The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a stark warning to residents about the rising threat of zero-day attacks, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in protecting personal data. These attacks exploit undisclosed security vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to infiltrate devices without the user’s knowledge. Alarmingly, the Council highlighted that even a single WhatsApp call could serve as a gateway for cybercriminals to access sensitive information, including photos and messages. This revelation underscores the sophistication of modern cyber threats and the urgency for individuals to adopt robust security measures. To combat these risks, the Council has recommended several protective steps: regularly updating WhatsApp, avoiding suspicious links, enabling two-step verification, and using trusted security apps. Additionally, silencing unknown callers and relying solely on official sources for information can further mitigate risks. The warning follows a recent call by UAE officials at Gitex Global 2025 for residents to take greater responsibility for their online safety. Lt. Colonel Dr. Hamad Khalifa Alnuaimi, Head of Telecommunications at Abu Dhabi Police, stressed that everyone must play an active role in safeguarding themselves against cybercrime. As cyber threats evolve, the UAE continues to lead in raising awareness and promoting proactive cybersecurity practices.
作者： admin
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Eleven provincial-level regions buck national trend with population growth
Despite a nationwide population decline of 4.32 million over the past three years, eleven provincial-level regions in China have bucked the trend by recording significant population growth, according to the China Statistical Yearbook 2025. These regions include Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hainan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Guizhou, Fujian, Hubei, Ningxia Hui, Xizang, and Xinjiang Uygur, with Zhejiang and Guangdong leading the surge. The growth is attributed to migration patterns favoring the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions, as people from smaller cities and rural areas continue to move toward urban centers. Zhejiang, in particular, saw its population increase by 1.3 million, driven by its thriving private sector and balanced regional development, which minimized urban-rural disparities. Among cities, Hefei, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Changsha, and Zhengzhou experienced the highest population increases, with Hefei reaching a milestone of 10 million residents in 2024. Beyond migration, birth rates and natural population growth remain key factors, with regions in western and southern coastal areas showing higher birth rates. For instance, Guangdong not only attracts migrants but also leads the nation in births, with a rate of 8.89 per thousand.
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AP Interview: Security guard who foiled Stade de France bomber recounts traumatic night
Ten years after the devastating Paris terror attacks, Salim Toorabally, a security agent at Stade de France, continues to grapple with the psychological scars of that fateful night. On November 13, 2015, coordinated attacks across Paris claimed 132 lives and injured over 400. At the national stadium, Toorabally’s vigilance prevented a catastrophic loss of life by stopping Bilal Hadfi, one of the three suicide bombers, from entering the venue. Despite being hailed as a hero by then-President François Hollande and the public, Toorabally’s own suffering has remained largely unaddressed.
Toorabally, stationed at Gate L, recounted how he intercepted Hadfi, who attempted to tailgate another fan. Suspicious of Hadfi’s behavior, Toorabally alerted his colleagues, ensuring the bomber was denied entry. Hadfi later detonated his explosive vest outside the stadium, causing one death and injuring 14. Toorabally vividly remembers the explosions, the smell of burning, and the chaos that followed. He also tended to a wounded man, an experience that left him with haunting memories of blood and human flesh on his hands.
Despite his heroism, Toorabally received no immediate psychological support, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has since sought therapy, but the traumatic images of that night, including the graphic aftermath of Hadfi’s death, remain etched in his mind. Toorabally’s story underscores the long-term impact of terrorism on survivors and first responders, even as they are celebrated for their bravery.
As France commemorates the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Toorabally’s presence at a recent World Cup qualifier in Paris was a poignant reminder of the night that changed his life forever. His courage averted a potential disaster, but the emotional toll continues to weigh heavily on him. Former President Hollande and French footballer Blaise Matuidi have praised Toorabally’s actions, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy he prevented. Yet, for Toorabally, the battle with his own trauma remains far from over.
