In a remarkable display of endurance and professionalism, three Emirati firefighters from the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have etched their names in history by scaling the 159 floors of the Burj Khalifa in just 52 minutes and 30 seconds. Wearing full firefighting gear weighing 15 kilograms, the trio braved extreme heat, limited oxygen, and physical fatigue to achieve this extraordinary feat, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The challenge, which took place on October 24, 2025, was not merely a test of physical strength but also a demonstration of Dubai’s firefighters’ readiness to tackle emergencies in skyscrapers. The final stages of the climb were particularly grueling, with gravity and the oppressive heat inside their suits adding to the difficulty. The firefighters underwent rigorous daily training, including endurance exercises and realistic simulations, to prepare for the challenge. Guinness-certified observers meticulously documented the event, ensuring compliance with official standards. No medical incidents were reported, thanks to thorough preparation and supervision. The achievement has inspired pride and motivation among DCD personnel, showcasing their ability to face any challenge at great heights. Earlier, viral social media videos of the firefighters training in full uniform had already garnered widespread admiration, with many viewing them as a source of inspiration for the UAE community.
作者： admin
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The $500m slugger who is taking Canada to the World Series
In a moment charged with emotion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ star first baseman, fought back tears as his team secured a historic victory over the Seattle Mariners, advancing to the World Series for the first time in 32 years. The Canadian-born, Dominican Republic-raised slugger, who recently signed a record-breaking $500 million contract—the third-largest in Major League Baseball (MLB) history—has been instrumental in Toronto’s postseason success, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in the division series. Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as ‘Vladdy Jr,’ has vowed to bring the championship ring home to his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., a baseball Hall of Famer who never won a World Series during his illustrious career. ‘My personal goal is to win a World Series and give the ring to my dad,’ Guerrero Jr. said in an interview with Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated. The Blue Jays are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, in a highly anticipated match-up between the defending champions and the underdogs. The Dodgers are led by Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal made headlines worldwide, while the Blue Jays are anchored by Guerrero Jr., whose $500 million contract earlier this year symbolized his commitment to Canada’s sole MLB team. Guerrero Jr.’s journey to this moment has been years in the making, with fans celebrating his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to Toronto both on and off the field. As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series, the entire country has rallied behind them, with fans flooding the streets in celebration and even interrupting hockey games to announce the team’s victory. The emotional snapshot of Guerrero Jr. fighting back tears after the win against Seattle has gone viral, capturing the culmination of a father-son dream and a journey that has inspired a nation.
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China launches Long March 5 carrier rocket to deploy new satellite
In a significant milestone for China’s space program, the Long March 5 carrier rocket was successfully launched on the evening of October 23, 2025, from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. The mission, orchestrated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), deployed the Communications Technology Demonstrator 20 satellite into its designated orbit. This satellite, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, aims to test advanced multi-band high-speed communication technologies. The Long March 5 rocket, designed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, featured an extended fairing measuring 18.5 meters, making it the tallest rocket ever produced in China. This launch marks China’s 66th space mission of the year and the 602nd flight of the Long March series, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in space exploration and technology.
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We won’t accept a stolen vote, Cameroon opposition leader tells BBC
Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of the 12 October presidential election, challenging the official results yet to be announced. In an interview with the BBC, Bakary, 76, a former government minister who broke ties with President Paul Biya, 92, asserted that his team had compiled data from polling stations, leaving no doubt about his victory. He vowed not to accept a ‘stolen vote’ and urged his supporters to defend their ballots. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) dismissed Bakary’s claims as illegal, stating that only the Constitutional Council can announce official results. Bakary, undeterred, insisted that the law permits his declaration and challenged the ruling party to disprove his claims. The delayed announcement of results has heightened tensions in Cameroon, a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North. The election outcome could determine whether Biya, the world’s oldest president, retains his 43-year grip on power.
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EU accuses Meta and TikTok of breaching transparency rules
The European Union has announced that Meta and TikTok have failed to meet their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially exposing both companies to substantial fines. The investigation, launched in 2024, revealed that the platforms did not provide adequate access to data for researchers and made it difficult for users to report illegal content or challenge moderation decisions. The EU’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, Henna Virkunnen, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and allow public scrutiny. The inquiry also found that Meta’s Instagram and Facebook employed ‘dark patterns’—deceptive interface designs—that hindered the reporting of harmful content, such as child exploitation or terrorist material. The European Commission described these practices as ‘confusing and dissuading,’ potentially rendering them ineffective. Meta and TikTok have been given the opportunity to respond to the findings, but if found guilty, they could face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue, amounting to billions of dollars. Meta has disputed the findings but expressed willingness to continue discussions with the EU, while TikTok has called for clarity on reconciling the DSA’s transparency requirements with the EU’s stringent privacy regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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Defective block grant scheme firm hit by cyber attack
A significant cyber attack has targeted Jennings O’Donovan, an engineering firm collaborating with Ireland’s Housing Agency on a scheme to assist homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks. The breach, described as ‘concerning’ by officials, potentially exposed sensitive personal data, including addresses, contact details, and photographs of affected properties. The Housing Agency confirmed the incident was isolated to the firm and is actively working to notify impacted applicants. Charles Ward TD, a representative of the 100% Redress Party, emphasized the need for transparency, urging affected families to receive clear information about the compromised data and protective measures being implemented. The defective block issue has plagued thousands of homes, primarily in Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo, where water-absorbing minerals in bricks have caused structural failures, necessitating demolition. The Housing Agency is coordinating with Jennings O’Donovan to investigate the breach and has informed the Data Protection Commissioner and local authorities. Affected individuals are being advised to await direct communication from the agency, as those not contacted are not impacted by the incident.
