‘Dinosaur highway’ tracks dating back 166 million years discovered in England
By Associated Press
A worker digging up clay in a southern England limestone quarry noticed unusual bumps that led to the discovery of a “dinosaur highway” and nearly 200 tracks that date back 166 million years, researchers said on Thursday.
The extraordinary find made after a team of more than 100 people excavated the Dewars Farm Quarry, in Oxfordshire, in June expands upon previous palaeontology work in the area and offers greater insights into the Middle Jurassic period, researchers at the universities of Oxford and Birmingham said.
“These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited,” said Kirsty Edgar, a micropalaeontology professor at the University of Birmingham.
Four of the sets of tracks that make up the so-called highway show paths taken by gigantic, long-necked, herbivores called sauropods, thought to be Cetiosaurus, a dinosaur that grew to nearly 60 ft (18 metres) in length. A fifth set belonged to the Megalosaurus, a ferocious 9-metre predator that left a distinctive triple-claw print and was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named two centuries ago.
An area where the tracks cross raises questions about possible interactions between the carnivores and herbivores.
“Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found,” said Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
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By Associated Press
A worker digging up clay in a southern England limestone quarry noticed unusual bumps that led to the discovery of a “dinosaur highway” and nearly 200 tracks that date back 166 million years, researchers said on Thursday.
The extraordinary find made after a team of more than 100 people excavated the Dewars Farm Quarry, in Oxfordshire, in June expands upon previous palaeontology work in the area and offers greater insights into the Middle Jurassic period, researchers at the universities of Oxford and Birmingham said.
“These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited,” said Kirsty Edgar, a micropalaeontology professor at the University of Birmingham.
Four of the sets of tracks that make up the so-called highway show paths taken by gigantic, long-necked, herbivores called sauropods, thought to be Cetiosaurus, a dinosaur that grew to nearly 60 ft (18 metres) in length. A fifth set belonged to the Megalosaurus, a ferocious 9-metre predator that left a distinctive triple-claw print and was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named two centuries ago.
An area where the tracks cross raises questions about possible interactions between the carnivores and herbivores.
“Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found,” said Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate palaeontologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
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Trump’s TikTok request poses challenge to US Supreme Court, legal analysts say
By Khushboo Razdan
US president-elect Donald Trump’s unusual request to the US Supreme Court that it halt a looming ban on TikTok until after he takes office has legal analysts questioning whether the court will consider or even acknowledge it.
Trump’s request last week came in the form of an amicus brief as the nation’s highest court prepares to consider the constitutionality of a law that requires ByteDance, the Chinese owner of the app, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by January 19 or face its ban in the US.
The law asserts that TikTok, a short-video app with some 170 million users in the US, poses a national security risk because its personal data files can be shared with Chinese governmental agencies. The court agreed to take the case following an emergency appeal by TikTok on First Amendment free-speech grounds. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10.
Trump is to take office on January 20, but in directly requesting a hold on any action, legal analysts said, he was asking the court to step beyond its constitutional role.
In the brief, drafted by John Sauer, Trump’s nominee for solicitor general, Trump is described as “the right constitutional actor to resolve the dispute through political means”.
It argues that only Trump possesses the “consummate deal-making expertise” necessary to broker a resolution that addresses both national security concerns and TikTok’s future.
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By Khushboo Razdan
US president-elect Donald Trump’s unusual request to the US Supreme Court that it halt a looming ban on TikTok until after he takes office has legal analysts questioning whether the court will consider or even acknowledge it.
Trump’s request last week came in the form of an amicus brief as the nation’s highest court prepares to consider the constitutionality of a law that requires ByteDance, the Chinese owner of the app, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by January 19 or face its ban in the US.
The law asserts that TikTok, a short-video app with some 170 million users in the US, poses a national security risk because its personal data files can be shared with Chinese governmental agencies. The court agreed to take the case following an emergency appeal by TikTok on First Amendment free-speech grounds. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10.
Trump is to take office on January 20, but in directly requesting a hold on any action, legal analysts said, he was asking the court to step beyond its constitutional role.
