作者: admin

  • Election for body representing Palestinian citizens of Israel sparks reform calls

    Election for body representing Palestinian citizens of Israel sparks reform calls

    The election of a new president for the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel has ignited a heated debate about the need for reform within the organization. The committee, established in the early 1980s, serves as a representative body for the two-million-strong Palestinian population in Israel, advocating for their political and civil rights. However, critics argue that the committee has become increasingly ineffective in addressing pressing issues such as rising crime rates and ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.

  • US football coach featured on Netflix dies after on-campus shooting

    US football coach featured on Netflix dies after on-campus shooting

    John Beam, a revered American football coach and athletics director at Laney College in Oakland, California, has tragically died after being shot on campus. The incident occurred on Thursday, and by Friday, police had apprehended a suspect identified as Cedric Irving Jr. Although the suspect knew Beam, authorities confirmed they did not have a personal relationship. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Beam, 66, was a prominent figure in the community, having mentored countless young athletes, including several who went on to play in the NFL. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with tributes from Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and former players. Beam gained national recognition through his feature in the fifth season of Netflix’s ‘Last Chance U,’ which highlighted his leadership of the Laney Eagles football team. This tragic event marks the second school shooting in Oakland within two days, following an incident at Skyline High School, where Beam previously coached for 16 years. The suspect, who was arrested at a local bus stop, was found in possession of a firearm. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man described as a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands.

  • The Aussie giving War & Peace a ‘bogan’ remake

    The Aussie giving War & Peace a ‘bogan’ remake

    In a bold and unconventional literary venture, Ander Louis, a Melbourne-based IT worker and part-time writer, has crafted a ‘bogan’ rendition of Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel, ‘War & Peace.’ This unique adaptation transforms the 19th-century Russian aristocracy into a world filled with Australian slang, where princes become ‘drongos’ and princesses are referred to as ‘sheilas.’ Louis, whose real name is Andrew Tesoriero, began this project in 2018 as a humorous experiment, aiming to make the dense and often intimidating text more approachable and entertaining. The bogan version, characterized by its irreverent tone and casual language, has since garnered unexpected attention, particularly after excerpts were shared online by a New York-based tech writer. The sudden surge in interest led to a spike in sales, with Louis selling 50 copies overnight. He attributes this newfound popularity to the ‘Bluey effect,’ referencing the widespread appeal of Australian culture in the United States. Louis’s adaptation not only makes the classic more accessible but also challenges traditional notions of literary reverence, as he playfully reinterprets Tolstoy’s work through the lens of Australian colloquialism. Despite its unconventional approach, Louis believes that Tolstoy, who himself renounced his noble privileges later in life, might have appreciated the bogan version for its audacity and humor.

  • UN rights council orders probe of ‘atrocities’ in Sudan’s El-Fasher

    UN rights council orders probe of ‘atrocities’ in Sudan’s El-Fasher

    The UN Human Rights Council has mandated an urgent investigation into alleged atrocities in Sudan’s El-Fasher, aiming to identify and hold perpetrators accountable. The resolution, adopted unanimously during a special session, responds to escalating violence and warnings of potential genocide in the region. UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the severity of the crisis, stating that ‘bloodstains on the ground in El-Fasher have been photographed from space.’ The conflict, which began in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Recent reports from El-Fasher detail executions, sexual violence, looting, and abductions, with nearly 100,000 residents fleeing the area in the past two weeks. British ambassador Kumar Iyer described the violence as a ‘coordinated campaign against civilians,’ citing credible reports of targeted killings and systematic abuses. The resolution broadens the scope of the UN’s independent fact-finding mission, despite objections from Sudan and other nations. The UAE denied allegations of supporting the RSF, while its ambassador criticized both the RSF and the Sudanese army for indiscriminate attacks. The International Criminal Court is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with concerns that the violence could spread to the Kordofan region. The UN emphasized the need for accountability to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further atrocities.

  • Over 20 Gen Z foreign guests to explore Baise city in Guangxi

    Over 20 Gen Z foreign guests to explore Baise city in Guangxi

    The 2025 Overseas Generation Z Guangxi Cultural Experience Tour officially commenced on Wednesday in Baise, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This initiative has attracted over 20 young participants, including foreign media representatives and youth delegates from diverse nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the rich heritage of Guangxi to the global Gen Z community. Participants will engage in immersive activities, exploring the region’s unique traditions, landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This tour not only highlights Baise’s significance as a cultural hub but also strengthens international ties through youth engagement and cultural exchange.

  • Beijing’s air quality improves further

    Beijing’s air quality improves further

    Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in 2025, with the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reporting a 16.6% reduction in the average PM2.5 concentration during the first ten months of the year. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from January to October stood at 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a significant improvement. Additionally, the city recorded 254 days of good air quality, an increase of 20 days compared to the same period in 2024. These achievements are attributed to systematic efforts, including the promotion of new energy vehicles, which have surpassed 1.2 million in number by October. To address seasonal pollution, Beijing has strengthened regional collaboration and employed advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and online monitoring to identify and mitigate high-pollution areas. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.

