As the December end-of-semester exams approach, schools across the UAE are intensifying efforts to foster a collaborative environment between parents and educational institutions. This initiative aims to reduce exam stress by encouraging parents to adopt a balanced and informed approach to their children’s academic journey. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced this focus by mandating that schools cover all costs for external assessments, ensuring no additional financial burden on parents. This policy shift is part of broader efforts to standardize and enhance the assessment process. Education leaders are urging parents to move beyond exam pressure and instead provide constructive support. Schools like Shining Star International and GEMS Wellington Academy are leading the way with structured communication, personalized guidance, and mental health support. Woodlem American School in Ajman emphasizes transparency through parent portals and regular updates. Experts like Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based life coach, stress the importance of parental empathy and collaboration over control. Parents, too, are recognizing the value of this balanced approach, with many reporting reduced stress and improved outcomes for their children.
作者： admin
-
Ponting predicts India’s Kohli and Rohit will regain form after Perth defeat
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence that Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will regain their form following India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the first one-day international (ODI) in Perth. The defeat marked the duo’s return to action since their Champions Trophy victory in March, as they focus on the 2027 World Cup. Despite their underwhelming performance in Perth, where Rohit scored eight runs and Kohli was dismissed for a duck, Ponting believes their experience and skill will see them through. Speaking on the ICC Review podcast, Ponting emphasized, ‘You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and I expect them to bounce back quickly.’ The three-match series now moves to Adelaide, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions, though Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by Australia’s formidable bowling attack. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in, highlighting the legacy of Kohli and Rohit, who have dominated the sport for over a decade. Shastri remarked, ‘Their contribution is special, and their legacy will remain intact regardless of when they decide to retire.’
-
‘Thamma’ Review: Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy fails to sparkle
Maddock Films’ latest venture, ‘Thamma,’ starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, aimed to deliver a fresh addition to its horror-comedy universe but ended up as a mid-tier Diwali entertainer. The film introduces betaals, an Indianised version of vampires, with Ayushmann playing Alok Goyal, a journalist drawn into their hidden world after a bizarre encounter. Despite its ambitious scale and attempts to blend comedy, horror, mythology, and history, ‘Thamma’ struggles to find its footing. The film’s narrative is marred by inconsistent writing, overused tropes like item songs, and a lack of depth in exploring its intriguing themes. While Ayushmann Khurrana and Nawazuddin Siddiqui deliver commendable performances, the film’s execution falls short, leaving it as a chaotic mix of genres that fails to truly shine.
-
Cameroon judges reject election-rigging complaints
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has rejected calls to annul the results of the highly contested presidential election held on 12 October, announcing that the final outcome will be declared on Monday. The decision has intensified political unrest, with opposition supporters staging widespread protests across major cities, alleging electoral fraud, including ballot-stuffing. The judges dismissed eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities and jurisdictional limitations. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government spokesman who defected from President Paul Biya’s camp, has declared himself the winner, claiming to have secured 55% of the vote based on unofficial tallies. Biya, 92, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is seeking another seven-year term. Bakary has refused to file formal complaints with the Constitutional Council, accusing it of bias due to its Biya-appointed judges. He warned of potential civil unrest if the official results do not reflect the electorate’s will. Biya’s ruling party has dismissed Bakary’s self-proclaimed victory as illegal, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council can validate election results. The Catholic Church has urged the Council to ensure the verdict aligns with voters’ intentions. The escalating tensions have raised fears of post-election violence in a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgencies in the Far North.
-
UAE’s FTA launches AI tools to simplify tax filing, support taxpayers
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the United Arab Emirates has introduced cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems aimed at simplifying tax filing processes and enhancing support for taxpayers. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the nation’s efforts to modernize its tax administration and improve compliance. Among the standout innovations is FTAGPT, an internal conversational AI engine designed to provide FTA employees with instant, accurate responses to complex tax-related inquiries. This tool is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of customer service, ensuring taxpayers receive consistent and reliable information. Zahra Al Dahmani, Director of the Taxpayer Services Department at the FTA, emphasized the importance of FTAGPT in addressing employee queries related to the UAE’s three primary taxes: Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax. Additionally, the FTA has upgraded its existing AI-powered platform, TARA, which is accessible to taxpayers via the FTA’s official website. TARA now supports a broader range of queries, including Corporate Tax filing and the status of reconsideration cases. The FTA is also utilizing AI to proactively identify common taxpayer errors and send targeted educational messages to prevent potential penalties. This data-driven approach underscores the FTA’s commitment to transitioning from a reactive to a proactive support model, fostering a seamless and efficient tax environment. The UAE’s tax framework, which includes VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic diversification and strategic goals. By leveraging AI, the FTA aims to align with international tax standards and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global business hub.