In the brief, drafted by John Sauer, Trump’s nominee for solicitor general, Trump is described as “the right constitutional actor to resolve the dispute through political means”.
It argues that only Trump possesses the “consummate deal-making expertise” necessary to broker a resolution that addresses both national security concerns and TikTok’s future.
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Man who died in Las Vegas Cybertruck was shot in head before explosion, sheriff says
By Associated Press
The person inside the Tesla Cybertruck that burst into flames outside US president-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel suffered a gunshot to the head before the explosion, officials said on Thursday.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference that a handgun was found at the feet of the man who has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger. Officials believe the shot was self-inflicted.
Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement. He had served in the US Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.
He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valour device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valour. Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died, according to the statement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday in a post on X that it was “conducting law enforcement activity” at a home in Colorado Springs related to Wednesday’s explosion but provided no other details.
The explosion of the truck, packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, killing 14 people before being shot to death by police. That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said on Thursday that they believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he probably worked with others.
Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a massive Army base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units. However, one of the officials who spoke to Associated Press said there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, now called Fort Liberty.
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By Associated Press
The person inside the Tesla Cybertruck that burst into flames outside US president-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel suffered a gunshot to the head before the explosion, officials said on Thursday.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference that a handgun was found at the feet of the man who has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger. Officials believe the shot was self-inflicted.
Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement. He had served in the US Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.
He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valour device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valour. Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died, according to the statement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday in a post on X that it was “conducting law enforcement activity” at a home in Colorado Springs related to Wednesday’s explosion but provided no other details.
The explosion of the truck, packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, killing 14 people before being shot to death by police. That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said on Thursday that they believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he probably worked with others.
Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a massive Army base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units. However, one of the officials who spoke to Associated Press said there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, now called Fort Liberty.
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New Orleans attacker acted alone, supported Islamic State, FBI says
By Associated Press
A US Army veteran who drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s Day revellers on Bourbon Street, New Orleans had pledged allegiance to Islamic State, but acted alone in the attack that killed at least 14 people, the FBI said on Thursday.
The suspect, who the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said was shot dead at the scene after firing at police, has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan who once served in Afghanistan.
He drove from Houston to New Orleans on December 31, and posted five videos on Facebook between 1:29am and 3:02am on the morning of the attack in which he said he supported Islamic State, the militant group with fighters in Iraq and Syria, the FBI said.
In the first video, Jabbar said he previously planned to harm his family and friends, but was concerned that the media coverage would not focus on the “war between the believers and the disbelievers”, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said at a press conference.
Jabbar also said in the videos that he had joined Islamic State before last summer and provided his last will and testament, Raia said.
“This was an act of terrorism,” Raia said. “It was premeditated and an evil act.” The FBI was still investigating Jabbar’s “path to radicalisation”, but the evidence reviewed so far showed that he was clearly inspired by Islamic State, Raia said.
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By Associated Press
A US Army veteran who drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s Day revellers on Bourbon Street, New Orleans had pledged allegiance to Islamic State, but acted alone in the attack that killed at least 14 people, the FBI said on Thursday.
The suspect, who the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said was shot dead at the scene after firing at police, has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan who once served in Afghanistan.
He drove from Houston to New Orleans on December 31, and posted five videos on Facebook between 1:29am and 3:02am on the morning of the attack in which he said he supported Islamic State, the militant group with fighters in Iraq and Syria, the FBI said.
In the first video, Jabbar said he previously planned to harm his family and friends, but was concerned that the media coverage would not focus on the “war between the believers and the disbelievers”, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said at a press conference.
Jabbar also said in the videos that he had joined Islamic State before last summer and provided his last will and testament, Raia said.
“This was an act of terrorism,” Raia said. “It was premeditated and an evil act.” The FBI was still investigating Jabbar’s “path to radicalisation”, but the evidence reviewed so far showed that he was clearly inspired by Islamic State, Raia said.
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Former cryptocurrency executive Do Kwon to appear in US court on criminal fraud charges
By Reuters
Do Kwon, the South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur behind two digital currencies that lost an estimated US$40 billion in 2022, was set to appear in US court on Thursday to face criminal fraud charges after being extradited from Montenegro this week.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan in March 2023 charged Kwon, who co-founded Terraform Labs and developed the TerraUSD and Luna currencies, with two counts each of securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and conspiracy.
