ICRT

Posted on 2025-11-03 17:16:14

The Transport Ministry is mulling over several lawmakers's proposal to amend
the Meteorological Act to include high temperatures as a form of disastrous
weather.

Deputy Transport Minister Lin Guo-xian said there have been lots of opinions
about the issue, especially from business groups, adding that his ministry
will announce the draft amendments to the law later this month.

The lawmakers who made the proposal said record-high temperatures in Taiwan,
just like in other places, pose threats to public health, labor conditions,
agricultural/fishery disasters, and energy dispatching.

They said that's why they wanted to revise the law to list heat wave as
natural disaster.

In response, Lin said it's just the first step, which will provide the
relevant authorities with the legal basis for making necessary adjustments
such as calling a high-temp holiday.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-11-03 17:16:14

Singer Jody Chiang, also known as Jiang Hui, is returning to the Taipei Arena
for five encore performances of her latest concert series.

Chiang's comeback shows will run from February 20th to 25th next year.

Her original concert series ended in a sold-out run on September 1st, but the
singer says she is excited to perform during the Lunar New Year holiday for
the first time.

Organizers say tickets for the encore shows will be handled through a
real-name registration and lottery system.

Registration will be open from noon on November 13th to 14th, and winners
will be announced on November 15th.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-11-03 17:16:14

In world news...

Philippine officials have ordered some 70- thousand people to evacuate to
safer ground and prohibited fishermen from venturing out to sea in an
east-central region as a typhoon approaches from the Pacific.

Authorities warn of torrential rains and potentially deadly storm surges of
up to 3 meters.

Typhoon Kalmaegi was last spotted this afternoon about 230 kilometers east of
Eastern Samar province with sustained winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

It was forecast to slam into shore tonight.

Posted on 2025-11-03 17:16:19

Paris's prosecutor has said last month's jewellery heist at the Louvre museum
was carried out by petty criminals rather than organised crime professionals.

The Prosecutor said four people arrested and charged so far over the theft
that shocked France and the world were "clearly local people" living in an
impoverished area just north of Paris.

Jewels worth $102 million U.S. dollars were taken from the most-visited
museum, in the French capital, on October 19th.

The Prosecutor said the four arrested people - three men and a woman, all
live more or less in that area.

She said two of the male suspects had been known to the police, as they each
had multiple theft convictions.

Two men who had previously been arrested were already charged with theft and
criminal conspiracy .

Investigators believe four men carried out the daylight theft, and one of
them is still on the run.

Posted on 2025-11-03 16:07:13

The Keelung City Government is seeking funding from the central government
for the city's MRT line after the approved budget for next year fell short of
its request by over $1.1 billion NT.

The city’s Transportation Department reported today that the central
government approved only $369-million for the next fiscal year, significantly
less than the $1.48 billion the city had requested.

Keelung officials say the city is working with the Taipei and New Taipei City
governments, and if costs become insufficient, New Taipei City has agreed to
front the money, and Keelung will cover the costs through an additional
budget proposal later on.

The Keelung MRT project runs 15.59 kilometers, from Nangang Station to Badu
Station, and includes 13 stations.

The total cost is set at over $69 billion NT, with the central government
covering over $22 billion of Keelung’s share.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-11-03 16:07:13

The opposition KMT's new chairperson Zheng Li-wen has vowed to strive for
breakthroughs in southern Taiwan in the 2026 local elections.

The ruling DPP has governed in Pingdong County for 28 years, and in
Kaohsiung, 25 years, except for the one-and-a-half-year stint by KMT mayor
Han Kuo-yu.

And in Tai-nan, it's 24 years.

Zheng said today that those are difficult electoral districts, but the KMT
should put in more efforts to win them over.

Speaking at the KMT's Central Review Committee meeting today, she also
expressed concerns about her party's overall support level lagging behind the
ruling DPP and called on supporters to reverse the current disadvantages.

For 2028, Zheng stressed the goal is to become the largest party that truly
represents Taiwan's mainstream public opinion, and unite all opposition
forces to replace the DPP administration.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-11-03 16:07:13

Chunghwa Post is releasing a new miniature sheet of stamps featuring four
dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Period.

The postal service says the new stamps are scheduled for release on Friday,
November 7th.

And Chunghwa Post is also printing commemorative items, including first-day
covers, stamp cards, and postcards, which will go on sale two days earlier,
on Wednesday.

Each of the four stamps featuring the Titanosaurus, the Hadrosaurus, the
Oviraptor, and the Therizinosaurus will carry a face value of 15 New Taiwan
dollars.

Chunghwa Post says says the stamp series aims to increase public
understanding of paleontology and biological evolution.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-11-03 16:07:18

A truck loaded with concrete stone chips has struck a passenger bus in
southern India, killing at least 20 people and injuring about two dozen.

The accident happened early today about 50 kilometers southwest of Hyderabad.

The bus, carrying around 70 passengers, was headed for Hyderabad when it
collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction.

The impact was severe, trapping several passengers inside the bus.

Authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families.

Posted on 2025-11-03 16:07:18

Abu Dhabi is hosting a major oil summit today, just after OPEC and its
allies announced they would halt planned production increases for early 2026.

This decision comes amid new oil sanctions from the U.S. and the U.K.
targeting Russia over its war on Ukraine.

OPEC includes core cartel members and nations outside the group, led by
Russia.

On Sunday, OPEC decided to increase production by 137,000 barrels starting
in December but paused other adjustments.

Posted on 2025-11-03 15:10:13

The number of employees on reduced working hours in Taiwan has fallen for the
first time in the second half of the year.

According to the Ministry of Labor, around 8 thousand 300 workers across 455
companies are currently on furlough — over 200 less than the previous
report.

Officials say the drop reflects a rebound in orders, prompting several large
manufacturers to end furlough programs early.

The manufacturing sector continues to account for the majority of affected
workers, with nearly 7 thousand 900 people from over 370 companies, mostly in
metal and machinery industries.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-11-03 15:10:20

Canada and the Philippines have signed a key defense agreement that will
expand their security alliance to deter aggression and allow their forces to
hold joint battle-readiness drills.

The Philippines has been building defense ties with other countries to help
its underfunded military face a militarily superior China in the disputed
waters.

Canada and other Western nations have been bolstering their military presence
in the Indo-Pacific to help promote the rule of law and expand trade and
investment in the region.