  • Restaurant Review: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a time machine
on a plate

    Restaurant Review: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a time machine on a plate

    Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is not merely a dining experience; it is a masterful exploration of British culinary history, reimagined through the innovative vision of world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal. Located in Dubai, this restaurant transcends traditional dining, offering guests an immersive journey where each course tells a story rooted in centuries-old traditions, yet crafted with modern precision. From the moment you step into the elegantly designed space, with its polished wood, copper accents, and theatrical ambiance, you are transported into a gastronomic playground. The service is impeccable—warm, attentive, and executed with finesse. The menu, a blend of historical classics and contemporary creativity, is brought to life with dishes like the iconic Meat Fruit, a mandarin-shaped chicken liver parfait, and the indulgent Tipsy Cake, a slow-roasted pineapple dripping with caramel. Every detail, from the lighting to the giant copper pineapple used for roasting, contributes to an unforgettable sensory experience. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is more than a meal; it is a celebration of culinary artistry that invites diners to think, feel, and explore a world where history and innovation collide.

  • Eid Al Etihad 2025: Sharjah announces music show, heritage market to kick off celebrations

    Eid Al Etihad 2025: Sharjah announces music show, heritage market to kick off celebrations

    Sharjah is gearing up to host an extraordinary series of events to mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) in 2025, celebrating the UAE’s enduring unity and progress. From November 19 to December 2, the emirate will transform into a hub of cultural and festive activities, spanning historical landmarks and tourist hotspots. The official opening ceremony will take place at Al Siyouh Family Park on November 19, setting the stage for two weeks of vibrant celebrations. Key venues include Kshisha Park, Sharjah National Park, and the newly added Al Layyah Canal, each offering a unique blend of traditional performances, youth panels, and family-friendly shows. A standout event will be the musical extravaganza at Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on November 29, featuring Emirati icons Hussain Al Jassmi and Fouad Abdelwahad. Other highlights include parades, heritage markets, operettas, and fireworks across locations like Al Batayeh, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The festivities aim to reinforce the values of unity, loyalty, and national pride, creating a sense of community and shared achievement among citizens and residents.

  • Libyan Haftar forces ‘key fuel supplier’ to Sudan’s RSF on behalf of UAE

    Libyan Haftar forces ‘key fuel supplier’ to Sudan’s RSF on behalf of UAE

    Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces have been clandestinely supplying smuggled fuel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the behest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a report by the US-based watchdog, The Sentry. This illicit activity, which has escalated into a national crisis for Libya, costing the country approximately $6.7 billion annually, is also exacerbating the deadly conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The report highlights how Haftar’s loyalty to the UAE has made him a key enabler of the RSF’s operations, particularly in the Darfur region, where the paramilitary group has been accused of systematic atrocities, including murder and sexual violence against civilians. The RSF’s mobility and tactical operations in Darfur are heavily reliant on the persistent flow of diesel and gasoline provided by Haftar’s forces. Additionally, the Haftar family has strengthened its strategic control in southeastern Libya through this illegal trade. The report also implicates Russia as a beneficiary of Libya’s fuel smuggling, which supports Moscow’s military activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Fuel smuggling, a long-standing issue in Libya, has surged since the current government took office in 2021, with more than half of the imported fuel being siphoned off by criminal networks. This has led to severe economic consequences for Libya, including a $20 billion loss in revenue, exacerbating fiscal imbalance, currency depreciation, and inflation. Despite pledges to reform fuel subsidies, the surge in smuggling persists, undermining Libya’s legitimate economy and further entrenching the power of its incumbent rulers.

  • De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s film is a passable entertainer

    De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s film is a passable entertainer

    De De Pyaar De 2, the sequel to the 2019 romcom, attempts to revisit the age-gap romance trope but falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Directed by Anshul Sharma and co-written by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, the film stars Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan, and Gautami Kapoor. While it offers moments of humor and charm, the film is marred by tonal inconsistencies, a lackluster plot, and underdeveloped characters. The story follows Ashish (Devgn), a 52-year-old man, and Ayesha (Singh), his 20-something lover, as they navigate the challenges of gaining her parents’ approval for their relationship. Despite a promising premise, the film struggles to balance its comedic and emotional elements, often resorting to exaggerated sequences and a caricatured climax. The performances are uneven, with Devgn appearing disengaged and Singh failing to deliver in emotional scenes. Madhavan and Kapoor shine as Ayesha’s parents, but the absence of Tabu, who brought depth to the first film, is keenly felt. De De Pyaar De 2 is a passable entertainer, suitable for a casual watch, but it lacks the substance needed to make a meaningful impact.