Asianet Newsable

China: Woman Breaks Mother-In-Law's Ribs For Prioritising Dating Over Childcare, Son's Reaction Stuns Many

Gargi Chaudhry — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:45:13 +0530

A woman in eastern China allegedly fractured four of her mother-in-law’s ribs after accusing the elderly woman of prioritising her romantic relationship over caring for her grandchildren, triggering outrage online and sparking a debate on family obligations. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Zhejiang Television recently reported on the event, which happened in Jiaxing city in Zhejiang province.

Because the couple worked in different places, the victim—who can only be recognised by her last name, Shen—had been taking care of her son Jiao's two children. Shen left her birthplace to live in Jiaxing with one of her daughters following the death of her spouse.

According to reports, the argument started when one of the kids informed his mother via the family's home security system that he was feeling sick and that his grandma had declined to take his temperature. Alarmed, the woman travelled to Jiaxing by high-speed train and confronted Shen.

Shen subsequently clarified that she had been dealing with a toothache and that the youngster had been challenging to handle. Shen allegedly turned down her daughter-in-law's offer to take her to the hospital, stating that she preferred to see her lover. She was also said to have stated that she would sooner die than continue to care for the kids.

The confrontation soon turned violent. According to reports, Shen suffered four cracked ribs and facial injuries after the daughter-in-law attacked her. According to the newspaper, Shen has previously reportedly been beaten over arguments about daycare.

After Shen's son openly supported his wife, the situation garnered even more attention. According to the reports, Jiao called his mother "immoral" and claimed that she "deserved" the beating since she prioritised her relationship over taking care of her grandkids. Additionally, he maintained that Shen ought to support him financially or assist in raising the kids given his financial difficulties.

Zebra Or Donkey? Viral Zoo Video From China Has Everyone Looking Twice (WATCH VIRAL CLIP)

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:48:43 +0530

A wildlife park in eastern China has come under fire after visitors discovered that one of its supposed zebras was actually a donkey painted with black stripes, triggering widespread ridicule online. Video footage from Qingyun Mountain Folk Custom Amusement Park in Anqiu, Weifang, revealed that one of the park's zebras was actually a donkey with crudely applied stripes that failed to conceal the animal's long ears and other distinguishing features. Visitors quickly recognised the deception after spotting other donkeys.

As clips of the “zebra” spread across social media, the park faced a barrage of criticism. A staff member retorted that the animal was never intended to be mistaken for a genuine zebra. The employee stated that no sign outside the cage suggested the painted donkey was a real zebra and that it was meant to be a light-hearted "cosplay" attraction meant to amuse guests. The worker acknowledged that the park has previously tried out similar renovations.

Watch Viral Video

Donkey Painted Like Zebra at Chinese Zoo Sparks Reactions Online pic.twitter.com/sKvs8s6nUy

— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) June 22, 2026

The incident is the latest in a line of strange occurrences at Chinese zoos and amusement parks. In 2025, another park in Shandong province garnered controversy for displaying a donkey painted to resemble a zebra. A year ago, Taizhou Zoo provoked anger by colouring two chow chow dogs black and orange to resemble tigers.

Animal rights advocates accused the zoo of cruelty, but administrators defended the practice, claiming that humans colour their hair and that natural dyes could be used safely on long-haired canines. In another contentious incident in 2024, visitors to a zoo in Shanwei discovered animals are portrayed as pandas were actually canines painted with black-and-white markings.

The latest “zebra” controversy has once again reignited debates over animal welfare and deceptive attractions, while social media users mocked the park’s unusual attempt at creativity.

'Cats Being Cats': Viral Video Shows Tigers Turn Wet Glass Tunnel Into Giant Slide in China

Divya Danu — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:27:53 +0530

Rain appears to have given a group of tigers at a wildlife park in China an unexpected playground. The tigers at Luanchuan Bamboo Sea Wildlife Park in Henan Province of the country were filmed sliding across the muddy surface of a 120-metre viewing tunnel after a rain shower. The unusual sight has since gone viral, with the big cats appearing to take turns as they slipped and slid along the wet surface.

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One tiger follows another down the tunnel before losing its footing and crashing into another tiger. The unexpected tumble has added to the humour of the footage, which has attracted plenty of attention online.

Big cats, very different kind of fun

The video offers a funny glimpse of tigers behaving in a way that may remind viewers of playful domestic cats.

Social media users joked that the animals had found themselves a giant slide. One commenter wrote that they were simply 'cats being cats', while another joked about having to clean the glass after the muddy performance.

Others pointed out the obvious difference between a pet cat and a tiger, with some reminding viewers that these are powerful wild animals despite their playful appearance.

TIGERS having fun SLIDING DOWN a glass tunnel pic.twitter.com/vlZmVxYRch

— RTVisual (@RT_Visual_on_X) August 14, 2026

Social media users wholeheartedly loved the animals' apparent enjoyment of the slippery surface.

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Viral video leaves viewers amused

The playful scene has drawn reactions from people in several countries, with comments ranging from jokes about the tigers having a playground to comparisons with children enjoying a rainy day.

The footage also highlights a less commonly seen side of captive tigers. Rather than stalking or resting, the animals appear curious and playful as they navigate the unusually slippery tunnel.

For viewers, the biggest surprise may be that even an animal built for speed and agility can lose its footing. The tigers' unexpected rainy-day adventure has turned an ordinary wet afternoon into an internet favourite.

Massive Hillside Collapses in China: Dramatic Chongqing Landslide Buries Homes, Thousands Rescued

Divya Danu — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:49:32 +0530

A massive landslide struck Pengshui county in China's southwestern municipality of Chongqing on Friday, burying several residential buildings and trapping an unknown number of people beneath the debris. According to Chinese state media, the incident forced the evacuation of more than 1,100 residents as authorities launched an emergency response. The exact number of people still trapped has not yet been confirmed.

A rain-triggered landslide buries homes in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, forcing more than 1,100 residents to evacuate. State media say at least 10 people were rescued from the debris as search and rescue operations continue. pic.twitter.com/xyGvec50TY

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 17, 2026

MAJOR RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY AS MASSIVE LANDSLIDE BURIES BUILDINGS IN CHINA !!!A massive landslide struck Pengshui County in Chongqing, China, burying more than 10 residential buildings and forcing the evacuation of over 1,100 people.Rescue teams are racing against time to… pic.twitter.com/LzvUuoCeue

— Ravi Prakash Official (@raviprakash_rtv) July 17, 2026

A massive landslide has occurred in Chongqing, China, causing several buildings to collapse. Several people are also reported to be trapped. There is currently no information regarding casualties. pic.twitter.com/4EmXVce0gk

— StrandenWX (@StrandenWX) July 17, 2026

A HUGE landslide in Chongqing, China this morning, around 9AM local time, destroyed several buildings.An unknown number of people were reportedly trapped under the debris.Heavy rainfall has hindered rescue efforts, but they're believed to have rescued at least 7 so far.…

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 17, 2026

Today’s terrifying visuals as a massive landslide caused multiple buildings to collapse near the Wujiang Three Bridges in Pengshui, Chongqing, China.Many people are trapped under the rubble as emergency crews conduct a major search and rescue operation. pic.twitter.com/gjhujNpFDA

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) July 17, 2026

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Warning issued before collapse

Officials said a local community worker noticed rocks falling from the hillside at around 8 am and immediately alerted authorities. Residents in the affected area were asked to leave their homes as a precaution.

However, while the evacuation was still in progress, the hillside collapsed at around 9.08 am, sending huge amounts of rock and mud crashing onto buildings below.

Rescue operation in full swing

State media reported that nine people had been rescued from the rubble. Authorities said none of them were in life-threatening condition.

