Berlin Brandenburg Airport experienced a temporary suspension of flights on Saturday evening following a reported drone sighting, according to German news agency dpa. The disruption lasted nearly two hours, from 8:08 p.m. to 9:58 p.m. local time, before normal operations resumed by the next morning. Witnesses alerted local police, who confirmed the sighting but were unable to locate the drone. Neither airport officials nor police representatives provided immediate comments on the incident. This event occurs amid heightened security concerns across Europe, particularly after a surge in drone intrusions into NATO airspace in September. Some European officials have speculated that these incidents may be orchestrated by Moscow to test NATO’s readiness. Notably, Munich Airport faced similar disruptions last month, with two closures in less than 24 hours due to drone sightings. The repeated incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of current defense mechanisms against such threats.
作者： admin
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AI ‘taking jobs’ say UAE recruiters after mass Amazon layoffs
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is reshaping the job market in the UAE, with recruitment experts warning of significant job losses in the near future. This trend follows mass layoffs at global tech giants like Amazon, where automation and AI have replaced human roles. Zaid Al Hiali, co-founder of Marc Ellis Consulting and Training, predicts that the Gulf region will soon experience a similar wave of AI-driven workforce reductions. He emphasized that AI is not only replacing operational roles but also technical positions, such as software engineering, where AI can now complete tasks like building a website in seconds. Al Hiali urged employees to upskill urgently to remain relevant, citing examples where AI systems have replaced entire teams of engineers in industries like oil and gas, banking, and technology. He also noted that AI adoption is impacting Emiratisation strategies, as entry-level roles traditionally filled by Emiratis, such as call centers, are increasingly being automated. Despite the grim outlook, some companies are taking a more ethical approach by retraining employees rather than replacing them outright. Aws Ismail, Al Hiali’s business partner, views AI as a productivity enhancer rather than a job eliminator. He shared examples of businesses thriving after integrating AI, such as a logistics company that reduced its sales team from 20 to two employees while improving efficiency. Ismail also highlighted the potential of AI in recruitment, with Marc Ellis launching an AI recruiter that has increased hiring speed by 40%. Candidates like Sakina Abdulhusein and Joshua Limcaoco praised AI-led interviews for their efficiency and lack of bias. While large-scale layoffs have yet to hit the UAE, experts agree that employees must embrace AI and upskill to secure their future in an increasingly automated workforce.
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Police seize €1.3bn from Campari owner over alleged tax evasion
Italian authorities have seized shares worth €1.3 billion (£1.1 billion; $1.5 billion) from Luxembourg-based Lagfin, the controlling entity of the Campari Group, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion. The confiscation follows a year-long probe into the company’s financial activities, particularly its absorption of its Italian subsidiary. Prosecutors allege that Lagfin failed to pay taxes equivalent to the value of the seized shares during the merger process. Campari, the renowned producer of spirits such as Aperol, Grand Marnier, and Courvoisier, has stated that neither the company nor its subsidiaries are involved in the case. However, Campari’s chairman, Luca Garavoglia, is reportedly under investigation. Lagfin, which holds over 50% of Campari’s shares and 80% of its voting rights, has maintained that it has always adhered to tax obligations across all jurisdictions. The investigation, initiated by Milan prosecutors last year, uncovered €5.3 billion in undeclared capital gains between 2018 and 2020, on which the company allegedly failed to pay an ‘exit tax’—a levy imposed on firms relocating their headquarters abroad. Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore also reported accusations that Lagfin transferred Italian assets to foreign ownership solely for tax benefits. Garavoglia, a billionaire who inherited Campari from his late mother, and Giovanni Berto, head of Campari’s Italian branch, are both implicated in the case. Campari, one of the world’s largest spirits producers, is valued at approximately €7 billion on the Milan Stock Exchange. The company traces its origins to 1860, when Gaspare Campari’s homemade bitter liqueur gained popularity at his Milan bar. By 1904, the family began commercial production, and from the 1990s, the firm expanded by acquiring other alcohol brands.
