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MPs Urge Government to Resettle Minimum of 5,000 Refugees Annually

MPs Urge Government to Resettle Minimum of 5,000 Refugees Annually

Cross-Party Group Calls for Improved Refugee Routes and Family Reunification Measures

A cross-party group of Members of Parliament (MPs) is urging the UK government to resettle a minimum of 5,000 refugees each year, alongside making it easier for refugee families to be reunited. The recommendation comes from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Refugees, which is calling for enhanced legal routes for refugees to enter the UK, alongside measures to tackle people smuggling operations.

Among the MPs is Lord Alf Dubs, a former child refugee, who has joined fellow parliamentarians in urging reforms to the UK’s current refugee and family reunion systems. According to the APPG, the government’s UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) consistently fails to meet its annual target, with only 435 refugees resettled in the year to September 2024, far short of the intended 5,000.

The APPG’s new report also highlights a backlog of over 11,000 cases related to family reunification, with MPs criticising the process for being overly complex, restrictive, and slow. They argue that these delays result in prolonged family separations, particularly when families need to be together during times of crisis. The MPs concluded that the lack of viable legal routes for refugees to enter the UK is exacerbating irregular migration.

To address these issues, the APPG is calling for reforms to immigration rules that would allow refugee children already in the UK to sponsor their close family members to join them. Additionally, the group has suggested a pilot humanitarian visa programme for refugees from Sudan and Eritrea.

The report also pointed to the disparity between the UK’s reception of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan. While tens of thousands of Ukrainians were welcomed into the UK following the war, far fewer Afghans have been resettled under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) after the Taliban’s return to power. MPs are urging the government to uphold its commitment to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghans under the ACRS scheme.

MPs also raised concerns about the limited options available for individuals from countries not covered by nationality-specific schemes. In light of this, they called for the government to address the lack of accessible, safe, and legal routes for those seeking asylum in the UK.

The report follows the government’s recent announcement to criminalise endangering lives at sea, with offenders facing up to five years in prison. However, Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, expressed concern that the new offence could lead to refugees themselves being prosecuted.

NHS to Launch World’s Largest AI Breast Cancer Screening Trial

NHS to Launch World’s Largest AI Breast Cancer Screening Trial

Ambitious AI Trial Set to Improve Diagnosis Speed and Alleviate Radiologist Workload

The NHS is embarking on the largest-ever trial of artificial intelligence to detect breast cancer, with the potential to drastically speed up diagnoses and reduce the burden on radiologists.

Over the next few years, AI will be employed to analyse approximately two-thirds of 700,000 mammograms in England. The goal is to determine whether AI can match the accuracy and reliability of radiologists when interpreting these scans.

If the trial is successful, it could eliminate the need for two radiologists to review every mammogram as part of the “second reader” system, which ensures no signs of cancer are overlooked. Instead, a single radiologist could review the scan, with AI providing a second opinion. This change would help ease the strain on specialist doctors, enabling them to focus on other critical tasks while potentially reducing patient waiting times for results from tests like X-rays and MRIs.

The announcement of the trial came on World Cancer Day, alongside the news that a new dedicated cancer strategy is being developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A smaller AI study in Sweden, conducted in 2023 and involving 80,000 women, demonstrated that AI is safe, helps reduce radiologists’ workloads by 50%, and does not increase the occurrence of false positives (incorrectly identifying cancer).

In the UK’s forthcoming trial, five types of AI will be used to analyse 462,000 of the 700,000 mammograms from 30 breast cancer screening centres. The remaining 238,000 scans will be reviewed by two radiologists using the traditional method, with the results of both approaches compared.

“This trial represents a significant step forward in early breast cancer detection, providing women with faster, more accurate diagnoses,” said Professor Lucy Chappell, the DHSC’s Chief Scientific Adviser. The study is supported by £11m in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Cancer Research UK’s Samantha Harrison highlighted the growing number of cancer diagnoses each year, noting that innovations such as AI could alleviate pressure on NHS staff and reduce waiting times for patients. She expressed enthusiasm for the UK government’s investment in this critical trial.

