Xi Jinping puts focus on defusing economic risks in Lunar New Year message
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to counter economic risks and external shocks in his Lunar New Year message. Speaking at a reception in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake, Xi highlighted the significance of perseverance and resilience in tackling looming challenges. He reiterated China's role as a vital engine of global economic growth, despite uncertainties, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts such as Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Xi called for a strong commitment to high-quality development by promoting deep reforms and expanding high-level opening-up. He stressed the importance of confronting problems directly and defusing risks in key areas to ensure sustained economic recovery. This approach aims to maintain social harmony and stability, underscoring the need for resilience in achieving these goals amidst a backdrop of global economic uncertainties.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to counter economic risks and external shocks in his Lunar New Year message. Speaking at a reception in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Snake, Xi highlighted the significance of perseverance and resilience in tackling looming challenges. He reiterated China's role as a vital engine of global economic growth, despite uncertainties, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts such as Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Xi called for a strong commitment to high-quality development by promoting deep reforms and expanding high-level opening-up. He stressed the importance of confronting problems directly and defusing risks in key areas to ensure sustained economic recovery. This approach aims to maintain social harmony and stability, underscoring the need for resilience in achieving these goals amidst a backdrop of global economic uncertainties.
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‘That’s my life,’ says Japanese rickshaw puller at the end of 6,400km trek to South Africa
Yuji “Gump” Suzuki, a 34-year-old Japanese man, has completed an extraordinary journey of over 6,000 kilometers, pulling a rickshaw from Kenya to South Africa. His expedition, which began in Nairobi in July, spanned six months and traversed through Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia before reaching Cape Town. Suzuki was visibly emotional upon arrival, expressing gratitude towards his supporters who provided encouragement throughout his remarkable quest.
This journey is part of Suzuki's larger lifestyle, as he has been traveling for nine years, seeking joy and inspiration from the experiences he gathers and the people he meets. His nickname, reminiscent of the fictional character Forrest Gump, reflects his philosophy of running for pleasure and sharing the energy he receives with others. This adventure not only tested his physical endurance but also highlighted the power of community and support in achieving seemingly insurmountable challenges.
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Yuji “Gump” Suzuki, a 34-year-old Japanese man, has completed an extraordinary journey of over 6,000 kilometers, pulling a rickshaw from Kenya to South Africa. His expedition, which began in Nairobi in July, spanned six months and traversed through Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia before reaching Cape Town. Suzuki was visibly emotional upon arrival, expressing gratitude towards his supporters who provided encouragement throughout his remarkable quest.
This journey is part of Suzuki's larger lifestyle, as he has been traveling for nine years, seeking joy and inspiration from the experiences he gathers and the people he meets. His nickname, reminiscent of the fictional character Forrest Gump, reflects his philosophy of running for pleasure and sharing the energy he receives with others. This adventure not only tested his physical endurance but also highlighted the power of community and support in achieving seemingly insurmountable challenges.
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Indian state implements contentious common civil code, sparking fears among Muslim minority
By Agence France-Presse
An Indian state announced on Monday it had begun implementing a common civil code to replace religious laws, stoking fear among minority Muslims of a looming nationwide roll-out by the Hindu-nationalist ruling party.
Introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to replace India’s patchwork of laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance has been a long-standing goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The northern state of Uttarakhand, taking in much of the Indian Himalayas, on Monday became just the second Indian state to implement such a law.
Goa, the beach resort state on India’s west coast, is the only part of the country that already had a common civil code – introduced when it was still a Portuguese colony.
Supporters say the UCC gives Muslim women the same rights as others by ending polygamy, setting equal property inheritance rights for sons and daughters, and requiring divorce processes to take place before a civil court.
It also makes it mandatory for couples to register live-in heterosexual relationships – or else face a three-month jail term or a fine.
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By Agence France-Presse
An Indian state announced on Monday it had begun implementing a common civil code to replace religious laws, stoking fear among minority Muslims of a looming nationwide roll-out by the Hindu-nationalist ruling party.
Introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to replace India’s patchwork of laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance has been a long-standing goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The northern state of Uttarakhand, taking in much of the Indian Himalayas, on Monday became just the second Indian state to implement such a law.
Goa, the beach resort state on India’s west coast, is the only part of the country that already had a common civil code – introduced when it was still a Portuguese colony.