Videos from the scene showed a thick cloud of dust rising as the hillside collapsed. Other footage captured frightened residents running to safety while vehicles stopped on nearby roads to avoid the falling debris.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level-II emergency response soon after the disaster. A 100-member rescue team was sent to the site, along with 206 firefighters and rescue personnel supported by 49 emergency vehicles.

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Cause yet to be confirmed

Officials have not yet announced what triggered the landslide. Rescue teams continue to search through the debris while authorities assess the damage and monitor the area for further risks.

The investigation into the cause of the disaster is ongoing.

No Panic, Just Eels: Viral China Metro Video Shows Calm Passengers in a Wild Rescue (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:03:13 +0530

A routine journey on the Nanjing Metro in China turned into an unusual rescue operation after dozens of live rice eels escaped from an elderly passenger’s bucket and wriggled across the floor of a crowded train. The incident reportedly took place on Line S3 when the plastic container tipped over, sending the slippery, snake-like fish sliding under seats and across the carriage. A video of the moment has since gone viral on social media.

Imagine riding the subway minding your own business when someone suddenly drops a bucket and dozens of SNAKES start slithering across the floor Fortunately, they weren’t actually snakes. They were rice eels, a snake-like fish commonly sold alive for cooking.Writer: Sol…

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 19, 2026

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Passengers stay calm as eels spread across carriage

Despite the unexpected sight, there was no major panic inside the train. Several passengers crouched down and began carefully catching the eels with their bare hands.

The commuters then returned the wriggling creatures to the containers while other passengers watched the unusual scene unfold. The entire cleanup reportedly took around 10 to 15 minutes.

The creatures were rice eels, also known as swamp eels, which are commonly sold alive for cooking in parts of China and Asia. Their long, snake-like appearance initially led some viewers online to mistake them for snakes.

Woman's Panic During Snake Rescue Goes Viral, Rescuer's Reaction Sparks Laughter Online (WATCH)

Video sparks jokes and debate online

The footage has triggered plenty of humorous reactions on social media. One user joked, “What did one eel say to the other on the train? ‘Unagi ke mana bro?’” Another wrote that seeing the creatures suddenly slithering across the carriage would have given them “a heart attack”.

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Others, however, focused on how calmly the passengers handled the situation. Rather than moving away in panic, several commuters stepped in to help the elderly passenger gather the escaped eels.

The incident has also revived questions about how live aquatic products should be carried on public transport.

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Rules allow aquatic products in secure containers

Nanjing Metro rules reportedly allow passengers to carry fresh aquatic products, provided they are kept in properly secured and sealed containers and do not leak or create hygiene problems. Live poultry and pets are subject to different restrictions.

However, the eel escape has prompted some social media users to argue that such rules may need stricter enforcement, especially when large numbers of live creatures are being transported.

What is amazing is the fact the viral video is being discussed less for chaos and more for the remarkable calm of the commuters who turned an awkward metro mishap into a collective eel-catching mission.

The Ticking Clock: How Teesta's Cost Overruns Could Quietly Mortgage Bangladesh's Strategic Autonomy

Anish Kumar — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:03:19 +0530

For Bangladesh, the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project was never merely an infrastructure venture. It was a strategic gamble — premised on the assumption that Chinese financing could substitute for Indian cooperation stalled by domestic politics in New Delhi and Kolkata.

As the project remains in its pre-construction phase after nearly a decade of delays, and as loan negotiations with Beijing gather pace, Bangladesh is discovering an uncomfortable truth: in loan-backed infrastructure diplomacy, delays are never neutral. They are a slow transfer of leverage.

When Delays Become Debt Spirals

Large-scale river management projects are inherently complex. Engineering interventions across flood-prone basins, coordinating land acquisition, managing seasonal construction windows, and deploying specialised dredging and embankment technology all invite timeline overruns.

The Teesta project — first discussed under a 2016 MOU with POWERCHINA, formally revived with an MOU extension in January 2025, and still awaiting a finalised loan agreement — illustrates precisely this risk. The project has not yet broken ground, and already its cost estimates have been revised upward and its timelines repeatedly pushed back.

The pattern established by other Chinese-financed projects in Bangladesh offers a cautionary template. When loan agreements are delayed, as has happened repeatedly across Chinese-backed infrastructure in the country, costs escalate and the burden falls on the borrower. Interest accrual on disbursed tranches, commitment fees on undisbursed ones, and the costs of extended project preparation: these accumulate quietly but consistently. Bangladesh, navigating a post-2024 political transition and grappling with fiscal pressures flagged by the IMF — including weak tax revenues, banking sector vulnerabilities, and elevated inflation — would absorb any such escalation at a particularly difficult moment.

The original loan-to-benefit calculation, already subject to scrutiny by the Chinese side itself, could be revised upward on the liability side without a corresponding revision in projected returns.

Leverage Migrates Toward the Creditor

There is a structural logic to how cost escalation reshapes negotiating dynamics in sovereign infrastructure lending. Early in a project, the borrower retains meaningful leverage: disbursements are partial, exit remains theoretically possible, and alternative financing can be explored.

As construction advances and costs escalate, this leverage migrates. Sunk costs deepen commitment. Technical systems — embedded and partially operational — create switching costs that make exit prohibitively expensive. The creditor, by contrast, holds the refinancing card: the ability to restructure, extend, or re-price terms in exchange for continued project viability.

For Bangladesh, this dynamic is particularly consequential because the Teesta project is not a standalone road or port. It is foundational water infrastructure with direct implications for agricultural productivity, flood management, and the livelihoods of tens of millions of people in the northwest of the country.

Abandoning or restructuring midway would not be a purely fiscal decision. It would be a political one with immediate human costs. The structural asymmetry that results does not require overt coercion to shape outcomes; it operates quietly, orienting Dhaka's preferences and constraining what positions it can afford to take in broader diplomatic contexts.

Fiscal Compression and the Narrowing of Strategic Choice

The fiscal consequences extend beyond the Teesta balance sheet. Escalating repayment obligations consume budget space that Bangladesh might otherwise deploy toward negotiated cooperation with India, toward multilateral water governance frameworks, or toward building independent hydrological capacity. Fiscal compression is, in effect, strategic compression.

A government managing tightening debt-service obligations — Bangladesh's interest payments already consumed more than half of government revenue expenses in the first four months of fiscal year 2024-25 — has less room to absorb the short-term political costs of re-engaging with difficult partners, less flexibility to fund parallel infrastructure diplomacy, and reduced credibility in presenting itself as a sovereign actor with genuine optionality.

This is where the India dimension becomes critical. India possesses what no external creditor can replicate: shared basin geography, decades of hydrological data on the Teesta's flow patterns, and an intrinsic stake in the river's downstream management. Cooperation with India on Teesta, while politically complex, would not introduce a financial dependency spiral. It would not embed foreign technical systems into sovereign water infrastructure. And it would not gradually narrow the fiscal and diplomatic space Bangladesh needs to act as a genuinely autonomous regional player.

The Compounding Cost of Delay

The most significant risk is not that Bangladesh cannot complete the Teesta project. It is that by the time completion arrives, the cumulative weight of financial obligation, technical entrenchment, and compressed fiscal flexibility will have quietly restructured the terms on which Dhaka engages its neighbourhood. Infrastructure delays are recoverable. The erosion of strategic autonomy — mortgaged incrementally through each revised loan negotiation and each year of deepening technical dependency — is far harder to reclaim.