Kwon has denied wrongdoing. He agreed last June to pay an US$80 million civil fine and be banned from cryptocurrency transactions as part of a US$4.55 billion settlement that he and Terraform reached with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
He is expected to appear before US Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court on Thursday afternoon.
Last April, a federal jury in Manhattan found Kwon and Terraform liable in a civil trial for defrauding cryptocurrency investors.
A lawyer for Terraform said in closing arguments that Terraform and Kwon had been truthful about their products and how they worked, even when they failed.
Kwon did not attend that trial because he had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023. Terraform declared bankruptcy last January.
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By Reuters
Do Kwon, the South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur behind two digital currencies that lost an estimated US$40 billion in 2022, was set to appear in US court on Thursday to face criminal fraud charges after being extradited from Montenegro this week.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan in March 2023 charged Kwon, who co-founded Terraform Labs and developed the TerraUSD and Luna currencies, with two counts each of securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and conspiracy.
Kwon has denied wrongdoing. He agreed last June to pay an US$80 million civil fine and be banned from cryptocurrency transactions as part of a US$4.55 billion settlement that he and Terraform reached with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
He is expected to appear before US Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court on Thursday afternoon.
Last April, a federal jury in Manhattan found Kwon and Terraform liable in a civil trial for defrauding cryptocurrency investors.
A lawyer for Terraform said in closing arguments that Terraform and Kwon had been truthful about their products and how they worked, even when they failed.
Kwon did not attend that trial because he had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023. Terraform declared bankruptcy last January.
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Air China, China Southern appear to avoid south Russia after deadly Azerbaijani crash
By Hayley WongAmber Wang
Some Chinese carriers appear to be avoiding the airspace over southwestern Russia after a deadly Azerbaijan Airlines crash that officials in Baku have blamed on the Russian military.
China is among the few countries still using Russian airspace for civilian flights since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, flights between western China’s Urumqi and Georgian capital Tbilisi have circumvented southwest Russia’s Dagestan region since an Azerbaijan Airlines came down on Christmas Day, according to tracking data from Flightradar24.
Flights operated by China Southern Airlines and Air China since December 26 flew into Georgian air space through Azerbaijan after crossing the Caspian Sea, and took the same route back, the data showed.
Changes were also seen in China Southern flights connecting Hungarian capital Budapest to Guangzhou in south China.
Instead of passing through the Dagestan region towards Hungary after crossing the Caspian Sea, China Southern planes in the past week have flown across central and western Russia before flying south to reach Budapest – a route that the airline sometimes took even before the crash.
Most Chinese carriers have continued to use their original routes across Russian airspace, especially those bound for western Europe and Scandinavia.
Euronews reported in July that China had the largest number of airlines using Russian airspace. Russia closed its airspace to most Western airlines in 2022, in retaliation for sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
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By Hayley WongAmber Wang
Some Chinese carriers appear to be avoiding the airspace over southwestern Russia after a deadly Azerbaijan Airlines crash that officials in Baku have blamed on the Russian military.
China is among the few countries still using Russian airspace for civilian flights since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, flights between western China’s Urumqi and Georgian capital Tbilisi have circumvented southwest Russia’s Dagestan region since an Azerbaijan Airlines came down on Christmas Day, according to tracking data from Flightradar24.
Flights operated by China Southern Airlines and Air China since December 26 flew into Georgian air space through Azerbaijan after crossing the Caspian Sea, and took the same route back, the data showed.
Changes were also seen in China Southern flights connecting Hungarian capital Budapest to Guangzhou in south China.
Instead of passing through the Dagestan region towards Hungary after crossing the Caspian Sea, China Southern planes in the past week have flown across central and western Russia before flying south to reach Budapest – a route that the airline sometimes took even before the crash.
Most Chinese carriers have continued to use their original routes across Russian airspace, especially those bound for western Europe and Scandinavia.
