Bangladesh is on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prepares to announce the verdict date in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, during the July 2024 uprising. The announcement, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has sparked widespread tension across the country. Security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to key locations, including airports and major installations, to maintain order. Over the past two days, incidents of vehicle arson and crude bomb explosions have been reported in Dhaka and other regions, further escalating concerns. The Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday, urging citizens to participate. However, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has banned the party’s activities, forcing leaders to organize through social media from undisclosed locations. Police have launched nationwide operations to arrest Awami League leaders and activists, while security checkpoints have been established on major roads. The July 2024 student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, prompting her to flee to India on August 5, 2024. The interim government has since initiated legal proceedings against her in the ICT, which was originally established by her administration to prosecute crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Testimonies in the case have concluded, and the tribunal is set to announce the verdict date on Thursday.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Talent plan launched in Shanghai to boost global green transition
Shanghai has taken a significant step toward fostering global green transition with the launch of the ‘Industrial Green-Collar Talents Initiative.’ This groundbreaking program, unveiled during the G20 Entrepreneurship Roundtable 2025 held from November 4 to 5, aims to cultivate talent and promote synergistic development in the green supply chain industry. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Tsinghua University’s Entrepreneurship Research Center on G20 Economies and Horen Group, a leading smart logistics packaging solutions provider based in Shanghai.
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Dubai launches new film and gaming committees to develop media sectors
Dubai has taken a significant step toward solidifying its status as a global leader in media production with the establishment of two new specialized committees: the Dubai Film Development Committee and the Dubai Gaming Committee. These initiatives, formed under resolutions issued by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), aim to drive innovation and growth in the film and gaming sectors. The committees are part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai’s media ecosystem, attract international talent, and create new opportunities for investors and content creators. The Dubai Film Development Committee, chaired by Issam Kazim, will focus on supporting local and international production studios, facilitating training programs for young filmmakers, and fostering emerging talent. Meanwhile, the Dubai Gaming Committee, led by Khalfan Belhoul, will prioritize partnerships, specialized training, and the expansion of startups to accelerate the digital economy and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in the gaming industry. Both committees will benefit from Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, agile regulatory frameworks, and strategic geographical location. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the DMC, emphasized that these initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and position the creative economy at the heart of Dubai’s economic ecosystem. The resolutions mandate full cooperation from government entities and relevant organizations to ensure the committees’ success in achieving their objectives.
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Regions across China offer financial incentives to boost marriage rates
In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.
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Pink-purple buckwheat fields bloom in Guizhou province
Every November, the rolling hills of Anshun in Guizhou province are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink and purple as buckwheat fields burst into full bloom. Unlike the more common white buckwheat flowers, these blooms exhibit a unique and striking pink-purple hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors and photographers alike. The vibrant colors blanket the gently sloping terrain, offering a stark contrast to the region’s usual greenery. This natural phenomenon not only highlights the beauty of Guizhou’s rural landscapes but also underscores the area’s agricultural diversity. The annual bloom has become a symbol of the region’s natural charm, drawing attention to its ecological and cultural significance.
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Call for entries issued for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards
The Stevie® Awards, renowned for hosting the world’s premier business awards programs, has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Stevie Awards. This seventh annual edition, presented in collaboration with the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry, celebrates innovation in the workplace across 18 MENA nations, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The awards are open to all organizations—public or private, for-profit or non-profit, large or small—with no entry fees required. Winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards may opt to pay a nominal fee to maintain their winner status. Nominations can be submitted online through two deadlines: December 3, 2025, for reduced winners’ fees, and January 21, 2026, as the final deadline. Winners will be announced on April 16, 2026, and honored at a gala event on May 14, 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye. The 2026 competition introduces new categories, such as AI Innovation Awards and Public Sector Innovators, reflecting the region’s rapid advancements in technology and modernization. Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, emphasized the program’s role as a leading platform for showcasing business excellence and innovation. A new website and entry system have been launched to streamline participation, offering multilingual support and seamless nomination management. The 2025 winners included prominent organizations like Abu Dhabi Customs, Deloitte & Touche, and Saudi Aramco, among others. Over 150 global professionals will judge the 2026 entries. For more details, visit: https://mena.stevieawards.com/Judges/you-be-the-judge.