China Horror: 900 Snakes, Including Cobras, Escape Breeding Farm After Floods; Internet Shocked (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:14:40 +0530

Is there anything worse than a flood? Well, it turns out that about 900 snakes are loose around the hamlet while half of it is buried in floodwater--is the answer to such a terrible question that no one wanted to know. So far, several people have died as a result of China's floods, which have also caused landslides, property damage, storms, and other problems. Meanwhile, China's Hengzhou found itself in even deeper problems after floodwaters damaged a snake farm. The farm collapse allegedly resulted in over 900 snakes unrestrained throughout the flood-affected area.

The majority of the escaping snakes were not poisonous, according to the South China Morning Post. But according to other sources, the escaping group also had lethal snakes like cobras.

Several terrifying footage of numerous snakes crawling throughout the community, particularly in flooded areas, have surfaced since the snake farm collapsed. While the snakes were seen trying to climb on the walls and partially flooded lawns, the videos also showed people struggling to keep the lethal creatures away from their houses.

A team of ten individuals has been assembled to capture the reptiles, according to Red Star News. Wu Zhi, a village official, reportedly advised people not to touch the snake with their bare hands.

Watch Viral Video

Hengzhou, #China July 6 /2026After days of heavy rain ️ and flooding across China, around 900 snakes escaped from a breeding farm in Hengzhou. Reports say the reptiles included venomous cobras, with villagers attempting to catch them in the floodwaters. pic.twitter.com/cTcgAZ4nZd

— CAUGHTIN4KHQ (@CaughtIn4KHQ) July 9, 2026

“Hengzhou, #China. July 6 /2026 After days of heavy rain and flooding across China, around 900 snakes escaped from a breeding farm in Hengzhou. Reports say the reptiles included venomous cobras, with villagers attempting to catch them in the floodwaters,” the post read.

According to the South China Morning Post, China is currently fighting the "annual flood season," which "officially began on July 01." According to reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also mandated "all-out emergency rescue and relief efforts" for those impacted. Tropical Storm Maysak is said to have caused the floods.

Nearly 900 Snakes Escape Flooded China Breeding Farm After Typhoon Maysak | Watch Viral Videos

Divya Danu — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:36:36 +0530

A dramatic video showing hundreds of snakes swimming through floodwaters in southern China has gone viral, leaving social media users both shocked and concerned. The reptiles escaped after severe flooding damaged a snake breeding farm in Dengwei village, Hengzhou, in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The flooding followed days of torrential rain linked to Typhoon Maysak, which has caused widespread destruction across the region.

900 Snakes swimming in flooded waters in China. pic.twitter.com/5F14ljGKo9

— JOKAMRREDPILLZ (@JOKAQARMY1) July 7, 2026

️CHAOS UNLEASHED: China's Deadliest Floods + 900 ESCAPED SNAKES!Rare tornadoes 'Maesak' just triggered China's worst floods in years and turned a quiet village in Hengzhou, Guangxi into a nightmare! A massive farm collapsed under raging waters, releasing nearly 900… pic.twitter.com/UNH0Butx5h

— Jeab (@Jeab1030599) July 7, 2026

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After the collaps of the Liulan Reservoir (六蓝水库) dam in China, a farm dedicated for raising venomous snakes was washed out by the flood. Now poisonous snakes are everywhere. An alligator farm was also washed out pic.twitter.com/2JYrrXbg0S

— Bin Xie (@bxieus) July 8, 2026

According to local officials, nearly 900 snakes escaped after floodwaters entered the breeding facility, prompting an urgent rescue operation to prevent the reptiles from spreading into nearby residential areas.

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Rescue teams sent to capture escaped snakes

Authorities quickly deployed a 10-member rescue team equipped with fishing nets and stun guns to capture the escaped snakes.

Local official Wu Zhi told Chinese media that the rescue operation began immediately after the farm was flooded. While some early reports claimed venomous cobras had escaped, Wu said the snakes being recovered by the rescue team were non-venomous.

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Videos shared online showed several snakes moving through muddy floodwaters, leading authorities to warn residents of nearby villages to stay indoors until the situation was brought under control.

Reports also suggested that some flood-hit villagers may have suffered snakebites while stranded by rising water, although officials are still assessing the overall impact.

Flood crisis continues across Guangxi

The escaped snakes are only one part of a much larger emergency unfolding across southern China.

Authorities have issued the highest-level red flood alert after rivers across Guangxi rose well above danger levels. State media reported that dozens of monitoring stations recorded water levels exceeding official warning marks.

The floods have already claimed at least 17 lives across China, including six deaths in Guangxi, while 11 people remain missing. More than 130,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes as rescue teams continue evacuation and relief work.

— Jeab (@Jeab1030599) July 7, 2026

❗️900 SNAKES ESCAPE serpentarium following flood in Hengzhou, ChinaMost of them are non-venomous, but it is reported that one person is already hospitalized after snake's bite pic.twitter.com/6Eh786rCsx

— RT (@RT_com) July 7, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed officials to carry out full-scale rescue operations, prioritising medical care, emergency assistance and the relocation of affected residents.

Experts have also warned that this year's flood season could become more severe because of the combined effects of global warming and El Niño.

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Viral video sparks mixed reactions

The viral footage quickly attracted thousands of reactions online.

Many viewers admitted the scenes looked like something from a disaster film, with comments describing the video as a "new fear unlocked" and "the stuff of nightmares." Others joked that it was "Snakephoon" instead of Sharknado or compared the swimming reptiles to the Loch Ness Monster.

At the same time, several users shifted attention to the bigger issue. Many questioned why so many snakes were being bred in one place, while others said the animals were also victims of the flooding and deserved humane treatment.

Several people expressed sympathy for both the flood-affected communities and the displaced snakes, saying the disaster highlighted the wider impact of extreme weather on humans and wildlife alike.

As rescue teams continue searching for the escaped reptiles, the video has become one of the most talked-about images from China's ongoing flood emergency, sparking conversations not only about public safety but also about wildlife farming and climate-related disasters.

Too Smelly For Gym? Chinese Fitness Centre Refunds Money Over Body Odour Complaints, Asks Him To Join Elsewhere

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:58:40 +0530

A Chinese guy obtained a refund from a gym that requested him to stop using the facility and even offered him a three-month membership card at another gym because the management had received too many complaints about his strong body smell. The man, named only as Shi, resides in Hangzhou in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. According to local media Zhejiang TV, he paid 6,388 yuan (US$940) for a three-year gym membership in May 2025, which allowed him to utilise the facilities until the end of April 2028.

Shi said he had lost a lot of weight a decade ago, dropping from 125kg to 80kg. Since then, he became a workout enthusiast and took part in various sports regularly. Shi worked out five times a week after joining the gym. However, on June 20, he got a message from the gym telling him that his membership was being cancelled due to several complaints about the overpowering stench he was causing within the building. Before making this choice, we gave it a lot of serious thinking. The gym informed Shi, "We will reimburse your money for the remainder of your membership period."

The message continued: “We are already under pressure to do business amid the economic downturn and we are trying to treat each customer well. But many customers repeatedly complained to us that the strong odour in the gym had affected them. So we have to end your membership.” Shi said he received 3,888 yuan (US$570) from the gym as well as a three-month membership card to another gym.

The media was informed by the gym where Shi used to work out that he had a tendency to sweat a lot and smell strongly.

Numerous patrons reported that the machine Shi had just used or was passing by had an overtly unpleasant odour. The machine, the treadmills, the treadmills, the treadmills. The gym said it had once allocated exercise equipment in the corner for his use and asked him to come during non-rush hours. But that did not quash the complaints.

Shi acknowledged that he perspires a lot, but in an effort to lessen the effect on others, he typically carried many towels to cover the equipment and wipe away his sweat.