Euronews reported in July that China had the largest number of airlines using Russian airspace. Russia closed its airspace to most Western airlines in 2022, in retaliation for sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
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Hong Kong box office receipts fell to HK$1.34 billion in 2024, lowest since 2011
By Danny Mok
Hong Kong’s box office revenue slumped to its lowest level in 13 years in 2024, despite drama The Last Dance becoming the city’s highest-grossing film and local movies selling more tickets than Hollywood productions for the first time since 2004.
Total revenue amounted to HK$1.34 billion (US$172.5 million) last year, according to figures released by Hong Kong Box Office Limited on Thursday.
The earnings were down by 6.2 per cent compared with 2023’s HK$1.43 billion and marked the weakest performance since 2011, when receipts totalled HK$1.39 billion.
At least eight cinemas ceased operations last year.
“The box office performance in 2024 was not satisfactory,” the industry tracking company said. “We hope residents who love movies can go to the cinema more often in the new year and support Hong Kong cinema and the film industry.”
While the takings for 2024 were weak, ticket sales for Hong Kong-produced films exceeded those of Hollywood films for the first time since 2004.
Local production The Last Dance has earned more than HK$142 million since its debut on November 9, making the poignant drama about the funeral trade and family traditions the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong history.
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By Danny Mok
Hong Kong’s box office revenue slumped to its lowest level in 13 years in 2024, despite drama The Last Dance becoming the city’s highest-grossing film and local movies selling more tickets than Hollywood productions for the first time since 2004.
Total revenue amounted to HK$1.34 billion (US$172.5 million) last year, according to figures released by Hong Kong Box Office Limited on Thursday.
The earnings were down by 6.2 per cent compared with 2023’s HK$1.43 billion and marked the weakest performance since 2011, when receipts totalled HK$1.39 billion.
At least eight cinemas ceased operations last year.
“The box office performance in 2024 was not satisfactory,” the industry tracking company said. “We hope residents who love movies can go to the cinema more often in the new year and support Hong Kong cinema and the film industry.”
While the takings for 2024 were weak, ticket sales for Hong Kong-produced films exceeded those of Hollywood films for the first time since 2004.
Local production The Last Dance has earned more than HK$142 million since its debut on November 9, making the poignant drama about the funeral trade and family traditions the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong history.
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Hong Kong public dental clinics log 26% absence rate despite e-booking launch
By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s public dental clinics recorded an overall absence rate of 26.5 per cent on the first two working days of an online booking system’s launch, prompting authorities to consider introducing a waiting list to ensure proper use of services.
The Department of Health said 111 of the 151 people who were allocated a quota spot were treated on Tuesday and Thursday at the six dental clinics using the new registration system.
Three of the clinics using the new booking system were located in Yuen Long, Fanling and Tsuen Wan, which offered appointments on Tuesday, while another three offering services on Thursday were in Tai Po, Kowloon City and Sai Kung.
But 40 people who were given a quota spot did not show up for the appointments, with 23 of them aged 65 or older.
“Some people, who were given a quota spot but did not attend the appointments, said they were absent due to other engagements or that they forgot about the bookings,” the department said.
“Some were also not aware that public dental sessions were only offering emergency dental services.”
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By Sammy Heung
Hong Kong’s public dental clinics recorded an overall absence rate of 26.5 per cent on the first two working days of an online booking system’s launch, prompting authorities to consider introducing a waiting list to ensure proper use of services.
The Department of Health said 111 of the 151 people who were allocated a quota spot were treated on Tuesday and Thursday at the six dental clinics using the new registration system.
Three of the clinics using the new booking system were located in Yuen Long, Fanling and Tsuen Wan, which offered appointments on Tuesday, while another three offering services on Thursday were in Tai Po, Kowloon City and Sai Kung.
But 40 people who were given a quota spot did not show up for the appointments, with 23 of them aged 65 or older.
“Some people, who were given a quota spot but did not attend the appointments, said they were absent due to other engagements or that they forgot about the bookings,” the department said.
“Some were also not aware that public dental sessions were only offering emergency dental services.”
