Israel says it is cutting off its electricity supply to Gaza

Israel has announced it is cutting off electricity to Gaza, a move that could severely impact the territory's desalination plants crucial for producing drinking water. This decision follows a week after Israel halted all goods supplies to Gaza, impacting over two million people.

These actions are part of Israel's effort to pressure Hamas into extending the initial ceasefire phase, which concluded last weekend. Israel seeks the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for negotiating a lasting truce. However, Hamas insists on immediately commencing negotiations for the ceasefire's second phase, focusing on the release of all remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a lasting peace agreement. The recent round of ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators concluded without any changes to Hamas's demands. Gaza, already devastated by the ongoing war, relies on generators and solar panels to supplement its power supply.

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Germany’s Merz wants European nukes to boost US umbrella

德国未来总理 Friedrich Merz 表示,希望与法国和英国就核武器共享问题进行谈判,但这不能取代美国对欧洲的核保护。他强调,在核威慑方面,欧洲需要变得更加强大,与法英的对话应从补充美国核保护伞的角度出发,德国仍然希望维持美国的核保护。

由于二战历史,德国在多项国际条约中承诺不发展核武器,但参与北约的武器共享安排。欧盟领导人最近也支持增加国防开支的计划,原因是担心俄罗斯可能攻击欧盟国家,且欧洲不能再完全依赖美国的援助。Merz 在安全和移民问题上采取更强硬的立场,反映了德国政治格局的变化,极右翼的德国另类选择党(AfD)已成为该国第二大党。

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Trump justice department fires head of organised crime task force

美国司法部打击毒品和有组织犯罪工作组负责人 Adam Cohen 周五被解雇。Cohen 在社交媒体上表示,他被副司法部长 Todd Blanche 解雇,而 Blanche 刚刚在周三被参议院确认为司法部二号人物。此事正值特朗普政府试图清除或边缘化职业官员之际。

Cohen 被解雇前 18 小时,Blanche 发布了一份由 Cohen 协助起草的备忘录,宣布 Cohen 领导的工作组将在打击非法移民方面发挥新的主导作用,作为一项名为“Operation Take Back America”的倡议的一部分。Cohen 在 LinkedIn 上写道,他对被解雇感到震惊,并指出他一直在与领导层定期会面,讨论打击暴力犯罪的倡议。他还表示,将坏人送进监狱是完全不带政治色彩的,他的个人政治立场从未与工作相关,直到周五。

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China to give gig workers and training a lift to keep lid on unemployment

China is prioritizing gig work and vocational training to address job creation challenges amidst economic headwinds, demographic shifts, and external pressures. Human Resources and Social Security Minister Wang Xiaoping highlighted the need to maintain employment for 30 million people lifted out of poverty and to absorb the 12.2 million university graduates entering the job market this year. This focus comes as many positions remain unfilled due to a mismatch between available skills and employer demands.

Wang Xiaoping emphasized the difficulties in job creation and retention given the complex interplay of demographic changes and technological advancements. She noted that the domestic economic recovery requires strengthening amidst a challenging global environment, all of which impact employment prospects. The government's emphasis on gig work and vocational training aims to bridge the skills gap and provide flexible employment opportunities in a rapidly evolving labor market.

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Arrival jailed for 6 months in Hong Kong over 41,400 undeclared cigarettes

一名41岁男子因携带41400支未申报香烟进入香港被判入狱六个月。这些香烟的估计市值约为18.6万港元(23940美元)。

香港海关发言人表示,海关人员于周五在机场截获该名旅客,并在其行李中查获该批逃税香烟,估计市值18.6万港元,潜在应缴税款13.6万港元。该男子已被逮捕,并于周六在九龙城裁判法院被判刑。海关表示欢迎这一判决,认为监禁刑罚具有重要的震慑作用,并突显了此类罪行的严重性。同时提醒公众,烟草产品属于应课税品条例管辖范围。

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About 60 domestic helpers in Hong Kong fired over critical illness since 2020: NGOs

自2020年以来,香港约有60名患有癌症或其他重疾的家佣因病情被雇主非法解雇。支援团体呼吁政府将公共医疗保障范围扩大到正在追究歧视案件的被解雇家佣。

香港亚洲家务工工会联合会表示,许多雇主并未在工人最困难的时刻提供支持。菲律宾移工癌症支援协会表示,自2020年以来,他们记录了195起家佣在受雇期间被诊断出患有癌症或其他重疾的案例,其中约30%因患病而被雇主非法解雇。

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Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back, decry government corruption

数千名支持者周日聚集在加德满都,迎接尼泊尔前国王贾南德拉,并要求恢复已被废除的君主制,以及恢复印度教作为国教的地位。 贾南德拉的支持者对目前的政治局势表示不满,认为共和制未能带来政治稳定,反而导致经济困境和腐败蔓延。

据估计,约有1万名支持者聚集在加德满都的特里布万国际机场主入口,迎接从尼泊尔西部巡视归来的贾南德拉。示威者高呼口号,要求国王重返王位,拯救国家。2006年的大规模街头抗议迫使贾南德拉放弃了他的专制统治,并在两年后,议会投票废除了君主制。自2008年废除君主制以来,尼泊尔已经更换了13届政府。

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‘Build a life here’: NPC deputies pitch Taiwanese on mainland China opportunities

During China's "two sessions" in Beijing, Zou Zhenqiu, a National People's Congress (NPC) deputy representing Taiwan, urged young people and business leaders from Taiwan to visit mainland China to overcome "information barriers" and promote cross-strait integration. Zou emphasized the social stability and economic growth of mainland China, assuring Taiwanese that their investments and businesses would be protected, leading to broader opportunities and a brighter future.

