country’s LGBTQ+ community. According to an official statement, the bill seeks to ‘protect children from content deemed harmful to their health and development.’ It explicitly bans the dissemination of information promoting non-traditional sexual orientations or pedophilia through public channels, media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms. Deputy Culture Minister Evgeny Kochetov clarified that any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ identities would be classified as ‘propaganda,’ including statements suggesting that being LGBTQ+ is preferable to being heterosexual. Content related to LGBTQ+ issues, such as books or films, that does not contain such messaging will be restricted to audiences aged 18 and above. Violators of the law face severe penalties, including hefty fines or imprisonment. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has emphasized the importance of upholding ‘traditional values’ in the predominantly Muslim nation. Critics, including Kazakhstani LGBTQ+ group Queer.KZ and international organizations like Human Rights Watch, have condemned the legislation, warning it violates fundamental human rights and exacerbates the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite Kazakhstan’s decriminalization of homosexuality in 1998 and allowance for gender marker changes in 2003, the country lacks anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face violence, threats, and systemic discrimination.
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‘Fatigued’ Bollywood actor Govinda discharged from hospital
Bollywood actor Govinda, renowned for his iconic roles and vibrant screen presence, has been discharged from CritiCare Asia Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai. The actor, who was admitted on November 12, revealed to the media that his hospitalization was due to extreme fatigue caused by intense physical exertion. Govinda, known for his dedication to fitness, shared that he had been engaging in rigorous exercises and yoga pranayama to enhance his physique. He assured fans that he is now recovering and has been following prescribed medications. This marks the second time in recent months that the actor has been hospitalized. Last October, Govinda sustained a bullet injury to his leg when his licensed revolver accidentally discharged while he was storing it in a cupboard. The incident occurred as he was preparing to travel to Kolkata. Despite these health challenges, Govinda remains optimistic about his career. Earlier this year, he announced his return to the screen with a new concept-based show titled ‘Lane Den-It’s All About Business.’ The show aims to explore entrepreneurship and trade, offering a fresh perspective on business. Govinda hinted at featuring prominent Bollywood personalities as guests, promising a blend of real-life stories, innovative ventures, and insightful discussions. The actor’s resilience and commitment to his craft continue to inspire his fans.
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Israel says key crossing to north Gaza opens for humanitarian aid
In a significant development, Israel announced the reopening of the Zikim crossing into northern Gaza on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The crossing, a crucial access point for the war-torn region, will now remain open permanently, according to COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body responsible for civilian affairs in Palestinian territories. This move mirrors the operational status of the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, which has been the primary conduit for aid since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Humanitarian aid entering through Zikim will undergo standard Israeli security checks before being distributed by the United Nations. The reopening comes after the World Food Programme reported an inability to collect cargo in northern Gaza since the crossing’s closure on September 12. Despite this progress, aid workers highlight persistent challenges, including lengthy security checks, restrictions on certain items, and the logistical hurdles posed by widespread infrastructure destruction and the risk of looting. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the critical importance of direct access to northern Gaza to ensure timely aid delivery. This development follows the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative’s confirmation of famine conditions in northern Gaza in August 2024, a claim contested by COGAT.