Sharjah Civil Defence has ramped up its fire safety initiatives, conducting a total of 18,714 inspections in the first half of 2025, including 13,306 surprise visits to industrial, commercial, and residential facilities. The campaign aims to ensure compliance with fire safety standards, assess the functionality of alarm and suppression systems, and verify the safe storage of flammable materials. Brigadier General Yousif Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility requiring awareness and participation from all community members. The inspections are complemented by educational sessions, where officers provide practical guidance on preventive measures, evacuation procedures, and the correct use of firefighting equipment. Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of a proactive approach to fire prevention, supported by 14 strategically located firefighting centres equipped with advanced technology for rapid response. The initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety and resilience, ensuring that buildings and facilities are prepared for emergencies. Compared to 2024, the increased number of inspections demonstrates a sustained effort to uphold international fire safety standards and minimize risks across the emirate.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
ICC prosecutors urge Appeals Chamber to keep ex Philippine president Duterte detained
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly advocated for the continued detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, urging the Appeals Chamber to dismiss his request for temporary release. In a public redacted filing submitted on October 31, the prosecution defended the September 26 ruling by Pre-Trial Chamber I, which denied Duterte’s interim release under the Rome Statute. The prosecution argued that Duterte’s defense failed to identify any legal or factual errors in the initial decision to detain him. The chamber had previously emphasized that Duterte’s detention is essential to ensure his appearance at trial, prevent obstruction of justice, and halt any potential continuation of alleged crimes. The prosecution highlighted Duterte’s significant political influence and extensive network of loyal supporters, including his daughter, Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte, and his recent election as mayor of Davao City, as factors that could enable him to evade justice. They also dismissed Duterte’s health-related arguments for release, stating that his medical claims were insufficient and that detention posed no serious risk to his well-being. The OTP further justified the use of public information, such as media reports and NGO findings, to support their case, noting that such sources are routinely accepted in ICC proceedings. The prosecution concluded that the risks of Duterte fleeing or obstructing justice are not hypothetical but substantiated by his political connections and international reach.
-
9 killed in stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Venkateswara temple
A devastating stampede at the Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, with many more injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd of devotees gathered at the temple, leading to a chaotic surge that overwhelmed the area. Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer expressed profound grief over the tragedy, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance for the victims. Modi stated, ‘I am deeply pained by the stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.’ The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. This incident is the latest in a series of deadly crowd crushes at Indian religious gatherings, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. In recent months, similar tragedies have occurred at campaign rallies, festivals, and rituals across the country, underscoring the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures.
-
Cheng Li-wun assumes leadership of Kuomintang
In a significant political development, Cheng Li-wun has been elected as the new chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party during its congress held in Taipei on Saturday. Cheng, in her inaugural address, sharply criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its alleged manipulation of media to disseminate disinformation and foster societal divisions. She accused the DPP of exploiting the judiciary to suppress political adversaries, thereby undermining Taiwan’s democratic foundations. Cheng warned that Taiwan’s economic and industrial strengths are at risk of being eroded due to these internal conflicts. She emphasized the urgency of restoring normalcy, stating, ‘Taiwan has no time left. We can no longer sink further or let hatred spread.’ Cheng pledged that the KMT would take on the mission to rectify past errors, rejuvenate Taiwan’s economy, and promote peace across the Taiwan Strait. The congress also approved Cheng’s nominations for the party’s vice chairpersons. A party report adopted during the event highlighted the KMT’s longstanding commitment to fostering cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, which it believes are essential for peace, stability, and prosperity. The report reaffirmed the KMT’s adherence to the 1992 Consensus and its opposition to ‘Taiwan independence,’ vowing to maintain open communication channels to ease tensions and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The event concluded with a ceremonial transfer of duties from outgoing Chairman Eric Chu to Cheng, attended by former KMT leaders including Ma Ying-jeou, Wu Po-hsiung, and Hung Hsiu-chu.
