This is because unemployment in China

The story begins with pictures of Chinese students who have just graduated. However, these students appear unhappy and dejected. This is because unemployment in China is at a record high, with more than 20% of the youth unemployed, totaling around six million workers. With over 11 million students graduating this year, they are entering a gloomy job market where competition is fierce.

In response to the difficult job prospects, some Chinese students have started a trend called "lying flat." It is a lifestyle trend adopted by young Chinese workers who are frustrated with the struggles of modern life. Lying flat means adopting a more passive lifestyle, refraining from buying homes or cars, avoiding marriage and children, and, in extreme cases, resorting to unconventional measures to make a living.

One example is a graduate from the London School of Economics who offers political science consulting services on the streets of China. He holds a placard offering his expertise and knowledge, targeting potential clients such as taxi drivers with a discount and other political science students with an extra charge.

Not all students can hustle like this, so some have decided to stay in college deliberately by failing their exams. According to a survey conducted by a Chinese newspaper, nearly 75% of the students knew someone who had delayed their graduation by failing exams. The prospect of a job after college is daunting, and some students find it more comforting to remain in the college environment rather than face an uncertain future.

While China is an extreme case, the global job market also faces challenges. Leading economies such as the Eurozone, France, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, and South Africa report high rates of unemployment, with rates above six percent. India, with its vast population and a significant number of young people, also struggles with an unemployment rate of around eight percent. The need for more jobs is urgent not only for the youth but also for the social stability of the country.

In China, the suffering takes on a unique form called "white people food." Chinese people, accustomed to labor-intensive food with a mix of ingredients and spices, find Western packed lunches with plain ingredients like raw vegetables, sliced meats, and crackers to be lacking in flavor and satisfaction. Chinese social media users have started a trend of roasting and criticizing this type of food, expressing their discontent and making humorous comparisons.

The trend of roasting "white people food" represents a shift in China from elaborate to simple eating habits. China's grueling work culture, where many people work long hours under the "996" schedule (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week), leaves little time for elaborate meals. Simple meals become a way to save time, money, and calories, even if they are not as satisfying. Chinese people find humor in this shift while acknowledging the difficulties of their work culture.

In South Asia, a cyclone named "Cyclone Tauktae" made landfall in the western Indian state of Gujarat and parts of Pakistan. The cyclone was anticipated, and both countries took measures to evacuate vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact. Although two people died and some infrastructure was damaged, the preparations helped minimize casualties and damage. The cyclone has now weakened but continues to bring heavy rains to the region.

These were some of the highlights from the news story.