Supporters say the UCC gives Muslim women the same rights as others by ending polygamy, setting equal property inheritance rights for sons and daughters, and requiring divorce processes to take place before a civil court.
It also makes it mandatory for couples to register live-in heterosexual relationships – or else face a three-month jail term or a fine.
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Sweden boards seized ship suspected of ‘sabotage’ of Baltic Sea cable
瑞典当局对一艘与波罗的海底部电缆破坏事件相关的马耳他籍船只进行了调查。此次事件发生在瑞典的专属经济区，导致拉脱维亚与瑞典之间的海底电缆受损，拉脱维亚怀疑此事与外部影响有关。为了应对这一情况，北约已派遣巡逻船前往该地区，并启动了瑞典当局的破坏调查。
瑞典安全局发言人约翰·维克斯特罗姆确认，瑞典当局人员已经登船进行调查。尽管他无法透露更多细节，但事件的复杂性引发了对船只的扣押。根据MarineTraffic的数据，瑞典海岸警卫队在事件发生后对名为Vezhen的散货船进行了护航，该船在受损电缆附近航行。保加利亚航运公司负责人表示，Vezhen可能在高风条件下意外触碰了电缆，并强调船只并无恶意意图。
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瑞典当局对一艘与波罗的海底部电缆破坏事件相关的马耳他籍船只进行了调查。此次事件发生在瑞典的专属经济区，导致拉脱维亚与瑞典之间的海底电缆受损，拉脱维亚怀疑此事与外部影响有关。为了应对这一情况，北约已派遣巡逻船前往该地区，并启动了瑞典当局的破坏调查。
瑞典安全局发言人约翰·维克斯特罗姆确认，瑞典当局人员已经登船进行调查。尽管他无法透露更多细节，但事件的复杂性引发了对船只的扣押。根据MarineTraffic的数据，瑞典海岸警卫队在事件发生后对名为Vezhen的散货船进行了护航，该船在受损电缆附近航行。保加利亚航运公司负责人表示，Vezhen可能在高风条件下意外触碰了电缆，并强调船只并无恶意意图。
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Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi calls for greater China-India measures to foster ties
中国外交部长王毅呼吁中印两国在与印度外秘维克拉姆·米斯里会晤时，探索更实质性的措施以增进理解与支持。他强调，双方应抓住机遇，共同推进，讨论并启动更多聚焦于相互理解、支持与成就的实质性措施。
自从中国国家主席习近平与印度总理莫迪在俄罗斯喀山会晤以来，北京与新德里在各级别的互动不断加速，致力于改善双边关系。王毅指出，两国应避免产生疑虑和疏离，努力消除彼此间的消耗。米斯里在会后表示，印度与中国之间的对话与沟通富有成效，有效管理并解决了分歧，恢复了各领域的实际合作。
中印关系在2020年中期经历了严重的低谷，因喜马拉雅边界的冲突导致数十名士兵伤亡。尽管印度对中国投资采取了严格措施，并禁止了数百款应用程序，但两国之间的货运航班仍在正常运营，这显示出双方在经济合作方面的持续联系。
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中国外交部长王毅呼吁中印两国在与印度外秘维克拉姆·米斯里会晤时，探索更实质性的措施以增进理解与支持。他强调，双方应抓住机遇，共同推进，讨论并启动更多聚焦于相互理解、支持与成就的实质性措施。
自从中国国家主席习近平与印度总理莫迪在俄罗斯喀山会晤以来，北京与新德里在各级别的互动不断加速，致力于改善双边关系。王毅指出，两国应避免产生疑虑和疏离，努力消除彼此间的消耗。米斯里在会后表示，印度与中国之间的对话与沟通富有成效，有效管理并解决了分歧，恢复了各领域的实际合作。
中印关系在2020年中期经历了严重的低谷，因喜马拉雅边界的冲突导致数十名士兵伤亡。尽管印度对中国投资采取了严格措施，并禁止了数百款应用程序，但两国之间的货运航班仍在正常运营，这显示出双方在经济合作方面的持续联系。
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Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund reports fifth-best annual return despite fourth-quarter loss
香港金融管理局的外汇基金在第四季度报告了亏损，主要由于债券价格下跌和非美元资产的估值损失。尽管如此，该基金全年仍实现了第五高的年回报率，投资回报同比下降3%，总额为2190亿港元（约28亿美元）。
四季度的表现与前三个季度的盈利形成鲜明对比，最终导致连续盈利的局面被打破。在2024年10月至12月期间，香港股市损失67亿港元，外汇估值损失达到274亿港元，尽管债券和海外股票各自有一定的收益。香港金融管理局首席执行官余卫民指出，股票市场疲软和美元强势等多个因素影响了基金的回报，同时也提醒到外汇基金总资产增至408.2万亿港元。
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香港金融管理局的外汇基金在第四季度报告了亏损，主要由于债券价格下跌和非美元资产的估值损失。尽管如此，该基金全年仍实现了第五高的年回报率，投资回报同比下降3%，总额为2190亿港元（约28亿美元）。
四季度的表现与前三个季度的盈利形成鲜明对比，最终导致连续盈利的局面被打破。在2024年10月至12月期间，香港股市损失67亿港元，外汇估值损失达到274亿港元，尽管债券和海外股票各自有一定的收益。香港金融管理局首席执行官余卫民指出，股票市场疲软和美元强势等多个因素影响了基金的回报，同时也提醒到外汇基金总资产增至408.2万亿港元。
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Modi ally to expel ‘illegal’ Bangladeshi immigrants from Indian capital if BJP wins polls
印度内政部长阿米特·沙阿承诺，如果他的政党在即将举行的省级选举中获胜，将在两年内驱逐新德里的所有“非法”移民。他在一次集会上强调，当前的州政府容忍来自孟加拉国和罗兴亚的非法移民，呼吁选民改变政府以解决这一问题。
印度与以穆斯林为主的孟加拉国接壤，非法移民问题在政治上一直备受争议。尽管没有可靠的数据来估算在德里非法居住的孟加拉国人数量，但这座城市近年来吸引了大量寻求就业的移民。批评人士认为，莫迪和沙阿的印度人民党利用这个问题作为针对穆斯林的政治工具，以增强其印度教民族主义支持者的基础。
