In a recent report, France’s Court of Auditors has called on the Louvre Museum to accelerate its security modernization plans, emphasizing the need for immediate action following the high-profile jewel heist on October 19. The report, which scrutinized the museum’s operations from 2018 to 2024, highlighted significant delays in upgrading safety and security systems, despite the ongoing risks. The theft, involving $102 million worth of Crown Jewels, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the museum’s defenses. Thieves used a truck-mounted basket lift to access the Apollo Gallery and escaped with the treasures within minutes. The report criticized the Louvre for prioritizing “visible and attractive operations,” such as acquiring new artworks and enhancing visitor experiences, over essential maintenance and security upgrades. A security modernization plan, initially proposed in 2018, has faced repeated delays, with technical work now scheduled to begin in 2025 and fully implemented by 2032. The estimated cost for the project is €83 million ($95 million), yet only €3 million ($3.5 million) has been invested since 2018. The museum has installed 134 digital cameras in recent years, but this falls short of addressing systemic issues. The Court of Auditors recommended reallocating resources from art acquisitions and room renovations to prioritize safety and security improvements. The broader “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, launched earlier this year, aims to modernize infrastructure, reduce crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031, with a projected cost of €800 million ($933 million). Following the heist, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged “security gaps” and announced plans to install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices within two months. Four suspects in the heist were arrested last week, though the stolen jewels remain unrecovered.
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Dubai’s new 60 affordable schools: How ‘game changer’ plan will give every child a chance
Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to establish 60 affordable schools over the next eight years, a move hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the city’s education landscape. Approved by the Dubai Executive Council under the ‘Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools,’ the plan aims to serve approximately 120,000 students and is a cornerstone of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which aspires to position the emirate among the world’s top ten cities for education quality. To incentivize investment, the government will offer discounts on fees and land leases, ensuring affordability without compromising educational standards. Education leaders, including Dino Varkey of GEMS Education, have praised the initiative for its potential to strengthen communities and provide every child with the opportunity to excel. However, they caution that balancing affordability with quality will be critical. Punit MK Vasu of The Indian High Group of Schools emphasized the importance of sustainable affordability, while Noufal Ahmed of Woodlem Education highlighted the policy’s role in fostering inclusivity and innovation. Despite challenges such as teacher recruitment and financial management, the initiative is expected to diversify and enhance Dubai’s education ecosystem, offering greater parental choice and improved learning opportunities for all.
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UAE: VR experience takes visitors to Holy Kaaba, life in Makkah and Madinah 1,400 years ago
A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) experience at the Sharjah International Book Fair has captivated visitors by transporting them back over 1,400 years to the early days of Islam. Developed by Ana Al Madina, the immersive project uses cutting-edge VR technology to recreate the streets, homes, and spiritual landmarks of Makkah and Madinah, offering a vivid glimpse into the birth of Islam. Visitors begin their journey in ancient Makkah, standing before the Kaaba, built with rough stones and surrounded by idols. The narrow alleys and bustling markets come alive, showcasing traders, residents, and a narrative detailing life before Islam. The experience then transitions to pivotal moments in Islamic history, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his spiritual retreat in the Cave of Hira, and the first revelation. Dr. Adil Abdul Qadir, Manager of Ana Al Madina, emphasized the educational purpose of the project, aiming to help visitors understand the culture, lifestyle, and values of that era. The journey concludes with a modern-day view of the Kaaba, allowing users to step inside and experience its sacred serenity. Many visitors have been deeply moved, with some shedding tears as they feel they have truly traveled back in time. The VR experience also includes a segment on Madinah, highlighting the Prophet’s migration, the construction of Masjid Al Nabawi, and the establishment of a society based on compassion and justice. Dr. Adil stated, ‘This journey connects people to faith through knowledge, allowing them to not just see history but feel it.’
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Two men arrested after fire at asylum accommodation
Two individuals in their 20s have been apprehended in connection with a suspected arson attack on a building in Drogheda, County Louth, which housed applicants for international protection. The incident occurred last Friday night, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, five individuals, including four children, were rescued from the top floor of the building. Several of those rescued were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical evaluation. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, launched an investigation into the fire, which they believe was intentionally set by unknown individuals. A spokesperson for the Gardaí emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.’ The first suspect was arrested on Wednesday night, followed by a second arrest on Thursday morning. Both individuals are being held on suspicion of offenses under the Criminal Damage Act 1991. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident.
