In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially launched commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of smart transportation. This initiative, spearheaded by the emirate’s advanced technology sector, underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art AI and sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban mobility by enhancing safety, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing carbon emissions. The deployment of these vehicles aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart city development. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Luanzinho’s heroic performance secured a hard-fought draw for the UAE in their World Cup playoff against Iraq. The match, characterized by intense competition and strategic gameplay, highlighted the resilience and determination of the UAE team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
作者： admin
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Look: Rare photos and artefacts trace the 70-year journey of Dubai Police
Dubai Police has unveiled a captivating exhibition at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference, tracing its remarkable 70-year journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized institution. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 17, the showcase features rare artefacts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The exhibition, part of the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, marks ICOM’s first general conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The display opens with a striking juxtaposition of the original 1956 khaki uniform and the modern ceremonial attire, symbolizing decades of evolution in service and discipline. Among the highlights is a Sony-made video-call phone from 2000, a testament to the force’s early embrace of technology. Visitors can also explore the origins of the Dubai Police anthem, composed in 1963, and examine historical correspondence detailing the meticulous planning behind symbols of authority. Restored photographs and audio commentary chronicle milestones, from the introduction of aerial surveillance to the pioneering inclusion of female officers. The exhibit’s design, blending traditional wind-tower architecture with digital interfaces, mirrors the institution’s fusion of heritage and innovation. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, expressed pride in the showcase, which underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing progress.
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Sotheby’s says a diamond brooch lost by Napoleon as his forces fled Waterloo sells for $4.4 million
A historic diamond brooch once owned by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, lost during his retreat from the Battle of Waterloo in the early 19th century, was sold for over 3.5 million Swiss francs (approximately $4.4 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva on Wednesday. The exquisite piece, which doubles as a pendant, features a 13-carat oval diamond encircled by smaller cut diamonds. The final sale price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of 200,000 francs, with the hammer price alone reaching 2.85 million francs, excluding additional fees. The brooch was discovered among Napoleon’s personal belongings in carriages delayed by muddy roads during his escape from British and Prussian forces. For over two centuries, the jewel remained part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern’s heirlooms. Sotheby’s did not reveal the seller’s identity but confirmed the buyer as a private collector. The auction also featured other notable items, including a 132-carat green beryl reportedly worn by Napoleon at his 1804 coronation, which sold for 838,000 francs. The sale gained added significance following the recent theft of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre in Paris. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, noted the brooch’s historical allure and its timing amidst renewed global interest in Napoleonic artifacts. Later that day, Sotheby’s hosted a high jewelry auction featuring a 10-carat pink diamond, the ‘Glowing Rose,’ expected to fetch around $20 million.
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Year’s largest wave of migratory birds reaches Wuhan wetland
The Fuhe Wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, has become a bustling haven for migratory birds as this year’s largest wave of avian visitors arrived in early November. This annual phenomenon marks the peak season for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a spectacular display of biodiversity. The wetland’s expansive waters are now teeming with a variety of species, including bean geese, gray geese, gadwalls, green-winged teals, and wigeons. Among the reeds, Eurasian spoonbills elegantly forage with their distinctive shovel-shaped beaks, while pied avocets stride purposefully along the banks. This natural spectacle not only highlights the ecological importance of the Fuhe Wetland but also underscores the region’s role as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. The arrival of these birds is a testament to the wetland’s health and its ability to support diverse wildlife, drawing attention from conservationists and nature lovers alike.
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China’s moment: When Washington and Moscow both bow to Beijing
The recent Xi–Trump summit in South Korea has underscored China’s unprecedented rise on the global stage. Once a nation caught between the Cold War superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union, China has now emerged as a pivotal player, wielding significant influence over both Washington and Moscow. This shift marks a dramatic transformation from the past, where China relied heavily on Soviet support and later on Russian military imports. Today, with Russia’s economy faltering under Western sanctions and its military weakened by the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing. Bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a record $237 billion in 2024, with China serving as Russia’s largest trading partner and a critical supplier of dual-use goods essential for its defense industry. Meanwhile, China’s strategic leverage over the United States has also grown, particularly through its dominance in rare earth materials and global supply chains. During the recent trade turbulence, Beijing’s targeted countermeasures forced Washington back to the negotiating table, highlighting a shift from unilateral U.S. sanctions to a more balanced power dynamic. The Xi–Trump summit further revealed China’s ability to assert its interests on the global stage, with both Russia and the United States increasingly constrained by Beijing’s influence. As economic and security frictions intensify, China’s strategic use of its rare earth monopoly and its growing role in global politics signal a new era of power dynamics, where Beijing stands at the forefront of international affairs.