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‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ teaser: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway are back together
The highly anticipated teaser for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ has finally been released, sparking excitement among fans. The sequel, set to premiere on May 1, 2026, reunites much of the original cast from the 2006 hit film, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. The 51-second teaser opens with Streep’s iconic character, Miranda Priestly, striding through the hallways of the fictional ‘Runway’ magazine in her signature red pumps. Hathaway’s Andy Sachs soon joins her in the elevator, showcasing her own style and a knowing smile. The teaser is perfectly synced with Madonna’s ‘Vogue,’ adding a nostalgic touch. According to Variety, the sequel follows Miranda as she navigates her career in a declining print journalism industry, while facing her former junior assistant, Emily Charlton (Blunt), now a high-powered executive. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film also introduces new cast members, including Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, and Lucy Liu. The original film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, was a cultural phenomenon, and the sequel promises to delve deeper into the chaotic world of fashion and power dynamics.
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Trump’s new ambassador Guilfoyle visits head of Greece’s Orthodox Church
ATHENS, Greece — Kimberly Guilfoyle, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece and a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s inner circle, met with Archbishop Ieronymos II, the head of Greece’s Orthodox Church, on Thursday. This marked one of her first significant engagements since assuming her diplomatic role in Athens. Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and Fox News host who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Greece, emphasizing the importance of strengthening U.S.-Greece relations. During the meeting, she revealed that Archbishop Ieronymos was the first person she contacted after her nomination, describing the conversation as a spiritually enriching experience. The 56-year-old ambassador, who presented her credentials to Greece’s president on November 4, highlighted her commitment to fostering a blossoming relationship between the two nations. Archbishop Ieronymos extended his appreciation to President Trump for the opportunity to enhance bilateral ties and offered prayers for the U.S. leader. Guilfoyle’s visit underscores the significance of religious and diplomatic collaboration in advancing mutual goals.
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Nigeria cancels mother-tongue teaching in primary schools and reverts to English
The Nigerian government has decided to scrap a contentious education policy that mandated the use of indigenous languages for teaching in early schooling, reinstating English as the primary medium of instruction. Introduced three years ago by former Education Minister Adamu Adamu, the policy aimed to enhance learning by teaching children in their mother tongue, a method supported by UN studies on early childhood education. However, current Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the policy’s immediate cancellation, citing its failure to deliver expected academic outcomes. Data from key examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), revealed significant academic underperformance in regions that adopted the mother-tongue approach. The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some, like education expert Dr. Aliyu Tilde, support the reversal, arguing Nigeria lacks the resources and trained teachers to implement such a policy effectively, others believe the policy was abandoned too soon. Critics, including social affairs analyst Habu Dauda, contend that the initiative required more time, investment, and support to succeed. The debate underscores Nigeria’s struggle to balance its linguistic heritage with the practical demands of a globalized economy where English proficiency is paramount. The policy reversal highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s education system, including poor teaching quality, inadequate resources, and low teacher pay, which have contributed to high dropout rates and millions of children out of school.
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Single checkpoint, 6 countries: ‘One-stop’ GCC air-travel system explained
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has introduced a groundbreaking ‘one-stop’ air-travel system, set to revolutionize intra-regional travel for Gulf citizens. This innovative initiative, which merges immigration and security checks into a single checkpoint, aims to simplify travel across the six GCC member states: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The system will be piloted between the UAE and Bahrain starting December 2025, with plans for full implementation across the region.
The ‘one-stop’ system allows eligible passengers to complete all necessary checks—including immigration, security, and potentially customs—before departure. Upon arrival, travelers can collect their baggage and exit the airport without further formalities, mirroring the experience of domestic flights. This streamlined process is designed to eliminate redundant checks and enhance travel efficiency.
While the initial phase is limited to Gulf nationals, officials have hinted at the possibility of expanding eligibility to resident expatriates in future phases. The system complements the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa, which will enable international visitors to travel freely across all six member states with a single entry permit.
Unlike country-specific e-gates or smart gates, the ‘one-stop’ model represents a collaborative effort among GCC countries to create a seamless travel experience. Operational details, such as dedicated lanes and signage, will be announced closer to the rollout. The pilot phase will focus on international airports in the UAE and Bahrain, with expansion to other GCC states contingent on the success of the initial trial.
