In a move to safeguard black cats from potential harm during Halloween, the Spanish town of Terrassa in Catalonia has implemented a temporary ban on their adoption from local animal shelters. The prohibition, effective from October 6 to November 10, aims to prevent the animals from being exploited in sinister rituals or used as props during the holiday season. Deputy Mayor Noel Duque highlighted that adoption requests for black cats typically surge around Halloween, a time when they are often associated with witchcraft and bad luck in Western culture. However, in other cultures, such as Japan and Egypt, black cats are revered as symbols of prosperity and fortune. Terrassa’s city council clarified that while there have been no reported cases of cruelty towards black cats in the town, incidents in other regions prompted the decision, following warnings from animal welfare organizations. The council emphasized that the measure is temporary and exceptional, designed to protect the animals from impulsive or trend-driven adoptions. Terrassa is home to over 9,800 cats, with approximately 100 housed in the town’s adoption center, including 12 black cats. Exceptions during the ban period will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and normal adoption processes will resume post-Halloween.
作者： admin
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Crescent commits Dh250m to scale CE-Creates, building home-grown ventures with global potential
Crescent Enterprises has unveiled a Dh250 million investment initiative to expand CE-Creates, its venture-building platform dedicated to nurturing high-growth, impact-driven startups with global potential. This strategic move, coupled with new leadership, underscores CE-Creates’ mission to transform early-stage concepts into internationally competitive businesses, leveraging patient capital, operational expertise, and ecosystem access. The platform operates as a sector-agnostic venture studio, guiding ventures from idea validation to market entry and scaling, with a focus on the MENA region and beyond. Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, emphasized the UAE’s role as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs, stating, ‘Our vision is for the UAE to be recognized as the start-up capital of the world.’ CE-Creates has already supported ventures like Kava & Chai, ION, and BreakBread, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation. Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, highlighted the unique blend of capital deployment and operational support that sets CE-Creates apart from traditional venture funding models. Rakhil Fernando, the newly appointed Head of CE-Creates, brings extensive entrepreneurial experience to the role, having previously led ventures like Yabi, Koko, and Daraz. This investment marks a significant milestone in empowering regional founders to compete on the global stage.
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Ajman Bank taps Emirati fintech Lune to boost digital banking experience
Ajman Bank has forged a strategic partnership with UAE-based fintech Lune Technologies to elevate its mobile banking app with advanced AI-driven financial tools. This collaboration aims to enhance customer financial literacy and provide greater control over personal finances, marking a significant step in the bank’s digital transformation journey. The newly integrated features include transaction data enrichment and personal finance management (PFM) capabilities, offering users detailed insights into their spending patterns, merchant recognition, and a consolidated view of income, savings, and expenses. Faizal Kundil, Head of Consumer Banking at Ajman Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to empowering customers with tools for smarter financial decision-making. Helal Lootah, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Lune, hailed the integration as a milestone in redefining how individuals interact with their finances. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of fostering a connected, data-driven financial ecosystem, reflecting a growing trend among UAE banks to leverage AI and data analytics for personalized services.
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Gaza civil defence says 9 killed Friday when Israeli forces fired at bus
In a tragic incident on Friday, Israeli forces reportedly killed nine members of a Palestinian family after shelling a bus in the Zeitun neighbourhood of Gaza. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency operating under Hamas authority, the attack involved two tank shells fired directly at the vehicle. The victims included four children and two women, all from the Shabaan family, who were reportedly attempting to check on their home. Umm Mohammed Shaaban, a family member, expressed her grief, questioning the justification for the attack and stating that the children killed were between two and 12 years old. The Israeli military confirmed that the vehicle had crossed the ‘yellow line,’ a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, and claimed that warning shots were fired before the vehicle was targeted. The military stated that the vehicle posed an ‘imminent threat’ to troops, necessitating the use of force. Despite the ceasefire, which is now in its second week, several incidents of violence have been reported, with Israeli forces firing at individuals who approached or crossed the yellow line. The ongoing conflict has left northern Gaza in ruins, with many Palestinians struggling to locate their homes amidst the devastation. The incident has further strained tensions in the region, raising concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire.