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Vatican bank rehires couple fired for violating workplace marriage rule
In a significant turn of events, a married couple previously dismissed from the Vatican bank for violating an internal rule prohibiting workplace marriages has been reinstated following a negotiated settlement. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the union representing Vatican lay employees. Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani, who had filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in January, were married on August 31, 2024, and faced dismissal shortly thereafter. The union hailed the settlement as ‘a victory of common sense,’ though details regarding their return to work and specific roles remain undisclosed. The couple, who share three children from previous relationships, refused to cancel their wedding despite the bank’s suggestion that one of them resign. Financial obligations, including child support, alimony, and a new mortgage, made this option unfeasible. The union emphasized that while the settlement marks a positive outcome, it is incomplete as Vatican procedures do not provide for the reimbursement of legal fees for the prevailing party. The union also highlighted the lack of social support during the couple’s legal battle and criticized the regulation that led to their dismissal, noting it would be deemed unconstitutional in Italy. The couple has not publicly commented on the settlement but had previously expressed hope for intervention from the late Pope Francis, given his strong emphasis on family values.
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Trump claims ‘obligation’ to sue BBC over speech edit
US President Donald Trump has declared an ‘obligation’ to pursue legal action against the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of misleading the public through a controversial edit of his speech. In a Fox News interview aired on Tuesday, Trump hinted at a potential defamation lawsuit, though he stopped short of confirming formal proceedings. This follows a letter from Trump’s legal team, seen by AFP, which threatened the BBC with a billion-dollar lawsuit. The BBC has since apologized for the edit, which allegedly gave the impression that Trump incited ‘violent action’ ahead of the 2021 Capitol assault. The broadcaster also announced a review of the letter and the resignation of its director general and top news executive over the controversy. Trump criticized the BBC, stating that it ‘defrauded the public’ and emphasized that Britain, ‘supposedly one of our great allies,’ has a stake in the broadcaster. The incident occurs during a politically sensitive period for the BBC, as it prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, set to expire in 2027. Trump has faced accusations of using lawsuits to suppress criticism in US media since his return to power in January. The BBC documentary featuring the edited speech aired last year, sparking widespread debate.
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Major corruption scandal engulfs top Zelensky allies
In a significant development, Ukraine’s Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko have resigned following a major corruption investigation in the country’s energy sector. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for their removal on Wednesday, just days after anti-corruption bodies accused several individuals of orchestrating a massive embezzlement scheme, including at the national nuclear operator Enerhoatom. The scandal has implicated close associates of Zelensky, raising questions about his administration’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) revealed that the 15-month investigation uncovered the involvement of four government members, with approximately $100 million laundered and transferred abroad, including to Russia. The funds were allegedly funneled through an office in Kyiv linked to the family of former Ukrainian lawmaker and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. The scandal has erupted amidst escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, further complicating the nation’s efforts to secure its energy supply. This incident also highlights the persistent issue of corruption in Ukraine, despite the efforts of Nabu and Sap over the past decade. Earlier this year, nationwide protests erupted over changes that threatened the independence of these anti-corruption bodies, leading to concerns about Ukraine’s EU candidacy status. While Zelensky eventually reinstated their independence, the latest scandal has reignited doubts about his dedication to combating corruption.
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Bangladesh on high alert ahead of court fixing verdict date in case against Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh is on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) prepares to announce the verdict date in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, during the July 2024 uprising. The announcement, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has sparked widespread tension across the country. Security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to key locations, including airports and major installations, to maintain order. Over the past two days, incidents of vehicle arson and crude bomb explosions have been reported in Dhaka and other regions, further escalating concerns. The Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, has called for a nationwide dawn-to-dusk lockdown on Thursday, urging citizens to participate. However, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has banned the party’s activities, forcing leaders to organize through social media from undisclosed locations. Police have launched nationwide operations to arrest Awami League leaders and activists, while security checkpoints have been established on major roads. The July 2024 student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, prompting her to flee to India on August 5, 2024. The interim government has since initiated legal proceedings against her in the ICT, which was originally established by her administration to prosecute crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Testimonies in the case have concluded, and the tribunal is set to announce the verdict date on Thursday.
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US ends penny-making run after more than 230 years
The United States is bidding farewell to the penny, a one-cent coin that has been in circulation for over 230 years. The Philadelphia Mint will produce its final batch of pennies on Thursday, marking the end of an era. While the coins will remain in circulation, businesses are already adjusting prices as pennies become increasingly scarce. The decision to halt production is driven by economic considerations, with the government estimating annual savings of $56 million. President Donald Trump, who first announced the plans in February, framed the move as a step toward eliminating waste in the national budget. Pennies, which honor Civil War president Abraham Lincoln and are made of copper-plated zinc, now cost nearly four cents each to produce—more than twice the cost a decade ago. The rise of electronic transactions has further diminished the penny’s relevance, with the Treasury Department noting that approximately 300 billion pennies remain in circulation, far exceeding commercial needs. A 2022 government analysis revealed that about 60% of all coins in circulation, equivalent to $60-$90 per household, are stashed away at home, deemed not worth trading in. However, the phase-out may have unintended consequences for consumers. A study by the Richmond Federal Reserve estimates that businesses rounding up prices could cost shoppers $6 million annually. The US is not alone in this trend; countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have also phased out their lowest-value coins. Attention in the US has now shifted to the nickel, which costs nearly 14 cents to produce despite its five-cent face value. Retiring the nickel could have a more significant financial impact, potentially costing consumers $55 million annually.