Zou's call comes amid Beijing's view of Taiwan as part of China that must be reunited, potentially by force. Another deputy, Tao Jun, echoed the sentiment, encouraging Taiwanese youth to seize innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities on the mainland. These statements align with China's ongoing efforts to promote integration while also issuing warnings against separatist activities, as reiterated by Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian.

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Can China and India step in to fill climate void left by Trump’s America?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently concluded discussions in Hangzhou without setting a firm deadline for its seventh comprehensive assessment report on the climate crisis. This report, a detailed review of climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and mitigation efforts, is highly anticipated, with some advocating for its completion in time for the next "Global Stocktake" in 2028, a scorecard of climate mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement.

The talks faced an early setback with the US initially withdrawing from the IPCC due to President Trump's climate skepticism. Climate change discussions have been contentious since the panel's inception in 1988, marked by disagreements between rich and poor nations, major and minor greenhouse gas emitters, and countries with varying vulnerabilities to climate change impacts like sea-level rise. These debates often revolve around commitments such as nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans.

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China’s progress on ‘game-changing’ space technology raises US concerns about closing gap

中国在可能具有“颠覆性”的太空技术方面取得了进展,这加剧了美国方面的担忧,他们认为中美两国在该领域的差距正在缩小。美国太空部队官员表示,中国正在积极发展在轨加油和维护航天器的能力,这是一项具有重大意义的技术。

今年1月,中国发射了实践二十五号卫星,据官方媒体报道,该卫星测试了在轨加油和延长航天器寿命的技术。美国太空部队情报部门副主管Ron Lerch表示,这是中国首次公开展示在轨加油和维护能力,并明确指出中国对在地球上方36000公里处拥有相关能力表现出极大的关注,并正在积极测试相关技术。此前,美国航空航天巨头诺斯罗普·格鲁曼公司于2019年首次实现卫星加油,使其运行寿命延长了五年。美国宇航局也曾致力于类似项目,但由于技术难题、成本超支和进度延误,该项目于去年被取消。

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Plastic bottled water served to VIPs at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Arena despite ban

环保组织发现,在香港启德体育园举行的斯诺克世界大奖赛上,主办方为VIP提供了瓶装水,而普通观众却被禁止携带瓶装水入场。 绿色和平组织批评这种双重标准,认为这既不公平,也造成了不必要的浪费。

绿色和平的谭颖琳指出,体育专员此前声称禁止携带容器是出于安全考虑,但这种考虑似乎因门票价格而异。她呼吁启德体育园引入可重复使用的杯子系统,以平衡安全和环保之间的关系,减少一次性塑料垃圾的产生,避免不必要的浪费。

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Hong Kong’s finance chief eyes I&T development after calls at ‘two sessions’

Hong Kong's finance minister, Paul Chan Mo-po, has pledged to boost the innovation and technology sector and stimulate local spending, aligning with priorities set by Beijing officials at the "two sessions" meetings. Chan emphasized leveraging Hong Kong's position as a global financial hub to attract investment in the technology sector, aiming to integrate technology and capital more effectively.

Chan highlighted three key areas of focus: accelerating technological innovation to drive economic growth, unlocking domestic consumption potential through new experiences and products, and strengthening international collaboration. This commitment follows Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang's call for Hong Kong to play a larger role in China's ambition to become a scientific powerhouse, signaling a strategic direction for the city's development.

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More than 16,000 people visit Hong Kong’s M+ museum for free as part of Art March

香港西九文化区在周日迎来超过16000名游客,M+博物馆免费开放,以庆祝一年一度的“艺术三月”活动。许多游客表示,免费入场是他们选择参观的主要原因。M+博物馆截至下午4点30分已接待超过16300名游客。

一些游客认为,免费开放的范围应该包括香港故宫文化博物馆,该馆收藏了许多国家珍宝。一位家住屯门的46岁家庭主妇带着她的两个儿子和72岁的祖母参观了M+博物馆,她表示,平时很少想到参观艺术博物馆,因为更愿意把门票钱花在其他地方,而这次的免费入场让她有机会接触艺术,这对培养她儿子们对绘画的兴趣很有帮助。M+博物馆的成人门票通常为120港元,老年人、儿童、学生和残疾人等可享受60港元的优惠票价。

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5 killed in Thailand’s restive south, 13 wounded, police say

