Jingdezhen, renowned as the ‘Porcelain Capital’ of China, recently welcomed a distinguished group of global mayors who visited the China Ceramics Museum as part of the 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue. The event, held from October 17 to 20, showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage and its pivotal role in the history of ceramics. The museum, a treasure trove of ancient and modern porcelain artifacts, provided the visiting delegates with a deep dive into the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined Jingdezhen for centuries. The mayors, representing cities from around the world, expressed admiration for the museum’s extensive collection and the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its porcelain legacy. This visit not only highlighted Jingdezhen’s cultural significance but also fostered international dialogue on heritage conservation and cultural exchange.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Dubai: Gold prices inch higher in early trade on first day of week
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a modest increase at the start of the trading week on Monday, aligning with global market trends. At 9:00 AM UAE time, 24K gold opened at Dh514 per gram, marking a rise of Dh1.75 from the previous week’s closing price. Other variants, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also saw upward movements, opening at Dh476, Dh456.5, and Dh391.25 per gram, respectively. Spot gold remained steady at $4,248.93 per ounce by 9:25 AM UAE time, though it showed signs of easing after an initial uptick. Market dynamics continue to be shaped by ongoing US-China trade negotiations and the anticipation of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a senior analyst at Swissquote, highlighted the resurgence of trade tensions between the US and China, particularly following China’s restrictions on rare earth metal exports and the US’s threat of imposing 100% tariffs. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently hinted at a potential rate cut by the end of October, with market expectations now placing a near 100% probability on a 25 basis points reduction. Investors are also awaiting the release of September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics on Friday, which could provide further insights ahead of the Fed’s decision later this month.
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Winter could arrive early for Beijing as cold spell continues
Beijing is experiencing an unusually early onset of winter as temperatures plummeted below freezing on October 18, 2025, weeks ahead of the seasonal norm. The China Meteorological Administration reported that the southern rural areas of the capital recorded a low of -0.5°C, marking the first subzero temperature since autumn began. This cold spell, driven by a robust air mass over northern China, is expected to persist, with daily average temperatures in Beijing remaining below 10°C from October 18 to 24. In response, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued blue alerts for cold waves and strong winds on October 16, advising residents to prepare for the prolonged chill. Xin Xin, chief meteorologist at the China Weather Network, noted that while this year’s first subzero reading aligns with last year’s timing, it is significantly earlier than the long-term average of November 8, based on data from 1991 to 2020. She warned that if the current trend of low temperatures continues, winter could arrive notably earlier this year, disrupting seasonal patterns and daily life in the capital.
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Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights
Millions of Indians across the country joyously celebrated Diwali on Monday, marking the Hindu festival of lights that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Known as ‘Deepavali,’ meaning ‘a row of lights,’ the festival is traditionally observed with social gatherings, gift exchanges, and the illumination of homes and streets with lamps, lanterns, and candles. This year, the celebrations were particularly vibrant in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, a city deeply significant to Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, who returned after 14 years in exile. To commemorate his homecoming, over 2.6 million earthen lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, setting a Guinness World Record for the second consecutive year. The event was further enhanced by the synchronized prayers of 2,100 Hindu priests, whose chants resonated across the shimmering riverfront. The city was adorned with fairy lights, and a spectacular laser and fireworks show illuminated its lanes and riverbanks. Thousands of residents participated by lighting lamps at their homes and temples. The massive effort involved more than 33,000 volunteers and the production of 1.6 million lamps by 40 families from nearby villages, using 73,000 liters of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks. Despite the challenges, the collective effort created a breathtaking spectacle. However, Diwali celebrations in New Delhi were marred by concerns over air pollution, as firecrackers contributed to toxic smog. The air quality index in parts of the city surged to 347, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum. In response, India’s top court allowed the limited use of ‘green firecrackers,’ designed to reduce emissions by 30%, during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday.
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India: Toxic haze chokes Delhi; pollution soars to over 16 times’ ideal levels
New Delhi, India’s bustling capital, is grappling with an unprecedented environmental crisis as a thick, toxic haze envelops the city. On Monday, air pollution levels surged to over 16 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum, posing severe health risks to its 30 million residents. The city, already notorious for its poor air quality, faces a deadly combination of emissions from crop burning, industrial activities, and heavy vehicular traffic. The situation has been exacerbated by cooler air trapping pollutants close to the ground and the widespread use of fireworks during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Despite the Supreme Court’s allowance of ‘green firecrackers’ designed to reduce pollution, the ban on traditional fireworks was largely ignored. Monitoring data from IQAir revealed PM2.5 levels reaching 248 micrograms per cubic meter in some areas—particles so small they can enter the bloodstream and cause cancer. The government’s Commission of Air Quality Management has warned of further deterioration in air quality and implemented measures such as ensuring uninterrupted power supply to curb diesel generator use. Additionally, Delhi authorities plan to trial cloud seeding this month, a technique to induce rain and clear the air. A Lancet Planetary Health study highlighted the grim reality, estimating 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution. The UN children’s agency has also raised alarms about the heightened risk of acute respiratory infections among children due to polluted air.