While the potential for AI to ease the demand on diagnostic services is immense, Professor Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, cautioned that AI must be carefully designed to deliver consistent, reliable results across diverse groups of women, regardless of their ethnic background. She also pointed out that AI’s widespread integration into the NHS must be handled with caution, given the expected shortfall of consultants in the NHS, which is projected to reach 40% by 2028.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, in light of the trial, reaffirmed his commitment to publishing a detailed national cancer plan, aiming to position the UK as a global leader in cancer survival.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar Dominate Grammys Amid California Wildfire Tribute

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar Dominate Grammys Amid California Wildfire Tribute

The 2025 Grammy Awards blend celebration with charity, honouring those affected by devastating fires.

The 2025 Grammy Awards were a unique blend of celebration and solidarity as Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar took centre stage, while the ceremony also raised funds and paid tribute to the victims of the California wildfires.

Beyoncé triumphed in the night’s most prestigious category, winning her first Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. The award, presented by the Los Angeles fire department, was one of many nods to the people affected by the wildfires, which had a significant impact on the ceremony’s tone. The event, held at the Crypto.com Arena in LA, honoured those battling the aftermath of one of the state’s most catastrophic natural disasters.

Beyoncé’s win was historic. She became just the fourth Black woman to take home this coveted award. “It’s been many, many years,” she said, overwhelmed by the reception. She also claimed Best Country Album, admitting to being “surprised” by the recognition. In her acceptance speech, she challenged artists to embrace their true passions despite genre constraints, stating, “Sometimes genre is a codeword to keep us in our place.” Beyoncé, alongside Miley Cyrus, also won Best Country Duo Performance, marking another milestone as the first Black woman to win a country Grammy in 50 years.

Kendrick Lamar also had a remarkable night, winning five awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his controversial Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” The rapper, who is set to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, dedicated his victories to the city, reflecting the spirit of resilience seen in Los Angeles.

This year’s ceremony saw a strong showing from female artists. Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Doechii, and Chappell Roan all took home major awards. Roan, the winner of Best New Artist, used her speech to advocate for a livable wage and healthcare for emerging musicians, recounting her own struggles in the early days of her career.

Charli XCX collected three awards in the pop categories, though Sabrina Carpenter triumphed in both Pop Solo Performance and Pop Vocal Album. Doechii made history as only the third woman to win Best Rap Album. Other notable female winners included SZA, who took home Best R&B Song for “Saturn,” and Kacey Musgraves, who was honoured with Best Country Song for “The Architect.”

The night also saw posthumous recognition for figures like Jimmy Carter in the audiobook category, while other controversial choices included Dave Chappelle winning Best Comedy Album and Chris Brown claiming Best R&B Album.

Host Trevor Noah began the evening acknowledging the “unusual” circumstances surrounding this year’s ceremony, describing it as a time to honour the resilience of those affected by the wildfires. He introduced Dawes, a band that lost homes and instruments in the disaster but has since worked to raise funds for other affected families. The show also featured performances from John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St Vincent, all contributing to a poignant tribute to Los Angeles.

Throughout the night, Noah encouraged viewers to support fire relief efforts via a QR code and highlighted the contributions of local businesses impacted by the fires. Amazon Music, CBS, and Mastercard were among the major donors for the cause.

In one of the evening’s most emotional moments, Diana Ross presented the Song of the Year award, reminding everyone of the collective power to rebuild and show compassion. The ceremony also featured performances by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who performed “California Dreamin’” before winning Best Pop Duo Performance for “Die with a Smile.”

A notable moment also included Alicia Keys receiving the Dr Dre Global Impact Award, where she spoke passionately about diversity in music. She stressed that female producers have always powered the industry and that the diversity of voices must be preserved.

Other performances included Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and a surprise appearance by The Weeknd, who made a comeback after his previous boycott of the Grammys. His performance was introduced by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who highlighted structural changes that helped bring The Weeknd back into the fold.