-
Captivating landscape forms in Yunnan
As autumn reaches its peak, the picturesque region of Bangdong township in Lincang, Yunnan province, transforms into a breathtaking canvas of natural beauty. According to Yunnan.cn, a local news portal, the convergence of rolling sea of clouds with the lush tea gardens on Manglu Mountain creates a mesmerizing landscape that captivates both locals and visitors alike. This phenomenon, occurring at the end of October, marks the most enchanting season of the year for the area. The scene is further enhanced by the warm hues of the sunset glow, casting a golden light over the terraced tea fields. Photographer Liu Lida captured this stunning moment, showcasing the harmonious blend of nature’s elements. The tea gardens, a vital part of the local economy and culture, not only provide a livelihood for residents but also serve as a symbol of Yunnan’s rich agricultural heritage. This annual spectacle highlights the region’s unique charm and reinforces its reputation as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
-
Haikou’s flagship platform for intl exchanges strengthens regional ties
The ‘Dialogue between Haikou and Consulates-General of ASEAN Countries in Guangzhou 2025’ concluded on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening regional ties as the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) prepares for its island-wide special customs operation launch on December 18. This event, now in its 17th iteration, has solidified its position as Haikou’s premier platform for international exchanges and a reliable communication channel with ASEAN diplomatic missions in China. This year’s dialogue is anticipated to unlock new opportunities for practical cooperation between Haikou and ASEAN nations. Discussions delved into the Hainan FTP’s policy advantages, development prospects, industrial planning, and investment opportunities, exploring fresh avenues for collaboration amid the FTP’s rapid development. A dedicated session highlighted Haikou’s urban development strategy and key industrial sectors, including film and television production and the digital economy. The presentations showcased Haikou’s ‘City of Six Initiatives’ development blueprint, emphasizing its strengths in industrial innovation, urban construction, and quality of life. With the imminent launch of the island-wide special customs operations, the dialogue underscored Haikou’s dedication to deepening economic and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries, positioning the city as a pivotal gateway for regional cooperation under the Hainan FTP framework. Kim Jun-cheol, operations team officer of the Mureung Strategy Division of Donghae City Hall from South Korea, remarked, ‘Key policies such as tariff-free, low tax rates, and tax simplification at Hainan Free Trade Port are a testament to the Chinese government’s commitment to opening up to the world.’
-
Israel army says Gaza bodies received Friday not hostages
The Israeli military announced on Saturday that three bodies received from Gaza through the Red Cross on Friday were not those of hostages held in the Palestinian territory. Forensic analysis confirmed that the remains did not belong to any of the 11 deceased captives still expected to be returned under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. Since the truce began on October 10, Hamas has returned 20 surviving hostages and initiated the process of repatriating the bodies of deceased captives. Among the 17 bodies already returned are 15 Israelis, one Thai national, and one Nepalese national. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of the remaining bodies, while the Palestinian group claims the process is time-consuming due to the difficulty of locating remains buried in Gaza’s rubble.
-
Dubai’s Global Village: Free shows, things to do at Season 30
Dubai’s Global Village, a beloved annual attraction, has launched its 30th season with a promise of being the ‘most spectacular edition yet.’ The iconic destination, which opens during the cooler months, has introduced new attractions, revamped restaurants, and upgraded experiences to mark this milestone. In celebration, Dubai has announced that all visas issued from the emirate will now feature the Global Village Season 30 logo, and travelers arriving in the UAE will receive a special entry stamp bearing the same emblem. Additionally, commemorative passports have been issued for visitors to document their memories. The season offers a plethora of free experiences, making it accessible for all. Families can enjoy the Kids Theatre, where beloved characters like Chhota Bheem and Angry Birds come to life through magic shows and singalongs. Music enthusiasts can attend free concerts at the Main Stage, featuring popular artists. The skies above Global Village will be illuminated with laser shows, fireworks, and drone displays, including a special Flag Day performance on November 3. Visitors can also explore the ‘Gardens of the World,’ featuring floral replicas of global landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower. Cultural performances from countries such as Thailand and Palestine will showcase diverse traditions, while the 30 Seasons of Wonder Parade will celebrate the anniversary with vibrant floats and international music. For thrill-seekers, acrobatic performances on the Main Stage offer breathtaking stunts and comedy. Global Village continues to be a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of entertainment and education for visitors of all ages.
-
Kim Kardashian says Moon landing ‘didn’t happen’, NASA sends her a reality check
In a recent episode of her Hulu series ‘The Kardashians,’ reality TV star Kim Kardashian reignited long-debunked conspiracy theories about the 1969 Moon landing, claiming it ‘didn’t happen.’ During a conversation with co-star Sarah Paulson, Kardashian cited alleged quotes from astronaut Buzz Aldrin, suggesting the Apollo 11 mission was staged. NASA swiftly responded to these claims, with acting administrator Sean Duffy taking to social media platform X to set the record straight. ‘Yes, we’ve been to the Moon before… 6 times!’ Duffy wrote, emphasizing the agency’s historical achievements. He also highlighted NASA’s ongoing Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon. Duffy invited Kardashian to witness the Artemis launch at the Kennedy Space Center, underscoring NASA’s commitment to space exploration. While Kardashian’s comments have sparked renewed debate, they also serve as a reminder of the persistent skepticism surrounding one of humanity’s most celebrated scientific milestones.
-
Deloitte China vice-chairman: ‘The country’s development will benefit the whole economy’
In a landmark address on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a five-point proposal aimed at fostering universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, with a focus on building a cohesive Asia-Pacific community. This initiative underscores China’s dedication to maintaining an open economy, which is expected to generate significant growth opportunities across the region. Wu Weijun, vice-chairman of Deloitte China, emphasized the importance of this commitment in an exclusive interview with China Daily. He highlighted that China’s proactive stance on economic openness not only benefits its domestic economy but also serves as a catalyst for regional development. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to strengthen economic ties and promote sustainable growth within the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing China’s role as a key player in global economic governance.