A recent incident aboard an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon has reignited concerns about the safety of lithium batteries on aircraft. Smoke began emanating from an overhead compartment, prompting crew members to swiftly extinguish flames later identified as a lithium-battery fire. The plane was safely diverted to Shanghai, and no injuries were reported. However, the event underscores the potential dangers of small electronic devices mid-air, particularly power banks and other lithium-powered gadgets. This incident has drawn global attention to the handling and packing of such devices, with UAE airlines already implementing stricter regulations. Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have banned the use of power banks onboard and imposed specific rules to mitigate risks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also launched a campaign, ‘Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries,’ to educate travelers on safe practices. According to IATA, lithium batteries are found in a wide range of everyday items, from smartphones to medical devices, and improper handling can lead to severe consequences. Safety experts warn that damaged or overcharged lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells can overheat, triggering thermal runaway, which can result in fires or explosions. To ensure safety, IATA recommends travelers follow seven simple rules, including carrying devices in hand baggage, protecting loose batteries, and checking airline-specific regulations. The Air China incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent potential in-flight emergencies.
标签： Asia
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23 Indians rescued after explosion, fire on tanker off Yemen’s coast
A dramatic maritime rescue unfolded off the coast of Yemen as 23 Indian crew members were saved following an explosion and subsequent fire aboard the Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker MV Falcon. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:00 AM UTC, approximately 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The vessel, en route from Oman’s Sohar Port to Djibouti, was carrying a full load of liquefied petroleum gas when the explosion took place, causing the ship to drift and ignite a fire that engulfed 15% of the vessel. Early reports indicate the explosion was accidental, though investigations are ongoing. The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides swiftly launched a search-and-rescue mission after radio communications revealed the crew was preparing to abandon ship. Of the 24 crew members who initially evacuated, 23 were successfully rescued, while two remain missing, and one was still onboard the tanker at the time of the last update. Due to the risk of further explosions, nearby vessels were advised to maintain a safe distance. A private company has since taken over the salvage operation. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers in the Red Sea corridor, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Operation Aspides, a defensive maritime mission, continues to safeguard civilian ships and crews navigating these perilous waters.
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Trump says ceasefire still in force after Israeli bombs rain down on Gaza
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza remains intact, despite a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in southern Gaza. The strikes, which Israel claimed were in response to alleged truce violations by Hamas, resulted in at least 45 fatalities, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. Four hospitals in Gaza corroborated the death toll, reporting an influx of casualties. Israel’s military stated it is investigating the reports but emphasized its commitment to enforcing the ceasefire, vowing to respond firmly to any breaches. Hamas denied the accusations, with one official alleging that Israel fabricated pretexts to resume hostilities. The ceasefire, brokered by Trump on October 10, aimed to halt over two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, its implementation has faced significant challenges, including the suspension of aid to Gaza due to alleged violations. The war has claimed over 68,000 lives in Gaza, with more than half being women and children. Meanwhile, Hamas has released 20 surviving hostages and is working to recover the bodies of those who died. Israel has returned 150 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, linking the reopening of the Rafah crossing to the recovery of all deceased. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the fragile peace.
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Chinese president appoints new ambassadors
In a significant diplomatic reshuffle, Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced the appointment of new ambassadors to several key international posts. The decision, made in accordance with the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body, was officially disclosed on Monday. The new appointments include Yu Jinsong as ambassador to Morocco, Chen Feng to Romania, Jiang Xiaoyan to North Macedonia, Zhang Zuo to Malta, Yang Shu to Grenada, and Sun Xiangyang to Ecuador. Additionally, Li Yongjie has been named China’s permanent representative and ambassador to the World Trade Organization, as well as deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. These changes reflect China’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its diplomatic presence and fostering international relations across various regions.
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UAE weather: Week to start with rainfall as temperatures drop to 22°C
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to experience a week of rainfall and cooler temperatures, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather forecast indicates fair to partly cloudy conditions, with convective clouds forming over the eastern and northern regions, bringing potential rainfall. Temperatures are expected to drop to 22°C in the southern and internal areas, while Abu Dhabi and Dubai will see highs of 35°C and lows of 26°C. Humidity is anticipated to increase by night and into Tuesday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas. Light to moderate winds will blow from the southeasterly to northwesterly directions, occasionally causing dust to blow. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments and prepare for the changing conditions.
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Golden autumn days draw people outdoors across China
As the golden hues of autumn paint the landscapes, people across China are embracing the season by venturing outdoors. The crisp air and vibrant foliage have created an irresistible allure for nature lovers and tourists alike. In Mogao Town, Dunhuang, Northwest China’s Gansu province, visitors flocked to the populus euphratica forest on October 19, 2025, to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery. This seasonal phenomenon is not limited to Dunhuang; from bustling cities to serene countryside, individuals are seizing the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather and picturesque views. The trend reflects a growing appreciation for nature and the simple joys of seasonal changes. As autumn continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that the natural world offers, encouraging people to step outside and reconnect with their surroundings.
