The Maldives has taken a groundbreaking step in public health by implementing a generational tobacco ban, effective from November 1, 2025. This bold initiative, which prohibits tobacco use among individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, has been widely praised by health experts, international organizations, and other nations. The ban also includes a nationwide prohibition on electronic cigarettes and vaping products, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against tobacco-related health issues. Maldivian Minister of Education Ismail Shafeeu highlighted the country’s leadership in this area, noting that the decision has been positively received internationally. Ahmed Afaal, managing director of ADK Hospitals and vice-chair of the Tobacco Control Board of the Maldives, emphasized that while the ban’s impact will not be immediate, it is a long-term strategy aimed at fostering a healthier population and reducing healthcare costs. The new regulations require retailers to verify the age of customers before selling tobacco products, ensuring compliance with the law. The move has been welcomed by most citizens, with local resident Mohamed Shauf Rilwan expressing optimism about the creation of a ‘smoke-free generation in the future.’ Analysts have also dismissed concerns that the ban could negatively affect the Maldives’ tourism industry, noting that tourists are drawn to the country for its natural beauty rather than its smoking regulations. Judith Mackay, director of the Hong Kong-based Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control, lauded the Maldives’ efforts, stating that the country’s actions are commendable and set a strong example for others to follow.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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In Mamdani’s New York win, India’s Nehru finds an echo
In a historic moment for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of Indian descent, invoked the words of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, during his victory speech on Wednesday. Mamdani, whose roots trace back to South Asia, quoted Nehru’s iconic 1947 ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech, delivered on the eve of India’s independence from British rule. The speech, which marked the birth of a nation, resonated deeply as Mamdani stepped into his role as New York’s first Indian-origin mayor. The event was punctuated by Bollywood music and Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind,’ symbolizing a fusion of cultures and a new chapter for the city. Mamdani’s campaign had already embraced Bollywood as a cultural touchstone, with the mayor-elect frequently using Hindi and film references to connect with his heritage. Nehru’s speech, often hailed as one of history’s most stirring orations, emphasized freedom as a beginning rather than an end, a sentiment Mamdani echoed in his own vision for New York. The parallels between Nehru’s leadership in post-colonial India and Mamdani’s ascent in a diverse metropolis underscore the transformative potential of his tenure. As Mamdani embarks on his journey, he carries forward Nehru’s legacy of unity, progress, and service to the people.
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Istanbul gathering discusses Gaza peace force
Foreign ministers from seven Arab and Muslim-majority nations convened in Istanbul on Monday to deliberate on the establishment of an international peace force as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the meeting included representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The ministers unanimously affirmed their support for Palestinian self-governance, emphasizing that ‘Palestine should be governed and secured by Palestinians.’ Fidan criticized Israel for repeated truce violations and the blockade of humanitarian aid, stressing the collective desire to prevent a resurgence of violence in Gaza and to advance the two-state solution. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in effect since October 10, reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have continued, resulting in civilian casualties. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, advocated for a UN-mandated stabilization force, though Jordan ruled out deploying its own troops. Meanwhile, the U.S. circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution proposing an international force in Gaza for at least two years, with potential extensions. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urged intensified global efforts to aid Palestinian reconstruction. Analysts view the Istanbul meeting as a continuation of diplomatic efforts initiated during the UN General Assembly, with a focus on creating a temporary international task force to stabilize Gaza while ensuring Palestinian autonomy.
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China lays out pitch to lure world’s consumers
China is strategically positioning itself as a premier shopping destination for international tourists through a series of policy enhancements aimed at improving the visitor experience. Key among these measures is the optimization of the instant tax refund policy, which now allows foreign visitors to initiate tax refund claims directly at the point of sale in major retail outlets. This logistical simplification has significantly reduced friction for consumers, making shopping a primary motivation for overseas tourists visiting the country, according to experts and executives.