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Why I fell in love with a book called I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki
For South Koreans, tteokbokki is more than just a snack; it’s a symbol of comfort and resilience. This beloved dish, made with chewy rice cakes and a sweet-spicy sauce, is a staple of Korea’s street food culture, cherished by people of all ages. It’s the go-to meal after a long day, offering solace and warmth. In 2018, a book titled *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* captured the hearts of many with its honest and relatable exploration of mental health. Its author, Baek Se-hee, passed away at the age of 35, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude from readers worldwide who found solace in her words. The book, a record of Baek’s conversations with her psychiatrist, delves into her struggles with dysthymia and anxiety. It resonates deeply with those navigating similar challenges, offering a message of self-acceptance and hope. Baek’s candid storytelling has not only destigmatized mental health issues in South Korea but also inspired a global conversation. Her memoir has sold over a million copies worldwide, translated into 25 languages, and continues to touch lives. Baek’s life and work remind us that even in moments of despair, small joys like tteokbokki can be a source of strength. Her legacy lives on, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and find comfort in the simple pleasures of life.
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Mystery deepens after missing schoolgirl found dead in pop star D4vd’s Tesla
The meteoric rise of singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been abruptly interrupted by a chilling discovery. On September 8, the decomposed body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the front trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in Hollywood. The young artist, who gained fame through TikTok and online gaming, was performing his hit song ‘Romantic Homicide’ in Minneapolis just a day after the grim discovery. The song, ironically, is a brooding breakup anthem about killing an ex without remorse. Rivas Hernandez, a first-generation Salvadoran-American, had been reported missing multiple times since 2024. Her family described her as a beloved daughter and sister, now left heartbroken by her tragic death. The case has sparked widespread intrigue, with fans and true-crime enthusiasts speculating about the connection between the teen and the singer. D4vd, who has yet to publicly comment on the case, is cooperating with authorities and has hired a high-profile criminal defense attorney. The investigation, which could take months, has yet to determine the cause of death or establish any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of the body. Meanwhile, D4vd’s career has suffered significant setbacks, with his world tour cancelled and endorsements dropped. The mystery deepens as questions linger about the relationship between the singer and the deceased teen, and the slow progress of the LAPD’s investigation.
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ICC rejects Israel’s appeal to cancel Netanyahu’s arrest warrant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has firmly rejected Israel’s appeal to revoke arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants, issued in November 2024, accuse the Israeli leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Gaza since October 2023. This marks the first time in the ICC’s 22-year history that arrest warrants have been issued against senior officials from a Western-allied nation. Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, had sought to cancel the warrants in May while a separate challenge over the court’s jurisdiction was still under review. However, the ICC dismissed the request on July 16, stating there was ‘no legal basis’ to withdraw the warrants while the jurisdiction issue remained unresolved. Israel attempted to appeal this decision a week later, but on Friday, ICC judges ruled that ‘the issue, as framed by Israel, is not subject to appeal.’ The court’s jurisdiction stems from Palestine’s 2015 membership in the ICC, allowing it to investigate crimes committed in occupied territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The warrants have sparked intense reactions globally. Palestinians hailed the decision as ‘historic,’ while Israeli officials condemned it as ‘antisemitic.’ The ICC has also faced criticism, threats, and punitive measures from Israel’s ally, the United States, which sanctioned several ICC judges and prosecutors, labeling the court ‘a national security threat.’ The ICC responded by calling the sanctions an attack on ‘the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world.’ Despite the warrants, the ICC lacks enforcement powers, and trials cannot proceed in absentia. The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,180 Israelis, has resulted in over 68,000 Palestinian deaths, with 80% believed to be civilians. The war has also caused widespread famine and destroyed or damaged more than 83% of Gaza’s structures. Numerous international bodies and UN experts have classified Israel’s actions as acts of genocide. Recently, a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal brokered in Egypt led U.S. President Donald Trump to declare the war over.