The evening also featured a tribute to Quincy Jones, who passed away last year. Will Smith, making his first major appearance since the infamous Oscars incident, called Jones one of the most influential figures in music. The tribute performance featured icons like Janelle Monae, Herbie Hancock, Cynthia Erivo, and Stevie Wonder, who led a moving rendition of “We Are the World.”

The In Memoriam section also paid homage to stars like Liam Payne, Kris Kristofferson, and Marianne Faithfull. Despite six nominations, Taylor Swift left the ceremony empty-handed, while other artists such as Shaboozey, Post Malone, and Billie Eilish also went without awards.

This year’s Grammys not only celebrated outstanding music but also showed the industry’s collective strength in the face of adversity, ensuring that the spirit of Los Angeles and its people remained a central theme throughout the night.

Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu, Known for Meteor Garden, Dies at 48

Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu, Known for Meteor Garden, Dies at 48

Iconic star of the beloved TV series passes away following pneumonia complications.

Barbie Hsu, the Taiwanese actress famed for her role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after succumbing to pneumonia, according to reports from local media.

A celebrated figure in the Mandarin-speaking world, Hsu’s popularity spread across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, where Meteor Garden was dubbed in local languages.

“I can’t believe it,” one fan commented on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, reflecting the disbelief shared by countless others paying tribute to the late actress.

Hsu is thought to have fallen ill while on vacation in Japan. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the sad news on Taiwan’s TVBS News, revealing that Barbie had contracted pneumonia, which was triggered by influenza. “During the Lunar New Year, our family went to Japan for a vacation. Unfortunately, my dear sister Barbie has passed away,” Dee stated through her manager.

Known to have had a history of epilepsy and heart issues, Hsu had been hospitalised previously for seizures.

The actress leaves behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei. Hsu and Xiaofei’s marriage lasted for 10 years before their high-profile divorce in 2021.

Who was Barbie Hsu?

Barbie Hsu began her career at 17 alongside her sister Dee as part of a pop duo. They rose to fame as television hosts, well-known for their lively personalities and wit. However, it was her role in Meteor Garden, based on a popular Japanese manga, that propelled her into stardom across Asia.

In the series, Hsu portrayed Shancai, a young woman from a modest background who navigates life at an elite private school, where she becomes involved with the heirs of wealthy families.

Her four male co-stars would go on to form F4, a hugely successful Taiwanese boyband that defined Mandopop in the 2000s.

Following the news of Hsu’s death, F4 member Ken Chu shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a black screen and a group photo with Hsu. He later expressed his shock on Weibo, writing: “What a bolt from the blue.”

After Meteor Garden, Hsu continued to star in popular TV dramas and films, such as Corner With Love and Summer’s Desire. She took a break from acting in 2012 but remained active in reality television.

Aya Liu, a longtime friend and host, shared a heartfelt post on Weibo, recalling their last meeting just a month ago. “I never imagined that would be our last time together,” Liu wrote. “Rest in peace, my beautiful queen.”

On social media, tributes have flooded in from fans around the world. “She was only 48… this is so sudden. It’s hard to accept,” one comment read on Weibo, where Hsu quickly became the top trending topic.

The Enduring Legacy of Meteor Garden

When Meteor Garden first aired in the 2000s, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion and setting trends across the region. Young women admired Hsu’s portrayal of Shancai, while the male leads of F4 became teenage heartthrobs. The boys’ signature floppy hairstyles were mimicked by young men throughout Southeast Asia and East Asia.

In the Philippines, the series was so beloved that it was aired eight times by a local network to satisfy demand. Pirated copies were sold at street markets, and the show’s theme songs became hits across radio stations.

More than two decades later, Meteor Garden continues to resonate with fans, with various remakes in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and India, introducing new generations to the iconic story.