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‘Gym for your brain’: Why mahjong has become UAE’s new screen-free obsession
Mahjong, a centuries-old Chinese strategy game, is experiencing a renaissance in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where it has become a popular screen-free activity. The game, which requires skill, strategy, and mental agility, is now a staple in living rooms, cafes, and private parties across the city. The Mahjong Network, a community founded earlier this year by Ria Bajaj, Ishira Kumar, and Maneka Jain Daswani, has grown to 367 members in Dubai alone, connecting players through WhatsApp and social media. The network aims to create an inclusive platform where people can interact as equals, regardless of their social status or background. Mahjong’s appeal lies in its ability to foster social connections, provide mental stimulation, and offer a digital detox. Players describe the game as a ‘gym for the brain,’ likening it to meditation and a metaphor for life, where one learns to navigate unexpected twists and adapt strategies. The Dubai chapter of the network recently hosted its first Diwali-themed mahjong meet-up, attended by 64 women dressed in traditional Indian attire. The game’s growing popularity is evident in the increasing number of private events, parties, and workshops dedicated to it. Mahjong is not just a game for older, affluent women; it attracts a diverse demographic, including professionals seeking a break from their stressful jobs. The game’s ability to improve memory, cognitive abilities, and mental health, while fostering a sense of community, has made it a beloved pastime in the UAE.
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What’s in controversial Reagan advert and is it what he really said?
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada. The decision comes in response to an advertisement sponsored by Ontario, Canada, which features excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan. The ad, released last week, highlights Reagan’s critique of tariffs, stating they ‘hurt every American.’ Trump dismissed the ad as ‘FAKE,’ while the Ronald Reagan Foundation accused it of misrepresenting Reagan’s original speech. The advertisement opens with Reagan’s assertion that tariffs may seem patriotic but only provide short-term benefits. However, the ad rearranges and condenses Reagan’s original address, omitting context and altering the flow of his arguments. In his 1987 speech, Reagan emphasized his commitment to free trade, warning that high tariffs lead to retaliation, trade wars, and economic decline. He also linked protectionist policies to the exacerbation of the Great Depression. The Ontario ad, while using Reagan’s exact words, strategically edits his message to critique Trump’s trade policies. This has sparked a diplomatic row, with Trump accusing Canada of misusing Reagan’s legacy. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over tariffs and their long-term economic impact, as well as the political stakes of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.
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How a German freight lift became an unexpected social media star in the Louvre heist
In a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum, thieves demonstrated a surprising level of German efficiency, utilizing a German-made freight lift to execute their plan. The incident, which unfolded in less than four minutes, saw the criminals wheel the lift to the museum, ascend the façade, force open a window, and make off with priceless Napoleonic jewels before escaping on motorbikes through central Paris. Photos of the freight lift, manufactured by Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, quickly went viral, turning the spotlight on the company. Alexander Böcker, the managing director and third-generation owner, expressed initial shock at the misuse of their product but soon embraced the situation with a sense of humor. By Monday morning, the company had launched a social media campaign featuring the lift, highlighting its capabilities with a slogan that translates to ‘when something needs to be done quickly.’ The post emphasized the lift’s ability to transport up to 400 kilograms of ‘your treasures’ at a speed of 42 meters per minute, powered by a whisper-quiet 230 Volt E-Motor. Böcker acknowledged the overwhelming positive feedback, though he clarified that the lift is not designed to transport humans. The incident has inadvertently turned into a marketing coup for the company, showcasing the unexpected intersection of crime and commerce.
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Tanzania’s first female president has defied early hopes that she would ease repression
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Since her inauguration in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan has faced growing scrutiny over her leadership style. Initially seen as a reformist, Hassan’s tenure has increasingly been marked by authoritarian tendencies, according to critics and human rights organizations. A recent cartoon by Tanzanian-born artist Gado, based in Kenya, depicted Hassan in a military uniform, labeling her a “Dictatoress,” symbolizing her perceived shift from a torchbearer of liberty to a wielder of repression.