The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement was signed on Sunday.

There was no immediate comment from China, which has accused the Philippines
of being a “saboteur of regional stability” following joint patrols and
combat drills in the South China Sea.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 15:10:15

For the very first time, the Taipei branch of the Administrative Enforcement
Agency is auctioning off aircraft that once belonged to a local airline.

Officials say two Far Eastern Air Transport passenger jets will go up for
auction on November 11th at 11 AM.

The sale aims to recover more than 100 million NT in unpaid airport fees
dating back to 2019.

Each plane starts at just 5 million NT — roughly the price of a luxury SUV.

The agency says aircraft auctions are extremely rare and have already drawn
interest from aviation companies, collectors, and investors.

Those wishing to bid can attend in person or submit their offers by mail.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-11-03 15:10:25

In England, a train journey to London turned chaotic when multiple people
were stabbed on Saturday evening.

A 32-year-old British man is being questioned on suspicion of attempted
murder.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack and say
it doesn’t appear to be an act of terror.

Eleven people were hospitalized, with one, a railway staff member who tried
to stop the attack, remaining in life-threatening condition on Sunday
evening.

Police called his actions "nothing short of heroic."

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 15:10:25

For U.S. President Donald Trump, tariffs — or the threat of them — are a
powerful tool to pressure or punish other countries on matters related — and
unrelated -- to trade.

Trump has used them not only as the underpinning of his economic agenda, but
as the cornerstone of his foreign policy in his second term.

This week, the Supreme Court hears arguments on whether Trump has overstepped
federal law with many of his sweeping tariffs.

If the court rules against him, it could limit or even take away the swift
and blunt leverage that much of his foreign policy has relied on.

Trump has increasingly expressed agitation and anxiety about the case on
social media and in speeches.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said today that the U.S. has set up a special
task office to help ensure timely delivery of weaponry, and that his Ministry
is doing its utmost to speed up delivery of three U.S. arms procurement
projects.

They include 66 F-16V fighter jets, which were scheduled for delivery
starting in 2024 and to be completed by 2026.

However, Taiwan has yet to receive the first one, while it has already paid
60 percent of the $247 billion NT budget for the project.

Koo said the U.S. has now adopted a two-shift, 20-hour work schedule to speed
up production, while Taiwan continues to strengthen oversight of contract
fulfillment.

On AGM-154C missiles and MK-48 heavy torpedoes, Koo said deliveries were
initially planned for this year and next, but have been postponed to 2028.

He said the main reasons for the delay were the adoption of the latest
missile variant, production line reactivation, material preparation, and
system integration work.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:20

Taiwan shares were higher today as were most other Asian stock markets after
gains for Amazon carried the U.S. stock market to the finish of another
winning week and month.

The Taiex rose 101 points to end the session at 28,334.

The turnover was 562.3 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:25

Increases

Abu Dhabi hosts a major oil summit today, just after the OPEC group of the
cartel and its allies announced they would halt planned production increases
for early 2026 over concerns of too much supply in the market.

This decision comes amid new oil sanctions from the U.S. and the U.K.
targeting Russia over its war on Ukraine.

OPEC includes core cartel members and nations outside the group, led by
Russia.

On Sunday, OPEC decided to increase production by 137,000 barrels starting
in December but paused other adjustments.

Benchmark Brent crude was selling around $65 a barrel Monday, down from a
high of $115 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:25

In world news...

Afghan officials say a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that shook northern
Afghanistan overnight killed at least 10 people and injured more than 260.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located
22 kilometers southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 28 kilometers.

It struck at 12:59 a.m. Monday local time.

Ishan Garg tells us more.
That's AP correpondent Ishan Garg.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:20

The 2025 Kaohsiung "Wild Wild" Halloween festival has concluded after drawing
an estimated 600,000 visitors to the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park over the
weekend.

City officials say the event, which was integrated with the city's "Wild Wild
Life" camping experience brought substantial tourism and economic benefits to
the area.

This portion of the festival featured over 100 vendors blending an outdoorsy
style with a spooky Halloween theme, and the event also included a
22-meter-tall giant pumpkin with a light show, and family activities and
performances.

The city says its "Wild Wild Life" series of events this year reached new
heights, featuring more than 130 brands on display alongside over 60 food
trucks and brands.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-11-03 14:07:25

In India, a minibus has collided with a parked truck in Rajasthan, a northern
state, killing at least 15 people and injuring two others.

The victims were returning from a pilgrimage when the accident happened late
Sunday.

Among the dead were 10 women, four children, and the driver.

Officials say the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle but crashed
into the stationary truck.

It is not uncommon in India for vehicles, especially trucks and trailers, to
be parked haphazardly along highways, often without warning lights or
reflectors.

Such poorly marked stops on highways are common in India, posing serious
risks for nighttime drivers.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 13:07:14

The Bureau of Labor Funds announced that as of September this year, the
overall return of the Labor Funds reached $559 billion NT, with an average
return rate of 8.1-percent.

The September single-month return also hit $216.7 billion, making it the 4th
highest single-month return in history.

2025 has been a good year for the fund, as data shows that three of the top
five single-month returns in history occurred this year.

The Bureau also said that the overall scale of the Labor Funds, which
include the pension fund and labor insurance fund, now stood at $7.44
trillion NT.

Some 10.4 million people in Taiwan are covered by the Labor Insurance system.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-11-03 13:07:14

Prosecutors in Taipei have indicted three individuals and a contractor on
charges of negligent homicide following the death of a construction worker
who fell from a stage structure being built for the city’s New Year's Eve
celebrations.

The incident occurred on December 25th, 2024, when a worker on the stage
scaffolding in front of Taipei City Hall fell approximately 18 meters and
later died at the hospital.

An investigation found that the worker was not properly using a
fall-protection harness.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted the three individuals,
including the overall event site manager, and the construction company.

The defendants were charged with negligent homicide and violations of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-11-03 13:07:14

A new Holiday Urgent Care Center (UCC) system began operation on Sunday,
offering patients with minor injuries or illnesses a new option for medical
treatment on Sundays and national holidays.