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Diplomats, business leaders in Hong Kong explore Xinjiang’s beauty, eye collaboration
A delegation of diplomats and business leaders from Hong Kong recently concluded a visit to China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, organized by the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The trip aimed to foster exchanges between Hong Kong and Xinjiang, offering participants a firsthand experience of the region’s cultural, economic, and natural allure. Delegates expressed surprise at Xinjiang’s vibrancy, describing it as more dynamic than anticipated. They emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two regions, particularly in trade, tourism, and clean energy. The delegation visited key cities, including Urumqi, Kashgar, and Yining, each offering unique cultural and economic characteristics. At Tianchi Lake, a glacial basin surrounded by snow-capped mountains, delegates marveled at the region’s natural beauty. In Kashgar’s ancient city, they immersed themselves in its rich history and lively atmosphere. The trip also highlighted Xinjiang’s strategic role as a transport and trade hub along the Silk Road Economic Belt, with the Horgos Port serving as a critical node for cross-border commerce. Delegates discussed potential collaborations, such as leveraging Hong Kong’s expertise in logistics and cold chain transportation to connect Xinjiang with global markets. The visit underscored the growing ties between Hong Kong and Xinjiang, with Cathay Pacific launching direct flights between the two regions in April 2025. Participants left with a deeper appreciation of Xinjiang’s opportunities and a commitment to fostering partnerships that benefit both regions.
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Global study shows intensifying drought may wreck grasslands
A groundbreaking international study led by Chinese researchers has unveiled alarming evidence that prolonged and intensified droughts are pushing global grassland ecosystems toward collapse. Published in the prestigious journal Science, the research involved collaboration among scientists from Beijing Forestry University and over 120 institutions, including Colorado State University in the United States. The study meticulously tracked plant growth across 74 grasslands and shrublands spanning six continents during periods of drought. The findings reveal that the combined impact of drought intensity and duration significantly exacerbates productivity losses in these ecosystems. Notably, after four consecutive years of extreme drought, productivity losses surged by approximately 2.5 times compared to the initial year. This suggests that ecosystems may transition from a state of low yield to a rapid and irreversible decline if climate change continues to worsen drought conditions. The study underscores the growing concern that future climate extremes will increasingly disrupt ecosystems in unprecedented and troubling ways. According to Bianca Lopez, an editor at Science, the research provides a critical benchmark for understanding the relationship between drought severity, duration, and ecosystem health. The study’s peer reviewers also emphasized its importance in establishing a foundation for future investigations into the impacts of climate change on global ecosystems.
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State councilor urges efforts to promote women’s cause
In a significant address on Sunday, Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin emphasized the critical role of women’s federations in fostering the high-quality development of women’s causes across the nation. Speaking at a video conference, Shen, who also serves as the president of the All-China Women’s Federation, highlighted the recent Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing as a pivotal milestone in advancing women’s rights globally. Shen urged these federations to create conducive environments for women’s comprehensive development, establish robust platforms to support their active participation, and safeguard their legitimate rights through improved governance. She also called for concrete measures to enhance global women’s development, contributing to the broader vision of building a shared future for humanity. Shen’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to gender equality and its proactive stance in promoting women’s empowerment on both national and international stages.
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Revolutionary Chinese chip to pioneer search for dark matter, black holes
A groundbreaking spectroscopic imaging chip, RAFAEL, developed by a research team from Tsinghua University in China, has been unveiled, promising to transform humanity’s approach to observing the universe. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, this innovation resolves the long-standing challenge of balancing spectral resolution and throughput, enabling high-performance snapshot spectroscopy. Spectroscopy, a critical tool for analyzing the physical and chemical properties of matter, has traditionally struggled to achieve both ultra-high resolution and high efficiency simultaneously. RAFAEL, also known by its Chinese name “Yuheng,” overcomes this limitation through advanced lithium-niobate photonics, allowing each pixel in the sensor to capture complete spectral data with exceptional optical transmittance. The chip boasts a 10-megapixel spatial resolution and a spectral precision of 0.05 nanometers across visible to near-infrared wavelengths. In a recent demonstration, RAFAEL captured spectra of up to 5,600 stars in a single exposure, marking a hundredfold improvement in observational efficiency compared to leading astronomical spectrometers. Compact yet powerful, RAFAEL is poised to unlock new insights into cosmic phenomena such as dark matter and black holes, while advancing research in fields ranging from materials science to astrophysics. Professor Fang Lu, the corresponding author of the study, highlighted the chip’s potential to establish a new benchmark for astronomical observation. The name “Yuheng,” derived from the fifth star of the Big Dipper, symbolizes precision and balance, reflecting the chip’s mission to enhance humanity’s understanding of the universe.