In a decisive move to enhance road safety and curb noise pollution, Sharjah Police have confiscated 73 vehicles and 25 motorcycles following a series of traffic violations. The crackdown, announced on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, targeted offenses such as excessive noise, reckless driving, and operating vehicles without valid licenses. Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure public safety and avoid severe penalties. Under Article 20 of the Federal Traffic Law, vehicles exceeding the 95-decibel noise limit face a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and confiscation for up to six months. This initiative follows a surge in complaints from residents about disruptive driving behaviors and modified vehicles. Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, highlighted the growing concerns over road stunts, noise, and pollution in residential areas. Meanwhile, Dubai Police are also intensifying efforts to combat vehicle noise through advanced noise-detection radars, part of their smart traffic technology platform. These measures aim to identify and penalize violations such as loud engines, modified exhausts, and excessive honking. The coordinated efforts across the UAE underscore a commitment to creating safer and quieter urban environments.
作者: admin
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Lefter: The Greek who became Turkey’s football legend amid loss and pogrom
Lefter Kucukandonyadis, a legendary Turkish-Greek footballer, is the subject of a new Netflix film titled *Lefter: The Story of the Ordinarius*. The movie chronicles his illustrious career from the 1940s to the 1960s, while also shedding light on Turkey’s complex history with its minorities. Born into a Greek family in Istanbul in 1924, Lefter’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the struggles of non-Muslim citizens in Turkey. Despite his marginalized identity, he became a football icon, earning the nickname “Ordinarius” (the professor) for his exceptional skills. His career with Fenerbahce, one of Turkey’s “Big Three” clubs, solidified his legacy, but his personal story reveals deeper societal issues. The film explores his experiences during World War II, the Wealth Tax targeting minorities, and the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, where he faced violent attacks. Lefter’s life was a testament to resilience, as he navigated identity, loyalty, and loss. His story continues to resonate, with the Turkish Football Federation naming the 2018–19 Super League season in his honor.
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‘I won’t be silenced’ says French anti-drugs activist after murders of two brothers
Amine Kessaci, a prominent French anti-drugs campaigner, has vowed to continue his fight against drug-related violence after the tragic murder of his younger brother, Mehdi Kessaci, last week. This marks the second time Amine has lost a sibling to drug criminals, following the death of his elder brother, Brahim, in 2020. Mehdi, 20, was shot dead in central Marseille in what authorities believe was a targeted attack aimed at intimidating Amine, who has been a vocal critic of the city’s drug gangs. In an emotional op-ed published in *Le Monde*, Amine declared, ‘Yesterday I lost my brother. Today I speak out,’ emphasizing his refusal to be silenced by fear. The French government has described Mehdi’s murder as a turning point in the nation’s escalating drug wars. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez labeled the killing as a ‘crime of intimidation,’ signaling a new level of violence in the ongoing conflict. Amine, who founded the association Conscience to expose the impact of drug gangs on working-class communities, has faced direct threats to his life, prompting police to advise him to leave Marseille. Despite the dangers, he attended Mehdi’s funeral wearing a bulletproof vest and under heavy police protection. The murder has reignited national debate on France’s drug crisis, with experts warning that the problem is reaching unmanageable proportions. According to a recent study, the drug trade in France generates €7 billion annually, surpassing 70% of the justice ministry’s budget. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a crackdown on drug consumers, accusing the ‘city-centre bourgeoisie’ of funding traffickers. In response to the crisis, France has implemented new anti-drug laws, including the establishment of a specialized prosecutor’s office for organized crime. While progress has been made, with homicides in Marseille dropping from 49 in 2023 to 24 in 2024, officials acknowledge that the war against drugs is far from over.
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Study finds young-onset dementia outpacing late-onset dementia in China
A groundbreaking study published in *The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease* has unveiled a concerning trend in China: the growth rate of young-onset dementia (YOD) is now significantly outpacing that of late-onset dementia (LOD). The research, which analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study spanning 1990 to 2021, highlights a critical shift in the burden of dementia across age groups. While the total number of LOD cases remains higher, the incidence and prevalence of YOD—defined as onset before age 65—have surged more sharply since 2012. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for early intervention and preventive measures. Dr. Han Ying, a leading cognitive disorders specialist at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, emphasized that dementia prevention must begin as early as age 40, particularly for individuals in the prime of their careers and family responsibilities. The study also identified key modifiable risk factors for both YOD and LOD, including tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Notably, these risk factors exhibit significant gender-based variations, with tobacco use posing a greater threat to men and high glucose levels and BMI affecting women more severely. Dr. Han urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritize brain health from midlife to mitigate these risks.
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Curacao becomes the smallest country to qualify for Fifa World Cup
In a historic achievement, Curacao has become the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s previous record. With a population of just 156,000, the Caribbean island nation secured its place in the 2026 World Cup finals after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston. This marks Curacao’s first-ever appearance on the global football stage. The team, composed entirely of players born in the Netherlands with Antillean roots, held their ground despite intense pressure from Jamaica, who hit the woodwork three times in the second half. The match’s dramatic climax saw a last-minute penalty awarded to Jamaica, only for the referee to overturn the decision after consulting VAR. Curacao’s qualification was further bolstered by their consistent performance in the CONCACAF region, where they topped Group B. Meanwhile, Haiti and Panama also secured their spots in the World Cup, with Haiti overcoming internal strife and Panama delivering a dominant 3-0 victory over El Salvador. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., will feature 48 teams, making it the largest in the tournament’s history. Curacao’s qualification is a testament to the resilience and determination of smaller nations in global football.