Across Taiwan’s six major cities, the first day of Urgent Care Center
service saw 169 visits, mostly for fevers, fish bones stuck in the throat,
nosebleeds, and small wounds.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to expand the program nationwide in
preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Earlier this year, Taiwan’s emergency rooms faced unprecedented
overcrowding, drawing complaints from both patients and medical staff.

To ease the strain, the National Health Insurance Administration launched the
UCC program, targeting patients with mild conditions.

Staffed by rotating clinic doctors, the centers operate from 8 a.m. to
midnight on Sundays and national holidays, providing internal, including
pediatric and surgical care.

Health Minister Shi Chong-liang (石崇良) said while Taiwan’s emergency
services are convenient, community-level urgent care still needs to be
strengthened, especially for pediatric services.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-11-03 13:07:14

In western Kenya, the death toll from a deadly landslide has risen to 26
after four more bodies were retrieved.

Rescue efforts were suspended on Sunday due to a flash flood in the Rift
Valley area.

Kenya's interior minister said 25 people are still missing and that the
government had intensified the search, with the military deploying four
aircraft to reach the area, which was completely cut off after Saturday's
landslide.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:13

The Tai-Ex rebounded from Friday's loses in early trading this morning.

The main board added 212-points to hit the 28,446 point mark - as Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing led the upturn, as it share price added 15 N-T to
reach 1,515 N-T.

Other blue chip tech stocks were mixed - with MediaTek gaining ground, and
Han Han and Delta Electronics both falling.

This morning's rise in T-S-M-C's share follows moves by the company to hike
the prices of its advanced processes next year.

T-S-M-C is implementing a substantial increase of over 50-per cent for its
new 2-nanometer wafers.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

The Yilan County Government says it plans to fully ban the use of food waste
for pig feed.

The county banned the use of food waste for pig feed following confirmation
of an outbreak of African swine fever at a farm in Taichung on October 22.

The move follows the Ministry of Agriculture's announcement on the ban of the
transportation, slaughter, and use of food waste for pigs islandwide.

That ban was due to be lifted this Friday.

However, county government officials say they will completely ban the use of
kitchen waste for pig feed after November 7 due to concerns that using
kitchen waste for pig feed involves too many uncontrollable factors.

Yilan County has 84 pig farms, but officials say only 10 of them use kitchen
waste for feed.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

And,

A fire at residential building in Taichung's Wuri District has left one
person dead and another in critical condition.

According to the city's fire bureau, the blaze occurred in a two-story
sheet-metal building on Wuguang Road.

Two people were found on the upper floor of the building with no signs of
life and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

A woman in her 50s, suffered second-degree burns to 80-per cent of her body
and is in critical condition, while her 17-year-old daughter was later
pronounced dead at the city's Asia University Hospital.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

In international news,

The Israeli military says Hamas has handed over three coffins it says contain
the bodies of deceased Gaza hostages.

The A-P's Jennifer King reports.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

Police in England have confirmed that a 32-year-old man is now the only
suspect after multiple people were stabbed on a London-bound train.

Another man arrested in the case was released with no charges.

Police says the knife was not a terror related incident.

Eleven people were injured - two of whom remain in critical condition.

The attack occured on a train from Doncaster to London King's Cross, which
made an emergency stop in Cambridgeshire.

Police say work was now ongoing to establish the events leading up to the
attack and the suspect's background.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

Nigeria says it would welcome U-S help in fighting Islamist insurgents, but
only as long as its territorial integrity is respected.

The statement comes after U-S President Donald Trump said had asked the
Defense Department to prepare for possible "fast" military action in Nigeria
if the country fails to crack down on the killing of Christians.

Trump also said on social media that if the U-S sends in military forces, it
will go in "'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists
who are committing the horrible atrocities.

However, Trump failed to provide any evidence of specifics about the
treatment of Christians in Nigeria.

Posted on 2025-11-03 11:06:17

And finally,

Prosecutors in Paris say last month's jewellery heist at the Louvre Museum
was carried out by petty criminals rather than organised crime professionals.

Four people have been arrested and charged so far over the theft that shocked
France and the world.

According to prosecutors all four were "clearly local people" living in
Seine-Saint-Denis, an impoverished area just north of Paris.

Two of the male suspects had been known to the police and each had multiple
theft convictions.

Jewels worth 880-million euros were taken from the most-visited museum, in
the French capital, on October 19.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:13

The Ministry of National Defense says U-S contractors are working to speed up
the delivery of F-16Vs purchased by Taiwan.

The ministry claims they are working 20 hours a day to expedite the
delivery... but they will still miss the deadline and it is continuing to
monitor progress in the U-S to fulfill contractual obligations.

The ministry made the statement in a report submitted to lawmakers where it
outlined the status of U-S arms sales to Taiwan, and noted delays in the
delivery of several weapons systems.

The Air Forces was was scheduled to take delivery of all 66 F-16Vs by the end
of 2026, but that timeline has been pushed back due to production line
relocations and disruptions.

Other weapons systems highlighted in the report include GM-154C missiles,
which were originally slated to be delivered by the end of 2026 but have also
been postponed due to supply-chain issues.

The defense ministry says they are now expected to be delivered to Taiwan
from 2027-2028.

MK-48 heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes, which were originally to be
delivered by 2026 are also facing production line disruptions, and that
delivery timeline has now been deferred to 2026-2028.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

The National Immigration Agency says about 50 people could have their Taiwan
household status revoked, after it was reported that they either household
registration in China or had obtained Chinese passports.

The statement comes as authorities are continue their investigation into
Taiwanese nationals who have illegally registered in China or received
Chinese identity documents.

The agency says about 12,000 former Chinese nationals living in Taiwan have
been asked to provide proof of loss of their original household registration
..

As of October 29, a total of 7,835 people had submitted the required
documents, 2,317 had received extensions or made declarations, while 1,388
who had been abroad long-term were placed under registry management.

The agency also says that the completion rate for processing these cases has
reached 95.1-per cent.

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang has warned that Taiwanese found holding a
Chinese identity card will have their Taiwan identity card revoked.

The Ministry of Interior has said it will notify the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and household registration offices to cancel related identification
and travel documents, including national health insurance, I-D cards and
passports.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

The D-P-P claims that Taiwan People's Party's promotion of the idea of a
"coalition government" is incompatible with Taiwan's constitutional
structure.

D-P-P spokesperson Justin Chuo says T-P-P chairman Huang Kuo-chang is using
the concept of "coalition government" for political gain, even as local
governments operate under a chief-executive system, making such an
arrangement impossible.