WATCH: Chinese Fathers Break Down in Tears During Viral Kindergarten Drop-Offs Across the Country

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:11:27 +0530

In a display of deep paternal vulnerability, Chinese fathers have unexpectedly stolen the spotlight during the latest wave of kindergarten drop-offs on their children’s first day of school, turning school gates into scenes of total emotional meltdown.

In a video that went viral on social media, Chinese fathers’ eyes were seen streaming down their faces as they reluctantly handed their little ones over to teachers, capturing a rare and moving snapshot of modern fatherhood. As their children walked into classrooms for the first time, several fathers struggled to hold back tears.

The new academic year in China has officially begun on September 1, and the emotional first-day scenes have resonated with parents and viewers across the country.

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Chinese Fathers’ Crying Video Goes Viral

As China witnessed thousands of families stepping out for the milestone morning, with their children kick-starting their educational journey, what caught the attention of users on social media was the fathers who were unable to hide their emotions as they prepared to leave their children at kindergarten.

In a viral video, fathers were seen emotionally breaking down as they said goodbye to their children at the kindergarten gate. Some had tears rolling from their eyes as soon as they dropped their kids at school, while others burst into emotional sobs as soon as they got into their cars, unable to contain the weight of the moment.

There were fathers who couldn’t bring themselves to leave immediately, lingering outside the kindergarten or breaking down after returning to their cars as they struggled with the separation from their children.

Embed

The kindergarten is the beginning of formal education and a major milestone in a child's life. As usual, the children were supposed to shed the biggest tears on day one, but this year's viral wave has completely flipped the script, proving that letting go hurts dads just as much as the little ones.

After having spent years caring for their children at home, many fathers appeared overwhelmed by the sudden transition, with the first school drop-off making the separation feel all too real.

Why Did Chinese Fathers Cry on Children’s First Day at Kindergarten?

The Chinese fathers' emotional reaction after dropping their kids at Kindergarten gates is nothing but a sudden realisation of how fast their little ones are growing up, turning a morning routine into an unforgettable testament to a father's fierce, unconditional love.

Historically, in China, fathers are expected to remain stoic and emotionally distant pillars of the household, carrying the centuries-old, deep-rooted Chinese proverb, ‘A real man doesn't shed tears lightly.’ However, the young generation of fathers appears to have thrown that old rule out of the window and openly embrace vulnerability.

Since fathers are intensely attached to their children since they were born, staying away from them for a day or two feels like an unbearable eternity, proving that modern parenting has officially entered a whole new, refreshingly open era.

Since the Chinese education system is notoriously demanding, known for its intense academic grind, high-stakes testing, and fierce competition from a remarkably early age, these dads know all too well the massive marathon their children are stepping into. Therefore, the emotional moment reflected both their pride and anxiety as their children began a demanding educational journey.

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China President Xi Jinping Suffered Two Heart Strokes, Claims Former Tibetan Sikyong Lobsang Sangay

Divya Danu — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:02:00 +0530

A fresh claim about Chinese President Xi Jinping's health has triggered questions about the country's leadership and succession plans. Former Tibetan government-in-exile leader Lobsang Sangay has claimed that Xi Jinping suffered at least two heart strokes, and possibly three. Sangay said he was told this by a senior former Chinese official whom he met during a conversation lasting more than an hour.

The claim was made during an ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash published on September 3. Sangay also spoke about Xi's grip over the Chinese Communist Party, the removal of senior military officials and what he described as China's growing succession dilemma. However, there is no independent evidence in the available reporting confirming that Xi has suffered heart strokes. This distinction is important because Sangay's comments are an allegation based on an unnamed source, rather than a confirmed medical report.

What did Lobsang Sangay claim about Xi's health?

Speaking about Xi's recent public appearances and mannerisms, Sangay claimed that a senior former Chinese official had told him that Xi had suffered two heart strokes.

Sangay suggested that the Chinese President was under considerable pressure and claimed that this could be affecting his health and decision-making.

He also referred to what he described as changes in Xi's appearance and walking style. Sangay went further, alleging that Xi was experiencing "mental fog" and connecting this to the removal of senior military figures.

Why did Sangay link Xi's health to military purges?

Sangay also discussed the continuing shake-up within China's military leadership.

He claimed that several senior generals appointed under Xi had subsequently been removed or disappeared from public view. His comments come against the backdrop of an extensive campaign against senior PLA figures.

The broader military purge is independently documented. In January 2026, China's Ministry of National Defense announced investigations into two of its most senior military figures, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies described their downfall as an exceptionally significant development in Xi's effort to reshape the People's Liberation Army.

That does not, however, establish Sangay's claim that Xi's alleged health problems caused these actions.

What is Xi Jinping's succession dilemma?

One of the most significant parts of Sangay's interview concerned who could eventually succeed Xi Jinping.

Sangay argued that Xi faces what he called an "Emperor's dilemma".

His argument is based on a historical problem: a powerful ruler can formally name a successor, but doing so can create a rival who eventually challenges the ruler's authority. On the other hand, refusing to name a successor can create uncertainty and a struggle for power when the leader eventually leaves office.

Sangay therefore argued that Xi may be reluctant to publicly designate a successor.

The succession question is not new. Analysts have previously pointed to the weakening of China's established leadership-transition norms under Xi. The Lowy Institute and CSIS have both examined scenarios involving a future succession struggle, including the possibility of elite conflict if a transition is not clearly managed.

Could naming a successor trigger a coup?

Sangay went further by claiming that announcing a successor could potentially create the conditions for a power struggle or even a coup.

This is Sangay's political assessment, not a confirmed prediction.

China's political system is highly centralised around the Communist Party, with Xi holding the country's top party, state and military positions. Analysts have noted that his concentration of power has made the question of eventual succession particularly important.

There is currently no verified evidence that a coup is imminent in China.

Is Xi Jinping actually missing or unwell?

Claims about Xi's health have circulated periodically, often following periods when he has had fewer public appearances.

But his recent public activity provides important context.

Chinese official sources reported that Xi returned to Beijing on September 3, 2026, after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan and making a state visit to Egypt.

Who is Lobsang Sangay?

Lobsang Sangay served as the elected Sikyong, or political head, of the Central Tibetan Administration from 2011 to 2021. The Central Tibetan Administration is based in Dharamshala, India, and represents Tibetans living in exile.

Sangay is now a senior visiting fellow at Harvard Law School's East Asian Legal Studies programme.

His political background is relevant when assessing his comments because he is a long-standing critic of China's policies towards Tibet.

Why is Tibetan government in exile?

China incorporated Tibet into the People's Republic of China after the Chinese takeover of Tibet in the early 1950s. Following the 1959 uprising in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama fled to India along with thousands of Tibetans.

The Central Tibetan Administration subsequently operated from India as a government-in-exile. China does not recognise the administration as a government and considers Tibet part of its territory.

Sangay led this administration for a decade before Penpa Tsering succeeded him as Sikyong in 2021.

China: Humanoid Robot Asks For Donations To Pay 'Electricity Bills', Video Goes Viral | WATCH

Gargi Chaudhry — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:38:50 +0530

Humanoid robots "begging" on the street can only be seen in China! Hold on, what? A humorous video of a humanoid robot asking for money on the streets of China is making the rounds on social media. The robot had to turn to "begging" to get money for "electricity bills," according to an LED sign and a megaphone that appeared to be maintained next to the robot. "No money to recharge" and "please help with electricity bills" were being shouted over the loudspeaker, according to the Daily Mail.

The humanoid robot was shown holding hands and requesting money while seated on its "knees." Interestingly, other people were also seen assisting the "poor soul." The robot also carried a QR code for payments next to its food to make things easier.