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Bonding strengthened via music and much more
On the Chinese short-video platform Douyin, a group of South Korean artists have garnered significant attention, amassing 500,000 followers and over 6 million likes by creating Korean cover versions of popular Chinese songs. Their account, Ouba Music and Ouba Studio, prominently features the slogan, ‘Music does not have boundaries,’ reflecting their mission to foster cross-cultural connections through music. Back Nam-jun, the manager of the accounts, emphasized that music transcends language barriers and serves as a universal medium for emotional expression, independent of political or diplomatic constraints. Back, a fluent Mandarin speaker and Shandong University graduate, shared a touching anecdote about a Chinese follower who uses their music to soothe her child to sleep. This interaction, among others, has motivated the team to continue their creative endeavors. Their work has also introduced many South Koreans to Chinese pop music for the first time. This initiative is part of broader people-to-people exchanges between China and South Korea, two neighboring nations with a history of cultural and economic collaboration. Woo Su-keun, president of the Korea-China Global Association, highlighted the mutual influence of Chinese and South Korean cultures, particularly among younger generations. Woo’s association is actively promoting youth, cultural, and sports exchanges, as well as fostering industrial cooperation in areas like sustainability and artificial intelligence. Shin Kyung-sook, president of the Korea-China Economy and Culture Education Association, emphasized the importance of educational and digital cultural collaborations, including AI art, metaverse tourism, and gaming. Back has also organized language exchange activities in Seoul and opened a Chinese classroom to further cultural understanding. Looking ahead, Back aspires to perform in China, aiming to connect directly with Chinese audiences and strengthen cultural bonds through music.
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Pope declares Cardinal Newman a church doctor and signals Catholic education a priority
In a historic ceremony at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV elevated St. John Henry Newman, the renowned 19th-century British theologian and convert, to the esteemed rank of Doctor of the Church. This title, one of the highest honors in Catholicism, places Newman among the ranks of luminaries such as St. Augustine and St. Therese of Lisieux. The declaration was made during a special Holy Year Mass for Catholic educators and students, where Newman was also named a co-patron of Catholic education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas. Newman, a pivotal figure in both Anglican and Catholic traditions, is celebrated for his profound contributions to Christian theology and his unwavering commitment to conscience and truth. Born in 1801, Newman’s journey from Anglicanism to Catholicism in 1845 marked a significant personal and theological transformation. His writings on doctrine, education, and the nature of universities continue to resonate, particularly in the context of modern challenges like the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on Newman as a model for educators underscores the Church’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and human dignity in education. Newman’s legacy, characterized by his holistic approach to learning and his ecumenical appeal, remains a beacon for both conservative and progressive Catholics. His hymns, such as ‘Lead, Kindly Light,’ continue to inspire worshipers across denominations, reflecting his enduring influence. The recognition of Newman as a Doctor of the Church highlights his universal relevance and the timeless value of his teachings.
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Timeless wisdom: Chinese classic novel delights South Koreans
The enduring allure of the Chinese classic novel, *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* (RTK), continues to captivate South Korean audiences, transcending centuries and cultural boundaries. Written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, the novel delves into the power struggles of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, weaving together themes of loyalty, strategy, and political intrigue. Its timeless relevance has made it a cultural cornerstone in South Korea, where the saying goes, ‘Don’t associate with someone who hasn’t read RTK three times.’
Professor Her Woo-bum, a South Korean scholar, has dedicated decades to studying and popularizing RTK. His work, *The Three Kingdoms Made Easy*, published in 2021, condenses the original 10-volume novel into two accessible volumes, enriched with commentary from Qing Dynasty critic Mao Zonggang and comparative analyses of South Korean translations. Her attributes RTK’s enduring popularity in South Korea to its alignment with traditional values like ‘righteousness’ and ‘loyalty,’ its compelling characters, and its adaptability to modern media such as games, films, and webtoons.
RTK’s influence extends beyond literature, permeating South Korean culture through over 2,000 related publications spanning history, economics, psychology, and leadership. The novel has also inspired a thriving market of derivative content, including webcomics, animations, and video games. Notably, the *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* game series by Japanese company Koei and mobile games like *The Blade of the Three Kingdoms* have garnered millions of downloads in South Korea.
Her’s journey with RTK began in childhood, evolving from comic books to in-depth academic exploration. Over two decades of research and field investigations have deepened his understanding of the novel, shifting his focus from heroic figures like Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang to the broader themes of ‘era’ and ‘human nature.’ His recent publication, *An Abridged Translation of the Records of the Three Kingdoms*, aims to guide middle-aged readers in navigating life’s challenges through the wisdom of RTK.
RTK’s introduction to South Korea dates back to the late Goryeo period, with its popularity peaking during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it remains a cultural symbol, inspiring new translations and interpretations. As Her aptly puts it, ‘RTK is not just a historical novel; it is a literary work that embodies human nature, wisdom, and strategy.’