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Rare butterfly flies 3,000km from Japan to Hong Kong in migratory record
By Danny Mok
Researchers in Hong Kong have discovered that a rare butterfly has flown 3,000km (1,864 miles) from Japan, setting a new world record for the longest migration recorded for the species.
The chestnut tiger, or Parantica sita, which belongs to the danaid group, was found in Repulse Bay by Ling Yuet-fung, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Biological Sciences, on December 21.
A tag on its wing bore Japanese characters and the date August 18, indicating that it had been tagged and released in Fukushima four months earlier, a university spokesman said on Thursday.
Using the URL-branded stickers on the butterfly wings, Ling, together with Timothy Bonebrake and Emily Jones in the school’s Danaid Butterfly Research project, managed to contact Masayoshi Shimizu and Hiroki Takizawa in Japan, who had tagged and released the butterfly.
The adult male chestnut tiger was found to be at least 124 days old and had travelled more than 3,000km, setting a record for the longest known migration of the species.
“It’s an astonishing feat. For a little insect like this to fly more than 3,000km and do so for more than 100 days just shows the physiological capacity of these creatures,” Bonebrake said.
Ling released the butterfly back into the wild after recording its data.
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By Danny Mok
Researchers in Hong Kong have discovered that a rare butterfly has flown 3,000km (1,864 miles) from Japan, setting a new world record for the longest migration recorded for the species.
The chestnut tiger, or Parantica sita, which belongs to the danaid group, was found in Repulse Bay by Ling Yuet-fung, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Hong Kong’s School of Biological Sciences, on December 21.
A tag on its wing bore Japanese characters and the date August 18, indicating that it had been tagged and released in Fukushima four months earlier, a university spokesman said on Thursday.
Using the URL-branded stickers on the butterfly wings, Ling, together with Timothy Bonebrake and Emily Jones in the school’s Danaid Butterfly Research project, managed to contact Masayoshi Shimizu and Hiroki Takizawa in Japan, who had tagged and released the butterfly.
The adult male chestnut tiger was found to be at least 124 days old and had travelled more than 3,000km, setting a record for the longest known migration of the species.
“It’s an astonishing feat. For a little insect like this to fly more than 3,000km and do so for more than 100 days just shows the physiological capacity of these creatures,” Bonebrake said.
Ling released the butterfly back into the wild after recording its data.
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Taiwan prosecutors widen corruption probe into third party leader Ko Wen-je
By Xinlu Liang
Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating new corruption allegations against Ko Wen-je, the former leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, the island’s third party.
Ko, whose party holds the balance of power in the legislature, has already been charged with fraud over a real estate deal he approved as mayor of Taipei as well as misusing campaign funds.
Prosecutors are now investigating Ko and his former deputy mayor, Peng Zhen-sheng, for failing to account for money they made during their time in office.
Both have said the money came from legitimate sources, such as public speaking engagements, but prosecutors say the money could not be explained by their incomes as public servants.
Last week, Ko was charged with accepting at least NT$17 million (US$520,300) in bribes over a real estate transaction while serving as Taipei’s mayor from 2014 to 2022 and misappropriating a further NT$42 million in political donations – accusations he denies.
Ko has said the charges against him are “politically motivated” but resigned as head of the TPP this week.
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By Xinlu Liang
Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating new corruption allegations against Ko Wen-je, the former leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, the island’s third party.
Ko, whose party holds the balance of power in the legislature, has already been charged with fraud over a real estate deal he approved as mayor of Taipei as well as misusing campaign funds.
Prosecutors are now investigating Ko and his former deputy mayor, Peng Zhen-sheng, for failing to account for money they made during their time in office.
Both have said the money came from legitimate sources, such as public speaking engagements, but prosecutors say the money could not be explained by their incomes as public servants.
Last week, Ko was charged with accepting at least NT$17 million (US$520,300) in bribes over a real estate transaction while serving as Taipei’s mayor from 2014 to 2022 and misappropriating a further NT$42 million in political donations – accusations he denies.
Ko has said the charges against him are “politically motivated” but resigned as head of the TPP this week.
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China’s high-speed rail network on track to breach 50,000km milestone in 2025
By He Huifeng
China’s railway operator is laying track for a record-breaking 2025, with the country’s total high-speed railway mileage projected to reach over 50,000km and transport revenue set to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$137 billion).