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印度内政部长阿米特·沙阿承诺，如果他的政党在即将举行的省级选举中获胜，将在两年内驱逐新德里的所有“非法”移民。他在一次集会上强调，当前的州政府容忍来自孟加拉国和罗兴亚的非法移民，呼吁选民改变政府以解决这一问题。
印度与以穆斯林为主的孟加拉国接壤，非法移民问题在政治上一直备受争议。尽管没有可靠的数据来估算在德里非法居住的孟加拉国人数量，但这座城市近年来吸引了大量寻求就业的移民。批评人士认为，莫迪和沙阿的印度人民党利用这个问题作为针对穆斯林的政治工具，以增强其印度教民族主义支持者的基础。
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Trump, Musk highlighted in Ben & Jerry’s suit against Unilever over social mission interference
Ben & Jerry’s has filed a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, claiming that the corporation has obstructed its ability to support Palestinian causes, violating a prior settlement agreement. The ice cream company, known for its commitment to social justice, initiated legal action in the US Southern District of New York in November, asserting that Unilever's actions hinder its social mission.
The lawsuit highlights that Unilever has consistently undermined the Independent Board's authority over Ben & Jerry’s social mission and brand integrity. According to the complaint, Unilever has threatened to dismantle the Independent Board and intimidate its personnel if they speak out on issues that the parent company prefers to censor. This conflict underscores the tension between corporate governance and the social activism that Ben & Jerry’s has embraced as part of its identity, as evidenced by its recent promotion of the People’s March in Washington, DC.
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Ben & Jerry’s has filed a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, claiming that the corporation has obstructed its ability to support Palestinian causes, violating a prior settlement agreement. The ice cream company, known for its commitment to social justice, initiated legal action in the US Southern District of New York in November, asserting that Unilever's actions hinder its social mission.
The lawsuit highlights that Unilever has consistently undermined the Independent Board's authority over Ben & Jerry’s social mission and brand integrity. According to the complaint, Unilever has threatened to dismantle the Independent Board and intimidate its personnel if they speak out on issues that the parent company prefers to censor. This conflict underscores the tension between corporate governance and the social activism that Ben & Jerry’s has embraced as part of its identity, as evidenced by its recent promotion of the People’s March in Washington, DC.
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Chinese military leaders urge war readiness in message to troops ahead of Lunar New Year
Top Chinese military officials have committed to combating corruption and enhancing military readiness as part of a pre-Lunar New Year tradition of visiting troops. General Zhang Youxia, the first-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), inspected a unit in Shenyang, emphasizing the importance of political rectification within the military. Simultaneously, General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman, visited troops in Beijing. These visits underscore the military's focus on maintaining discipline and loyalty to the Communist Party amid holiday celebrations.
