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Iran riots - Funerals held for security forces as unrest enters second week

Iran riots - Funerals held for security forces as unrest enters second week

"Iranian state television aired footage on Monday showing funeral processions for three members of Iran’s 'Basij' (volunteer militia within the IRGC) in the western city of Gachsaran, whom authorities say were killed during unrest that has swept the country. The footage, filmed on Sunday, shows large crowds taking part in funeral prayers and carrying the bodies through city streets. According to state television, the three men, Seyed Hamed Karami, Seyed Hossein Hosseini Nejad, and Saman Tahmasbi, were killed during riots and protests that have continued for weeks across Iran. Iran has seen widespread demonstrations since late December, beginning in Tehran and later spreading to other cities, driven by deteriorating economic conditions and the sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. In several locations, protests escalated into riots and vandalism targeting public property. State media has reported that more than 100 police officers have been killed since the unrest began, a figure that could not be independently verified. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian announced economic plans to deal with the 'people's demands' on Sunday, but also accused the US of trying to 'sow chaos and disorder'. On Friday, Donald Trump told Iran's authorities they "better not start shooting, because we'll start shooting too", having previously warned that he could intervene following any potential crackdown."

‘Harmony between man and nature’ - Dongting Lake turns wetlands into art for International Reed Festival

‘Harmony between man and nature’ - Dongting Lake turns wetlands into art for International Reed Festival

"Artists have unveiled a striking series of reed installations at Dongting Lake in Yueyang, transforming the winter marshes into a large-scale outdoor gallery as part of the Dongting Lake International Reed Art Festival. Footage shows visitors exploring the artworks, including a giant maze, finely detailed animal sculptures and atmospheric installations. Later, tourists are treated to a glowing sunset over the fields. Set across Junshan Island, the exhibition blends contemporary art with the lake’s vast reed beds, where golden stalks sway across the wetlands under the winter sun. “My friends and I often come here to soak up the atmosphere and experience the true essence of Dongting Lake. Yueyang has provided us with such a fantastic space - a real hub of joy for us locals - and we are all absolutely thrilled with it,” said visitor Ms Li. This year’s festival features 15 large-scale works created by artists from China and neighbouring regions, all using locally sourced reeds as their primary material. The exhibition is structured around four thematic chapters, each examining the relationship between human life and the natural environment. “What sets this area apart from ordinary parks, in my view, is that typical parks tend to be overly commercialised. Many paid attractions feel rather generic, but here, every sculpture is unique. Moreover, each piece includes information about its respective artist and sculptor,” said another visitor. Held under the theme ‘Boundaries and Symbiosis of Life’, the festival also features interactive exhibits such as the Reed Installations and the Labyrinth of Love, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with the artworks while reflecting on environmental conservation. The festival opened on 6 December and is expected to continue until around February, depending on water levels at Dongting Lake."

South Africa's Ramaphosa lands in UAE for bilateral talks, sustainability summit

South Africa's Ramaphosa lands in UAE for bilateral talks, sustainability summit

"South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Dubai on Monday for a two-day official state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates and taking part in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. Footage shows Ramaphosa being received by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, before the two posed for photographs and held initial discussions. The visit follows an invitation from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to hold closed-door talks on Tuesday, focusing on expanding trade, technological cooperation and security collaboration. Ramaphosa’s trip coincides with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, held under the theme 'Nexus of Next: All Systems Go', which brings together global leaders, policymakers and businesses to advance collective action on sustainability. Organisers say the event aims to unite public, private and civil society actors to accelerate climate-related solutions, an agenda that aligns with South Africa’s green-economy ambitions and existing UAE-backed investments. The UAE is among South Africa’s key foreign investors, particularly in transport, logistics and renewable energy. Bilateral trade exceeded $5.22 billion last year, with South African exports to the UAE reaching $2.68 billion, up five percent year on year."