Chuo said Taiwan is not a parliamentary system, and a so-called 'coalition
government' is not applicable."

Chuo is also says coalition governments can only arise in parliamentary
systems where parties form majority cabinets, and that Taiwan's
constitutional system "has never been a cabinet system."

The D-P-P has been claiming that cooperation between the K-M-T and the T-P-P
is aimed only at removing the D-P-P from power and it is a "political
struggle" rather than inter-party cooperation.

The statements also come after the T-P-P chairman said the idea of a
coalition government "could apply broadly to both the central government and
local governments" in Taiwan's current political landscape.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

National Taiwan Normal University has revoked its former soccer team coach
Chou Tai-ying's doctorate degree because her thesis involved research
misconduct.

The statement comes after Chou was found to have bullied students by coercing
them into providing blood samples for research, threatening them with the
loss of required graduation credits and isolating them if they did not
comply.

Her coaching license was revoked and she was dismissed from the university in
July.

The university said the Ministry of Education had also requested it
investigate Chou's doctoral thesis for alleged violations against the Human
Subjects Research Act.

The heaviest penalty for being found guilty of violating that Act is the
revocation of a doctorate.

Chou's thesis was titled "The Impact of Sport Science Interventions on
Preventing Sports Injuries and Enhancing Performance in Female Football
Players.

The university says it found that although the study did not involve invasive
methods, its subjects included 19-year-old college freshmen who participated
without obtaining the required consent forms from their legal guardians,
constituting research misconduct.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

Two people have died after suffering suspected hydrogen sulfide poisoning at
a hot spring hotel in Taipei's Beitou District.

The Taipei City Fire Department says it received a call after two employees
lost consciousness while cleaning a water storage tank at a hot spring hotel
off Wenquan Road.

Both of the employees were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were later
pronounced dead.

Authorities say the exact cause of death would be determined via autopsy.

Reports say firefighters initially detected hydrogen sulfide inside the
storage tank at a concentration of 200-parts per million, the legal limit is
10-parts per million.

The Taipei City Labor Inspection Office say the hotel where the accident
occurred was not open to the public at the time.

The office says based on a preliminary investigation, the hotel "conducted
drainage" on the storage tank on Friday in order to have workers clean silt
from the inside on Sunday ...

.. and the hydrogen sulfide was likely released into the air as the cleaners
were scrubbing the tank.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

And,

Fifty cancer survivors and their family members have set-off on a 10-day,
1,100-kilometer cycling journey around Taiwan to demonstrate resilience and
hope in the face of adversity.

The annual round-island ride is now in its 13th year and began at the Taipei
Mackay Memorial Hospital.

It brings together participants aged 40 to 84, representing three
generations of cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Taiwanese Anti-Cancer Association Chairman Huang Wen-chieh said public
education about cancer should begin with awareness and understanding ..

... and his association is committed to providing resources and emotional
support to patients and their families while promoting public engagement in
cancer care.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Superintendent Chang Wen-han praised the riders'
resilience, saying their spirit demonstrates that true strength lies not in
being unscarred, but in pressing forward despite the scars.

The 10-day journey will see more than 300 volunteers from across Taiwan join
the cyclists at different legs, supporting their message of perseverance and
hope.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

A Ukrainian drone attack struck one of Russia's main Black Sea oil ports on
Sunday, causing a fire and damaging at least one ship, as Kyiv tries to
undermine Russia's war effort by targeting its energy infrastructure.

Footage on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram news channels appeared to show a
terminal and one tanker ablaze at night.

In Ukraine, at least two people have been killed and three wounded in a drone
attack in Ukraine’s Odesa region,

Ukrainian authorities say the attack targetted a car park on the Black Sea
coast.

Over in the Zaporizhzhia region, tens of thousands of homes were without
power after an attack by Russian drones and missiles.

Ukraine’s national energy operator reported rolling power cuts due to
attacks on the power grid.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

Riot police in Belgrade have separated opponents and supporters of Serbia's
President Aleksandar Vucic as political tensions rose after a year of
anti-government protests.

Thousands faced off on both sides of police cordons throwing bottles and
flares.

Tensions soared after a large rally in Novi Sad on Saturday marked the
anniversary of a train station disaster that killed 16 people.

The youth-led movement demands political changes and challenges Vucic's rule.

Protesters accuse the government of corruption and negligence in the
disaster.

They demand accountability, the release of detained protesters, and early
elections.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

French Authorities say The audacious daytime robbery of historical jewels
worth $102 million from the Paris Louvre museum last month was executed by
petty criminals rather than organised criminals.

Two were previously convicted in a 2015 theft case. The jewelry remains
missing and a fourth suspect is still at large.

The suspects face preliminary charges related to theft by an organized gang
and criminal conspiracy.

The jewelry remains missing and a fourth suspect is still at large.

Authorities are also investigating who might have ordered the crime.

Posted on 2025-11-03 07:06:15

To the Americas and

U-S Energy Secretary Chris Wright says the nuclear weapons testing ordered by
U.S. President Donald Trump will not involve nuclear explosions at this time.

In an interview with Fox News, Wright said the tests Trump referred to were
system tests of "non-criticial explosions...

This type of testing involves all the other parts of a nuclear weapon to
make sure they are functioning and can set up a nuclear blast.

The tests will be carried out on new systems to help ensure replacement
nuclear weapons are better than previous ones.

The comments come after Trump claimed he ordered the U.S. military to
immediately restart the process for testing nuclear weapons after a halt of
33 years.

The comments were made just before his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Posted on 2025-11-01 15:08:13

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won the country's disputed
election with more than 97% of the vote, according to official results.

The election was marred by violence, as demonstrators took to the streets of
major cities to protest the vote and to try to stop the counting of votes.

The military was deployed to help police quell riots.

Internet connectivity has been on and off in the East African nation.

Two of Hassan's main rivals were barred from participating in the election,
leaving her running virtually unopposed -- she faced 16 candidates from
smaller parties.

Rights groups including Amnesty International cited a pattern of enforced
disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings in Tanzania
ahead of the polls.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 13:09:18

The chief of staff to President Javier Milei of Argentina has resigned ...
less than a week after the governing party won a new mandate in midterm
elections to accelerate Milei's program of radical reform.

