Renowned astrophysicist Reinhard Genzel, recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, has emphasized the necessity for China to embed long-term scientific endurance into its national strategy to secure a leading role in space exploration. Speaking at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Genzel highlighted that while China has made significant investments in space projects over the past decade, it must now transform this technological momentum into institutional permanence to avoid falling behind in the global race for space supremacy. Genzel, who also serves as co-director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the University of California, Berkeley, stressed the importance of building structures that can sustain scientific efforts beyond political cycles. He noted that the era of US dominance in space science, driven by Cold War investments, has evolved into a more distributed landscape with China and Europe making substantial strides. Genzel pointed to China’s FAST telescope as a remarkable achievement but cautioned that future large-scale projects will require international collaboration due to their complexity and cost. He cited the James Webb Space Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile as examples of projects that have pushed the limits of national capabilities and budgets. Genzel concluded that the next generation of scientific endeavors will necessitate multinational cooperation to achieve groundbreaking discoveries.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
US plans ‘temporary housing’ in Gaza behind Israeli lines: Report
The United States is reportedly considering a controversial plan to construct housing for thousands of ‘screened’ Palestinians in Gaza, specifically in areas behind the so-called yellow line currently occupied by Israeli troops. According to a report by The Atlantic, the initiative, termed ‘Alternate Safe Communities,’ would involve vetting Palestinians for ‘anti-Hamas’ sentiments before granting them entry. The proposal, discussed in an email by US Lieutenant General Patrick Frank, who oversees Gaza ceasefire coordination, envisions settlements equipped with medical centers, schools, administrative buildings, and temporary housing for up to 6,000 people—a significant reduction from the initial estimate of 25,000. The plan has drawn criticism and concern from Arab states and European countries, who view it as a potential step toward permanent Israeli occupation of parts of Gaza. The Trump administration has not committed US funds for the project, instead urging Gulf states to invest. Meanwhile, the plan raises questions about Palestinian land ownership, as Gaza’s land registry, previously managed by Hamas, remains a contentious issue. The proposal also involves Israel’s Shin Bet security agency screening applicants, focusing not only on individual ties to Hamas but also on their family connections. The broader US peace plan, which includes eventual Israeli troop withdrawal and the introduction of an Arab peacekeeping force, lacks a clear timeline and faces significant logistical and political challenges.
-
Early tea break: India flips menu for Guwahati Test against South Africa
In a groundbreaking move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has redefined traditional cricket schedules for the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. Scheduled to commence on November 22, this historic match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium will feature an early tea break before lunch, a first in Test cricket history. This innovative adjustment is a response to the unique climatic conditions of north-east India, where early sunrise and sunset significantly impact daylight availability. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained, ‘In winters, sunrise and sunset occur very early here. By 4 pm, the light fades, making it challenging to continue play. Starting early ensures maximum utilization of daylight.’ Consequently, the match will begin at 9 am, half an hour earlier than the standard start time for red-ball Tests in India. The revised schedule includes a 20-minute tea break at 11 am, lunch between 1:20 pm and 2 pm, and the final session concluding by 4 pm. Both teams will see the return of key players, with India’s Rishabh Pant making a comeback from a foot fracture and South Africa’s Temba Bavuma recovering from a calf injury. Currently, India holds the third position in the World Test Championship, while South Africa, the defending champions, are in fourth place.
-
Taiwan evacuates 8,300 and shuts schools before tropical storm brushes island
Taiwan has initiated large-scale evacuations and school closures as Tropical Storm Fung-wong approaches the island’s southern region. Over 8,300 residents, primarily from the eastern Hualien County, have been relocated to safer areas. This precautionary measure follows the devastation caused by a previous typhoon in September, which claimed 18 lives in the same region. Fung-wong, which previously wreaked havoc in the Philippines as a super typhoon, has weakened but still poses significant threats. As of Wednesday morning, the storm was located approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Taiwan, moving northeast at 16 kph. It is expected to graze southern Taiwan before exiting from the southeastern side. Heavy rains and flooding have already injured at least 51 people, according to the National Fire Agency. Authorities have urged residents to avoid coastal areas, where waves could reach heights of 3 to 5 meters. In the Philippines, over 623,300 people remain in evacuation centers following the storm’s earlier impact, which caused landslides, power outages, and at least 27 deaths. The Cordillera region, known for its scenic landscapes, was particularly affected by landslides. Schools and offices in central and southern Taiwan, including major cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, have been closed, while the capital, Taipei, continues normal operations.