These inspections are part of a longstanding tradition where leaders extend greetings to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) before the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. During his visit to the Northern Theatre Command, President Xi Jinping, who chairs the CMC, highlighted the necessity of ensuring national security and social stability. The emphasis on political rectification and loyalty reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the military's alignment with the party's objectives, which is crucial for China's strategic and domestic priorities.
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Top Chinese military officials have committed to combating corruption and enhancing military readiness as part of a pre-Lunar New Year tradition of visiting troops. General Zhang Youxia, the first-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), inspected a unit in Shenyang, emphasizing the importance of political rectification within the military. Simultaneously, General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman, visited troops in Beijing. These visits underscore the military's focus on maintaining discipline and loyalty to the Communist Party amid holiday celebrations.
These inspections are part of a longstanding tradition where leaders extend greetings to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) before the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. During his visit to the Northern Theatre Command, President Xi Jinping, who chairs the CMC, highlighted the necessity of ensuring national security and social stability. The emphasis on political rectification and loyalty reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the military's alignment with the party's objectives, which is crucial for China's strategic and domestic priorities.
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China’s Guangdong, missing GDP target 3 years running, among slowest economies in 2024
广东省在2024年成为中国增长最慢的地方经济体之一，连续第三年未能实现增长目标。作为中国最大的出口中心之一，广东的国内生产总值增长率为3.5%，远低于全国5%的增长率。这一表现仅好于云南、青海、黑龙江和山西等经济发展较为落后的省份。
尽管广东的出口依然表现强劲，2024年贸易增长稳健，但经济整体受到中国房地产市场持续低迷和消费疲软的严重影响。广东计划在2025年实现5%的增长目标，但外部环境的不确定性让人担忧未来的增长动力将从何而来。这一背景下，广东如何化解内部挑战以实现预期增长成为关注焦点。分析人士指出，广东需要探索新的经济增长路径，以适应不断变化的全球经济环境。
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广东省在2024年成为中国增长最慢的地方经济体之一，连续第三年未能实现增长目标。作为中国最大的出口中心之一，广东的国内生产总值增长率为3.5%，远低于全国5%的增长率。这一表现仅好于云南、青海、黑龙江和山西等经济发展较为落后的省份。
尽管广东的出口依然表现强劲，2024年贸易增长稳健，但经济整体受到中国房地产市场持续低迷和消费疲软的严重影响。广东计划在2025年实现5%的增长目标，但外部环境的不确定性让人担忧未来的增长动力将从何而来。这一背景下，广东如何化解内部挑战以实现预期增长成为关注焦点。分析人士指出，广东需要探索新的经济增长路径，以适应不断变化的全球经济环境。
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Hong Kong artist laments ‘unreasonable’ sacking by McDonald’s
一名香港艺术家因公开分享麦当劳的内部信息而被解雇，他表示公司此举“无理”。这位前兼职清洁工卢志伟称，缺乏正式合同使他起诉的难度加大，他对此感到困惑和失望。
卢志伟最近在接受采访时透露，麦当劳管理层曾以他在社交媒体上发布其分店单日收入超十万港元为由，指控他违反公司保密协议。尽管他已经承诺不再发布敏感信息，但他仍在过去一周发出呼吁员工用餐支付的帖子以及写信给公司管理层分享工作体验。卢志伟认为，管理层对员工的声音反应过于紧张，他们的处理方式不当。
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一名香港艺术家因公开分享麦当劳的内部信息而被解雇，他表示公司此举“无理”。这位前兼职清洁工卢志伟称，缺乏正式合同使他起诉的难度加大，他对此感到困惑和失望。
卢志伟最近在接受采访时透露，麦当劳管理层曾以他在社交媒体上发布其分店单日收入超十万港元为由，指控他违反公司保密协议。尽管他已经承诺不再发布敏感信息，但他仍在过去一周发出呼吁员工用餐支付的帖子以及写信给公司管理层分享工作体验。卢志伟认为，管理层对员工的声音反应过于紧张，他们的处理方式不当。