While the network’s expansion will widen domestic travel options and reduce logistics costs, it also presents an opportunity for Beijing to export its cutting-edge technology and construction capacity overseas, particularly as the national capital prepares to host the World High-Speed Railway Congress in July.
China will add another 2,600km of high-speed railway to its 48,000km network this year, the state-owned China State Railway Group – also known as China Railway – said at its annual work conference on Wednesday as reported by official news agency Xinhua.
With the first high-speed passenger line only opening in 2008, achieving the milestone in 2025 would indicate an extraordinary pace of expansion.
As of 2024, high-speed lines accounted for 30 per cent of the national railway operating mileage of 162,000km, a significant increase from the 20 per cent proportion reported in 2017.
Despite some doubts from overseas about the network’s debt burden and profitability, China Railway reported a 2.7 per cent rise in operating revenue last year, reaching 990.18 billion yuan on a wave of passenger and cargo transport.
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By He Huifeng
China’s railway operator is laying track for a record-breaking 2025, with the country’s total high-speed railway mileage projected to reach over 50,000km and transport revenue set to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$137 billion).
While the network’s expansion will widen domestic travel options and reduce logistics costs, it also presents an opportunity for Beijing to export its cutting-edge technology and construction capacity overseas, particularly as the national capital prepares to host the World High-Speed Railway Congress in July.
China will add another 2,600km of high-speed railway to its 48,000km network this year, the state-owned China State Railway Group – also known as China Railway – said at its annual work conference on Wednesday as reported by official news agency Xinhua.
With the first high-speed passenger line only opening in 2008, achieving the milestone in 2025 would indicate an extraordinary pace of expansion.
As of 2024, high-speed lines accounted for 30 per cent of the national railway operating mileage of 162,000km, a significant increase from the 20 per cent proportion reported in 2017.
Despite some doubts from overseas about the network’s debt burden and profitability, China Railway reported a 2.7 per cent rise in operating revenue last year, reaching 990.18 billion yuan on a wave of passenger and cargo transport.
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China’s nuclear power drive gains steam as major new reactor comes online
By Frank Chen
China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power industry passed a major milestone on New Year’s Day, as the first reactor at a sprawling new plant on the country’s southeastern coastline started feeding power into the national grid.
The move marks the first time a Hualong One – China’s third-generation nuclear reactor – has been put into large-scale commercial operation, according to its developer, as China cranks up its efforts to become a leading player in nuclear energy.
The plant in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, is set to be China’s largest nuclear facility using third-generation technology, with plans for six reactors each with a capacity of over a million kilowatts.
The first reactor at the plant passed safety evaluations and went into operation on January 1, and another four are currently under construction.
China has made significant investments in developing its nuclear power capabilities in recent years, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and ramp up its clean energy capacity.
Developed by the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, the Hualong One reactor incorporates China’s own third-generation nuclear technology and is capable of generating about 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to meet the annual demand of 1 million people.
Each reactor produces enough power to cut China’s coal consumption by 3.12 million tons per year, saving 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
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By Frank Chen
China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power industry passed a major milestone on New Year’s Day, as the first reactor at a sprawling new plant on the country’s southeastern coastline started feeding power into the national grid.
The move marks the first time a Hualong One – China’s third-generation nuclear reactor – has been put into large-scale commercial operation, according to its developer, as China cranks up its efforts to become a leading player in nuclear energy.
The plant in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, is set to be China’s largest nuclear facility using third-generation technology, with plans for six reactors each with a capacity of over a million kilowatts.
The first reactor at the plant passed safety evaluations and went into operation on January 1, and another four are currently under construction.
China has made significant investments in developing its nuclear power capabilities in recent years, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and ramp up its clean energy capacity.
Developed by the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, the Hualong One reactor incorporates China’s own third-generation nuclear technology and is capable of generating about 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to meet the annual demand of 1 million people.
Each reactor produces enough power to cut China’s coal consumption by 3.12 million tons per year, saving 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
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Hong Kong’s food and environment agency files report over alleged data theft
By Natalie Wong
Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has filed a police report over a suspected theft of data involving the personal information of about 100 residents.