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New Dubai AI platform gives women facing abuse safe, private support
Dubai has introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered platform, ‘Malath,’ designed to provide confidential and secure psychosocial support to women experiencing abuse. Developed by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, this innovative tool ensures that women can access assistance anytime, anywhere, without fear of exposure or judgment. Launched at GITEX Global 2025, Malath is the first of its kind in the region, offering a private, Arabic-speaking digital space where women can assess their emotional and mental health, and begin their journey toward recovery. The platform uses AI to evaluate indicators such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, generating personalized reports and recommending tailored rehabilitation programs. These programs include up to 22 AI-led interactive sessions covering topics like problem-solving, empowerment, and future planning. Privacy is a cornerstone of Malath, with the platform collecting minimal data and ensuring all information is anonymized and securely processed. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, which aims to enhance the quality of life and mental health of individuals and families. Since its launch on October 13, 2025, Malath has received widespread acclaim for its compassionate and innovative approach. The Women and Children’s Welfare Foundation is now evaluating user feedback and exploring collaborations to expand the platform’s reach. Women can access Malath at https://app.malathhelp.com, where they receive an initial assessment and a personalized self-help plan within minutes.
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Cambodia and Thailand’s border conflict heats up again as Cambodian villager is reported killed
Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have intensified following a recent clash along their volatile border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian villager. The incident occurred just days after a Thai soldier lost a foot to a landmine in the same region, prompting Thailand to suspend its adherence to a ceasefire agreement brokered in July. The ceasefire, partially mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed to end five days of armed conflict that claimed dozens of lives in late July. Trump had threatened to withhold trade privileges from both nations unless hostilities ceased. However, the fragile truce now appears to be unraveling. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reported that Thai troops opened fire on civilians in Prey Chan, a village in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, killing one and injuring three. Thailand, however, claimed the confrontation began when Cambodian soldiers allegedly fired into Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, prompting Thai forces to respond with warning shots. The two nations have a long history of territorial disputes, rooted in a 1907 map drawn during Cambodia’s French colonial era and exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding sovereignty of the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia. The ceasefire, while halting immediate violence, failed to address the underlying border disputes, leaving the region in a precarious state.
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Chinese Navy’s increasing strength to enhance protection of national sovereignty: spokesperson
China’s Navy has entered a transformative ‘three-carrier era,’ significantly enhancing its capacity to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a spokesperson from the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office. Chen Binhua, addressing a press conference on Wednesday, highlighted the commissioning of the Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian aircraft carriers as a monumental achievement in China’s defense and military modernization. The Fujian, China’s first carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, has drawn considerable attention, particularly in Taiwan, for its advanced capabilities. Chen emphasized that this development underscores China’s commitment to thwarting any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity. The spokesperson’s remarks come amid growing regional tensions and reflect China’s strategic focus on bolstering its naval prowess to safeguard its interests.
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Netflix’s new ‘Last Samurai Standing’ pays respect to the original
Netflix’s latest series, ‘Last Samurai Standing,’ premiering this Thursday, transports viewers to a Japan on the brink of the end of the samurai era. The show, directed by Michihito Fujii, known for his works like ‘The Journalist’ and ‘A Family,’ blends the intensity of survival games with the rich legacy of Japanese samurai culture. The protagonist, Saga Kokushu, portrayed by Junichi Okada, is thrust into a high-stakes battle where samurai fight to the death to protect their families, communities, and honor. Each participant wears wooden tags, collecting more by eliminating rivals, with the last survivor claiming a staggering 100 billion yen ($650 million).
The series draws inspiration from modern video games and pays homage to iconic Japanese filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa, while also reimagining the samurai drama genre, known as jidaigeki. Okada, who also served as choreographer and producer, emphasized the team’s desire to create something both authentic and visually striking. ‘We wanted to update the jidaigeki, keeping the essence but making it cool and contemporary,’ he told The Associated Press.
‘Last Samurai Standing’ features a mix of intense action and emotional depth, with meticulously choreographed fight scenes and a focus on character development. The series avoids reliance on CGI, ensuring every battle feels visceral and real. In one harrowing scene, actors wore fireproof gear to perform a sequence where swordsmen’s bodies ignite, risking burns for authenticity.
The cast includes notable actors like Shota Sometani, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Takayuki Yamada, alongside newcomer Yumia Fujisaki, whose character adds a modern twist to traditional samurai narratives. The show explores universal themes of survival and morality in a world undergoing dramatic change, offering a fresh take on a timeless genre.