Tributes to Hsu have poured in from across social media platforms. A fan on Threads, a popular platform in Taiwan, expressed: “Big S has always been part of my youth.” Another on X wrote: “Meteor Garden raised an entire generation of Asians. Thank you, Barbie Hsu, for bringing Shancai to life.”

Rising Concerns Over Met Police’s Tactics at Pro-Gaza Demonstration

Rising Concerns Over Met Police’s Tactics at Pro-Gaza Demonstration

Union leaders, MPs and rights groups call for inquiry into ‘heavy-handed’ policing during January protest in London

The Metropolitan Police is facing increasing criticism over its management of a pro-Palestine protest in central London on 18 January, which led to the arrest of over 70 individuals. Trade union leaders have joined a growing number of voices, including legal experts, MPs, and human rights organisations, in calling for an independent investigation into what they describe as “repressive and heavy-handed policing.”

The latest criticism came in the form of a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper from union leaders, who joined a chorus of others demanding an inquiry into police actions during the demonstration. Amnesty International has also raised concerns, with reports of police violence towards vulnerable protesters, including children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals. Green Party London Assembly member Zoë Garbett reported that over 150 people contacted her, sharing accounts of violent policing and the use of kettling tactics.

Met Police Commander Adam Slonecki, who led the operation, defended the force’s actions, stating that protest organisers had intentionally breached agreed-upon conditions and attempted to march out of Whitehall, labelling the actions as a “serious escalation in criminality.”

While previous protests since Israel’s military actions in Gaza began in October 2023 had been relatively peaceful, tensions escalated during this demonstration due to restrictions on the protest route and a series of arrests, including those of prominent figures like Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) director Ben Jamal and Stop the War’s chief steward Chris Nineham. Jamal and Nineham now face charges related to public order offences.

Police stated that 60 of the 77 arrests were due to protesters violating conditions meant to protect a nearby synagogue. However, organisers and attendees, including Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski, argue that many were detained arbitrarily for unintentionally stepping outside an unclear protest zone.

Union leaders, including those from the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU), the Communication Workers Union (CWU), and several transport unions, expressed concern over the use of heavy-handed tactics, drawing parallels with previous instances where police responses were seen as attempts to suppress democratic rights to protest and strike.

Khalid Abdalla, a British-Egyptian actor known for his roles in The Crown and The Day of the Jackal, compared the policing to tactics he had witnessed in Egypt, highlighting the broader implications for freedoms in the UK.

With another march planned for 15 February, the approach taken by the Met Police will likely come under even greater scrutiny, with the response to these growing concerns now set to influence future policing strategies.

Prince Andrew Maintained Contact with Jeffrey Epstein Longer Than He Claimed, New Evidence Shows

Prince Andrew Maintained Contact with Jeffrey Epstein Longer Than He Claimed, New Evidence Shows

The Duke of York’s communication with the convicted financier continued until early 2011, despite previous assertions of a 2010 break

Prince Andrew remained in touch with Jeffrey Epstein well beyond the date he publicly claimed to have severed ties with the disgraced financier, new documents reveal. The Duke of York had previously stated that he had stopped communicating with Epstein in December 2010, but fresh emails suggest they were still in contact as late as February 2011.

The emails, which were presented as part of a court filing in London, show the two exchanging messages up until at least late February 2011. On one occasion, the Duke wrote, “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon.” This correspondence occurred on the same day that a photograph of Andrew, Virginia Giuffre, and Ghislaine Maxwell – who is imprisoned for her role in Epstein’s trafficking ring – was published, according to Bloomberg.

Giuffre, who was 17 at the time, has accused Andrew of sexual assault on Epstein’s private island, a claim the Duke has consistently denied. In 2022, he reached a multi-million dollar settlement with Giuffre, without admitting any wrongdoing.

The emails were made public following a legal disclosure in the ongoing case against former Barclays CEO Jes Staley, who is contesting a ban from the financial sector over his connections to Epstein. The correspondence includes an invitation from Epstein for Andrew to meet Staley in London on February 27, 2011, to which Andrew responded with a query about the date.