The incident, which came to light on Thursday, centred on two internal files stored in the department’s office in Kowloon City that contained records of complaints from dozens of residents regarding environmental nuisances in the area.
The files included names and contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses of the individuals.
“The office area where the suspected theft occurred requires password access and is secured with a separate lock,” a department spokesman said.
“Given the potential criminal nature of this incident, we have reported it to the police and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
The department said it also apologised to all affected individuals and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
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By Natalie Wong
Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has filed a police report over a suspected theft of data involving the personal information of about 100 residents.
The incident, which came to light on Thursday, centred on two internal files stored in the department’s office in Kowloon City that contained records of complaints from dozens of residents regarding environmental nuisances in the area.
The files included names and contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses of the individuals.
“The office area where the suspected theft occurred requires password access and is secured with a separate lock,” a department spokesman said.
“Given the potential criminal nature of this incident, we have reported it to the police and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
The department said it also apologised to all affected individuals and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
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Singapore wants to host more mega-events in 2025, boosting regional growth, amid neighbour envy
By Kimberly Lim
As Singapore sets its sights on hosting more blockbuster acts like Taylor Swift in 2025, its rise as a premier concert destination has drawn envy from its neighbours, but tourism experts argue the city state becoming a mega-event hub could actually drive growth opportunities across the region.
Last year, Singapore had a packed line-up of A-list events, such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and the Formula One race, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.
American pop star Swift’s six sold-out shows in March drew more than 300,000 concertgoers from across the globe, though the concerts’ success sparked envy among Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, with some accusing the city state of hogging exclusive deals and urging their own governments to step up.
However, tourism experts said Singapore’s success benefits the entire region, rather than detracting from it.
“The media buzz and the publicity surrounding Singapore’s apparent hijacking of her shows have woken up these countries to the rewards available in this market segment (high-end concerts) and their respective infrastructural or organisational shortfalls,” said Christopher Khoo, managing director of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consultancy company.
Kevin Cheong, a managing partner at tourism and destination development consultancy Syntegrate LLP, agreed that Singapore emerging as the preferred destination among these performers has benefits for neighbours too.
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By Kimberly Lim
As Singapore sets its sights on hosting more blockbuster acts like Taylor Swift in 2025, its rise as a premier concert destination has drawn envy from its neighbours, but tourism experts argue the city state becoming a mega-event hub could actually drive growth opportunities across the region.
Last year, Singapore had a packed line-up of A-list events, such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and the Formula One race, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.
American pop star Swift’s six sold-out shows in March drew more than 300,000 concertgoers from across the globe, though the concerts’ success sparked envy among Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, with some accusing the city state of hogging exclusive deals and urging their own governments to step up.
However, tourism experts said Singapore’s success benefits the entire region, rather than detracting from it.
“The media buzz and the publicity surrounding Singapore’s apparent hijacking of her shows have woken up these countries to the rewards available in this market segment (high-end concerts) and their respective infrastructural or organisational shortfalls,” said Christopher Khoo, managing director of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consultancy company.
Kevin Cheong, a managing partner at tourism and destination development consultancy Syntegrate LLP, agreed that Singapore emerging as the preferred destination among these performers has benefits for neighbours too.
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85 Hong Kong-listed companies miss deadline to put women on boards
By Enoch Yiu
A total of 85 Hong Kong-listed companies have failed to comply with a rule that requires them to have at least one woman on their boards of directors, according to the city’s bourse operator.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which runs Asia’s third-largest stock market, announced the rule change three years ago, when about 800 firms or 40 per cent of listed companies had all-male boards. The deadline was Tuesday.
The companies that still lack women on their boards represent about 3 per cent of the exchange’s 2,650 listed companies, according to HKEX data. Some 41 per cent of listed companies have more than one woman on their boards.
“2025 is a milestone year for Hong Kong-listed companies, as single-gender boards are no longer allowed on HKEX’s markets,” said Katherine Ng, HKEX’s head of listing. “Our listed issuer community has overwhelmingly embraced this new chapter, creating hundreds of new roles for female directors. But we believe this is just the beginning.”