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UNICEF Yemen chief among staff held by Houthis: UN official
In a concerning development, Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative in Yemen, has been detained by Houthi rebels in the capital city of Sanaa. According to a UN official who spoke to AFP on Sunday, Hawkins is among 15 international United Nations employees held captive following a raid on a UN complex by the Houthis the previous day. The official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the detentions but did not provide further details regarding the circumstances or the reasons behind the raid. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the internationally recognized government. The detention of UN personnel, particularly high-profile figures like Hawkins, raises significant concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the region and the potential impact on critical aid operations. The UN has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but the situation underscores the volatile environment in Yemen and the challenges faced by international organizations operating in the war-torn country.
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Philippines unveils a new jail for legislators who may face corruption trial
In a significant move to address public outrage over a sprawling corruption scandal, the Philippines has inaugurated a new detention facility in metropolitan Manila capable of housing up to 800 detainees. The jail, showcased to the media by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, is expected to accommodate powerful legislators, public works officials, and others implicated in alleged irregularities tied to flood control projects. This initiative is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration’s efforts to restore public trust and ensure accountability.
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Cambodia opens a new $2 billion airport to serve Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the state-of-the-art Techo International Airport on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to revitalize tourism and attract foreign investment. Located in Kandal province, approximately 30 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, the $2 billion facility replaces the aging Phnom Penh International Airport, which had operated for nearly seven decades with a single runway. The new airport, a joint venture between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corp., began operations in September and features three runways. Initially designed to handle 13 million passengers annually, its capacity is projected to expand to 30 million by 2030 and 50 million by 2050. Hun Manet expressed optimism that the airport would serve as a catalyst for economic recovery, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic tourism and investment levels. However, Cambodia’s tourism sector faces challenges, including the recent death of a South Korean man allegedly lured into an online scam center, which has drawn international attention to the country’s illegal cybercrime industry. Additionally, a brief but tense border conflict with Thailand in July further impacted tourism. Despite these setbacks, Cambodia welcomed 4 million foreign tourists from January to August 2023, with plans to leverage its second major airport in two years—the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, opened in October 2023—to support the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.
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20th CPC Central Committee starts fourth plenary session
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) commenced its fourth plenary session in Beijing on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political calendar. The session, led by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, focused on critical discussions surrounding China’s strategic direction for the coming years. Xi presented a comprehensive work report on behalf of the Political Bureau, outlining the Party’s vision and priorities. A key agenda item was the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which will guide China’s economic and social development over the next half-decade. The draft proposals underscored the CPC’s commitment to sustainable growth, technological innovation, and national rejuvenation. This plenary session is a testament to the Party’s proactive approach to governance, ensuring China remains on a trajectory of stability and prosperity. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to have far-reaching implications for both domestic policy and China’s role on the global stage.
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Body of slain Nepali hostage held in Gaza repatriated after release by Hamas
The remains of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student tragically killed while held hostage in Gaza, were repatriated to Kathmandu on Monday. Joshi’s body arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, where it was received with solemn honors. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the body would be transported to his hometown of Bhimdattanagar later in the evening. Joshi was one of 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in southern Israel when Hamas launched its devastating attack on October 7, 2023, sparking the ongoing Gaza conflict. He had arrived in Israel just a month prior as part of a student exchange program, working and studying at Kibbutz Alumim near the Gaza border. The Hamas assault claimed the lives of 10 Nepali students and left six others injured. Joshi, aged 22 at the time, was abducted during the attack. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed his death in captivity on October 14, 2023, while his mother and sister were in the United States advocating for his release. Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki paid tribute to Joshi at a ceremony at Kathmandu’s airport, draping the national flag over his coffin. She praised his courage, stating, ‘Bipin’s bravery is a source of pride for every Nepali. He is a son of Nepal, a son of every mother. We will never forget him. He lives in our hearts.’ The Nepali government emphasized its efforts to secure Joshi’s release during his captivity, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic outcome.