-
Red Fort blast: UAE condemns Delhi explosion, offers condolences to victims’ families
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong condemnation of the devastating explosion that occurred near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, India, on Monday evening. The blast, which took place at a busy traffic signal, claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals and left 20 others injured. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) denounced the attack as a criminal act and reaffirmed its unwavering stance against all forms of violence and terrorism. The Ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Indian government, and its people, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. The explosion, which occurred around 7 PM local time, caused significant damage to nearby vehicles and left a scene of chaos in one of Delhi’s most congested areas. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, stands as a reminder of the city’s resilience. Authorities have heightened security measures across the country in response to the incident, which marks a rare act of violence in the heavily guarded capital.
-
FTSE 100 closes at record high on rate cut bets; AstraZeneca shines
The FTSE 100 index soared to a record high for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, driven by growing expectations of a Bank of England (BoE) rate cut in December and a stellar performance by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. The blue-chip index closed up 1.2% at 9,899.6 points, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 also saw gains of 0.8%. AstraZeneca, Britain’s largest listed company by market value, surged 2.6%, extending its momentum from last week’s impressive quarterly results. The optimism for a rate cut was fueled by recent labor market data showing unemployment in the UK rising to 5%, the highest level in four years, alongside a continued slowdown in wage growth. Deutsche Bank’s chief economist, Sanjay Raja, noted that the cooling labor market and decelerating pay momentum should encourage the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee to consider easing rates. In the currency market, the pound initially dipped against the dollar but later stabilized. The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors were among the top performers, with GSK and Haleon rising 3% and 3.2%, respectively. Energy companies also saw gains, with Shell and BP climbing 2.2% and 2.6%, supported by higher oil prices due to U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. Vodafone surged 8.3% to a two-year high after raising its annual profit forecast and increasing dividends for the first time in eight years. Oxford Instruments, a scientific tools maker, experienced its largest single-day gain in nearly four years, soaring 14.9%. However, not all companies fared well; Hilton Food plummeted 22.7% to a decade-low after warning of challenging profit growth in the upcoming financial year.
-
How Dubai’s luxury hotels continue to redefine hospitality
Dubai’s luxury hotels are leading a transformative wave in the hospitality industry, driven by surging travel demand and evolving guest expectations. In 2025, these establishments have not only contributed to the city’s tourism success but have become its driving force. According to recent data from Cavendish Maxwell, five-star hotels in Dubai have shown remarkable growth across all hospitality metrics. Between January and August, the city’s total room supply exceeded 152,000 across over 800 properties, with luxury hotels accounting for more than 54,000 rooms. The average occupancy rate reached 78.5%, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global leader in dynamic and resilient hospitality markets. Beyond the impressive statistics, Dubai’s luxury hotels are redefining the essence of luxury. Today’s guests seek more than opulent rooms and flawless service; they crave meaningful experiences that reflect a sense of place, identity, and purpose. At IHG Hotels in Dubai Festival City, this trend is evident as travelers prioritize authenticity, connection, and thoughtful design alongside comfort and convenience. Dubai’s unique ability to blend scale with soul has transformed its five-star hotels into curators of unforgettable experiences. Guests can seamlessly transition from attending a business conference in the morning to exploring local art in the afternoon and indulging in award-winning dining in the evening. This integration of business, culture, and leisure epitomizes modern hospitality in Dubai. The city’s events landscape has also played a pivotal role in this growth, with international conferences, concerts, and incentive programs driving demand for premium accommodations. Sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of luxury, with guests increasingly valuing eco-conscious practices. IHG DFC, for instance, emphasizes energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, and community impact. As Dubai’s hospitality sector looks to the future, the five-star segment will remain its foundation. The city’s continued success hinges on balancing innovation with authenticity and technology with the human touch. While guests may initially be drawn to Dubai’s iconic architecture and skyline, it is the enduring sense of belonging and connection that keeps them returning. Dubai has demonstrated that luxury and meaning can coexist, and its mission is to continue crafting experiences that inspire, delight, and leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