-
Ellington Properties awards Dh1 billion+ construction contract
Ellington Properties has taken a significant step forward in its acclaimed Mercer House project by awarding a Dh1 billion+ construction contract to China Railway 18th Bureau Group. This landmark deal solidifies Mercer House’s position as one of Dubai’s most ambitious residential developments, blending architectural innovation, wellness, and lifestyle excellence. Located in Uptown Dubai, the project has already garnered international recognition, winning the prestigious International Property Award for Best Mixed-Use Development. The development comprises two towers—a 34-storey North Tower and a 41-storey South Tower—offering a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as luxurious 4-bedroom penthouses. Complementing the residential spaces, Uptown Plaza will introduce a vibrant retail and dining destination, featuring boutique shops, cafés, and lifestyle concepts designed to foster urban connectivity. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasized the growing demand for high-quality, integrated communities in prime locations like Uptown Dubai. He praised the project’s refined design, world-class amenities, and the partnership with China Railway 18th Bureau Group, a global leader in large-scale urban infrastructure. Zhou Lin, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering excellence in quality and timely execution. Joseph Thomas, Co-founder of Ellington Properties, underscored the significance of Mercer House as a milestone in Dubai’s dynamic real estate landscape, reflecting the aspirations of discerning homeowners and investors. The development will feature a range of lifestyle amenities, including an urban beach club, wellness-focused fitness zones, a multi-sports hall, and elegantly designed communal spaces. Mercer House aligns with Dubai’s vision for vibrant, integrated communities that combine innovation, lifestyle, and long-term value, further cementing the city’s status as a global leader in urban living.
-
American missionary reportedly kidnapped in Niger
An American missionary has been abducted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in a shocking incident that occurred just 100 yards from the presidential palace. The kidnapping took place on Tuesday, according to multiple security sources cited by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. The victim, who has not been officially identified, has reportedly been working with a US-based charity and has resided in Niger since 2010. The circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear, with no immediate demands from the kidnappers.
-
Britain ends terrorist designation of Syria’s Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham
In a significant policy shift, the UK government has removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of proscribed terrorist organizations. This decision follows the dramatic overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, marking a turning point in Syria’s protracted conflict. The Home Office confirmed the move late Monday, citing ‘significant developments in Syria’ as the rationale behind the decision. Originally banned in 2017 as an alias of al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS’s proscription had made it a criminal offense in the UK to support or associate with the group. The Home Office emphasized that the de-proscription does not signify political endorsement of HTS but reflects a reassessment of the group’s role and the evolving threat landscape. ‘The UK’s engagement with the new Syrian authorities will be guided by our national security priorities,’ the statement read. This decision aligns with a similar move by the US earlier this year, as Western nations seek to re-engage with Syria’s new leadership under HTS’s long-time leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Formed in 2017 through the merger of several factions in Idlib province, HTS initially aligned with al-Qaeda but later declared independence, focusing on Syria’s internal conflict. The group established a de facto administration in northwest Syria, known as the ‘Salvation Government,’ and played a pivotal role in the 2024 offensive that toppled Assad’s regime. The UK’s decision leaves 83 organizations still listed as terrorist groups under the Terrorism Act 2000, with the Home Office noting that proscription can be reinstated if new evidence of terrorism emerges.
-
Ecuador’s Indigenous alliance ends highway-blocking protests after military threat
QUITO, Ecuador — The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) announced on Wednesday the cessation of nationwide protests that had paralyzed parts of the country for over a month. The decision came after President Daniel Noboa threatened to deploy the military to dismantle road blockades that had severely disrupted transportation and economic activities. The protests were initially sparked by the government’s decision to eliminate a diesel subsidy, which caused fuel prices to surge from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon. Diesel is crucial for agricultural machinery, trucking, and public transportation, particularly affecting Ecuador’s most vulnerable populations. Marlon Vargas, CONAIE’s president, described the decision to end the demonstrations as “difficult” but necessary to safeguard the lives of Indigenous communities. In a social media statement, Vargas criticized the government for lacking dialogue and sensitivity in implementing policies that disproportionately impact the poor. Meanwhile, General Henry Delgado of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized the military’s readiness to clear blockades in Imbabura province, the epicenter of the disruptions. Delgado condemned the protests, stating that a minority should not impose its will on the nation’s 18 million citizens. Despite the end of the strike, Vargas vowed that Indigenous groups would continue to resist policies they deem unjust.
-
Baoting positions itself as model for COP30 climate action
As the global community gears up for COP30, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County in Hainan Province is stepping into the spotlight as a pioneering example of local climate action. From October 20 to 21, the county hosted the ‘From Commitment to Implementation: Hainan’s Actions in the COP Process’ conference, attracting over 100 delegates from international organizations, governments, research institutions, and corporations. The event focused on translating climate commitments into tangible practices, with Baoting showcasing its innovative initiatives under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework, a UN Development Programme on green and digital innovation, and a World Health Organization-led project highlighting the health benefits of climate action. The county also unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint. China’s former special envoy for climate, Xie Zhenhua, emphasized that Baoting’s collaboration with European partners not only accelerates its sustainable development but also provides a localized blueprint for global zero-carbon progress. Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and special envoy to Europe for COP30, lauded Baoting as an inspiring model, noting that its multi-stakeholder approach aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals and offers valuable insights for other island economies.