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China zoo attracts attention by selling tiger urine for US$7, claims it treats rheumatism
中国四川省的一家动物园因出售虎尿而引发安全担忧，声称其可以治疗风湿病。最近，有游客在社交媒体上分享了雅安碧峰峡野生动物园出售“药用虎尿”的信息，每瓶约250克，售价50元（约合7美元）。这种虎尿被宣传为对类风湿性关节炎、扭伤和肌肉疼痛等症状具有“良好的治疗效果”。
在线资料显示，碧峰峡动物园是中国的世界级旅游景点和文明旅游的示范单位。该动物园建议将虎尿与白酒混合使用，并涂抹在受影响部位，辅以姜片。同时，他们也表示可以口服，但如果出现过敏反应则应停止使用。这一做法引发了公众对动物权益及安全性的广泛关注。
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中国四川省的一家动物园因出售虎尿而引发安全担忧，声称其可以治疗风湿病。最近，有游客在社交媒体上分享了雅安碧峰峡野生动物园出售“药用虎尿”的信息，每瓶约250克，售价50元（约合7美元）。这种虎尿被宣传为对类风湿性关节炎、扭伤和肌肉疼痛等症状具有“良好的治疗效果”。
在线资料显示，碧峰峡动物园是中国的世界级旅游景点和文明旅游的示范单位。该动物园建议将虎尿与白酒混合使用，并涂抹在受影响部位，辅以姜片。同时，他们也表示可以口服，但如果出现过敏反应则应停止使用。这一做法引发了公众对动物权益及安全性的广泛关注。
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Chinese robot maker sees Hong Kong, Macau as strong markets for large cleaning units
中国初创公司苏州智能科技正在将香港和澳门作为其大型清洁机器人产品的新市场。该公司的创始人兼首席执行官孔兵表示，随着这两个地区对高效清洁解决方案的需求增加，苏州智能科技希望借此机会扩大其业务。
孔兵提到，香港和澳门的高劳动力成本以及对卫生的严格要求，使得这些市场非常适合推广其品牌的清洁机器人。与家庭用的吸尘机器人相比，苏州智能科技的产品更大，主要用于购物中心和机场等大型商业场所。尽管商业级清洁机器人尚未广泛采用，但孔兵认为这为公司提供了更大的增长潜力。
他指出，家庭清洁机器人的目标用户明确，市场推广相对简单，而商业物业管理公司在购买清洁机器人时涉及的利益相关者较多，决策过程更为复杂。因此，尽管面临挑战，孔兵依然看好在香港和澳门的市场前景。
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中国初创公司苏州智能科技正在将香港和澳门作为其大型清洁机器人产品的新市场。该公司的创始人兼首席执行官孔兵表示，随着这两个地区对高效清洁解决方案的需求增加，苏州智能科技希望借此机会扩大其业务。
孔兵提到，香港和澳门的高劳动力成本以及对卫生的严格要求，使得这些市场非常适合推广其品牌的清洁机器人。与家庭用的吸尘机器人相比，苏州智能科技的产品更大，主要用于购物中心和机场等大型商业场所。尽管商业级清洁机器人尚未广泛采用，但孔兵认为这为公司提供了更大的增长潜力。
他指出，家庭清洁机器人的目标用户明确，市场推广相对简单，而商业物业管理公司在购买清洁机器人时涉及的利益相关者较多，决策过程更为复杂。因此，尽管面临挑战，孔兵依然看好在香港和澳门的市场前景。
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Why a Hindu festival in India became a political controversy
By Biman Mukherji
India’s Hindu festival of Maha Kumbh Mela, which has drawn millions of devotees to a confluence of sacred rivers in the northern Uttar Pradesh state, is mired in political controversy after officials held a cabinet meeting at the site and ritually bathed in its waters.
State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a special session in Prayagraj on January 22, after which his cabinet colleagues took a holy dip, sparking a war of words with Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the opposition Samajwadi party, who accused him of drawing political mileage by garnering attention.
The row comes months after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered unexpected reversals in the politically important state in the parliamentary elections last year, despite the state’s core base of majority-Hindu voters. The BJP and its allies got 36 seats while the opposition INDIA alliance won 43, including 37 by Samajwadi.
Analysts say the move by Adityanath at the Maha Kumbh Mela – held every 12 years – and the subsequent bathing ritual may have only yielded mixed political dividends, though he might have succeeded in winning over some voters as he is also revered as a Hindu priest.
“The Kumbh Mela is being used as an opportunity for outreach, especially to build ties with sections of society who did not vote for the BJP,” said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, an independent political commentator. “It is a very disturbing convergence [of] state and religion.”
