Protecting whales: Scientists seek ways to reduce ship collision risk
France 24 •

Protecting whales: Scientists seek ways to reduce ship collision risk

Collisions with ships are a major threat to whales in the Mediterranean, with animals killed every year after being struck by vessels. Scientists specialising in whale conservation are studying the animals’ behaviour and movements to better understand the risk and identify ways to prevent collisions.

China ‘living Buddha’ honoured for US$9 million donation after saving every cent for charity

China ‘living Buddha’ honoured for US$9 million donation after saving every cent for charity

SCMP •

A 98-year-old man in eastern China has garnered widespread praise for his remarkable philanthropy, which includes donations totalling 60 million yuan (US$9 million), while leading an exceptionally frugal life himself. Wang Chunwen, a resident of Ninghai county in Zhejiang province, has been honoured with the China Charity Award by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the highest accolade in the country ...

China presses France to drop ‘protectionist’ anti-fast fashion law

China presses France to drop ‘protectionist’ anti-fast fashion law

SCMP •

China’s Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) said on Thursday it had held talks with French companies operating in China and reiterated calls for France to stop using its “anti-fast fashion law” to undermine the rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. According to ministry spokesperson Huang Ling, public reports suggested some French companies had received subsidies from the European Union and its m...

In 1883, Hawaii introduced Guinea grass; 143 years later, it grows 9 feet and yields 9,000 seeds

In 1883, Hawaii introduced Guinea grass; 143 years later, it grows 9 feet and yields 9,000 seeds

Times of India •

Once celebrated for its grazing benefits, Guinea grass has become a formidable threat to Hawaii's delicate ecosystems. Since its introduction in the 19th century, it has proliferated, reaching impressive heights. This resilient perennial can generate thousands of seeds and rebound swiftly from fires, exacerbating wildfire risks by providing ample fuel across the islands. Its growth pattern serves ...

Hong Kong watchdog investigates Cloudbreak Pharma for ‘rigged’ IPO, suspends its shares

Hong Kong watchdog investigates Cloudbreak Pharma for ‘rigged’ IPO, suspends its shares

SCMP •

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has directed the stock exchange to suspend trading of US-based biotech firm Cloudbreak Pharma pending an investigation into its US$78 million initial public offering (IPO) last year. “The SFC has serious concerns that Cloudbreak’s initial public offering may have been rigged to create an artificial impression of demand for Cloudbreak’s shares,” t...

Wildfires threaten Indonesia’s new capital as carrier ordered in

Wildfires threaten Indonesia’s new capital as carrier ordered in

SCMP •

Indonesia’s wildfires are creeping towards Nusantara, the country’s new capital under construction on Borneo island, challenging its promise of becoming an eco-friendly “smart forest city”. The Southeast Asian nation is battling what officials call its most intense wildfire season in 11 years. Nearly 202,000 hectares (499,000 acres) of forest and peatland have been razed nationwide from January to...

China’s Xi Jinping to make first trip to India in 7 years for Brics summit

China’s Xi Jinping to make first trip to India in 7 years for Brics summit

SCMP •

China has confirmed that President Xi Jinping will travel to New Delhi for the Brics summit this weekend, his first visit to India in close to seven years and the latest leg of the Chinese leader’s busiest run of summitry in years. Xi’s India visit follows closely on a packed diplomatic travel schedule that took him first to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, then t...

China planted three forests on Loess Plateau; 18 years later, natural forests held 8% more soil

China planted three forests on Loess Plateau; 18 years later, natural forests held 8% more soil

Times of India •

Natural forests on China's Loess Plateau retain more soil moisture. These forests exhibit better soil structure and water infiltration rates. Planted forests showed declining moisture trends over eighteen years. Natural secondary forests maintained higher soil water content consistently. This difference highlights natural regeneration's hydrological benefits.