Safety checks on Taizoom lifts uncover 186 more affected buildings in Hong Kong
SCMP •

Safety checks on Taizoom lifts uncover 186 more affected buildings in Hong Kong

An investigation into work carried out by a lift contractor in Hong Kong has found another 186 buildings lacking crucial components designed to prevent flames and smoke from entering the shaft in the event of a fire. The checks pushed the number of buildings with substandard lifts installed by Taizoom Elevator to 338 on Monday. According to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD),...

Hong Kong lift scandal prompts calls to review checks and engineer accreditation
SCMP •

Hong Kong lift scandal prompts calls to review checks and engineer accreditation

Hong Kong authorities should look beyond reports signed off by registered engineers when assessing lift safety and review accreditation requirements to help prevent contractors from cutting corners, a lawmaker and an expert have urged, after more lifts were found missing a crucial door frame component. Lawmaker Scott Leung Man-kwong on Monday called on the Electrical and Mechanical Services Depart...

'Quite horrifying': Afghan economic crisis leaves EU deportees with 'very little' to return to
France 24 •

'Quite horrifying': Afghan economic crisis leaves EU deportees with 'very little' to return to

Europe's increasingly pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers is exposing a fundamental contradiction between diplomatic non-recognition and political necessity. In an investigation for The New York Times, Pakistan and Afghanistan bureau chief Elian Peltier reveals how European governments are quietly expanding negotiations with the Taliban over migrant deportations, diplomatic repr...

'Quite horrifying': Afghan economic crisis leaves EU deportees with 'very little' to return to

'Quite horrifying': Afghan economic crisis leaves EU deportees with 'very little' to return to

France 24 •

Europe's increasingly pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers is exposing a fundamental contradiction between diplomatic non-recognition and political necessity. In an investigation for The New York Times, Pakistan and Afghanistan bureau chief Elian Peltier reveals how European governments are quietly expanding negotiations with the Taliban over migrant deportations, diplomatic repr...

Michigan to ban untreated firewood from January 2027 over risk of 140-plus pests and diseases

Michigan to ban untreated firewood from January 2027 over risk of 140-plus pests and diseases

Times of India •

Michigan will ban untreated, uncertified firewood from entering the state starting January 1, 2027, to prevent the spread of more than 140 plant pests and diseases. The restriction will apply to travellers, campers and businesses, with exemptions for certified, heat-treated wood and certain other wood products. Authorities will focus on public awareness in 2027, while repeat violations could attra...

After two years living in a tent, Gaza potter built a clay dome home for his parents using earth and rubble

After two years living in a tent, Gaza potter built a clay dome home for his parents using earth and rubble

Times of India •

In the face of displacement from war, Jaafar Atallah crafted an innovative dome-shaped home from local clay for his family. Along with his community, he explored the potential of mud bricks, resulting in sturdier shelters compared to standard tents. This method emerges amidst Gaza's pressing housing crisis, driven by material shortages. Neighbors are also embracing recycled resources, ensuring tra...

Japanese deputy mayor crushed to death under giant festival float

Japanese deputy mayor crushed to death under giant festival float

SCMP •

A deputy mayor in western Japan died after being crushed under a giant float during a local parade, officials said on Monday, a week after two others were reportedly killed at separate traditional festivals. Akihiro Nabae, deputy mayor of the city of Saijo in the Ehime region, was carrying a giant float with other participants on Saturday before becoming trapped beneath it, city and police officia...

Seabird numbers bounce back in Solent region after 2022 avian flu wipeout

Seabird numbers bounce back in Solent region after 2022 avian flu wipeout

The Guardian •

Conservation work by RSPB has led to recovery of terns, gulls, plovers and oystercatchers on England’s south coast The colony of sandwich terns nesting at Pagham harbour, West Sussex, was completely wiped out by bird flu in 2022. But numbers have bounced back from zero to 756 breeding pairs in just three years after conservation work in the Solent. Continue reading...

How a US$110 million fishing harbour in Tanzania serves China’s food and security goals

How a US$110 million fishing harbour in Tanzania serves China’s food and security goals

SCMP •

About 300km (186 miles) south of Dar es Salaam and near the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, the fishing town of Kilwa Masoko has a new port designed to accommodate fishing vessels far larger than the boats that have long worked this stretch of Tanzania’s coast. The fishing port had passed its completion inspection, China’s ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said last week, while hailing it Tanzania’s f...

China cuts US Treasury holdings, iPhone Duo pre-orders: 5 weekend reads you missed

China cuts US Treasury holdings, iPhone Duo pre-orders: 5 weekend reads you missed

SCMP •

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China cuts US Treasury holdings to 18-year low in August as debt fears mount 2. China warns EU not to ‘fantasise’ on trade approach after ‘kill switch’ threat 3. Landmark China trial achieves 84% e...

Monday briefing: What you need to know about a weekend of chaos in France

Monday briefing: What you need to know about a weekend of chaos in France

The Guardian •

In today’s newsletter: Violent riots and looting have dominated the headlines, but the unrest gripping the country and beyond reflects deeper public anger over everyday issuesGood morning. I bet your weekend was better than Emmanuel Macron’s. On Friday, the evening before mass protests that were planned across France, he attended a Céline Dion concert in Paris with his wife, Brigitte, prompting co...

Monday briefing: What you need to know about a weekend of ‘chaos’ in France

Monday briefing: What you need to know about a weekend of ‘chaos’ in France

The Guardian •

In today’s newsletter: Violent riots and looting have dominated the headlines, but the unrest gripping the country and beyond reflects deeper public anger over everyday issuesGood morning. I bet your weekend was better than Emmanuel Macron’s. On Friday, the evening before mass protests that were planned across France, he attended a Céline Dion concert in Paris with his wife, Brigitte, prompting co...

China’s economy gains pace on exports as domestic demand falters

China’s economy gains pace on exports as domestic demand falters

Times of India •

In the July-September quarter, China recorded an economic growth of 4.5%, surpassing analysts' expectations. While exports showed strong performance, internal demand is tempering due to a sluggish property sector. The International Monetary Fund has projected a 4.5% growth rate for 2026, and Beijing aims for a 4.5%-5% growth this year. Meanwhile, trade imbalance concerns ignite dialogue among trad...