A comprehensive review published in the British medical journal BMJ has conclusively refuted claims associating paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism in children. This comes after former US President Donald Trump sparked controversy in September by asserting that the common painkiller, also known as acetaminophen, was linked to higher autism rates. Trump’s remarks, which urged pregnant women to avoid paracetamol and ‘tough it out,’ drew widespread criticism from the medical community, who warned that such statements could deter women from using the safest available pain relief option and further stigmatize autistic individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently emphasized the lack of robust evidence supporting a connection between paracetamol and autism. The BMJ review, led by a UK-based team of researchers, analyzed all existing scientific studies on the topic and found no clear link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring. Previous studies suggesting a potential link were deemed of ‘low to critically low’ quality, as they failed to account for confounding factors like genetic predisposition. The review also highlighted the historical underinvestment in women’s health research and called for more rigorous studies. Experts, including Professor Dimitrios Siassakos of University College London and Steven Kapp of the University of Portsmouth, praised the findings, noting that neurodivergence is not caused by paracetamol and that efforts should focus on improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals rather than attempting to prevent neurodivergence. Trump and his vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have repeatedly made unfounded claims about autism, including labeling it an ‘epidemic.’ However, experts attribute the rise in autism diagnoses to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness.
作者： admin
-
Armed men in Mali publicly killed a TikTok influencer, authorities say
In a chilling act of violence, a prominent TikTok influencer in Mali was abducted and executed by armed men, authorities confirmed on Monday. Mariame Cissé, known for her pro-military posts on the platform, was forcibly taken from a weekly market in Echel on Friday. The following evening, she was brought to Independence Square in Tonka and publicly executed in front of a horrified crowd. Yehia Tandina, the mayor of Timbuktu, provided these harrowing details to The Associated Press. Mamadou Konipo, the mayor of Tonka, corroborated the incident but noted a lack of further information. Tonka, a village near the Niger River approximately 150 kilometers from Timbuktu, is a known stronghold for the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). No group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing. Cissé, who amassed over 140,000 followers on TikTok, frequently shared images of herself in military attire, which likely drew the attention of her assailants. She had reportedly received death threats days before her abduction. Mali has been grappling with escalating violence since 2012, with JNIM and other armed groups dominating vast rural areas. The military seized power in 2020, citing the need to address insecurity, but the situation has deteriorated further, exacerbated by a recent fuel blockade imposed by JNIM.
-
Chrysalis International Academy breaks ground in Dubailand, setting new standards for British curriculum education in Dubai
In a landmark development for Dubai’s educational sector, Chrysalis International Academy has officially broken ground in Dubailand, marking the third educational initiative by Nalapad Investments and MVK Holdings. Scheduled to open in September 2027, the academy aims to set new benchmarks in British curriculum education, aligning with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) vision to establish Dubai as a global hub for education, innovation, and lifelong learning. The project caters to the growing demand for quality education in the rapidly expanding residential communities of Dubailand and Liwan. The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Liwan site, was attended by Abdulla Khalifa Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group, alongside government officials, education leaders, investors, and families. Abdulla Nalapad Ahmed, Managing Director of Nalapad Investments, emphasized the academy’s mission to empower students academically while fostering them into compassionate global citizens. The academy will offer a comprehensive British educational pathway from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, enriched with STEAM education, Arabic and Islamic Studies, and pathways to IGCSE and A-Levels. The campus, designed with sustainability and student well-being at its core, will feature state-of-the-art facilities including temperature-controlled swimming pools, interactive learning spaces, and specialist areas such as innovation hubs and STEAM labs. Chrysalis International Academy represents a forward-thinking investment in Dubai’s youth, integrating emotional well-being, inclusivity, and cutting-edge design into every aspect of learning.
-
‘Genocide stopped only in media’: Gaza endures daily bombings a month into truce
Despite the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza a month ago, the lives of many Palestinians, including Manar Jendiya, remain fraught with danger and uncertainty. Originally from Gaza City, Jendiya has been displaced in Deir al-Balah since the truce began on October 11. Her neighborhood, Shujaiya, remains under Israeli control, and two weeks into the agreement, Israeli forces bombed the area where she was staying, forcing her to flee once again. Tragically, one of these attacks claimed the life of her sister, who had been caring for her children alone after her husband was killed earlier in the conflict.