Guillermo Francos, a 75-year-old career politician with decades of experience
at the heart of government, said that he was stepping down so that Milei "may
face without constraints the stage of government that begins after the
national elections.”

With his party's landslide win in Sunday's legislative vote and $40 billion
in pledged funds from the Trump administration, Milei announced that his main
spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, would replace Francos as cabinet chief.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 12:08:15

China has announced that its Shenzhou 21 spaceship docked with the country's
space station in record speed.

The docking process took around 3.5 hours, three hours faster than previous
missions.

The spaceship launched last night from the Jiuquan center in northwestern
China.

The three taikonauts aboard plan to conduct 27 scientific projects during
their six-month stay. For the first time,
China launched mice to the space station to study weightlessness and
confinement effects.

Mission commander Zhang Lu said the trio plan to do garden, appreciate poetry
and do tai-chi during their stay in space.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 12:08:15

Yoshinobu Yamamoto beat Toronto for the second time in a week, slumping
Mookie Betts hit a two-run single in a three-run third inning and the
defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers held off the Blue Jays 3-1 to force
the World Series to a decisive Game 7.

Yamamoto wasn't quite as sharp as in his Game 2 four-hitter. He allowed a
third-inning RBI single by George Springer, who returned after missing two
games with a right side injury.

The Blue Jays offense had eight hits to the Dodgers' four, but the Canadian
team spread out their firepower over several innings, while the Dodgers
scored all their runs in a two-hit third inning.

Max Scherzer will start Game 7 on Saturday night for the Blue Jays, while the
Dodgers' pitcher is to be decided.

Game time is 8am tomorrow.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 11:09:13

Taiwan's envoy to the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting exchanged views
with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae
Takaichi.

A member of Taiwan's delegation said that Lin Hsin-i met with Bessent on the
sidelines of the APEC meeting to discuss issues related to technology policy,
talent cultivation and supply-chain cooperation.

According to CNA, Lin expressed Taiwan's appreciation for US support for the
bilateral partnership, calling it a key pillar of Indo-Pacific stability.

The Treasury Department also alluded to the meeting, highlighting Taiwanese
investment in the US among other topics.

Japan's Takaichi posted a photo on X showing her interaction with Lin, who
the Taiwanese delegation said congratulated the prime minister on her new
role.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 11:09:13

The LA Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays look set to go to a seventh and deciding
game in the World Series.

Starting pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Kevin Gausman both pitched well, but
Gausman had a spot of trouble in the third inning that led to three runs.

As I went to air, the Dodgers led the Blue Jays 3-1 in the bottom of the
ninth inning.

JvW

Posted on 2025-11-01 11:09:13

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration says it expects rain and cooler
temperatures in northern Taiwan next week due to strengthened seasonal
northeasterly winds.

Moisture levels in the north will be particularly high from Monday to
Wednesday.

Temperatures in northern Taiwan began to dip yesterday and are expected to
dip further tomorrow.

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:59:13

workers

The Taiwan Labour Front (TLF), a labour organisation, issued a press release
today opposing the further opening of the labour market to foreign workers.

The TLF says that the domestic labour shortages reported by employers are the
result of low wages.

They want to improve the working conditions of domestic workers and accuse
the government of not planning how it should handle labour shortages and
integrate foreign labour into the workforce.

If this doesn't happen, the TLF predicts the perpetuation what they call a
"low-wage hell" in Taiwan, where foreign workers are brought in to fill jobs
where wages have stagnated at around 30 thousand NT a month.

They are also concerned that Taiwan might be violating the International
Labour Organisation's labour standards.

The Executive Yuan announced yesterday that the hospitality and dockworker
industries, in particular, have now been opened up to foreign labour.

Quotas on foreign workers have also been eased.

(JM)

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:59:13

The Taiwan Water Corporation has announced a major water outage and pressure
reduction next week, affecting approximately 38-thousand households in
Kaohsiung.

The disruption is scheduled for November 6th, to allow for annual inspection
of high and low-voltage equipment at a nearby water treatment plant, along
with four concurrent pipeline repair projects.

Water service will be shut off for 11 hours—from 9 AM to 8 PM—in parts of
the Fengshan, Daliao, and Dashu districts, as well as the Hechun and Wanda
industrial parks.

And an additional 5-thousand households in the Zhongzhuang and Qianzhuang
communities of the Daliao District will experience a 13-hour period of
reduced water pressure, expected to last until 10 p.m.

Affected areas are advised to store sufficient water and turn off water pumps
during the outage to prevent equipment damage from running dry.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:59:13

In international news,

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to persuade U.S. President Donald
Trump to exempt Hungary from new U-S sanctions on Russian oil when he visits
Washington next week.

The Trump administration announced sanctions targeting Russian oil firms that
affect foreign buyers like Hungary.

Most European Union countries reduced Russian oil imports after Russia's
full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

But Hungary has increased its share.

Orban said in comments to state radio on Friday that he would aim to secure
Hungary’s continued access to Russian energy.

The Trump ally also said that the Hungarian government hopes to finalize an
economic cooperation package with the U-S during his Washington visit.

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:59:13

Hospital officials in Gaza say that Israel has handed over the bodies of 30
Palestinians.

That's after Israel’s military said Palestinian militants handed over the
remains of two additional hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza.

That raises the number of hostage remains returned to 17 since the ceasefire
began, with 11 more set to be handed over under the agreement.

The handover indicates progress in the fragile ceasefire agreement, despite
Israeli strikes on Gaza overnight.

Officials in southern Gaza report at least 40 people injured in the strikes.

The ceasefire, which began Oct. 10, aims to end the conflict between Israel
and Hamas.

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:58:13

The Taipei City Government says it hopes to sign a contract with Nvidia
before the Lunar New Year ... paving the way for the company to set up its
Taiwan headquarters in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park.

Deputy Mayor Lee Ssu-chuan says the city has reached a preliminary agreement
with Shin Kong Life Insurance to terminate its existing land-use rights for
the T17 and T18 sites.

The city government expects to compensate the company a total of over 4
billion NT.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an had said if all goes smoothly, the deal with Shin Kong
could be finalized by mid-November.

After that, Nvidia would prepare and submit its investment plan to the city
government for review — a process the company said would take about two
months.

