Thousands of LGBTQ+ activists and supporters flooded the Copacabana boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro for the city’s annual Pride parade on Sunday. The event took on a particularly celebratory tone following the preemptive jailing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his homophobic rhetoric. Demonstrators, addressing the crowd from decorated trucks, chanted, “He’s in prison!” and “Out with Bolsonaro!” to roaring applause from rainbow-clad attendees. Bolsonaro, who once described himself as a “proud homophobe,” was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. His recent imprisonment, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was cited as a necessary measure due to his flight risk. Revelers, including Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts professor, expressed joy at the development, viewing it as a victory against hate. Santos, wearing the colors of the Brazilian flag, stated, “It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us.” The parade also highlighted ongoing struggles, with participants carrying banners advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and denouncing violence. Organizers reflected on the march’s 30-year history, noting progress but emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. Cláudio Nascimento, a longtime organizer, recalled the early days when participants wore masks to avoid recognition, contrasting it with today’s celebrations of visibility. Despite advancements, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remains a pressing issue, with 291 reported violent deaths in 2024 alone. Activists like Flávio Salgueiro stressed the importance of unity in the face of societal challenges, while Dani Balbi, Rio’s first trans woman elected to the state assembly, hailed Bolsonaro’s imprisonment as a hopeful step toward a more inclusive future.
分类： society
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New Hatta upgrades announced: Amphitheatre at dam’s highest point; strawberry farm expanded
Hatta, Dubai’s picturesque mountain retreat, has unveiled a series of transformative upgrades aimed at enriching the lives of residents and attracting more visitors. Among the standout developments is the newly constructed Hatta Dam Amphitheatre, perched at the dam’s highest point. This 610-metre structure, built using suspended techniques to preserve the natural landscape, offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters below. The amphitheatre features a gentle 17-minute ascent with six rest points, ensuring accessibility for all, including People of Determination. Additionally, the dam’s slope has been transformed into a stunning mosaic mural of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, crafted from over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble—a world record.
Complementing the amphitheatre is the expansion of Hatta’s agricultural offerings. The Strawberry Farm has seen significant upgrades, including expanded outdoor cultivation areas, enhanced cooling systems, and a dedicated seed-nursery facility. Meanwhile, the Leafy Greens Farm now boasts three hydroponic greenhouses, integrated storage areas, and a direct-sale outlet for fresh produce. These enhancements not only boost local agriculture but also provide visitors with unique farm-to-table experiences.
Education and community facilities have also received substantial attention. A new 18,600-square-metre school, built to international standards, has been completed. The state-of-the-art facility accommodates over 1,000 students and includes 44 classrooms, science labs, indoor sports halls, and a 416-seat multipurpose theatre. Maintenance and upgrades have also been carried out at four existing schools in the area.
Further enriching community life, the Hatta Majlis, a multipurpose hall designed to host 130 people, is nearing completion. A new wedding hall with a capacity of 1,000 guests and the Hatta Community Service Centre, featuring 13 commercial units, are also in development. Other ongoing projects include the construction of 213 homes for UAE nationals, the expansion of cycling and hiking trails, and enhancements to Hatta Hospital and Sports Club.
These initiatives are part of a broader push to elevate Hatta as a premier destination for both residents and tourists, blending natural beauty with modern amenities and sustainable practices.
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Eduscan Institute’s event promotes hope, healing and community empowerment
The Eduscan Institute, a pioneer in holistic education and empowerment for children of determination, hosted a transformative event titled ‘Inner Peace, Outer Health: The Path to Healing’ on November 8 and 9, 2025. Held at the Iranian Club in Dubai and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the event celebrated themes of healing, inclusivity, and resilience, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community. Distinguished guests included Dr. Ram Singarachari, Dr. Yashaswini Shivashankara, Dr. Trilok Kiribagha Chandrashekara, and Dr. Aisha Al Salami, all prominent figures in the medical field. A standout moment was the ‘Walk of Confidence,’ where students from the Eduscan Institute walked alongside university students from Amity, Symbiosis, and de Montfort Universities, symbolizing unity and inclusion. The emotional highlight was the ‘Walk of Courage,’ featuring 12 cancer survivors in bridal attire, representing new beginnings and triumph over adversity. The event also included a performance titled ‘Healing Through Movement’ by Vishakha Verma and her troupe, showcasing the power of art in recovery. Ms. Ruby Ahluwalia, founder of Sanjeevani… Life Beyond Cancer, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of community support. Dr. Alka Kalra, founder of the Eduscan Institute, remarked, ‘This event is about rediscovering inner strength and embodying the UAE’s spirit of unity and resilience.’