According to Interesting Engineering, it was a Unitree G1 humanoid robot, a product of the same firm that transported Pemba, one of its humanoid robots, to the peak of Ecuador's Chimborazo volcano.

“A humanoid robot was spotted ‘begging’ for electricity in China, claiming it hadn’t been recharged for days. The unusual stunt quickly went viral on social media, with amused passersby stopping to interact with the battery-starved bot,” the post read.

The post was shared on X (formerly twitter), by the handle ‘Theeye_eagle’. The post was shared a few days ago and pulled many views from people.

Watch Viral Video

A humanoid robot was spotted “begging” for electricity in China, claiming it hadn’t been recharged for days. The unusual stunt quickly went viral on social media, with amused passersby stopping to interact with the battery-starved bot. pic.twitter.com/Mr1MS5OhjT

— The Eagle Eye (@Theeye_eagle) June 16, 2026

“Omg who gets these ideas... I couldn't stop laughing, you are a genius,” a user said. “Only in China it makes sense to spot a robot begging on the street. What is even happening?” asked the next person. “The company and its marketing is pure genius. I have nothing to say,” added another person.

China President Xi Jinping To Attend BRICS Summit In India, Xinhua Reports

Divya Danu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:59:22 +0530

China's President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS Summit in India, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, setting the stage for his first visit to the country in seven years. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 as the grouping seeks to strengthen cooperation among its members and address major global and regional issues.

Xi Jinping's India visit

Xi's participation is significant for India-China relations, which have been gradually improving after years of tensions. This visit would be his first to India since 2019 and comes after a period of cautious diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing.

The BRICS Summit is expected to provide an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping to meet on the sidelines of the gathering. Their possible bilateral talks are likely to draw attention to the state of India-China relations, including efforts to maintain peace along the border and expand economic engagement.

India-China ties in focus

Ahead of the summit, India's Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted the scope for greater cooperation between the two countries.

In an opinion piece published in China's Global Times, Doraiswami said the BRICS meeting could be used to deepen India-China cooperation in areas including trade, connectivity, climate action, public health and the digital economy.

He also stressed that a stable and predictable relationship between India and China would be important not only for their combined population of around 2.8 billion people but also for wider global stability.

Doraiswami referred to Xi's earlier remarks to PM Modi that India and China are 'cooperation partners, not rivals' and that the two countries should view each other as development opportunities rather than threats.

The ambassador also said peace and tranquillity in the border areas are an essential foundation for the relationship. He called for the two countries to approach their differences through mutual respect, sensitivity and interest.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi

India assumed the BRICS chairship for 2026 on January 1 and will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. The theme of India's chairship is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", with a focus on strengthening cooperation within the expanded grouping.

The summit comes at a time of major geopolitical uncertainty, with the BRICS grouping seeking to maintain unity despite differences among its members. The expanded bloc includes countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia, alongside the original members.

Xi's presence is therefore expected to add another important dimension to the summit, particularly as India and China look to manage their differences while exploring areas of cooperation.

What Xi's visit could mean for India-China ties

The Chinese president's visit could provide an important opportunity for the two sides to continue their diplomatic reset. Recent engagement has included efforts to ease tensions and restore some economic and people-to-people links, although significant differences remain.

With Xi now set to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, attention will be closely focused on his engagements with PM Modi and whether the visit gives further momentum to the cautious improvement in India-China ties.

(With inputs from agencies)

China Hit By Strongest Typhoon Of 2026 As Gansu Flash Flood Kills 10; Horrific Videos Surface

Divya Danu — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:47:49 +0530

Typhoon Noul made landfall in Guangdong as China's strongest typhoon of 2026, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain that disrupted flights, rail services and daily life. More than 340,000 people were evacuated before the storm struck.

Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China on Sunday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Guangdong province and disrupting flights, rail services and daily life. The storm was described by state media as the strongest typhoon to hit the country so far this year.

At the same time, a separate weather tragedy unfolded in north-western China, where a flash flood caused by heavy rain killed at least 10 people and injured 23 others at a scenic area in Gansu province.

Terrifying Typhoon Noul moment caught on camera in Guangdong on July 25: the door was blown open, a baby crib was swept away—until it flipped mid-roll, and the child managed to crawl back inside. pic.twitter.com/xNJ1lkIRZ1

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) July 26, 2026

NoulThe 12th typhoon of this year is about to make landfall in Guangdong.If you are traveling in Guangdong, remember to stay in safe areas.Usually, it will also cause rainstorms in Jiangxi and Hunan. pic.twitter.com/MMGFy8NHKu

— Sharing Travel (@TripInChina) July 25, 2026

The two incidents have put several parts of the country on alert as authorities deal with strong winds, flooding and the risk of further heavy rain.

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The centre of Typhoon Noul crossed the coast at about 3:50 am local time near Pinghai in Guangdong province, around 80 kilometres north-east of Hong Kong, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

As I had feared, Typhoon No. 12 (NOUL) appears to be raging fiercely in Guangdong Province........The World Bank is moving toward ending its treatment of China as a developing country and gradually phasing out financing to China, yet even just the disaster scenes continuously… https://t.co/dFW2ycVo2i pic.twitter.com/45AGolZsra

— 燃えたいゴミ！！ (@gamu0514) July 26, 2026

Typhoon Hongxia hit Guangdong's southern coast in China, causing chaos as over 700,000 people were evacuated to emergency shelters.It's the 12th typhoon of the year, with gusts up to 45 m/s!! Writer: Ianpic.twitter.com/D6hisE3kd5

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 26, 2026

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The typhoon had maximum sustained winds of around 162 kilometres per hour near its centre when it reached land. This made Noul the strongest typhoon to make landfall in China in 2026 so far.

Authorities had already taken steps to protect people ahead of the storm. More than 340,000 people were evacuated from areas at risk, while work and some rail services were suspended.

The storm also caused major disruption to air travel. At least 350 passenger flights arriving at or departing from Hong Kong were cancelled on Sunday, according to the airport's website.

Hong Kong also felt the impact of the typhoon, with strong winds and heavy rain reported across the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory said Noul was moving further inland into Guangdong and gradually weakening. However, strong winds continued to affect many areas, with occasional storm-force winds recorded over higher ground.

Clip of #Typhoon #Noul's eyewall in #China. showing Typhoon force winds between 70-80 mph (110-125 km/h). with debris from roofs peeling off possibly to hit other objects. this will continue as the typhoon gets further inlandCredits for clip: Westernpacificweather on facebook pic.twitter.com/6xlEfRchwt

— Skellitor Titan (@Skellitor_Titan) July 25, 2026

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Authorities said 21 people were injured in the city, while hundreds of reports of fallen trees and several flooding incidents were received.

Video footage shared by CCTV showed strong winds and heavy rain in southern China. Roads were covered with debris, while some smaller structures, including a basketball hoop, were knocked over by powerful gusts.

Guangdong authorities raised the province's disaster relief emergency response level as the situation developed.

Although Noul was weakening after making landfall, authorities warned that its effects would continue across a wider area.

The storm was expected to bring strong winds and rain to Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei provinces. Parts of Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi were also warned of the possibility of very heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous areas where flooding can be difficult to control.

The flood-control emergency response in the three provinces was raised to a high level.

State media said rainfall linked to the typhoon could continue until Tuesday and may affect areas as far north as Henan and Shandong.

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China's central government also allocated 100 million yuan to help Guangdong recover from the storm, including repairs and rebuilding of damaged roads and other infrastructure.

While southern China dealt with Typhoon Noul, a separate flash flood struck a scenic area in Gansu province on Sunday.

At least 10 people were killed and 23 others injured after heavy rainfall triggered a sudden mountain torrent in Weiyuan County, Dingxi City, according to state media.

