Hong Kong is undergoing a transformative educational overhaul aimed at positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and technology. Spearheaded by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, the reforms focus on bridging the talent gap by increasing the intake of international students, enhancing academia-industry collaboration, and addressing critical infrastructure needs such as student housing. The initiative aligns with the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the cultivation of a diverse, market-ready talent pool to drive strategic sectors like artificial intelligence, new energy technology, and pharmaceuticals. Projections from the Labour and Welfare Bureau highlight the urgency of these reforms, with demand for inno-tech professionals expected to surge to over 100,000 by 2028. Key measures include raising the admission ceiling for nonlocal students to 50% of funded local student places and expanding research postgraduate programs. Additionally, the government is incentivizing the conversion of underused commercial buildings into student dormitories and designating universities of applied sciences to foster vocational learning. The reforms also promote cross-boundary collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating seamless employment and study opportunities. A HK$40 million grant will bolster international marketing efforts under the theme ‘Hong Kong: Your World-class Campus,’ showcasing the city’s academic excellence. Tech leaders emphasize the need for a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, including safety nets for failed ventures, improved investment platforms, and streamlined cross-boundary channels. These comprehensive measures aim to transform Hong Kong into a thriving innovation powerhouse, leveraging its unique position to commercialize cutting-edge technologies and attract global talent.
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Ghana’s former First Lady Nana Konadu Rawlings dies aged 76
Ghana is in mourning following the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the nation’s former First Lady, who died at the age of 76. Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings, the widow of Ghana’s longest-serving leader, Jerry John Rawlings, passed away on Thursday morning after a brief illness, as confirmed by Ghanaian presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes across social media, reflecting her significant impact on the country. Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings became First Lady in June 1979, a role she held during her husband’s tumultuous political career, which included leading two coups and being elected president twice in multiparty elections. During her tenure, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a non-governmental organization established in 1981, named after the date of her husband’s second coup. The organization has been instrumental in empowering women, teaching them skills to generate income and contribute to community development. Her legacy as a champion for women’s rights and social progress continues to resonate across Ghana and beyond.
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Marathon record holder Chepngetich given three-year ban
In a significant blow to the world of athletics, Kenyan marathon runner Ruth Chepngetich has been handed a three-year ban after admitting to anti-doping rule violations. The suspension follows her provisional suspension in July 2024, triggered by a positive test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent, on March 14, 2024. Despite the ban, Chepngetich’s prior achievements, including her world record time of 2:09:56 set at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, remain intact. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) initially sought a four-year ban but reduced it to three years after Chepngetich admitted to the violations. However, the AIU continues to investigate suspicious evidence recovered from her phone, including messages dating back to 2022, which suggest the possibility of intentional doping. Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, emphasized that while the HCTZ case has been resolved, the investigation into other potential violations is ongoing. Chepngetich, the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10, failed to provide a credible explanation for the positive test during her April interview with the AIU. Her sample showed an HCTZ concentration of 3,800 ng/mL, far exceeding the minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL. Traces of the substance were also found in a sample collected two weeks earlier. In July, Chepngetich changed her story, claiming she had taken her housemaid’s HCTZ medication after falling ill. The AIU dismissed this explanation as lacking credibility, labeling her actions as ‘recklessness’ under anti-doping rules. Her three-year ban, effective from April 19, 2024, includes the forfeiture of all results, awards, and prize money since March 14. AIU chair David Howman praised the anti-doping system for its effectiveness in uncovering violations, stating, ‘Nobody is above the rules.’
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Hong Kong artists shine bright at Florence Biennale
The 15th Florence Biennale has become a global stage for artistic brilliance, with four Hong Kong artists—Liu Hongrui, Eva Ku, Cheng Xiaowei, and Ho Chun-yu—showcasing their unique works among 600 artists from 84 countries. The event, renowned for its celebration of diverse styles and techniques, highlights the richness of contemporary art. Jacopo Celona, the Biennale’s director, emphasized the inclusion of Hong Kong artists as a testament to the event’s philosophy of diversity across painting, photography, and fine art jewelry. Liu Hongrui’s *White Landscape*, an oil and distemper on canvas, blends surrealist influences with personal memories of Hong Kong and England, creating a serene yet expressive piece. Eva Ku’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* and *Earth’s Cry* reflect her eclectic inspirations, from fairy tales to environmental themes, while Cheng Xiaowei’s *The Bronze Era* jewelry collection reinterprets ancient Chinese bronze artifacts with a modern twist. Ho Chun-yu’s camera-less photography series, *From Cloud to Ground*, explores the interplay of analog and digital techniques. Together, their works embody the Biennale’s theme of dualism and unity, blending tradition and innovation, East and West, and inner and external worlds. The exhibition runs through October 26 at Fortezza da Basso in Florence.
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Palestine will continue to seek justice against Israel at ICC and ICJ, says Hague ambassador
Palestine remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice through international legal channels, despite mounting political pressure and threats of sanctions, Palestinian Ambassador Ammar Hijazi declared in an interview with Middle East Eye on Wednesday. His statement followed a significant ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which underscored Israel’s humanitarian obligations, particularly the need to lift its blockade on aid entering Gaza. Hijazi emphasized that the Palestinian leadership will not retreat from its commitment to seek justice on the global stage, stating, ‘This is a rightful, peaceful, legal, and moral path that we must take until our people are free and our independence is realized.’
Hijazi reiterated Palestine’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), where investigations into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders are ongoing. He dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to cease legal actions against Israel at the ICC and ICJ, asserting that the PA lacks the authority to withdraw such cases. ‘It is now in the hands of the prosecutor and the court,’ Hijazi explained, expressing hope that more individuals committing crimes against humanity will be held accountable.