City officials say they aim to complete all contract and planning procedures
by mid-2026, with the goal of signing the final agreement by February.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:58:13

EVA Air has announced new measures to improve its sick leave policy,
following the death of a flight attendant who reportedly worked while ill.

According to EVA Air Union, the airline has proposed a phased improvement
plan that will allow flight attendants three days of sick leave each year
without deductions to their performance evaluations ... or restrictions on
their schedules.

The plan also removes penalties for taking leave on busy travel days, except
during peak holidays such as New Year's and Lunar New Year.

Union leaders say they pushed for broader protections, including more paid
sick days and fairer vacation rules, but the airline said further changes
will depend on future labor law revisions.

The union says it plans to join other transport and healthcare unions to
petition the Civil Aeronautics Administration mid-November for stronger labor
protections.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-10-31 19:58:13

Taiwan's armed forces say they've sent 145 specialized personnel over two
days to help clean and disinfect a pig farm in Taichung—the site of a recent
outbreak of African Swine Fever.

Military officials say the troops have been clearing piles of debris and
thick sludge — up to ten centimeters deep.

Chemical units were also assigned to disinfect vehicles, personnel, and
surrounding roads to prevent the virus from spreading.

Authorities say the farm tested positive for the virus even after two rounds
of disinfection, prompting the military's assistance to ensure thorough
cleanup and biosecurity.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-10-31 17:06:13

The ROC Armored Battalion of the 584 Brigade re-equipped with M1A2T Abrams
tanks has formed today with President Lai Ching-te hosting the ceremony.

The Armored Battalion now has two companies equipped with a total of 28 new
tanks.

It's the first in the armed forces to trade its older CM11 tanks for the
advanced model.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Hu-kou (湖口) military base in Hsinchu (新竹),
Lai said the re-equipment marks the military's move toward new training, new
thinking, and advanced technology.

He urged the soldiers to uphold the spirit of 'defending the nation and
protecting the people'.

Taiwan is acquiring 108 M1A2T tanks from the United States, with 80 already
delivered and the remaining 28 expected early next year.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-10-31 17:06:14

In Tainan, a railway project has uncovered roads dating back to the 19th
century, made partly with sugar!

The city’s Cultural Heritage Administration says the remains were found near
Sin-Lau Hospital.

Archaeologists believe the roads were built around 1836 during the Qing
Dynasty, using mixed mud and broken ceramics, and even sugar, as filler.

They say the site likely matches the old “Bullock Cart Road,” once part of
Tainan’s bustling sugar-making district.

The discovery offers a sweet glimpse into the city’s history as a major
sugar hub.

The administration said the archaeological team working on the site has
completed documenting the location and temporarily relocated the artifacts
and ruins to allow for the project to move the railway underground.

(CNA-JL)

Posted on 2025-10-31 17:06:14

Mandopop icon Jolin Tsai will be holding her "PLEASURE World Tour" at the
Taipei Dome to ring in the new year with her fans.

The concerts are scheduled for December 30th, 31st, and January 1st of next
year, and tickets will go on sale on KKTIX at noontime on November 23rd.

This will be Jolin Tsai's first performance at the Taipei Dome in her 26-year
career.

The tour, titled "PLEASURE," will create a carnival-like earthly paradise
that is a fusion of desire and joy.

The concert will feature three immersive, interactive stages designed for
close interaction with the audience.

Tsai said she hopes to use more spectacular and imaginative visuals and
acoustics to accompany everyone on a wild, fantastical, and joyful adventure
at the Taipei Dome.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-10-31 17:06:14

In rural Ukraine, attack drones are assembled in secret to strike deep into
Russia.

These drones target oil refineries, fuel depots, and military hubs,
stretching Moscow's air defenses.

Since the summer, Ukraine's drone campaign has intensified, causing gasoline
shortages and rationing in Russia.

Western analysts say the attacks have had a serious impact, but most
refineries resumed operations quickly.

Ukraine's homegrown drones have doubled their range, marking a shift in the
conflict's geography.

Analysts say this strategy forces Russia to reroute supplies and commit air
defenses over a wider area, degrading its capacity for large-scale
operations.

Posted on 2025-10-31 17:06:14

Silicon Valley chipmaker Nvidia plans to supply its graphics processing units
for projects with the South Korean businesses and government.

The company says it wants to advance the country’s artificial intelligence
infrastructure and technologies.

The government and companies announced the plan after South Korean President
Lee Jae Myung met today with Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang.

He has gotten a rockstar treatment on Thursday to attend meetings of the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju.

As APEC host, South Korea has used the gathering of world leaders to showcase
its ambitions in AI.

According to Lee’s office and the companies, Nvidia will supply around
260,000 GPUs to support South Korea’s AI computing and manufacturing
capabilities.

Posted on 2025-10-31 14:07:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail is ending a policy that allowed passengers with
reserved seats to board an earlier train by using a non-reserved ticket.

The THSR announced today that the flexible travel measure will be canceled
starting November 10th.

After this date, passengers with reserved tickets who need to travel earlier
must exchange their ticket before boarding.

The corporation said the flexible travel option resulted in unused reserved
seats on the original train and negatively impacted the travel quality for
other non-reserved passengers on the earlier trains.

And the THSR says staff will no longer be allowed to assist reserved-seat
passengers in boarding earlier trains, in order to ensure quality travel for
all.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-10-31 14:07:13

Taiwan shares dropped at the end of trading today amid mixed performances of
the other Asian stock markets after Wall Street sank overnight.

The benchmark Taiex lost 54 points to end the session at...28,233

The turnover remained robust, at 558.1 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-10-31 14:07:13

In world...

The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting began in the South
Korean city of Gyeongju today.

Leaders of 21 Asian and Pacific Rim nations will discuss how to promote
economic cooperation and tackle shared challenges.

The forum's start comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese
President Xi Jinping agreed to take steps to ease their escalating trade war.

Trump left South Korea after his meeting with Xi. Established in 1989, the
APEC, which represents more than half of global trade, champions free and
open trade.

It’s Xi’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years, and he’s scheduled to
meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and new Japanese Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi separately today.

Posted on 2025-10-31 14:07:13

Communities across the northern Caribbean are dealing with the aftermath of
Hurricane Melissa.

In Jamaica, emergency relief efforts are underway as residents clear roads
and assess damage. The storm has left many without homes, power or
communication.