The flooding reportedly caught tourists who were camping in the area. A sudden surge of water caused by intense rainfall left some people trapped at the scenic site.

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Local public security and fire-and-rescue teams were sent to the area, with search and rescue operations continuing.

甘肃渭源一景区山洪已致10死23伤Ten people were killed and 23 others were injured, while 174 have been rescued after a flash flood triggered by intense rainfall swept a scenic area in Weiyuan county, Dingxi, Northwest China's Gansu Province on the afternoon of Jul. 26, CCTV News… pic.twitter.com/AjZUgIZOav

— Beijing Evening News (@BeijingEvening) July 26, 2026

Heavy rainfall caused a flash flood at a tourist campsite in Weiyuan County, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Sunday afternoon, resulting in ten deaths and 23 injuries. Local police and fire departments are leading rescue operations, supported by 305 personnel and 68 vehicles… pic.twitter.com/0JeLsF8nYP

— China Takeaway (@China24Official) July 26, 2026

Flash floods and sudden mountain torrents are a common danger during China's summer monsoon season. Hilly and mountainous areas are especially at risk because heavy rain can quickly cause water levels to rise.

The separate incidents underline the growing dangers posed by extreme weather across China, with authorities now focused on rescue efforts, flood control and helping affected communities recover.

(With AFP inputs)

'Free Tibet': Woman Shaves Her Head In Tribute To Lobga Rangzen, Viral Video Draws Emotional Reactions

Divya Danu — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:40:35 +0530

A video of a woman, Jampa Lhatso, shaving her head while chanting slogans for a free Tibet has gone viral on social media, drawing emotional reactions from viewers. In the video, the woman is seen removing her hair as she chants slogans including “Free Tibet”, “Tibet is not a part of China” and “We want freedom”. She also pays tribute to Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen, wiping away tears during the emotional act, which reportedly took place in association with Students for a Free Tibet in France.

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A post shared by Tenzin Geaphel (@tenga_paris)

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A post shared by Dakpa_Paris (@dakpa_paris_gorsgey)

The video has been shared with messages calling for freedom for Tibet and opposition to Chinese rule.

Why did the woman shave her head?

The head-shaving was presented as an act of solidarity with Lobga Rangzen and other Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Students for a Free Tibet - France (@sft_france)

The woman said in a social media post that it had been one month since Rangzen died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was identified by Tibetan organisations as a Tibetan activist. He died on July 2 after suffering severe burns following the self-immolation. The incident took place outside the UN headquarters, where he was reportedly protesting over Tibet and calling for its independence.

The self-immolation happened one day after China's new Ethnic Unity Law came into effect. Human rights groups and Tibetan organisations have raised concerns about its impact on Tibetan identity, culture and rights, while Beijing maintains that Tibet is part of China.

Head-shaving used as a symbol of solidarity

According to the woman's post, the head-shaving ceremony was intended to honour Rangzen's sacrifice and show solidarity with the Tibetan community.

She said the Tibetan community in France would hold a peaceful memorial event involving remembrance, calls for justice and voluntary head-shaving.

The symbolism of giving up one's hair has also appeared in earlier Tibetan solidarity campaigns. In one such campaign in the US in 2008, Tibetan supporters shaved their heads to show solidarity with people who had sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

For the woman featured in the latest video, the act appears deeply personal. She is visibly emotional as her hair is shaved, and at one point she wipes tears from her face while continuing to chant.

‘Free Tibet’ slogans in viral video

The woman can be heard repeatedly raising slogans for Tibet.

Along with “Free Tibet”, she calls for freedom and says Tibet is not part of China. She also invokes Rangzen's name as she pays tribute to him.

The video has attracted attention because of the emotional way in which she expresses her support. Rather than simply holding a placard or sharing a message online, she takes part in a symbolic act that involves cutting off her hair.

Her post described the ceremony as a way of remembering Rangzen and calling for justice.

How people reacted to the video

The response online has largely been supportive and emotional. One user said watching the woman give up something as personal as her hair was deeply moving and praised her bravery.

Another commenter wrote that the Garo people stood with Tibet, while several others posted messages supporting the Free Tibet movement.

Comments included messages such as “Free Tibet”, hearts, folded-hands emojis and words of encouragement.

Some users called the woman brave and thanked her for showing solidarity. Others said they hoped Tibetans would one day achieve freedom.

One commenter described the act as a powerful sacrifice, while another wrote that the woman's emotions could be clearly felt through the video.

There were also comments calling for peace and justice rather than hatred.

Who was Lobga Rangzen?

Lobga Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was a Tibetan activist living in New York. According to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, he was born in eastern Tibet in 1974 and had been involved in activism for the Tibetan cause.

On July 2, he reportedly carried a Tibetan flag outside the UN headquarters and set himself on fire. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital but later died from his injuries. Amnesty International said the incident highlighted concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet and called for greater international scrutiny, The Tibet Post report added.

His death led to vigils and protests among Tibetan communities in different places.

A wider campaign of remembrance

The head-shaving video comes amid a wider campaign by Tibetan activists to remember Rangzen and draw attention to their demands. According to the material shared by organisers, Tibetans gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York for a head-shaving event and raised slogans including “Justice for Lobga Rangzen” and “Free Tibet”.

The campaign has sought to keep attention on Rangzen's death and the wider Tibetan political struggle.

For those taking part, the act of shaving their heads is being used as a visible sign of mourning, respect and solidarity.

The woman in the viral video has brought that message to a much wider online audience, with thousands of reactions and comments focusing on her emotional tribute and the meaning behind her decision to shave her head.

Viral Video: Chinese Humanoid Robot Performs Ballet, Then Pulls Off A Stunning Surprise Move | WATCH

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:46:58 +0530

Do you want to see a humanoid robot dance? Say no more; China appears to be the solution as always. Another Chinese video of a humanoid robot casually performing "human things" was posted online, and it went viral right away because it was both humorous, surprising, and entertaining. The Unitree humanoid robot from China was shown in the video executing a dance that resembled ballet dancing a little too closely.

However, the robot was dressed in a loose silver shirt and silver trousers rather than the usual tights that 'humans' wear. Unbelievably, though, it was the robot's "surprise move" at the conclusion that caused the video to go viral.

The robot appeared to be dancing in front of a crowd on a stage. Before the humanoid robot made an unexpected move—an sudden fall—the performance proceeded very well. At the conclusion, the robot appeared to lose its equilibrium, which caused it to abruptly tumble onto the stage.

The video quickly gained popularity and generated a lot of responses. Some called it a "choreographed sudden death," while others thought it was humorous.

Watch Viral Video

“The ending took me out. This is peak humanoid robot comedy. China’s Unitree humanoid robot starts off with some surprisingly smooth dance moves, showing just how far humanoid robots have come in balance, motion, and control. But right when it looks graceful, the performance takes an unexpected turn. From pure grace to sudden collapse, this might be one of the funniest robot moments yet,” the post read.

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A post shared by AI researches | AI (@airesearches)

Internet Reactions

“Not the robot daughter in the background. This can really only happen in China, that country is living in an entirely different time than the rest of us,” a user said. “I was already laughing before the sudden death,” added another person.

“The cap guy in the back is definitely me- cannot control laughter but has no other option but to control it,” added another. “At least this time, it didn’t randomly kick a child in the audience,” commented the next person. “I watched this too many times. This is so cute but also so funny at the same time,” added another.

7 Deadliest Floods in Human History: From Massive Storm Surges to Broken Dams

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:20:20 +0530

Floods have caused some of the worst disasters in human history, destroying towns, farmland and infrastructure while killing huge numbers of people. The deadliest events were not always caused by rainfall alone. Cyclones, dam failures and even deliberate destruction of river defences also turned rising water into catastrophic humanitarian disasters.