Jendiya’s story is emblematic of the broader suffering in Gaza, where many residents feel that Israel’s two-year campaign of violence continues unabated. Daily explosions demolish homes, and shelling and gunfire persist, claiming lives and causing injuries. Essential supplies like food and medicine remain scarce due to the ongoing Israeli siege. Jendiya poignantly remarked, ‘The genocide has only stopped in the media. But for us, it’s still ongoing.’
Since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed at least 242 Palestinians, including dozens of children, in clear violation of the agreement. The Rafah crossing, crucial for evacuating the severely wounded to Egypt, remains closed, and only a fraction of the agreed-upon aid trucks are allowed through daily. Most carry non-essential items, leaving critical supplies in short supply.
Adding to the psychological toll, Israeli drones hover over Gaza, broadcasting threatening messages and playing disturbing sounds late at night. Anas Moeen, a 30-year-old resident, described the drones as a deliberate tactic to spread panic and anxiety. ‘They are addressing civilians with messages like ‘hand over the bodies of captives’ and ‘respect the ceasefire’, but as civilians, this is not our responsibility,’ he said. ‘What we understand from these messages is that the army can reach us at any moment, that the war isn’t over, and we could be the next target whenever the drone operator decides.’
The situation on the ground remains dire, with Israeli military vehicles positioned just two kilometers from central Gaza City. Moeen described the constant routine of air raids, artillery shelling, and gunfire as ‘hysterical,’ with soldiers sometimes keeping their fingers on the trigger for extended periods. Despite the ceasefire, the threat of renewed war looms large, leaving Gaza’s residents in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty.
-
India trade delegation to visit Moscow as US tariffs hit exports
A significant delegation of Indian exporters is set to embark on a four-day visit to Moscow, commencing on Tuesday, as part of New Delhi’s strategy to diversify export markets in response to the impact of heightened US tariffs. The delegation, comprising over 20 exporters from the engineering sector, aims to strengthen trade ties with Russia, a key partner for India. This initiative comes ahead of an anticipated visit to India by Russian President Vladimir Putin next month. The engineering sector, which accounts for nearly 20% of India’s total merchandise exports, has been particularly affected by the US tariff hikes. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% as a punitive measure for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, straining bilateral relations. Despite these challenges, both nations are now working towards a trade agreement. S C Ralhan, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), emphasized the growing potential for collaboration in the engineering and tools sector. ‘Russia has been a crucial business partner for India, and our engineering exports to Russia are expected to reach $1.75 billion this year,’ he stated. The visit aims to deepen commercial ties and promote Indian manufacturing in the Russian market. Recent data reveals a decline in India’s engineering exports to the US, its largest market, by 9.4% year-on-year to $1.40 billion in September. Conversely, India’s exports to Russia surged by 14.6% year-on-year to $4.9 billion in the fiscal year 2024/25, while imports, primarily crude oil and energy products, increased by 4.3% to $63.8 billion. Indian exporters have capitalized on supply gaps in Russia following the exit of Western firms post-Ukraine invasion. However, imports have recently slowed due to US sanctions on major Russian crude oil exporters. During the MITEX Tools Expo in Moscow from November 11-14, Indian firms will showcase their engineering goods, with the Indian Embassy and Commerce Ministry facilitating meetings with Russian buyers to foster trade and joint ventures.
-
Sharjah in New York? Luxury coffee table book on ‘capital of culture’ launched globally
Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural hub, has been immortalized in a lavish coffee table book titled ‘Sharjah: The Capital of Culture,’ a collaborative masterpiece with Assouline, the globally acclaimed luxury publisher. The book, unveiled at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, offers a profound exploration of the emirate’s cultural identity through seven thematic chapters: architecture, art, education, environment, literature, museums, and craftsmanship. This publication marks a pivotal moment in Sharjah’s global cultural narrative, showcasing its rich heritage and visionary projects. Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, Executive Director of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), emphasized that the book aims to capture the ‘soul of the city’ rather than merely its physical structures. The year-long project involved meticulous research, high-quality photography, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting Assouline’s reputation for producing visually stunning and collectible works. Notably, the book will not have a digital edition, as it is designed to be a physical luxury item, available globally through Assouline’s stores and online platforms. An Arabic edition is also in the works, further extending its reach. The book’s launch coincides with the Sharjah International Book Fair, where it will be prominently featured, alongside Shurooq’s outlets. Al Qaseer envisions the book becoming a cherished piece in homes across Sharjah and beyond, solidifying the emirate’s status as a global cultural capital.