Authorities have confirmed at least 19 deaths, and thousands remain in
shelters. In Cuba, heavy equipment is clearing roads and the military is
assisting isolated communities.

No deaths have been reported there but significant damage has occurred. In
Haiti, dozens were dead or missing after catastrophic flooding.

The storm tied records for Atlantic hurricanes making landfall when it hit
Jamaica.

Posted on 2025-10-31 14:07:13

The Sag-rada Familia has become the tallest church in the world, after
workers placed the first part of a cross at the top of its central tower.

Now measuring 162.9 metres tall, the Spanish basilica has officially pipped
the record from the Ulm Minster in Germany, which has held the crown since
1890.

Designed by acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudi, the place of worship has been
under construction in the centre of Barcelona for more than a century, with
the main building due to be completed next year.

The central Tower of Jesus Christ will grow with the addition of the rest of
the cross over the next few months, eventually standing at 172 metres tall.

Posted on 2025-10-31 13:07:14

The Fui-Cui Reservoir Administrator said today that solar panels are banned
at the Reservoir, both on the water and on nearby land.

The Administration said the Reservoir is located within the Taipei Water
Source Area, which was designated under the Urban Planning Act, and land use
within this area is subject to restrictions.

According to the rules, the surrounding land can only be used for facilities
needed for managing the reservoir, and the installation of all floating
structures and the navigation of vessels are prohibited in the water area.

The Administration stressed that Fui-cui Reservoir provides drinking and
household water for over 6 million people and based on the law, no
applications for any use activities are accepted within the Feitsui
Reservoir's water storage area.

The statements follow recent opposition from environmental groups to the
installation of solar photovoltaic systems on water after this summer's
Typhoon Danas destroyed many of them.

So far 7 reservoirs islandwide have had such systems, and that number is
expected to increase to 13.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-10-31 13:07:14

Taiwan's envoy is attending the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which
began earlier this morning.

Presidential Advisor Lin Hsin-i entered the venue around 9:30 a.m. local
time.

He was introduced over the loudspeaker as "Chairman Lin Hsin-i of Chinese
Taipei" before shaking hands with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

The official broadcast shown in the international media center identified Lin
with the word "Taiwan" and the Republic of China flag.

The on-screen text described Taiwan as a "Major economic partner" and a "chip
sector competitor,".

South Korea's state-run television also showed the ROC flag with the word
Taiwan.

The live feed provided inside the main meeting hall did not capture any
interactions between Lin and other participating leaders.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-10-31 13:07:14

China has reported its factory activity contracted for a seventh straight
month in October, reflecting pressure from higher U.S. tariffs and sluggish
domestic demand.

The National Bureau of Statistics said today that its official purchasing
managers index, or PMI, slipped to 49 from 49.8 in September.

A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met
and announced plans to scale back their mutual tariffs for at least a year.

China's exports have continued to grow, but consumer spending and investment
remain weak.

Posted on 2025-10-31 13:07:14

Buckingham Palace says that King Charles III is stripping his brother Prince
Andrew of his remaining titles and evicting him from his royal residence.

The palace says Andrew will be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and not as
a prince. He will move from his Royal Lodge residence into “private
accommodation.”

The moves follow revelations about Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex
offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The palace said the thoughts of the king and Queen Camilla are with "the
victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”

Posted on 2025-10-31 08:13:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

President Lai Ching-te says his administration plans to unveil its 2050
circular economy roadmap next year - with a focus on boosting green growth
momentum.

According to Lai, the environment ministry has released a draft version of
the roadmap as part of broader efforts to accelerate a transition toward
net-zero emissions through closer cooperation between the government and
private sector.

The statement came as Lai was overseeing the latest meeting of his National
Climate Change Response Committee.

Lai told the committee that the Ministry of Environment has proposed draft
amendments to the Resource Recycling Act, including renaming it the Resource
Circulation Promotion Act.

The president said data shows Taiwan's green industries generated over
500-billion N-T in added value last year, accounting for 2-per cent of the
island's total G-D-P ..

.. and the circular economy, renewable energy systems, and energy efficiency
sectors made up nearly 73-per cent of that total.

Lai also told the committee that his administration plans to build an
islandwide "resilience corridor" by enhancing local disaster preparedness and
strengthening climate adaptation mechanisms to better cope with increasingly
frequent and severe weather events.

Posted on 2025-10-31 08:13:14

Labor groups are slamming the Cabinet's latest policy to allow more migrant
workers into Taiwan to address labor shortage issues.

It comes after the Cabinet approved a series of measures allowing
manufacturers to hire additional migrant workers beyond their existing
quotas, and permitting the hospitality sector and ports to recruit migrant
workers.

The Cabinet is citing demographic challenges such a low birth rate, aging
population, and skilled labor shortage for the move.

Under the plan proposed by the Minister of Labor, employers must raise the
monthly salary of a local employee by 2,000 N-T in order to hire one
additional migrant worker beyond the fixed quota allocated to that business.

They must also keep the number of such hires under 10-per cent of their
workforce.

The Taiwan Labor Front says the government should assess the actual situation
and causes of labor shortages, rather than simply easing restrictions on the
hiring of foreign workers.

And according to the group, allowing more migrant hires while only raising
local workers' pay will result in greater wage disparities for the same work
based solely on nationality .. and that appears to show that employers are
simply are looking for cheaper labor.

Posted on 2025-10-31 08:13:14

An unlicensed elderly driver who struck and killed two elementary school
children in Changhua last year has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for
negligent homicide.

The verdict was handed down by the Changhua District Court.

According to the presiding judge, the 74-year-old man has showed no remorse
for driving without a license and has failed to reach a settlement with the
victims' family.

The ruling can be appealed.

The children's grandfather is calling the verdict "unfair."

While the Changhua District Prosecutors' Office say it would decide whether
to appeal after receiving the verdict - and the family's views would be taken
into consideration when it make its decision.

The incident occurred in Shengang Township in February of last year.

The 74-year-old man was driving an S-U-V at 77-kilometers per hour and
ploughed into three young children who were crossing an intersection on a
crosswalk while the pedestrian light was red.

Posted on 2025-10-31 08:13:14

And finally,

Police in Keelung have questioned a group of people following reports of a
'ghost girl' being spotted by motorists using the city's Zhongshan Tunnel in
recent days.