Historical death tolls should be treated with caution. Records from earlier centuries were often incomplete, and many estimates include people who later died from famine, disease and displacement rather than drowning alone.

1. 1931 China floods: Up to 4 million deaths

The 1931 China floods are widely regarded as the deadliest flood disaster in recorded history.

Heavy rainfall followed a period of severe snowmelt, causing the Yangtze, Yellow and Huai rivers to overflow. Vast areas of central China were submerged.

Death estimates vary widely, from around 422,000 to as many as 4 million. Many victims died in the months following the floods due to famine, disease and the destruction of homes and farmland.

2. 1887 Yellow River flood: Up to 2 million deaths

The Yellow River flood of 1887 devastated China's Henan province after heavy rainfall caused river defences to fail.

Floodwaters spread rapidly across densely populated and low-lying areas, destroying villages and agricultural land. Estimates of the death toll range from about 900,000 to 2 million.

The disaster remains one of the deadliest river floods ever recorded.

3. 1938 Yellow River flood: Up to 900,000 deaths

Unlike most floods on this list, the 1938 Yellow River disaster was deliberately caused during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Chinese Nationalist forces breached the river's dikes near Huayuankou in an attempt to slow advancing Japanese troops.

The flooding devastated large parts of Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu. Estimates commonly range from around 500,000 to 900,000 deaths, including people who died from drowning, disease and starvation.

4. 1970 Bhola cyclone: Up to 500,000 deaths

The Bhola cyclone was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in recorded history.

It struck the Ganges Delta in November 1970, when the region was part of East Pakistan and is now largely Bangladesh.

A massive storm surge swept across low-lying islands and coastal communities. Estimates suggest between 300,000 and 500,000 people were killed.

The disaster exposed the extreme vulnerability of densely populated coastal areas to cyclones and storm surges.

5. 1642 Kaifeng flood: About 300,000 deaths

The Kaifeng flood was another disaster linked to human action during a military conflict.

During a siege of the Chinese city of Kaifeng, Yellow River dikes were deliberately breached. The resulting flood destroyed much of the city and surrounding areas.

Historical accounts estimate that around 300,000 people died, although exact figures remain uncertain because of the age of the event and incomplete records.

6. 1975 Banqiao Dam failure: Up to 240,000 deaths

In August 1975, Typhoon Nina brought exceptionally heavy rainfall to China's Henan province.

The Banqiao Dam and dozens of other dams failed, unleashing enormous volumes of water downstream. Entire settlements were devastated and millions of people were affected.

Direct deaths were far lower than the highest overall estimates, but later deaths from disease and famine increased the total. Estimates for the wider disaster range from tens of thousands to about 240,000.

7. 1971 Red River Delta flood: Around 100,000 deaths

The Red River Delta flood in North Vietnam is often included among the deadliest historical floods.

Heavy monsoon rainfall caused widespread flooding, while failures in parts of the flood-control system worsened the disaster.

Historical estimates suggest that around 100,000 people may have died, although the figure remains difficult to independently verify.

What led to world's worst water disasters?

The history of deadly floods shows that water disasters become far more dangerous when extreme weather meets vulnerable populations and weak infrastructure.

Poor warning systems, failed dams, damaged river defences and densely populated floodplains can dramatically increase casualties. Floods also continue causing deaths long after the water recedes, through hunger, contaminated water and disease.

Modern forecasting and early-warning systems have improved disaster preparedness. But as extreme rainfall, coastal flooding and climate-related weather risks continue to threaten communities, the lessons from history remain relevant.

These disasters show that effective infrastructure, evacuation planning and early warnings can make the difference between a major flood and a large-scale humanitarian tragedy.

Does China Really Have a Caste System? Viral Hukou Debate Explained

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:47:20 +0530

New Delhi: We all know China as the world's manufacturing hub and a socialist nation run by the Communist party. But a serious allegation is now doing the rounds on the internet: that China has a rigid, birth-based caste system. Indian netizens are claiming this system decides a person's access to education, health, and life opportunities. So, is there really a caste system in China? Let's find out the real story.

Officially, China champions socialist equality. In recent years, social media has been flooded with slick videos of China's beautiful cities, massive buildings, and efficient systems. But some Indians living there have started showing the world the 'real' China, claiming that just like in India, a form of caste system exists from birth.

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This debate blew up after Indian users and several others on X started posting comparisons between China's social structure and India's caste system. They argued that a person's progress is decided by the family they are born into, pointing to China's 'Hukou' household registration system as proof. They directly accused this system of creating discrimination in education, healthcare, welfare schemes, and economic growth.

In China, The Hukou system is state-enforced, birth-based caste system. It legally divides people into Upper-Caste Urban elites and Lower-Caste Rural (Nong/Gong/Shang) untouchables from birth. The Shi CCP keeps its lower-caste people trapped in poverty forever. pic.twitter.com/NtxkYV2sc1

— आदर्श (@im_adarsh01) June 18, 2026

CHINA HUKOU CASTE DISCRIMINATION EXPOSEDIn India , according to British inducted caste system SC ST BC classified people get more priority for their uplifting financially and socially. On the Contrary China still discriminates and prevents lower caste from getting admission in…

— Pattern Preacher (@chanakyaspeakss) June 19, 2026

In China , lower caste Nong workers are given cheap yellow helmets, while upper caste Shi managers are given strong, red colored helmets. pic.twitter.com/I5jnfqtGSH

— Sharroh (@Sharroh45) June 19, 2026

This is the condition of a college hostel in China . pic.twitter.com/Ra7sdqNn4C

— Sharroh (@Sharroh45) June 16, 2026

In China this is how Lower-Caste Chinese (Nong, Gong, Shang) are forced to live. Meanwhile the Evil Upper Caste "Shi" elites enjoy luxury skyscrapers and luxury life.For centuries the Shi Regime has oppressed them And the Truth is finally out.pic.twitter.com/1ZQmlqKDR9

— आदर्श (@im_adarsh01) June 18, 2026

However, some people have pushed back against this comparison. They argue that comparing the Hukou system to India's caste system is wrong. They say Hukou is just an administrative and economic classification, not a social structure. Some even claimed that Indians are just looking at China through the lens of their own 'four-tiered ancient social system'.

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Ancient China's 'Four Professions' Hierarchy (Shi-Nong-Gong-Shang)

When Indians talk about a caste system in China, they usually bring up two things. First, the ancient social hierarchy called 'Shi-Nong-Gong-Shang', and second, the modern 'Hukou' system which is still in place. Before the Communist party came to power, Chinese society was divided into these four professional groups:

Shi: Scholars and officials (the highest position in society)
Nong: Farmers (second, as agriculture was seen as essential for the nation's survival)
Gong: Artisans and labourers (third position)
Shang: Merchants and traders (last, as Confucian thinkers were suspicious of those who made profits)

China’s hukou vs India’s caste system: Is it a fair comparison? pic.twitter.com/8qJ8mtefIr

— Ankit (@Extreo_) June 19, 2026

This is the reality of communism in China.Ancient China use to have a caste system. "Shi" people were at the top. "Shang" people and "Jianmin" people were at the bottom.In 1958, the Hukou system permanently classified Chinese citizens at birth based on their ancestral region… pic.twitter.com/5dPxp5f1Pr

— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) June 15, 2026

According to historians, this system was formalised during the 'Han Dynasty' around 111 AD. But historians say it shouldn't be compared to India's caste system. It was a classification based on profession, not a strictly hereditary system. The son of a merchant could study, pass the imperial exams, and become a high-ranking official. So, they say it was closer to India's ancient 'Varna system' rather than a rigid caste system.