Holding a meeting of a constitutional body like the state cabinet at the religious site and then taking a ritual bath “for purification of sins” amounted to official patronage of what should be a personal act of devotion, he added.
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By Biman Mukherji
India’s Hindu festival of Maha Kumbh Mela, which has drawn millions of devotees to a confluence of sacred rivers in the northern Uttar Pradesh state, is mired in political controversy after officials held a cabinet meeting at the site and ritually bathed in its waters.
State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a special session in Prayagraj on January 22, after which his cabinet colleagues took a holy dip, sparking a war of words with Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the opposition Samajwadi party, who accused him of drawing political mileage by garnering attention.
The row comes months after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered unexpected reversals in the politically important state in the parliamentary elections last year, despite the state’s core base of majority-Hindu voters. The BJP and its allies got 36 seats while the opposition INDIA alliance won 43, including 37 by Samajwadi.
Analysts say the move by Adityanath at the Maha Kumbh Mela – held every 12 years – and the subsequent bathing ritual may have only yielded mixed political dividends, though he might have succeeded in winning over some voters as he is also revered as a Hindu priest.
“The Kumbh Mela is being used as an opportunity for outreach, especially to build ties with sections of society who did not vote for the BJP,” said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, an independent political commentator. “It is a very disturbing convergence [of] state and religion.”
Holding a meeting of a constitutional body like the state cabinet at the religious site and then taking a ritual bath “for purification of sins” amounted to official patronage of what should be a personal act of devotion, he added.
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Singapore’s Marina Bay to see driverless buses in 2026 in landmark trial
新加坡计划于2026年中期启动全自动公共巴士的试点测试。这项计划旨在评估其大规模部署的可行性，涉及在主要商业区以及研究中心周边运营的无人驾驶巴士。
新加坡陆路交通管理局（LTA）已开始征求提案，以推动这一项目的实施。初步阶段将包括六辆至少16座的无人巴士，它们将在海湾和Shenton Way等较短且简单的路线行驶，并与现有的有驾驶员的巴士服务共同运营，计划持续三年。这一举措既是为了推动技术的进步，也在优化城市公共交通系统方面迈出了重要一步。
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新加坡计划于2026年中期启动全自动公共巴士的试点测试。这项计划旨在评估其大规模部署的可行性，涉及在主要商业区以及研究中心周边运营的无人驾驶巴士。
新加坡陆路交通管理局（LTA）已开始征求提案，以推动这一项目的实施。初步阶段将包括六辆至少16座的无人巴士，它们将在海湾和Shenton Way等较短且简单的路线行驶，并与现有的有驾驶员的巴士服务共同运营，计划持续三年。这一举措既是为了推动技术的进步，也在优化城市公共交通系统方面迈出了重要一步。
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US should not cross ‘red lines’, Taiwan No 1 risk to stable ties: top Beijing envoy
Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng has warned the United States to refrain from crossing Beijing's "red lines" to ensure stable relations, highlighting the Taiwan issue as the most significant potential threat to US-China ties. During a Lunar New Year reception in Washington, Xie emphasized the importance of respecting China's core interests and adhering to fundamental principles to maintain a stable and sustainable relationship between the two nations.
Xie underscored the critical nature of the Taiwan question, warning that it could disrupt bilateral relations if not managed carefully. He reiterated the necessity of abiding by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, which affirm the US recognition of Beijing's stance that Taiwan is part of China. This approach, according to Xie, is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and nurturing a cooperative US-China relationship, which is more significant than ever in today's global context.
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Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng has warned the United States to refrain from crossing Beijing's "red lines" to ensure stable relations, highlighting the Taiwan issue as the most significant potential threat to US-China ties. During a Lunar New Year reception in Washington, Xie emphasized the importance of respecting China's core interests and adhering to fundamental principles to maintain a stable and sustainable relationship between the two nations.
Xie underscored the critical nature of the Taiwan question, warning that it could disrupt bilateral relations if not managed carefully. He reiterated the necessity of abiding by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, which affirm the US recognition of Beijing's stance that Taiwan is part of China. This approach, according to Xie, is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and nurturing a cooperative US-China relationship, which is more significant than ever in today's global context.
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Family well-being key to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Asian Family Summit in Hong Kong emphasized the critical role of families in society's resilience and development. Gathering over 700 delegates, the summit marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Year of the Family, highlighting the importance of families in providing social bonds and supporting individual well-being. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the UN, underscored in his opening address that families can effectively share resources and sustain a system of mutual care and support across generations.