-
Trump pardons Giuliani, allies linked to efforts to overturn 2020 election
In a highly contentious move, former US President Donald Trump has issued sweeping pardons to several key allies implicated in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The pardons, announced by the administration’s pardon attorney Ed Martin, include prominent figures such as Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, Mark Meadows, John Eastman, and Boris Epshteyn. These individuals were allegedly involved in a scheme to alter electoral slates in crucial battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, which President Joe Biden had won. The plot, which Trump and his supporters endorsed, culminated in the violent January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While none of the pardoned individuals faced federal charges, the pardons could shield them from future prosecution. Trump’s directive explicitly excludes himself, despite his repeated claims of having the authority to self-pardon. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to obstruct accountability for actions linked to the election controversy.
-
Trump threatens BBC with legal action over Panorama speech edit
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a legal ultimatum to the BBC, demanding a retraction of a Panorama documentary that allegedly misrepresented his speech on January 6, 2021. Trump’s legal team has set a November 14 deadline for the BBC to issue a ‘full and fair retraction’ or face a $1 billion lawsuit. The controversy stems from the documentary’s editing of Trump’s speech, which spliced two segments to create the impression that he explicitly incited the Capitol attack. A leaked internal BBC memo acknowledged the misleading edit, prompting resignations from BBC News CEO Deborah Turness and Director General Tim Davie. BBC Chair Samir Shah admitted an ‘error of judgement’ in the documentary’s editing but denied claims of systemic bias within the corporation. The memo, authored by former external adviser Michael Prescott, also criticized the BBC’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict and transgender issues. Trump’s letter accuses the BBC of defamation and demands compensation. The BBC has faced over 500 complaints since the memo’s publication, with Shah emphasizing that concerns are being addressed. This incident adds to Trump’s history of legal battles with media outlets, including a $16 million settlement with CBS News in July.
-
Turkey readies military brigade for Gaza stabilisation force
The Turkish government is advancing plans to deploy hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed brigade, estimated to include at least 2,000 personnel, is being assembled from various army branches with prior experience in peacekeeping and conflict zones. This contingent would join a multinational stabilization force in Gaza, as part of a broader peace plan brokered by former US President Donald Trump, which envisions Turkey as a key player in post-war reconstruction and security arrangements. However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel, and a UN resolution authorizing the deployment has yet to be passed. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated unequivocally, ‘There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,’ citing Israel’s reluctance to accept a strong NATO ally operating under a UN mandate in the enclave. Turkish officials, meanwhile, emphasize that their participation would focus on ceasefire implementation, humanitarian recovery, and border control, rather than enforcement actions. Ankara has also highlighted its role in facilitating the return of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill. The final decision on the force’s scope and mandate is expected following consultations between the UN and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated that Turkey’s involvement is contingent on a clear UN Security Council mandate, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled readiness to deploy troops if required. The Trump administration has framed the multinational force as essential for lasting peace in Gaza, with plans to establish a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump himself, a move that critics argue would grant Washington unprecedented control over the operation. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, with Turkey positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the volatile region.
-
Media Track at BRIDGE Summit 2025 to confront the global credibility crisis and the economics of influence
The BRIDGE Summit 2025, set to take place from December 8–10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature the Media Track as one of its seven core pillars. This groundbreaking event, the world’s largest debut media gathering, will bring together over 100 global editors, founders, policymakers, and investors across 50+ sessions. The Media Track aims to tackle the pressing challenges of media credibility, influence economics, and the evolving global information ecosystem. Amidst a decade of transformative shifts in media—from the rise of streaming and social platforms to the advent of artificial intelligence—the Summit will explore how cross-sector collaboration can foster a more resilient, credible, and inclusive media landscape. Key themes include the impact of capital, technology, and philanthropy on editorial independence, the ethics of credibility in an age of synthetic content, and the redefinition of audience engagement in a fragmented media world. Sessions such as “Money Talks: Who’s Funding the News You Read?” and “The Threshold of Truth” will delve into the complexities of modern media ownership, transparency, and sustainability. The Media Track will also feature an impressive lineup of industry leaders, including Gary Vaynerchuk, Moira Forbes, and Jessica Sibley, who will share insights on rebuilding trust and innovation in media. Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the Summit underscores the UAE’s role as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation, while advancing the integration of technology, finance, policy, and culture in the media ecosystem.