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The Communist Era's 'Hukou' System (Still in use today)

Even though the old professional system is gone, the 'Hukou' household registration system, introduced in the 1950s, divides people into two groups and provides benefits based on birth. You can think of it as China's 'internal passport'. It decides whether a citizen is a rural resident or an urban resident based on their registration. Their access to education, healthcare, housing, and social security depends on this status.

In his book 'A Social Dharmic History of India', author Aravindan Neelakandan argues that Mao Zedong's government turned the Hukou system into an extremely cruel and rigid form of social stratification. "The Hukou system gave officials the power to determine a person's position, role, and available resources right from birth," he wrote.

From 1959, this Hukou status became hereditary. This meant that the children of rural farmers were strictly prevented from migrating and settling in cities. Anthropologists Sulamith Potter and Jack Potter have even called it a "caste-like barrier".

Why do scholars call it an 'urban caste system'?

It's not just Indians who are making this comparison. A Dean at the Chinese University of Hong Kong actually titled an essay "The Chinese Urban Caste System in Transition"!

According to him, China introduced this system to speed up Soviet-style industrialisation. The profits from rural agriculture were used for urban development. As a result, urban residents got guaranteed jobs, subsidised housing, healthcare, and pensions, while rural residents were left out of all these benefits. This effectively created two classes of citizens in China.

According to the US-based 'Diplomatic Courier' magazine, even if people with a rural Hukou move to the city, they are given low-paying, highly dangerous jobs. This has led not just to economic inequality but also to social discrimination. The magazine analysed that China has divided itself into "two separate nations".

So, does China really have a caste system?

European colonisers used the word 'caste' to describe India's profession-based system. The word 'caste' itself comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word 'casta', which means "breed, race, or lineage". Its root is the Latin word 'castus', meaning "pure or chaste". This means such hierarchical systems also existed in Europe. So, the answer to whether China has a caste system depends on how we define 'caste':

Yes: If we consider 'caste' to be a system that distributes opportunities, education, health, and resources discriminatorily based on birth, then China's 'Hukou' system shows major signs of being a caste system.

No: But, if 'caste' is not just about birth-based benefits but also includes endogamy (marrying within the community), religious rituals, concepts of purity and pollution, and a deep cultural identity, then China's Hukou system definitely does not fit this description.

However, one thing is undeniable: the Hukou system has created a massive social divide in modern China. Whether to call it a 'caste system' or an 'administrative classification' remains a topic of global debate.

Tremors Felt Across North India, Pakistan After 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan

Divya Danu — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:40:26 +0530

A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday evening, with tremors felt across several countries, including parts of Pakistan and northwest India. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:04:51 pm IST on 27 June 2026 at a depth of 215 kilometres, with its epicentre located at 36.442°N latitude and 70.672°E longitude in northeastern Afghanistan.

EQ of M: 6.2, On: 27/06/2026 19:04:51 IST, Lat: 36.442 N, Long: 70.672 E, Depth: 215 Km, Location: Afghanistan. For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @DrNKalaiselvi @GSuresh_NCS @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/lD494VYeiW

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) June 27, 2026

Tremors reported across countries

The epicentre was around 81 kilometres from Kalafgan, and the tremors were reported across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Residents in several areas experienced mild shaking, prompting many to step out of buildings as a precaution.

Despite the wide impact, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. The considerable depth of the earthquake allowed seismic waves to travel over a large geographical area, making the tremors noticeable across multiple countries. However, deep-focus earthquakes are generally less likely to cause severe destruction at the surface than shallow earthquakes.

Earthquakes in Pakistan on Friday

Earlier on Friday evening, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck Pakistan.

EQ of M: 5.3, On: 26/06/2026 17:18:49 IST, Lat: 30.273 N, Long: 69.710 E, Depth: 75 Km, Location: Pakistan. For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @DrNKalaiselvi @GSuresh_NCS @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/AlibsbQbWf

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) June 26, 2026

National Center for Seismology also recorded earthquake of magnitude 5..5 on Friday morning in Pakistan.

EQ of M: 5.5, On: 27/06/2026 08:36:23 IST, Lat: 30.271 N, Long: 69.733 E, Depth: 40 Km, Location: Pakistan. For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @DrNKalaiselvi @GSuresh_NCS @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/HeFDYexexW

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) June 27, 2026

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as further assessments are carried out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Does China Have a Caste System? Chinese Man Demystifies Reality of Rural-Urban Inequality (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:39:30 +0530

A Chinese man provided insights into China’s often-misunderstood social structure, despite the country being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. China, which is the second-largest country by population with over 141 crore (1.41 billion) people, operates under a complex household registration system known as hukou.

Every Asian nation, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh, grapples with its own unique history of social hierarchy, but China follows a rigid yet distinctive administrative policy that formalizes inequality between its rural and urban populations, leading many to label the system as ‘caste-like.’

Established in 1958, China’s ‘hukou’ system was designed to manage population distribution and control migration, but over the years, it has appeared to have become a persistent barrier that anchors an individual's rights and access to social welfare to their place of birth.

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Chinese Man Simplifies China’s Caste System

Since China’s system is often complicated by the vast economic disparities and bureaucratic red tape inherent in the country’s development, the Chinese man breaks it down to its most tangible impact: how it restricts a person’s daily life based solely on their paperwork.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially Instagram, a Chinese man asked whether China has a caste system like in India, to which he admitted, stating that city and rural households are fundamentally separated, creating a two-tiered system where your origin dictates your access to opportunity.

“In China, we have like a different system. We distinguish households. If you're from a rural area, you have restricted access to healthcare. We also have different levels of access to jobs. For example, if someone is from rural China, they can't easily get certain jobs, such as in the tech sector, although they can still work," the Chinese man said.

“Because they are from a rural area, their kids would not have access to local education. They can work, but they don't have access to their children. It's because of their household.

“If you buy a house in the city, then you can move your household to the city. But it's only one-way. But for a city guy, you can never go back to the rural area. Unless you marry someone from the rural area, then you change your household register to the rural area," he added.

Chinese man explains caste system in China.. pic.twitter.com/cPC09wsoz2

— The Youth (@TheYouth2u) July 9, 2026

The Chinese man’s demystifying of China’s ‘hukou’ system has provided a rare, candid glimpse into the bureaucratic realities that define modern Chinese life, turning complex administrative policies into a relatable human narrative, which often highlights the stark, birth-based disparities that persist despite China's rapid economic ascent.

How is China’s Caste System Different from India’s Social Hierarchy?

Though India and China are the world's two most populous countries, each with over 1.4 billion people, the nature of their social stratification arises from completely different roots. While both systems result in systematic inequality and restricted social mobility, they function through fundamentally different mechanisms.

While in India, the caste system is ancient and deeply rooted in religious and social traditions, China’s ‘hukou’ system is a bureaucratic and administrative tool designed to control population distribution and manage social welfare access. The foundation of both countries’ caste systems is laid by distinctly different pillars, one by the weight of historical, ritualistic identity and the other by the reach of state-mandated geographic policy.

The primary driver of India’s caste system is hereditary identity and lineage, which has historically functioned as a fixed social status, while in China, the hukou system is a geographic and administrative registration that functions as a state-controlled mechanism to regulate residency rights.

The nature of mobility between India's and China’s caste systems differs significantly. While India’s social hierarchy is traditionally rigid and identity-bound based on caste and social status, China’s hukou system is a bureaucratic framework that can be navigated or changed through state-sanctioned economic and administrative pathways.

Therefore, India and China’s caste systems may produce similar outcomes in terms of unequal access to opportunities and social mobility, but they differ fundamentally in their origins and operations.

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