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Watch: Heidi Klum slithers into Halloween as Medusa
Heidi Klum once again proved her status as the queen of Halloween with her jaw-dropping transformation into Medusa at her annual star-studded party. The supermodel, known for her elaborate and meticulously crafted costumes, stunned attendees with her serpentine ensemble, complete with lifelike snakes adorning her hair and a dramatic, ethereal makeup look. Klum’s Medusa costume was a masterclass in creativity and attention to detail, setting the bar high for celebrity Halloween celebrations. The event, a highlight of the social calendar, saw other A-listers showcasing their own imaginative outfits, but it was Klum’s mythical portrayal that dominated the spotlight. Her commitment to the Halloween spirit continues to inspire fans and fellow celebrities alike, cementing her party as a must-attend event in the entertainment world.
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Pakistan partially reopens Torkham border crossing to allow Afghan refugees to leave
Pakistan has partially reopened the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan, allowing thousands of stranded Afghan refugees to return home, officials confirmed on Saturday. However, restrictions on all other cross-border movements, including trade, remain in place. The border was closed on October 12 following deadly clashes between the two nations, which claimed dozens of lives on both sides. The nearly three-week closure left thousands of refugees and hundreds of trucks carrying goods stranded, disrupting vital trade routes. The reopening follows a ceasefire agreement reached after negotiations facilitated by Turkey and Qatar, aimed at preventing further escalation in the region. Since the ceasefire along the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line—a border Afghanistan has never formally recognized—no new exchange of fire has been reported. Thousands of refugees had been relocated to a temporary camp near the border, with many more waiting along the roadside. Despite the partial reopening, trade remains suspended. Local Afghan officials confirmed the gate was opened exclusively for refugees, with thousands expected to cross back into Afghanistan. The reopening comes amid heightened tensions, including Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, which Afghan officials claim killed civilians. The ceasefire agreement, finalized in Istanbul on Thursday, follows a sharp rise in militant attacks in Pakistan, many claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, a group emboldened by the Afghan Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.
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Supreme beauty that creates connections, bridges culture
Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hunan Province, China, has become a symbol of cultural connection between China and South Korea. Known for its stunning sandstone pillars and peaks, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area has captivated South Korean tourists, with over 340,000 visitors from South Korea in 2024 alone—a 21% increase from the previous year. The city’s unique appeal was further amplified by a popular South Korean drama, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ which featured a heartfelt promise to visit Zhangjiajie, sparking widespread interest on social media. To cater to this growing demographic, Zhangjiajie has introduced tailored services, including Korean restaurants and language training for local staff. The city’s efforts to attract young travelers include collaborations with influencers and enhanced online marketing. Beyond tourism, Zhangjiajie and Hadong County in South Korea have maintained a sister-city relationship since 2006, fostering cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. A recent exchange program saw a South Korean civil servant, Choi Sin-young, spend six months in Zhangjiajie, deepening her appreciation for Chinese culture and strengthening bilateral ties. The city’s commitment to fostering international friendships was highlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who praised a local bus driver’s heroic act in saving South Korean tourists as a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.
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Andrew should answer Epstein questions in US, Democrats say
In a significant move, King Charles III has officially revoked Prince Andrew’s title as a member of the British royal family. This decision, announced on Thursday, comes amidst mounting pressure over Andrew’s controversial ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but the scandal has cast a long shadow over the monarchy. The U.S. House Oversight Committee, currently investigating the Epstein case, has intensified its calls for Andrew to testify. Despite the committee being Republican-led, several Democratic members have urged Andrew to come forward voluntarily. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam emphasized the importance of Andrew’s testimony, stating, ‘If he wants to clear his name and do right by the victims, he will come forward.’ Fellow committee member Raja Krishnamoorthi suggested that a subpoena could be issued, though enforcement would be challenging given Andrew’s residence outside the U.S. Meanwhile, Liz Stein, one of Epstein’s accusers, criticized Andrew’s reluctance to cooperate, questioning why he remains unwilling to speak if he has ‘nothing to hide.’ Newly surfaced court documents reveal a 2010 email exchange between Andrew and Epstein, where Andrew expressed a desire to ‘catch up in person,’ contradicting his earlier claims of having severed ties. The Palace’s statement on the matter underscored the seriousness of the situation, expressing sympathy for the victims while acknowledging ‘serious lapses of judgment’ in Andrew’s conduct. The decision to strip Andrew of his title reflects the monarchy’s efforts to address the ongoing controversy and restore public trust.