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Watch: Lithium battery catches fire on plane, leaves passengers in shock
An Air China flight was compelled to execute an emergency landing on Saturday, October 18, after a lithium battery stored in a passenger’s carry-on luggage ignited mid-flight. The incident occurred aboard flight CA139, which had departed from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport at 9:47 AM local time, en route to Incheon International Airport. The battery, stored in the overhead compartment, spontaneously caught fire, prompting the aircraft to divert to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Air China confirmed the event in a statement, emphasizing that the cabin crew responded promptly, and no injuries were reported. Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread concern. This incident follows a recent decision by Emirates to restrict the use of power banks during flights, allowing only devices under 100 watt-hours (Wh) to be carried, but not used or charged inflight. The aviation industry has seen a surge in lithium battery-related incidents, raising safety concerns globally.
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Morocco’s Gen Z protesters demand accountability and education reform
In Morocco, a wave of youth-led protests has emerged, challenging the government’s priorities and demanding urgent social reforms. Despite the impending Africa Cup of Nations in December, demonstrators have called for a boycott of soccer matches at newly constructed stadiums, symbolizing their discontent with the allocation of resources. On Saturday, hundreds of young protesters took to the streets in cities like Casablanca and Tangier, reigniting their demands for the release of arrested activists and the ouster of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whom they accuse of corruption. The protests, organized by the grassroots movement Gen Z 212, focus on systemic issues such as inadequate healthcare, education disparities, and government accountability. The movement, which boasts over 200,000 followers on platforms like Discord, has gained momentum following a recent eight-day pause. Protesters chanted slogans like ‘Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?’ and criticized the government for prioritizing sports infrastructure over essential public services. Education remains a central issue, with demonstrators highlighting the growing divide between public and private schools. Government audits reveal persistent challenges, including teacher shortages and regional disparities, particularly in rural areas. While officials have pledged to reallocate funds to healthcare and education, tangible improvements remain elusive. The protests, inspired by similar movements in Nepal, have occasionally turned violent, resulting in arrests and legal repercussions. Despite these challenges, Morocco’s youth remain steadfast in their fight for a more equitable future.
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‘I miss the past, but we like the money’: The Bali-fication of a laidback surfers’ island
Indonesia is ambitiously transforming Lombok into a new tourist hotspot, aiming to replicate the success of Bali. Known for its pristine beaches, Mount Rinjani, and serene landscapes, Lombok offers a quieter alternative to its bustling neighbor. However, this ‘Balification’ comes with both opportunities and challenges for locals and the environment. Damar, a surf guide, exemplifies the personal and societal shifts brought by tourism. Once fearful of foreigners, he now thrives in the industry, earning twice as much as traditional fishermen. Yet, his story is tinged with the pain of eviction, as his village made way for the Mandalika circuit, a centerpiece of Lombok’s tourism push. The government’s efforts have attracted significant investment, including a $250 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, accelerating infrastructure development. However, this rapid transformation has sparked tensions. Evictions in Tanjung Aan, where nearly 200 stalls were demolished, have left many locals without livelihoods. Critics argue that the project prioritizes economic growth over human rights and environmental sustainability. Lombok’s cultural identity is also at stake. The predominantly Muslim island, home to the Sasak ethnic group, faces potential shifts in its conservative values as tourism grows. Environmental concerns loom large, with events like the motorcycle Grand Prix generating significant waste. Despite these challenges, tourism has brought prosperity to some, like homestay owner Lara, who has expanded her business significantly. Yet, she reminisces about the slower pace of life before the tourism boom. As Lombok navigates this new era, it must balance economic growth with preserving its unique identity and addressing the concerns of its people.