This new evidence contradicts Andrew’s statements in a 2019 BBC interview, where he insisted he had cut ties with Epstein after a 2010 meeting in Central Park. During the interview, the Duke also denied allegations from Giuffre and stated that he could not have been sweaty during a nightclub encounter due to a medical condition linked to his time in the Falklands War.

In the wake of the interview, the Queen permitted Andrew to step back from royal duties. By January 2022, he was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages. The following month, he settled Giuffre’s civil claim for a substantial sum. As part of the settlement, Andrew agreed to make a donation to a charity supporting victims’ rights.

MPs Demand Investigation into Roman Abramovich’s Potential £1bn Tax Evasion

MPs Demand Investigation into Roman Abramovich’s Potential £1bn Tax Evasion

A Cross-Party Group Urges HMRC to Investigate Tax Avoidance After Allegations of Unpaid Taxes on Abramovich’s Offshore Investments

Over 40 British MPs and peers have called for an immediate investigation into whether Roman Abramovich owes up to £1bn in taxes, following a Guardian investigation. The inquiry, which was supported by both Conservative and Labour members, comes after leaked documents shed light on how the former Chelsea FC owner’s offshore companies might have avoided paying taxes on profits from a complex investment structure.

The leaked information reveals that Abramovich’s £4.8bn fortune, built from a $6bn cash pile, was managed via offshore entities, potentially leading to a massive tax liability. Experts suggest these companies failed to pay corporation tax and could now owe HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) up to £1bn, including interest and penalties. This figure, if confirmed, would exceed the £652m paid by Bernie Ecclestone in 2023 to settle his own tax case.

On Thursday, 43 members of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on responsible tax sent a letter to HMRC urging the tax authority to act on the findings. They asked HMRC to assess whether any taxes owed by Abramovich could be reclaimed, particularly in light of the government’s freezing of £3.2bn worth of his UK assets, following his sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions, imposed by the Foreign Office, identified Abramovich as someone benefiting from or supporting the Russian government.

Joe Powell MP, chair of the APPG, expressed concern over the lack of action, noting that Abramovich’s assets had been frozen, but no funds had been allocated to the victims of the Ukraine war, despite £2.5bn being pledged after the sale of Chelsea FC. Powell emphasised the urgency of recovering any unpaid taxes, given the public need for funds to support public services and reduce national debt.

HMRC has stated that it is committed to ensuring global transparency and that everyone pays the appropriate tax, regardless of their wealth or status. Powell also raised the issue with the government’s leadership, pressing for a review of HMRC’s resources to ensure adequate efforts are made to recover any potential funds owed.

In a separate inquiry, former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith urged the Treasury to take action and ensure that any taxes owed by Abramovich were thoroughly investigated and reclaimed. Meanwhile, APPG member Phil Brickell plans to question the Foreign Office about the UK’s potential discussions with Cyprus regarding Abramovich’s case.

A joint investigation by the Guardian, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and the BBC has uncovered Abramovich’s involvement in over 200 hedge funds, structured through complex offshore routes in Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands. The UK-based manager of these investments, Eugene Shvidler, has raised questions about whether Abramovich should have paid corporation tax in the UK.

The investigation, part of the Cyprus Confidential series, also uncovered details of a scheme to avoid tens of millions in VAT on Abramovich’s superyacht fleet, which is managed in Italy, Cyprus, and other EU countries. This follows concerns raised by Cypriot MP Alexandra Attalides, who has questioned whether Blue Ocean Yacht Management, a company linked to the yachts, has settled its debts to the state.

This investigation continues to unfold as questions grow over Abramovich’s financial dealings and his responsibility to pay taxes owed to the UK.

Tragic Mid-Air Collision Involving US and Russian Figure Skating Community

Tragic Mid-Air Collision Involving US and Russian Figure Skating Community

Several Skaters, Coaches, and Family Members Among Those On Board Plane That Crashed into Potomac River

On Wednesday evening, a tragic plane crash occurred above Washington DC when an aircraft collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter. Among the 64 passengers and crew on board was a group closely tied to the figure skating community.