Among the 85 companies not in compliance, only 12 had no women on their boards during the three-year transitional period; the rest had women who later stepped down.
Most of the companies that failed to meet the requirement issued stock-exchange filings to explain the situation, with many indicating that they hope to appoint a woman to their boards within three to six months.
TravelSky Technology, China Railway Signal & Communication and Century Sunshine Group are among the listed companies that are not in compliance.
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By Enoch Yiu
A total of 85 Hong Kong-listed companies have failed to comply with a rule that requires them to have at least one woman on their boards of directors, according to the city’s bourse operator.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which runs Asia’s third-largest stock market, announced the rule change three years ago, when about 800 firms or 40 per cent of listed companies had all-male boards. The deadline was Tuesday.
The companies that still lack women on their boards represent about 3 per cent of the exchange’s 2,650 listed companies, according to HKEX data. Some 41 per cent of listed companies have more than one woman on their boards.
“2025 is a milestone year for Hong Kong-listed companies, as single-gender boards are no longer allowed on HKEX’s markets,” said Katherine Ng, HKEX’s head of listing. “Our listed issuer community has overwhelmingly embraced this new chapter, creating hundreds of new roles for female directors. But we believe this is just the beginning.”
Among the 85 companies not in compliance, only 12 had no women on their boards during the three-year transitional period; the rest had women who later stepped down.
Most of the companies that failed to meet the requirement issued stock-exchange filings to explain the situation, with many indicating that they hope to appoint a woman to their boards within three to six months.
TravelSky Technology, China Railway Signal & Communication and Century Sunshine Group are among the listed companies that are not in compliance.
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Chinese city investigates reports of baby trafficking by Shanxi hospital worker
By Phoebe Zhang
Chinese authorities are investigating reports that a hospital employee in Shanxi province has been involved in selling newborns.
The city of Datong has launched a team to investigate and vowed to “seriously deal with any illegal or disciplinary issues”, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday.
The case was first reported to the police by an anti-trafficking advocate who goes by the name Shangguan Zhengyi. In a social media post on Thursday, the whistle-blower said he had received a tip about a cleaner at the Datong No. 1 People’s Hospital arranging buyers for infants.
The hospital’s obstetrics department is the largest in Shanxi, with six wards and 207 beds, according to its official website. It receives 210,000 outpatient visits every year and delivers 12,700 babies – about 40 per cent of the deliveries in Datong.
Shangguan went undercover to talk to the cleaner, a woman surnamed Wang. She sent him a message on November 5, saying a friend’s relative was about to give birth to a boy and would sell the infant for a minimum of 85,000 yuan (US$11,645). She asked Shangguan whether he would like to meet the family.
A few days later, he travelled to Datong and met Wang, gaining her trust, according to the social media post. Wang said she had worked at the hospital for years and had been setting up buyers with people who did not want their children, according to Shangguan.
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By Phoebe Zhang
Chinese authorities are investigating reports that a hospital employee in Shanxi province has been involved in selling newborns.
The city of Datong has launched a team to investigate and vowed to “seriously deal with any illegal or disciplinary issues”, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday.
The case was first reported to the police by an anti-trafficking advocate who goes by the name Shangguan Zhengyi. In a social media post on Thursday, the whistle-blower said he had received a tip about a cleaner at the Datong No. 1 People’s Hospital arranging buyers for infants.
The hospital’s obstetrics department is the largest in Shanxi, with six wards and 207 beds, according to its official website. It receives 210,000 outpatient visits every year and delivers 12,700 babies – about 40 per cent of the deliveries in Datong.
Shangguan went undercover to talk to the cleaner, a woman surnamed Wang. She sent him a message on November 5, saying a friend’s relative was about to give birth to a boy and would sell the infant for a minimum of 85,000 yuan (US$11,645). She asked Shangguan whether he would like to meet the family.
A few days later, he travelled to Datong and met Wang, gaining her trust, according to the social media post. Wang said she had worked at the hospital for years and had been setting up buyers with people who did not want their children, according to Shangguan.
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