The ICC, the world’s only permanent international court with jurisdiction over senior officials, has been a focal point of Palestine’s legal strategy. In 2021, former ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda launched a war crimes investigation against Israel, following a referral by the PA. The investigation has since gained momentum, with additional referrals from countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and Mexico, amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In November 2023, ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The ICJ’s recent advisory opinion, which condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, has further bolstered Palestine’s legal position. Represented by Hijazi and a team of international lawyers, Palestine was among 40 states that presented evidence during the hearings earlier this year. The court’s findings, which highlighted Israel’s violations of international law, are expected to influence ongoing ICC investigations. Paul Reichler, a lawyer representing Palestine at the ICJ, noted that the court’s determination of proven facts, such as Israel’s deliberate policy of denying food to civilians, could be pivotal in future legal proceedings.
Hijazi called on the international community to enforce the ICJ’s findings, urging nations to align with international law rather than condone colonialism, genocide, and war crimes. ‘International law is very clear,’ he asserted. ‘What Israel is doing is illegal in the occupied Palestinian territory.’ As Palestine continues its legal battle, the global community faces a critical choice: to uphold justice or remain complicit in ongoing violations.
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Illinois candidate’s grandchildren among family killed in helicopter crash
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after four of his family members perished in a helicopter crash. The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday in Ekalaka, Montana, claiming the lives of Bailey’s son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, seven. The couple’s third child, a 10-year-old boy, was not on board and survived the accident. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as ‘heartbreaking’ and requesting privacy as they navigate this deeply painful period. The family is drawing strength from their faith, the support of loved ones, and the outpouring of prayers from the community. Bailey, a Republican grain farmer, is currently campaigning for the Illinois governorship in the upcoming election. He previously ran for governor in 2022 but was defeated by Democrat JB Pritzker in a highly competitive race marked by significant financial contributions from both sides. Bailey also sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 but was unsuccessful. He has a history of public service, having served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature, representing southern Illinois. Pritzker, upon learning of the tragedy, expressed his devastation and extended his condolences to the Bailey family. In a statement posted on X, he wrote, ‘Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing.’
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Ghana police rescue 57 Nigerians in crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime, Ghanaian police have rescued 57 Nigerian nationals and arrested five suspects allegedly involved in a sophisticated criminal operation. The raid, conducted on Wednesday in a suburban area of Accra, uncovered a facility where victims, aged between 18 and 26, were forced to participate in online romance scams. Authorities seized 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and various internet-enabled devices from the location. The suspects reportedly lured victims with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Ghana, only to coerce them into illegal activities upon arrival. The Criminal Investigations Department confirmed that all rescued individuals are receiving necessary care, though their repatriation timeline remains unspecified. This incident highlights the persistent issue of human trafficking in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where victims are often exploited for cybercrime and prostitution. Earlier this year, Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reported 79 prosecutions and 54 convictions related to human trafficking between 2023 and 2024. The operation aligns with broader regional efforts, as Interpol recently coordinated a cybercrime crackdown across 14 African countries, resulting in 260 arrests and the recovery of nearly $2.8 million lost to scams.
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Dubai: Gold prices recover after big sell-off over the past couple of days
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a notable recovery on Thursday morning, rising by nearly Dh6 per gram after a significant sell-off in the previous days. The precious metal surged above $4,100 per ounce, marking a partial rebound from its recent losses. According to data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold was trading at Dh496.5 per gram, up from Dh490.5 at Wednesday’s market close. Other variants of gold, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also saw increases, trading at Dh459.75, Dh440.75, and Dh377.75 per gram, respectively. Spot gold prices climbed to $4,131.28 per ounce, reflecting a 2% rise. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a senior analyst at Swissquote, attributed the recent sell-off to overbought market conditions and heightened volatility. She noted that the gold volatility index had reached its highest level since March 2022, historically followed by a 20% price retreat. Despite the potential for further pullbacks, Ozkardeskaya emphasized gold’s enduring role as a safe-haven asset for investors, including retail, institutions, and central banks, amid concerns over sovereign debt, geopolitical tensions, and inflation.
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Pirelli Cyber Tyre named “V2X Innovation of the Year” at Autotech Breakthrough Awards 2025
In a groundbreaking move, HONOR has introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G, setting a new benchmark in the mobile technology landscape. This cutting-edge device combines unparalleled durability, advanced AI capabilities, and sleek design, making it a standout in the competitive smartphone market. The HONOR X9d 5G is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring it remains functional even in the most challenging environments. Powered by state-of-the-art AI technology, the smartphone offers enhanced performance, seamless connectivity, and intelligent features that cater to the evolving needs of modern users. Its 5G compatibility ensures lightning-fast internet speeds, enabling users to stay connected and productive on the go. The device’s sleek and ergonomic design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures a comfortable user experience. HONOR’s commitment to innovation is evident in the X9d 5G, which integrates advanced materials and engineering techniques to deliver a device that is both robust and stylish. With its launch, HONOR continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile technology, offering consumers a device that excels in both form and function.
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Dubai: 18-year-old Indian student dies suddenly one day after Diwali
In a heartbreaking incident, Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Indian student and recipient of the UAE Golden Visa, passed away suddenly in Dubai just one day after Diwali celebrations. The young scholar, who was pursuing his first year of BBA in Marketing at Middlesex University Dubai, collapsed outside his home late Tuesday evening, with the preliminary cause of death identified as cardiac arrest.