The minimum purchase threshold for departure tax refunds has been lowered to 200 yuan ($27.75) at the same store on the same day, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce in April. This change has made it easier for international travelers to take advantage of tax refunds, further incentivizing shopping in China. High-tech gadgets, particularly drones and advanced smartphones, are among the most popular purchases, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards innovative and high-value products.
Luo Yao, store manager of drone maker DJI at Beijing APM, noted that their store has become a destination in itself, with foreign visitors often arriving with clear intent to purchase. Luo highlighted that foreign customers, primarily from the United States, Singapore, and Russia, frequently visit in family or friend groups, and the store provides assistance with pricing, tax refunds, and hands-on product testing to simplify the shopping experience.
Wan Zhe, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Beijing Normal University, observed that international travelers’ demand for Chinese goods has evolved from a focus on low cost to an appreciation for superior value and innovation. This transition has been further fueled by protectionist policies in certain Western nations, which have inflated domestic consumer costs, making Chinese alternatives not only cheaper but also smarter and more efficient choices.
The expansion of China’s visa-free entry policies has also played a pivotal role in boosting shopping-focused tourism. The National Immigration Administration reported that from July to September, foreign nationals accounted for 7.24 million visits to China under its visa-free policies, marking a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase. The visa-waiver program now grants entry to nationals of 76 countries and provides up to 10-day transit visas for travelers from 55 more, streamlining access for a growing number of international visitors.
These strategic initiatives underscore China’s commitment to enhancing its appeal as a global shopping hub, leveraging policy upgrades and innovative products to attract and satisfy international consumers.
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Pilot to build top-tier shopping hubs
China is embarking on an ambitious two-year pilot program to transform approximately 15 cities into world-class consumption hubs, aiming to attract overseas tourists and elevate the country’s retail and service standards. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce, seeks to refine China’s consumption ecosystem to meet international benchmarks, thereby driving product and service upgrades and fostering sustainable economic growth.
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Beirne free to play against Japan after red card rescinded
DUBLIN (AP) — Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland backrower, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming match against Japan this Saturday following the successful appeal of his red card. The decision to rescind the red card was announced after an independent disciplinary committee reviewed the incident on Tuesday. Beirne had initially received a yellow card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett during the third minute of Ireland’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago. The yellow card was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card after a bunker review. However, the disciplinary committee concluded that while Beirne’s action constituted foul play, it did not warrant a red card. ‘Having considered the player’s and the other evidence and reviewed the footage, the disciplinary committee accepted the player’s submissions that whilst an act of foul play had occurred, it did not meet the red card threshold,’ stated the committee, as reported by the BBC. Ireland is set to face Australia and South Africa in additional test matches later this month.
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Political Lens
In a significant diplomatic push, China has expressed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with Pacific Island countries and deepening its strategic partnership with Qatar. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, emphasized China’s readiness to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Pacific Island nations during a collective meeting with their legislative representatives in Beijing. Zhao highlighted the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, underscoring the importance of multi-level exchanges and legal frameworks to bolster bilateral ties. The visiting representatives reaffirmed their adherence to the one-China principle and their eagerness to strengthen cooperation with China. Meanwhile, Vice-President Han Zheng, during his visit to Doha for the Second World Summit for Social Development, pledged to elevate China-Qatar relations by deepening collaboration across various sectors. These developments reflect China’s proactive approach to fostering international partnerships and advancing its global influence.