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Chinese researchers reveal nicotinamide’s heart-protective effect in tumor treatment
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Lanzhou University have unveiled the heart-protective properties of nicotinamide, a derivative of B vitamins, in the context of tumor treatment. Published in the journal *Science China: Life Sciences*, the research sheds light on the mechanisms behind early cardiotoxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), which are increasingly used in cancer immunotherapy. Led by Professor Bai Ming of Lanzhou University First Hospital, the study combined clinical data with experimental models to explore the role of PD-1 in cardiotoxicity and its underlying pathways. The team conducted randomized controlled trials to validate nicotinamide’s efficacy in preventing early cardiotoxicity linked to PD-1 therapy. Their findings revealed that nicotinamide, a clinically accessible drug, offers a safe and effective preventive strategy. This approach emphasizes early intervention, enabling the protection of heart function without compromising anti-tumor efficacy. Professor Bai highlighted the significance of the study in addressing safety concerns in cancer treatment, noting that nicotinamide could serve as a promising preventive measure against cardiac immune-related adverse events. The research underscores the potential for rapid clinical application, offering a synergistic treatment model that balances tumor control and heart health.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves 114 dead in Philippines
Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 20th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, has caused widespread devastation, leaving 114 people dead and at least 127 missing. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported the grim statistics as the storm moved out of the country before dawn on Thursday. The majority of the fatalities and missing persons were reported in the central regions of the Philippines. OCD Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro confirmed the death toll, stating that the figures are based on actual body counts from five affected regions. He emphasized that the numbers are preliminary and await official death certificates. The search for the missing continues, with 65 individuals from Cebu province and 62 from the Negros Island region still unaccounted for. The typhoon’s impact underscores the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
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Mianyang giant panda base begins trial operations
A significant milestone in wildlife conservation was marked on Tuesday as the Mianyang base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda commenced its trial operations. Located in the Guloushan ecological park within the Mianyang Science and Technology City New Area, the base welcomed 13 giant pandas from the Wolong Shenshuping and Dujiangyan bases. These pandas, ranging from juveniles to elderly individuals, were accompanied by their keepers and veterinarians to ensure a smooth transition. Huang Zhi, head of the base’s management and operation branch, noted that while the pandas exhibited some initial nervousness, their overall condition was good. The base, a collaborative effort between the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Mianyang city government, spans approximately 120 hectares and features 50 enclosures designed to meet the pandas’ habitat needs. Advanced preparations for facilities, environmental enrichment, food supply, and staffing were completed to ensure optimal conditions. The base aims to leverage Mianyang’s technological strengths to enhance giant panda conservation and research, particularly for the wild populations in the Minshan Mountains. According to the fourth national giant panda census, the Mianyang section of the Giant Panda National Park is home to 418 wild pandas, representing about 22.4% of the country’s total. Established in October 2021, the Giant Panda National Park spans over 22,000 square kilometers across Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, providing strict protection for about 72% of the wild giant panda population. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda has made significant strides in captive breeding since the 1980s, overcoming challenges related to estrus, mating, and cub survival. The captive panda population has grown from six in 1983 to over 380 today, marking the largest such population globally with improved genetic diversity. The Mianyang base will open to the public once the pandas have completed their adaptation period.
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Africa calls for united action to protect biodiversity
The African Union has rallied for enhanced continental collaboration to protect Africa’s biodiversity, as leaders, scientists, and policymakers convened in Gaborone, Botswana, for the first-ever Africa Biodiversity Summit. Held from Sunday to Wednesday, the summit, themed ‘Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa’s Prosperity,’ aimed to elevate biodiversity from a conservation concern to a strategic development priority, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision of a prosperous and climate-resilient continent. Delegates from AU member states, regional economic communities, UN agencies, research institutions, civil society, and youth organizations participated in the event. The summit addressed the triple planetary crisis — biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution — while highlighting Africa’s natural wealth as a cornerstone for economic growth and community well-being. According to the UN’s World Population Prospects report, Africa’s population, currently around 1.5 billion, is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, intensifying pressure on biodiversity and nature’s capacity to sustain livelihoods. Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and unsustainable land use are exacerbating habitat loss, threatening species survival and undermining ecosystem services essential for food, water, and income. Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AU Commission, emphasized the urgency of collective action, describing Africa’s ecosystems as ‘lifelines’ critical to the continent’s identity and sustainability. He called for solutions rooted in African science, indigenous knowledge, and regional cooperation, urging that biodiversity be mainstreamed across sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, finance, and education. Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, representing Angola’s permanent representative to the AU, stressed that defending biodiversity is vital for Africa’s sovereignty, food security, and future prosperity. Botswana’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Boatametse Modukanele, urged stakeholders to translate knowledge into actionable results, emphasizing the need for community-level implementation of conservation frameworks.
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South Africa investigates how 17 men were duped into joining mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war
The South African government has launched an investigation into the alleged recruitment of 17 of its citizens as mercenaries in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that the men, aged between 20 and 39, were deceived into joining the war under the guise of lucrative employment contracts. After becoming trapped in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, they sought assistance to escape the conflict. While it remains unclear which side the men were fighting for, Russia has been accused of recruiting individuals from various countries, including South Africa, by offering false job opportunities. Additionally, Russia has been implicated in luring women from Africa to work in drone factories through misleading social media campaigns. President Ramaphosa condemned the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by foreign military entities and emphasized the government’s efforts to repatriate the affected citizens through diplomatic channels. This incident follows similar reports from India and Nepal, where citizens were allegedly recruited under false pretenses. An Associated Press investigation last year highlighted how hundreds of African women were tricked into working in a Russian drone plant amid the country’s wartime labor shortage. The South African government has since issued warnings about fraudulent job advertisements targeting young women.
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Youth wave lifts Mamdani to NY’s top job
In a historic victory, 34-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the youngest mayor of New York City in more than a century. Mamdani, a state assemblyman of Indian descent, is also the first Muslim and South Asian to hold the position. His campaign, centered on taxing the wealthy and prioritizing the needs of working-class citizens, resonated strongly with younger voters, securing his win against seasoned opponents Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.