This initiative underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering regional integration and boosting tourism, making travel within the Gulf as effortless as moving between cities in the same country.
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K-pop group NewJeans returns to label ADOR; ex-CEO Min Hee Jin assures support
In a significant development within the K-pop industry, all five members of the globally acclaimed group NewJeans have opted to return to their label, ADOR, following a court ruling in late October 2025. The decision comes after a tumultuous period marked by legal disputes and public revelations about the group’s relationship with their former CEO, Min Hee Jin, who was ousted from her position in 2024. The conflict escalated when NewJeans attempted to form an independent group under the name NJZ, prompting ADOR to seek a legal injunction. The South Korean court ultimately ruled in favor of ADOR, leading to the group’s return. On November 12, ADOR confirmed that the two youngest members, Haerin and Hyein, had decided to rejoin the label after consultations with their families. Shortly after, the remaining members—Minji, Hanni, and Danielle—also announced their return. Min Hee Jin, who has been a maternal figure to the group, publicly supported their decision, emphasizing the importance of unity among the five members. She praised their courage and expressed her commitment to their happiness, urging fans to continue supporting the group. Min also addressed the ongoing legal battles between herself and HYBE, as well as between ADOR and NewJeans, describing it as a challenging period but clarifying that these issues are separate from the group’s future. She remains optimistic about her own path forward, vowing to uncover the truth through her legal efforts.
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World University Presidents Forum in Hangzhou discusses AI in education
The 2025 World University Presidents Forum, held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, brought together over 170 leaders from academia, government, and industry across 40 countries to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Co-hosted by the China Association of Higher Education and Zhejiang University (ZJU), the forum emphasized the need for innovation, ethical considerations, and global collaboration in integrating AI into teaching, learning, and university governance. Vice-Minister of Education Ren Youqun highlighted the importance of risk prevention, expanded data access, and ethical rationality as AI continues to evolve. A key outcome of the forum was the launch of the Global University Collaborative Mechanism for Innovation in AI Education and Teaching, which includes 78 founding member universities from China and abroad. This initiative will publish a white paper on AI literacy, develop global open courses, and introduce ‘AI+X’ micro-programs under the STEP (Start, Train, Explore, Progress) framework. ZJU President Ma Yanming shared insights into the university’s AI STEP Initiative, which aims to foster AI-empowered education and cultivate students as innovators. Concurrently, the 2025 International Forum on Higher Education released the Hangzhou Initiative, advocating for human–machine collaboration in talent cultivation, intelligent research paradigms, AI-enhanced governance, and global innovation in education. Ren Shaobo, Chairman of the ZJU Council, reiterated the university’s commitment to nurturing innovative talent and exploring AI-driven governance models. UNESCO’s Shahbaz Khan underscored the broader societal impact of AI, emphasizing its potential to support equity, sustainability, and peace. The forum marked a significant step toward reshaping global higher education in the AI era.
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Dubai becomes key US investment hub, supporting 184,000 American jobs
Dubai has solidified its position as a pivotal hub for American investments, supporting approximately 184,000 jobs in the United States, according to UAE government estimates. This significant figure underscores Dubai’s growing role as a gateway for US businesses expanding into the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and beyond. The findings were highlighted during the Dubai Business Forum – USA in New York, which attracted around 700 attendees and showcased the deepening economic ties between Dubai and the US. A report by Dubai Chambers further revealed that trade between the two regions has surged, with Dubai’s exports to the US increasing by 76% from $5.2 billion in 2018 to $9.3 billion in 2024, while imports grew by 34% to $22.3 billion. Over the past decade, the US has become Dubai’s top source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with $21.7 billion channeled into 1,474 projects across sectors such as tourism, IT, business services, and communications. Dubai’s strategic advantages, including its world-class logistics, connectivity, and business-friendly policies, have made it an attractive destination for American companies. Additionally, Dubai’s leadership in digital transformation and blockchain regulation has drawn significant interest from US tech firms and entrepreneurs, further cementing its status as a global innovation hub.