在泰国南部发生的两起袭击事件中,造成五人死亡,十几人受伤。第一起事件发生在宋卡府,一群袭击者向Sungai Kolok区办公室外开火并投掷爆炸物,造成两名守卫办公室的国防志愿者死亡,另有12人受伤。第二起事件发生在北大年府,一枚路边炸弹造成包括两名当地村庄助理和一名护林员在内的三人死亡,另有一人受伤。

自2004年以来,泰国南部省份一直存在低级别冲突,当地以穆斯林为主的叛军为争取更大自治权而战,已造成7000多人死亡。这两起最新的袭击事件表明,尽管泰国政府努力控制局势,但该地区的暴力活动仍在持续。

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China set for joint naval exercise Security Belt-2025 with Russia and Iran

中国国防部宣布,本月将与俄罗斯和伊朗在印度洋举行“安全带-2025”联合海军演习。此次演习旨在深化军事互信和务实合作,演习地点位于阿曼湾沿岸的伊朗港口查巴哈附近。

演习内容包括模拟攻击海上目标、联合搜救演习以及突击检查和逮捕等项目。中国将派遣第47批海军护航编队的052D型导弹驱逐舰包头号和补给舰高邮湖号参加。该编队自去年12月以来一直在附近的亚丁湾巡逻,去年的演习侧重于反海盗和搜救演习,包括武装营救被劫持的商船和向海上目标开火。

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Russian special forces use pipeline to surprise Ukrainian troops

Russian special forces reportedly infiltrated a major gas pipeline near Sudzha in Russia's Kursk region as part of an offensive to dislodge Ukrainian forces. Pro-Russian war bloggers claim the special forces traveled miles inside the pipeline to surprise Ukrainian soldiers from the rear.

The town of Sudzha is strategically important due to its gas transfer and measuring stations on a pipeline that previously transported Russian natural gas to Europe via Ukraine. According to Russia's Defence Ministry, its forces have also retaken the village of Lebedevka and seized Novenke in Ukraine's Sumy region. Last August, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers seized approximately 1,300 square kilometers of the Kursk region, purportedly to gain leverage in future negotiations and compel Russia to redeploy military resources from eastern Ukraine.

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China says rising military budget ‘reasonable’ in face of ‘complex security environment’

China has announced it will "vigorously" develop new combat capabilities, citing a complex security environment and deepening rivalry with the United States. This announcement was made alongside the unveiling of a 7.2% increase in military spending, which defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian defended as "reasonable and steady" and aligned with economic growth.

Despite the increased budget, Wu Qian acknowledged the challenges in transforming the People’s Liberation Army into a "world-class" military by 2027. The military budget will rise to 1.81 trillion yuan (US$250 billion) this year. This increase comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, as well as ongoing efforts to combat military corruption.

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Hong Kong homebuyers deliver brisk weekend sales for developers, as small flats favoured

香港楼市周末迎来销售热潮,两大新盘项目受到购房者追捧,显示出在印花税下调和股市上涨的背景下,市场情绪正在改善。新鸿基地产的 Yoho West Parkside 楼盘和恒基兆业地产的 Eight Southpark 楼盘均取得不错的销售成绩,反映出市场对香港房地产的信心正在恢复。

Yoho West Parkside 周日售出 172 套房源中的 96 套,该楼盘的一至三居室单位售价在 298 万港元至 1057 万港元之间,平均呎价为 11671 港元,比第一批房源高出 5%。Eight Southpark 周六售出 55 套房源中的 40 套,总价值约 1.88 亿港元,该项目在推出后的八天内售出了 236 套房源中的 221 套,销售率高达 94%,总收入约 12 亿港元。美联物业的 CEO 认为,考虑到这是第二轮销售,这两个项目都获得了积极的回应。

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China shop boss discovers he was adopted in family row, real sister lives 500 metres away

张磊在一次家庭争吵中意外得知自己是被收养的,更令人震惊的是,他发现自己的亲生妹妹就住在离他仅500米的地方。36岁的张磊来自中国河南省南阳市,一直以为自己是养父母的亲生儿子。一张他一直认为是自己婴儿时期的照片也加强了他的这一想法。

真相在一次家庭冲突中浮出水面,当时他的养母在愤怒中透露了他并非亲生,并提出要拆散家庭。之后,张磊搬出了养父母的家。在妻子生下儿子后,他开始寻找自己的身世。

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Hong Kong expects to unveil plan to headhunt top-notch talent in middle of year

香港政府计划在年中推出一项新的人才引进计划,旨在通过“量身定制”的方案吸引顶尖人才。劳工及福利局局长孙玉菡表示,此举是为配合更广泛的策略,以确保香港能够吸引到最优秀的人才,推动城市发展。

孙玉菡还回应了关于人才引进计划中存在伪造申请的担忧,强调政府会对签证续签申请进行“仔细”审查。他透露,政府将在公布计划后筛选候选人,但为避免影响潜在候选人,甄选过程将保持机密。该计划是去年行政长官李家超在施政报告中宣布的“高端人才通行证计划”的一部分,旨在主动吸引人才。

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