-
Two popular gay dating platforms removed from Apple app store in China
Apple has officially confirmed the removal of two prominent Chinese gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. This action was taken in compliance with an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We adhere to the laws of the countries where we operate. Based on the directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps exclusively from the China storefront.’ This decision has sparked significant concern within the LGBT community in China. The BBC has reached out to the companies behind Blued and Finka for their comments. Despite the removal, a ‘lite’ version of Blued remains accessible on Chinese app stores, and other gay and bisexual dating apps like Jicco and Jack’d are still available. Blued, one of the most widely-used gay dating apps in China, boasts tens of millions of downloads. Apple operates a separate app store in China, in line with the country’s stringent internet regulations, which also restrict access to popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. Android users in China rely on locally adapted versions of the operating system since the Google Play Store is blocked. Members of the LGBT community have voiced their concerns, with one individual remarking, ‘I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare—it’s not something shameful or unspeakable.’ This incident follows the 2022 removal of the US-based gay dating app Grindr from Apple’s App Store in China, shortly after the Cyberspace Administration of China initiated a crackdown on content deemed illegal and inappropriate. In 2023, the Chinese government introduced new regulations mandating that all apps serving domestic users must register for licenses, leading to the removal of numerous foreign apps. While homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. Advocacy groups such as the Beijing LGBT Center and ShanghaiPride have ceased operations in recent years.
-
India’s Sumit Nagal appeals to Chinese officials after visa denied for Grand Slam tennis qualifier
Indian tennis sensation Sumit Nagal has reached out to Chinese authorities after his visa application was unexpectedly rejected, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open wild-card playoff tournament in Chengdu, China. The event, scheduled from November 24 to 29, serves as a crucial pathway for players to secure a spot in the first Grand Slam of the year. Nagal, India’s top-ranked male player, took to social media to seek intervention from the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, and the Chinese embassy. In his plea, Nagal expressed his frustration, stating, ‘I am supposed to fly to China soon to represent India at the Australian Open playoff, but my visa was rejected without reason. Your urgent help would be much appreciated.’ The 28-year-old athlete, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 68 in July 2024, is currently ranked 290th globally. His career highlights include winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys’ doubles title and taking the opening set against tennis legend Roger Federer in the 2019 U.S. Open. The Australian Open officials have yet to comment on the situation. This incident comes amid improving diplomatic relations between India and China, including the recent resumption of direct flights between the two nations after a five-year hiatus. The Asia-Pacific wild-card playoff, held at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, features 16 players in men’s and women’s singles and 12 teams in doubles. Last year’s edition saw Chinese player Zhang Shuai and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej secure spots in the 2025 Australian Open main draw.
-
One last chance: UAE and Iraq’s World Cup hopes ride in Asia’s 5th qualifying round
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows for Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they prepare for a decisive two-leg playoff in the fifth round of Asian qualification. The first match will take place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, followed by the return leg in Basra, Iraq, next Tuesday. The winner of this high-stakes encounter will advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs in March, where they will compete for one of the final two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq coach Graham Arnold emphasized the historic significance of this opportunity, stating, ‘Our first goal is to secure Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us.’ Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, took charge of Iraq in March and aims to guide the team to their first World Cup appearance since 1986. UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu echoed the importance of the upcoming matches, urging his players to focus on the task at hand despite frustrations over the previous qualification round. Both teams narrowly missed automatic qualification in earlier rounds, finishing behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With passionate home crowds expected in both legs, the stage is set for a thrilling battle to keep World Cup dreams alive.