Roma Riaz, the 27-year-old Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, has ignited a global conversation about beauty standards after her selection sparked polarizing reactions. Representing Pakistan on the international stage in Thailand, Roma, who hails from a Punjabi Christian family and was raised in the UK, has faced intense scrutiny over her skin tone and body type. Critics have questioned her suitability, citing her darker complexion, Christian faith, and foreign upbringing as deviations from the conventional Pakistani beauty ideal. Comments such as ‘too dark,’ ‘she needs to lose weight,’ and ‘not a true representation of Pakistani beauty’ have highlighted the deeply ingrained preference for lighter skin in South Asia. However, Roma has embraced the platform to challenge these biases, stating, ‘This pageant was more than just becoming Miss Universe Pakistan. It’s an answer to everyone that has ever questioned my identity.’ She emphasized that beauty is not confined to a single mould, advocating for inclusivity and diversity. Beyond beauty, Roma is committed to promoting education for girls, asserting, ‘Education is empowerment, and I want our girls to be more educated, more respected.’ Her supporters have lauded her courage, with one social media user noting, ‘Why do people find it hard to believe pale people exist in the UK and darker tones exist in Pakistan? They’re both beautiful in their own ways.’ Roma’s journey underscores the evolving standards of beauty pageants and the importance of representation in challenging societal norms.
作者： admin
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Furor over editing of Trump speech sparks ‘existential crisis’ at the BBC
The BBC, a cornerstone of British media, is embroiled in a significant crisis following the resignation of two senior executives over the controversial editing of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident has sparked widespread debate about the broadcaster’s impartiality and future. The controversy centers on the BBC’s flagship news program, which spliced sections of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, creating the impression that he explicitly urged supporters to storm the Capitol. The broadcaster’s chairman, Samir Shah, admitted to an ‘error of judgment,’ while Trump’s attorney threatened legal action, demanding a retraction and compensation. Critics argue this is another example of institutional bias, while supporters defend the BBC as a trusted news source. Journalism professor Julie Posetti described the resignations as an ‘existential crisis’ for the BBC, warning of a destabilizing effect on public-service broadcasting. The scandal has reignited longstanding accusations of bias, with critics from both the left and right questioning the BBC’s neutrality. The broadcaster’s funding model, reliant on an annual TV license fee, is also under scrutiny as viewers increasingly turn to streaming platforms. The BBC, which has inspired public broadcasters worldwide, now faces a pivotal moment in its century-long history.
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SIBF 2025: Feeling low? Poetry ‘pharmacy’ prescribes poems to visitors
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 has introduced a unique and captivating attraction: the Poetry Pharmacy. This innovative stall, designed to resemble a traditional dispensary, offers visitors a literary remedy for their emotional needs. Rows of glass jars, neatly labeled with titles such as ‘First Aid,’ ‘Calm,’ ‘Words for Love,’ and ‘Joy,’ contain not medicine but verses printed on tiny scrolls of paper. Each scroll, rolled like a capsule, is ready to be “prescribed” to soothe the heart and mind. The concept, originating from the UK, has become one of the most photographed and talked-about features of this year’s fair. Visitors can browse shelves marked ‘Prescriptions’ and select a poetic cure tailored to their emotional state, guided by a chart that suggests categories like ‘Feeling Lost? Start Here.’ Founder Deborah Alma, known as the ‘Emergency Poet,’ explained that the idea stems from the belief that literature can function as therapy. ‘In the UK, our bookshops are divided by emotional state,’ she said. ‘Here, poems are presented in pill bottles, each containing a verse that resonates with your feelings.’ At the stall, visitors receive personalized prescription slips filled out by ‘pharmacists’ dressed in white coats. The scrolls inside the capsules feature works by renowned poets such as Tagore, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou. The Poetry Pharmacy also offers bottles and matching books for purchase, each color-coded to represent different emotions. For many attendees, the stall is a perfect blend of literary charm and visual delight, making it a memorable highlight of SIBF 2025.
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Some UAE schools to count absences as double from November 10 to 19
In a significant shift, schools across the UAE have announced a new policy that will count student absences as double during the period from November 10 to 19, 2025. This measure, introduced in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s procedural guidelines, aims to ensure academic discipline and readiness as students prepare for their end-of-first-term exams. Previously, the double-absence rule was only enforced on Fridays for unexcused absences. However, this term, the policy will apply to all days leading up to the examinations, which are scheduled from November 20 to December 4, 2025. The policy stipulates that one unexcused day of absence will be recorded as two, potentially impacting a student’s eligibility to meet passing requirements. School administrations have emphasized the importance of daily attendance during this critical period, which also features several academic and enrichment initiatives designed to enhance student performance. These include the ‘Together with the Structure’ Initiative, the ‘Success Initiative,’ and the ‘Digital Empowerment Initiative,’ all aimed at fostering independent learning, creativity, and innovation. Additionally, schools have urged students and parents to ensure the readiness of electronic devices used for online assessments, with repair costs for damaged devices being the responsibility of parents. Secure browsers can be downloaded through official links to ensure a safe testing environment. The policy underscores the Ministry’s vision to build a disciplined, future-ready generation while maintaining academic excellence.