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Malaysian rapper Namewee detained in murder investigation of Taiwanese influencer
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prominent Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Wee Meng Chee, known professionally as Namewee, was taken into custody on Wednesday to aid police in their investigation into the murder of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin. According to his lawyer, Joshua Tay, Namewee voluntarily surrendered to authorities and will be held under a six-day remand. The case, initially treated as a suspicious death, was reclassified as a murder following the discovery of new evidence. Hsieh, a 31-year-old former nurse with over half a million Instagram followers and an OnlyFans account, was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub on October 22. Local media reported that Namewee was the last person seen with her before her death. He was briefly detained at the time and separately charged with drug possession, which he denies. Hsieh, affectionately dubbed ‘Nurse Goddess’ by her fans, had arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day stay. Authorities are awaiting full post-mortem and toxicology reports to determine the official cause of death. Namewee expressed deep sorrow over Hsieh’s passing and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. His lawyer emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry. Namewee, a controversial figure known for his satirical takes on Malaysian politics, race, and religion, has faced multiple arrests in the past. His provocative works, including a 2007 video mocking Malaysia’s national anthem and a 2014 film banned for allegedly disparaging national agencies, have often sparked controversy. In 2016, he was detained over a music video deemed disrespectful to Islam, though he was not charged. Similarly, in 2018, he faced backlash for a video featuring dancers in dog masks, which authorities claimed insulted Islam. Namewee maintains that his critiques target hypocrisy and abuse of power, not religion or race. His contentious reputation extends beyond Malaysia; in 2021, a song he released with Australian singer Kimberley Chen mocking Chinese nationalists led to both artists being banned from China and their work removed from Chinese platforms.
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Prosecutors in Asia seize yachts, luxury cars and cash from man accused of running cyberscams
In a coordinated international effort, prosecutors in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore have seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets linked to Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman accused by the U.S. of leading a global cyber-scam syndicate. The crackdown follows an October 14 indictment by U.S. authorities, which charged Chen with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, alongside the seizure of $14 billion in cryptocurrency. Chen, founder of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group, allegedly orchestrated a vast network of scams spanning multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Palau. The U.S. and U.K. governments have jointly sanctioned Chen and his collaborators, while investigations into his operations continue to expand. Singaporean authorities seized over $114 million in financial assets, a yacht, and luxury liquor on October 30. Taiwanese prosecutors confiscated $150 million in assets, including 26 luxury cars and 11 upscale apartments in Taipei, while Hong Kong police announced the seizure of $353 million in cash, stocks, and other funds. U.K. authorities also targeted Chen’s assets, seizing a $15.6 million mansion and a $130 million office building. Chen, a Chinese national with Cambodian citizenship, has close ties to Cambodia’s political elite, having served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Despite his prominent status, prosecutors allege that the bulk of his wealth stems from fraudulent activities, including the notorious ‘pig butchering’ scam, which reportedly generated $30 million daily. The Prince Holding Group has yet to respond to requests for comment.
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Japan’s Toyota, hurt by President Trump’s tariffs, reports a drop in profit
Toyota Motor Corporation reported a 7% year-on-year decline in net profit for the April-September period, attributing the downturn to the impact of U.S. tariffs on Japanese automakers. The company’s net profit for the six-month period stood at 1.77 trillion yen ($11.5 billion), down from 1.9 trillion yen in the same period last year. Despite these challenges, Toyota has revised its full-year profit forecast upward to 2.93 trillion yen ($19 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 2026, citing improved vehicle sales and cost-cutting measures. This revised forecast, however, still represents a 38.5% drop from the previous fiscal year’s profit of 4.77 trillion yen. Earlier, Toyota had projected a profit of 2.66 trillion yen ($17 billion) for the current fiscal year. The U.S. tariffs on Japanese automobiles and auto parts, which were reduced to 15% in September from an initial 27.5%, continue to weigh heavily on the company’s performance. Nevertheless, Toyota reported growth in vehicle sales in both the U.S. and Japan, with North American sales exceeding 1.5 million units and Japanese sales reaching 970,000 units during the six-month period. The company’s first-half sales increased by 5.8% to 24.6 trillion yen ($160 billion), while quarterly profit for the period through September surged 62% to 932 billion yen ($6 billion) on sales of 12.38 trillion yen ($80 billion), an 8% year-on-year increase. Toyota remains optimistic, stating that its strategic initiatives, including enhanced sales, cost efficiencies, and value chain improvements, are expected to contribute over 900 billion yen ($5.8 billion) to its bottom line this fiscal year.