The victims included 16-year-old skaters Spencer Lane and Jinna Hahn, their mothers Christine Lane and Jin Hahn, as well as Russian coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov—both former world champions. The crash claimed the lives of all on board, with US officials stating they do not expect any survivors. At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the scene, which fell into the icy Potomac River after the collision.

It is believed that up to 15 people on the flight may have had connections to the figure skating world, a source told Reuters. The US Figure Skating Association confirmed that “several members of our skating community” were aboard the ill-fated flight, though they have not yet disclosed full details. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Figure Skating Club of Boston, where some of the victims trained, described the loss as “horrific” and said, “This will have long, reaching impacts for our skating community.”

The plane was returning from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, following the US National Figure Skating Championships, which were held from January 20-26. During this time, a development camp for young skaters was also conducted.

The two Russian coaches, Shishkova and Naumov, were renowned for their accomplishments in pairs skating, having won the world championships in 1994 and competing in the Olympics. After retiring from competitive skating, they became well-respected coaches in the US. Also on the plane was Inna Volyanskaya, a former Soviet skater, according to Russian news agency Tass.

Russian officials confirmed the presence of their citizens on the plane, following media reports of the coaches’ names. US Figure Skating added that their members were among those lost in the crash.

As rescue teams continue their search in the freezing waters, the operation has shifted to recovery efforts. Nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport grounded flights immediately after the incident. This crash evokes memories of the 1961 tragedy in Belgium, where the entire US figure skating team was lost in a similar crash en route to Prague.

Mandelson Modifies Stance on Trump After US Ambassador Appointment

Mandelson Modifies Stance on Trump After US Ambassador Appointment

Former Criticism of Trump Replaced with Support as He Prepares for Diplomatic Role

Peter Mandelson, the UK’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, has reversed his previous sharp criticism of Donald Trump, acknowledging that the US President has gained “new respect” from him. In 2019, Lord Mandelson described Trump as a “danger to the world,” but, after his appointment was confirmed, he distanced himself from those remarks.

Speaking to Fox News, Mandelson admitted that his earlier comments were “ill-judged and wrong,” adding that both times and attitudes towards Trump had shifted. “He has won fresh respect,” he said, “and that respect extends from me as well.”

Mandelson, now representing Keir Starmer in Washington, highlighted that President Trump’s second term presented numerous global challenges, and it was essential to work with leaders who were willing to be disruptive and confrontational. “I believe President Trump could become one of the most influential American presidents of my time,” he stated.

Despite initial concerns that Trump might block his nomination, Mandelson now focuses on fostering positive UK-US relations. His diplomatic efforts will centre on trade, technology, and defence collaborations, particularly regarding China. He argued that the UK and the US must stay ahead of China’s ambitions, acknowledging the complexities of dialogue with the country, but asserting the need for both nations to take a firm stance against aggressive Chinese actions.

Mandelson, emphasising his political background over a career in diplomacy, expressed confidence in the pragmatism of both Trump and Starmer, suggesting that despite differences, both men were committed to finding common ground.

His appointment comes with conditions, partly due to his past connections with China. Nonetheless, Mandelson remains optimistic about strengthening the UK’s ties with the US.

Celebrating the Arrival of the Lunar New Year

Celebrating the Arrival of the Lunar New Year

Festivities Mark a Fresh Start for Millions Across Asia and Beyond

As the Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, millions of people across Asia and globally are taking part in the celebrations. For many in Asia, and numerous Asian communities worldwide, this marks the most significant event of the year, symbolising new beginnings.

The streets come alive with fireworks, music, vibrant fairs, and dazzling lantern displays. Dragon and lion dances are a central feature of the festivities, which typically span 15 days. This period of joy and renewal is a time for families to unite and communities to celebrate the promise of a fresh start.