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UAE announces nationwide field exercise with military units, aircraft
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled plans for a large-scale nationwide field exercise, set to take place from November 11 to 13, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Interior, the exercise will encompass all seven emirates, involving the coordinated movement of military units, vehicles, and aircraft across multiple regions. The ministry has issued a public advisory urging residents to refrain from photographing or sharing any media related to the exercise. Additionally, citizens are advised to avoid exercise sites and yield to police units to ensure smooth operations. This initiative follows a similar exercise conducted in October 2025 by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, aimed at bolstering the nation’s preparedness for natural disasters and crises. Last year, the UAE executed ‘Resilience 1,’ a three-day nationwide drill conducted at police headquarters across the country. These exercises underscore the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its emergency response capabilities and ensuring national security.
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France’s Sarkozy says prison a ‘nightmare’ as prosecutors seek his release
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has labeled his incarceration a ‘nightmare’ as prosecutors seek his release pending an appeals trial over allegations of illegal campaign funding from Libya. Sarkozy, 70, entered prison on October 21, marking the first time a former European Union head of state has been jailed. A lower court in September found him guilty of conspiring to secure funding from Moamer Kadhafi’s Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign, sentencing him to five years in prison. However, the Paris Appeals Court opened a hearing on Monday to consider his release, with a decision expected imminently. Sarkozy appeared via video call from prison, describing the experience as ‘gruelling’ but acknowledged the prison staff had made it ‘bearable.’ Prosecutor Damien Brunet argued that Sarkozy’s release under judicial supervision was justified to mitigate risks of witness tampering or collusion. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and his sons were present in court to show support. The appeals trial, scheduled for March, will reassess the necessity of his pre-trial detention under French law, which requires such measures only if no alternatives exist to safeguard evidence or prevent reoffending. Sarkozy, who has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office in 2012, remains a polarizing figure in French politics. His imprisonment has sparked debates over judicial independence and the treatment of high-profile inmates, with prison wardens criticizing the special security measures afforded to him. Meanwhile, Sarkozy’s social media accounts have highlighted the outpouring of public support, including letters and gifts sent to him during his incarceration.
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Thailand suspends Cambodia deal after landmine injures troops
Thailand has suspended a peace agreement with Cambodia following a landmine explosion that injured two Thai soldiers near the border. The incident occurred in Sisaket province, leaving one soldier with severe leg injuries and another with chest pains due to the blast’s pressure. The peace deal, brokered under the oversight of former US President Donald Trump, aimed to end hostilities after border clashes in July that resulted in at least 43 deaths and displaced over 300,000 civilians on both sides. Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced that Bangkok would halt the implementation of the joint declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur in October, which included plans for mine-clearing operations, the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed concerns that the security threat had not diminished as anticipated. Cambodian authorities have yet to comment on the incident but have previously denied allegations of planting new landmines. Despite the truce holding since July 29, both nations have accused each other of ceasefire violations, and analysts suggest a lasting resolution to the century-old border dispute remains uncertain.
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Karan Johar over the moon as Martin Scorsese hosts Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar expressed immense joy as legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese hosted a special screening of Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed film ‘Homebound’ in New York. The event, attended by the film’s lead cast and director, marked a significant milestone for the Indian cinematic masterpiece. Johar took to Instagram to share his gratitude, posting photos from the screening and penning a heartfelt appreciation note for Scorsese. He described the experience as a surreal journey, emphasizing the importance of showcasing ‘Homebound’ to a global audience. The film, which explores themes of friendship, ambition, and societal struggles, has previously been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Cannes 2025, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Starring Janhvi Kapoor in a pivotal role, ‘Homebound’ tells the story of two childhood friends from a North Indian village striving for dignity through a police job, only to face challenges that test their bond.
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South Africa’s apartheid-era crimes inquiry is delayed over legal objections
An investigation into claims that South Africa’s post-apartheid governments obstructed justice in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes faced an immediate setback on its opening day. The inquiry, ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April following years of pressure from victims’ families, was delayed due to objections against Ishmael Semenya, the chief evidence leader. Critics argue that Semenya’s prior involvement in drafting a controversial prosecutorial policy, later deemed unconstitutional, compromises his impartiality. Judge Sisi Khampepe, overseeing the inquiry, has given the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the justice department until Wednesday to formally request Semenya’s recusal. The proceedings are now set to resume on November 26. The inquiry stems from decades of frustration over the lack of prosecutions for crimes committed during apartheid, which officially ended in 1994. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 1996 by Nelson Mandela, identified around 150 cases for prosecution, but many perpetrators escaped accountability. Recent efforts by the government to address this legacy include new investigations into historical killings, such as the 1967 death of ANC leader Albert Luthuli, now confirmed as a beating rather than a train accident. Families of victims continue to seek justice, with some filing lawsuits against the government for damages and transparency.
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UAE: Demand for autonomous vehicles grows, outpaces capacity
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for autonomous vehicles, significantly outpacing the existing operational capacity. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions, Space42, revealed this trend during a panel discussion at the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025. Since their initial deployment between late 2020 and 2021, autonomous taxis have completed over 600,000 kilometers in full four-mode operation, with more than 20,000 trips successfully executed. However, the current demand is three times the operational capacity, indicating a strong public embrace of this cutting-edge technology. Al Hosani emphasized the public’s enthusiasm for exploring hands-free and person-free transportation solutions.