The discussions at the summit focused on addressing the challenges posed by four major global megatrends: technological change, urbanization and migration, demographic shifts, and climate change. Li stressed that effective family policies are essential for tackling these issues, as they can lead to better outcomes for children, break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and promote gender equality. The summit is part of broader initiatives by the Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region and supported by the Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, aimed at strengthening family services throughout the region.
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The Asian Family Summit in Hong Kong emphasized the critical role of families in society's resilience and development. Gathering over 700 delegates, the summit marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations’ International Year of the Family, highlighting the importance of families in providing social bonds and supporting individual well-being. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the UN, underscored in his opening address that families can effectively share resources and sustain a system of mutual care and support across generations.
The discussions at the summit focused on addressing the challenges posed by four major global megatrends: technological change, urbanization and migration, demographic shifts, and climate change. Li stressed that effective family policies are essential for tackling these issues, as they can lead to better outcomes for children, break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and promote gender equality. The summit is part of broader initiatives by the Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region and supported by the Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, aimed at strengthening family services throughout the region.
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Hong Kong’s Physical gym chain gets wind-up order from court
Hong Kong's Physical gym chain has been ordered to wind up due to a massive debt of more than HK$70 million in unpaid salaries to 374 employees. The High Court's decision comes after a petition by eight individuals, including seven former employees, seeking the liquidation of Physical Beauty & Fitness Holdings and its recruitment subsidiary, Physical Health Centre Hong Kong. The company, registered in the British Virgin Islands, is unable to meet its financial obligations even after the potential sale of its fitness equipment, valued at approximately HK$15 million.
The court's ruling was influenced by the significant financial mismanagement within Physical, particularly highlighted by the Tsim Sha Tsui branch's debt of over HK$630 million. This includes HK$480 million in undelivered prepaid services, underscoring the severity of the company's financial troubles. The court's decision reflects the broader issues of accountability and financial oversight within the company, and a detailed written explanation of the ruling is anticipated in two weeks. This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities of businesses operating with complex financial structures in tax havens and the repercussions for employees when companies fail to fulfill financial commitments.
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Hong Kong's Physical gym chain has been ordered to wind up due to a massive debt of more than HK$70 million in unpaid salaries to 374 employees. The High Court's decision comes after a petition by eight individuals, including seven former employees, seeking the liquidation of Physical Beauty & Fitness Holdings and its recruitment subsidiary, Physical Health Centre Hong Kong. The company, registered in the British Virgin Islands, is unable to meet its financial obligations even after the potential sale of its fitness equipment, valued at approximately HK$15 million.
The court's ruling was influenced by the significant financial mismanagement within Physical, particularly highlighted by the Tsim Sha Tsui branch's debt of over HK$630 million. This includes HK$480 million in undelivered prepaid services, underscoring the severity of the company's financial troubles. The court's decision reflects the broader issues of accountability and financial oversight within the company, and a detailed written explanation of the ruling is anticipated in two weeks. This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities of businesses operating with complex financial structures in tax havens and the repercussions for employees when companies fail to fulfill financial commitments.
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Japan’s Masahiro Nakai sex scandal sees Fuji TV bosses resign amid advertiser backlash
日本富士电视台的主席和总裁在一起性侵丑闻后辞职。这一事件源于知名主持人和J-pop明星中居正广被指控在2023年未经女性同意进行性行为，导致公众和广告商的强烈反对。
随着指控的曝光，中居向受害女性支付了9000万日元（约合57万美元），双方签署了保密协议。然而，富士电视台的内部调查显示，部分员工试图掩盖这一丑闻，进一步激化了公众的不满。多家顶级广告商纷纷撤回在该网络的广告，迫使富士电视台采取行动，最终导致了高层领导的辞职。
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日本富士电视台的主席和总裁在一起性侵丑闻后辞职。这一事件源于知名主持人和J-pop明星中居正广被指控在2023年未经女性同意进行性行为，导致公众和广告商的强烈反对。
随着指控的曝光，中居向受害女性支付了9000万日元（约合57万美元），双方签署了保密协议。然而，富士电视台的内部调查显示，部分员工试图掩盖这一丑闻，进一步激化了公众的不满。多家顶级广告商纷纷撤回在该网络的广告，迫使富士电视台采取行动，最终导致了高层领导的辞职。
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