A motorcyclist in the tunnel reported seeing a scary long-haired tall figure
dressed in black standing at the side of the road this past weekend.

Security camera footage obtained by police shows the horror-movie like
apparition being dropped off in the tunnel from a white sedan, and standing
still until it the car returns to pick it up.

According to police, they used security camera footage to track down the car
and found the 'ghost girl' was actually a woman filming a video with two men
inside the tunnel.

Police say the three individuals are being investigated for possible
violations of the Social Order Maintenance Act.

While a ticket has been issued to the car owner for illegal parking in the
tunnel.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is refusing to elaborate on a statement by
Donald Trump following his meeting on South Korea with China's Xi Jinping in
Busan, South Korea .....

.. after which the U-S president told reporters that Taiwan "never came up ..
and "was not discussed, actually" during the talks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei is saying only that the government
is in close communication with Washington regarding the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, opposition party figures had been expressing concern
that Taiwan would be used as a bargaining chip in the ongoing US-China trade
talks.

However, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters on the sidelines of a
legislative hearing, that the Lai administration is "confident" in its
relations with the U-S.

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier said Taiwan does not need be
concerned about such a possibility ..

.. as there won't be deal that sees the U-S getting favorable treatment on
trade in exchange for walking away from Taiwan and "no one is contemplating
that."

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

Lawmakers have completed a preliminary review of amendments meant to impose
harsher penalties against those who intentionally damage undersea
telecommunications cables and water, gas or power pipelines.

The Legislative Economics Committee passed draft revisions to the Electricity
Act, the Natural Gas Enterprise Act and the Water Supply Act.

The revisions to all three Acts set prison terms of up to seven years and
fines of up to 10-million N-T for intentional damage to undersea cables or
pipelines.

Damage to due to negligence will be punishable by up to six months in prison
or a fine of up to 2-million N-T.

Under the amendments, vessels or equipment used in such offenses can be
confiscated regardless of ownership, while ships will also be required to
keep their automatic identification systems switched on at all times.

Lawmakers have also passed a resolution calling on the Ministry of the
Interior to publicly release maps of undersea cables and pipelines before the
full package is enacted to help ship operators avoid restricted zones.

The amendments are part of the "seven undersea cable laws" package proposed
by the Cabinet in September, which included amendments to the
Telecommunications Management Act, Meteorological Act, Commercial Port Law,
and Law of Ships.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

The government is set to open Taiwan's hospitality sector to migrant workers
if they earn a minimum monthly wage of 32,000 N-T.

The policy is part of a package approved by the Cabinet aimed at addressing
labor shortages while protecting job opportunities for local workers.

Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu said the hospitality
industry will be able to begin hiring intermediate skilled migrant workers in
the first quarter of next year to perform housekeeping, cleaning, front desk,
and food service duties.

But there are conditions...

In order to hire a migrant worker as intermediate staff, a hospitality
operator must first raise the monthly salary of a local employee by 2,000 N-T

While migrant workers employed in the hospitality sector must be paid at
least 32,000 N-T per month, compared to the minimum wage of 29,500 N-T... the
changes take effect at the beginning of next year.

The Tourism Administration says the number of migrant workers employed at a
business will be capped at 10-per cent of the employer's workforce and those
hired will be required to have basic Mandarin proficiency.

The government has said the program is expected to primarily recruit workers
from the Philippines.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

The government has announced subsidies for pig farmers and other businesses
in the pork industry affected by controls put in place due to an outbreak of
African swine fever.

Farmers are currently banned from slaughtering and transporting pigs as well
as using food waste as pig feed for 15 days.

Pig farmers will receive subsidies of 300 N-T per animal for higher feed
costs resulting from the ban on using food waste, and up to 18,000 N-T for
every farm to cover fuel expenses for clearing out food waste.

They're also entitled to an 810 N-T per animal for additional feed costs
resulting from the slaughter ban.

Meat sellers will receive 30,000 N-T compensation for income losses from
suspending operations during the transport and slaughter bans, while meat
markets can receive up to 200,000 N-T for rent cost losses.

While individual meat wholesalers will be entitled to 15,000 N-T for
operation suspension losses.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also offering 5,000 N-T to farmers who inform
them of a new A-S-F case as part of efforts to encourage proactive reporting.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

The Cabinet has approved a draft bill to scrap the possibility of parole for
criminals sentenced to 10 years or more for murder, attempted murder, and
child abuse resulting in severe injury or death.

The draft bill is reportedly aimed at "detering major violent crime."

The bill was approved as part of a broader package of amendments drafted by
the Ministry of Justice.

It must still be reviewed by the Judicial Yuan before moving to the
Legislature for a final review.

Other amendments in the package seek to address Constitutional Court rulings
issued between 2021 and 2024 concerning parole and death penalty conditions.

One of those amendment would bar courts from imposing the death penalty on
defendants whose judgment was found to be impaired by mental or cognitive
illness during the crime or trial.

The Criminal Code currently exempts only those aged under 18 or over 80 from
capital punishment.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

An amended regulation requiring Chinese nationals to provide notarized proof
they have renounced their China passport to qualify for permanent residency
here in Taiwan takes effect from today.

The move follows revisions to the Act Governing Relations between the People
of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

Under the amendment, the required document must be notarized and demonstrate
that the applicant has "lost their household registration in the Mainland
Area" and that they have "either not applied for, or renounced their Chinese
passport."

Prior to the amendment, the applicant was only required to hand in a document
proving that their "original household registration" has been lost.

The Ministry of the Interior says the amendment is necessary because, in
practice, Chinese nationals can still hold a P-R-C passport even after
renouncing their household registration in China.

Posted on 2025-10-31 07:07:18

And,

Singer Na Tang has died.

She was 59.

Tang was a well-known public figure - with careers as a singer, actress, and
yoga instructor.

She stepped away from the entertainment industry in the early 2000s, citing
the lingering effects of a car accident in 1993.

She took up yoga, which she said became a lifestyle and a means of
rehabilitation from injuries she sustained in the accident.

She later published several books about yoga and occasionally made cameo
appearances on screen and on stage.

Her discography includes "Longing For Love" and "Freedom."

She has also appeared in films like "Clash of the Professionals" and the TV
drama "Pearl Love."

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