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Two iconic events set to redefine Dubai’s December fashion calendar
As Boulevard One commemorates 15 years of redefining South Asian luxury in Dubai, the brand is set to host two extraordinary fashion events this December. The celebrations kick off with ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ on December 4 at Folly Dubai, followed by ‘The Velvet Show’ on December 6 at The Ballroom, Address Sky View Hotel. These events promise to elevate Dubai’s fashion calendar with unparalleled creativity and elegance. ‘A Vogue Moment Vol. II’ will transform Folly Dubai into a hub of high fashion, featuring exclusive collections from renowned designers such as Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, Hamna Amir, Jafar Jafry, Zainab Salman, and Nomi Ansari. The event will be directed by Vaneeza Ahmad, with NABILA as the official beauty partner, ensuring a night of sophistication and modern luxury. Sadaf M. Khan, CEO of Boulevard One, describes the event as a tribute to the brand’s journey and its community of designers, collaborators, and audiences. ‘The Velvet Show’ will continue the festivities, showcasing over 85 leading South Asian designers in a grand exhibition at Address Sky View. This event will offer Dubai’s fashion enthusiasts a chance to explore bridal, festive, and couture collections from celebrated fashion houses across Pakistan and India. Since its inception in 2012, Boulevard One has been a trailblazer in South Asian luxury fashion, connecting designers with a global audience through its prestigious events and e-commerce platform. The brand’s commitment to female entrepreneurship, creative collaboration, and cross-cultural luxury continues to shine on the international stage.
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Some UAE schools withholding results from parents over unsigned agreement
Government schools in the UAE have implemented a new policy requiring parents to sign the Parent-School Partnership Charter before releasing term exam results. This mandatory agreement, applicable to both citizens and residents, aims to foster collaboration between schools and families in addressing academic and behavioral matters. School administrations have confirmed that exam grades will not be accessible on online platforms until the charter is signed and approved through the designated system. The Ministry of Education, which issues and updates the charter annually, emphasizes its role in defining responsibilities that support student well-being and create a positive learning environment. Key provisions of the charter include ensuring a safe and inclusive school atmosphere, maintaining regular communication with parents, enforcing attendance policies, and promoting positive citizenship. Additionally, it outlines parental responsibilities such as supporting academic progress, monitoring health and behavior, and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities. Parents can sign the charter using their digital ID, review the terms, and receive an official copy via email. Schools have reiterated that results will remain withheld until the process is completed, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the partnership between schools and families for the benefit of students.
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Chinese ‘lunar soil bricks’ return from space, paving way for construction on moon
China has achieved a significant milestone in its lunar exploration program with the successful return of experimental ‘lunar soil bricks’ from space. These bricks, exposed to the extreme conditions of space for a year, arrived on Earth aboard the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft last week. Initial inspections confirmed their structural integrity, marking a crucial step toward China’s goal of constructing infrastructure on the moon by 2035. The experiment, led by Ding Lieyun of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, began in November 2024 when the Tianzhou 8 cargo ship transported simulated lunar soil samples to China’s space station. A total of 74 bricks were mounted on the station’s exterior exposure platform for a three-year study. The bricks, crafted from volcanic ash from Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, mimic the composition of lunar regolith. They exhibit triple the compressive strength of conventional bricks and remain stable under the moon’s extreme temperature fluctuations and cosmic radiation. The team employed traditional Chinese masonry techniques and developed a robotic system for assembly, akin to LEGO blocks, with 3D printing used for structural reinforcement. Future analysis of the bricks will provide insights into their long-term durability in the lunar environment, laying the groundwork for extraterrestrial construction.
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Miss Universe judging panel loses another member as football manager withdraws
The Miss Universe pageant, already grappling with internal tensions, encountered another setback on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, as two prominent judges withdrew from the event. Musician Omar Harfouch cited concerns over what he described as unfair practices in the competition’s voting procedures, while French football manager Claude Makélélé stepped down citing ‘personal reasons.’ Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, had been invited to join the judging panel in July but resigned following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the voting process. He also announced that he would not allow his composed music to be used at the event. Makélélé, who was recently added to the selection committee, expressed regret over his decision, emphasizing his respect for the pageant’s values of empowerment, diversity, and excellence. ‘This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard,’ he stated. ‘I sincerely apologize to the organization, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to contribute in the future under better circumstances.’ The Miss Universe organization had previously praised Makélélé’s leadership and vision, highlighting his role in selecting the next Miss Universe in Thailand. These withdrawals add to the mounting challenges facing the pageant, raising questions about its internal governance and future direction.
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Dubai: Flydubai to resume operating from Al Maktoum airport in two years
Flydubai, the Dubai-based budget airline, has revealed plans to resume operations from Al Maktoum International Airport within the next two years. The announcement was made by Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, during a media interaction at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Currently operating from Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport (DXB), the airline had previously utilized Al Maktoum Airport before suspending services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Al Ghaith emphasized that the move is part of a strategic expansion plan, starting modestly and scaling up over time. He also dismissed concerns about capacity constraints at DXB, which is nearing full operational limits. The transition to Al Maktoum Airport is expected to alleviate pressure on DXB while providing flydubai with greater flexibility for growth. The airline’s return to Al Maktoum marks a significant step in Dubai’s aviation strategy, reinforcing the city’s position as a global aviation hub.