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Yunnan’s culture and tourism charm shine in Thailand
Yunnan province, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures, showcased its tourism allure at the Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 in Thailand. The event, held on November 23 in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ayutthaya, was organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The campaign aimed to attract global travelers by promoting a lifestyle that integrates tourism, culture, and local experiences. Highlighting Yunnan’s diverse culture and iconic snow-capped mountains, the initiative featured the slogan ‘So close, yet so stunning — come to Yunnan for snow-capped wonders.’ The marathon, themed ‘Celebrating Thailand–China Friendship Through Sports and Culture,’ drew over 3,500 participants from around the world. Attendees with Thai passports and marathon registration tickets were offered travel coupons to explore Yunnan’s four renowned snow mountains: Meili, Jiaozi, Shika, and Jade Dragon. These coupons are valid from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Dolhatai Dechakaisaya, a 57-year-old Thai resident and avid runner, expressed her excitement about Yunnan’s natural beauty and cultural richness, stating her eagerness to visit. Yunnan, often referred to as the ‘kingdom of plants and animals’ and the ‘world’s garden,’ has leveraged its cultural tourism reputation to attract both domestic and international visitors. In recent years, the province has upgraded its tourism offerings, leading to record-breaking tourism revenue of 1.14 trillion yuan ($158.7 billion) in the previous year, with over 6 million inbound tourists.
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Lost your passport abroad? UAE Golden Visa holders can get a replacement in 30 minutes
As the winter travel season approaches, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued a comprehensive advisory to ensure smooth and secure journeys for its residents. Among the key highlights is a groundbreaking initiative for UAE Golden Visa holders: the ability to obtain a replacement passport in just 30 minutes if lost or damaged abroad. This service, developed in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, underscores the UAE’s commitment to providing exceptional consular support to its citizens and residents. The initiative is part of the ‘From the UAE, We Travel’ campaign, designed to promote safe and conscious travel during the extended school holiday period from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026. MoFA also emphasized the importance of verifying passport validity, securing international health insurance, and adhering to destination-specific entry requirements. Travelers are encouraged to monitor real-time advisories, store electronic copies of official documents, and utilize reputable booking agencies. Additionally, a dedicated 24/7 hotline (0097124931133) has been established to assist Golden Visa holders with emergencies, repatriation, and other urgent matters. The Ministry’s proactive measures aim to enhance travel readiness and ensure the safety of UAE nationals and residents worldwide.
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India: Kerala woman gets married in hospital; UAE-based chairman covers full treatment cost
In an extraordinary turn of events, a young woman from Kerala, India, exchanged wedding vows in the emergency ward of VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, following a severe accident that left her with critical injuries. The 23-year-old teacher, Avani, sustained a significant L4 spine injury and hip trauma, necessitating immediate medical attention. The wedding ceremony, held amidst the hospital’s emergency facilities, quickly captured public attention as images of the event circulated widely online. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman of VPS Lakeshore and a UAE-based entrepreneur, stepped in to cover the full cost of Avani’s medical treatment and rehabilitation after learning of her plight. “In situations like this, families should focus on the patient, not the cost of urgent care,” Dr. Vayalil stated. Avani underwent a successful three-hour spine surgery led by Dr. Sudish Karunakaran, head of neurosurgery at the hospital. Her spine has been stabilized, and nerve compression relieved, with her recovery progress described as encouraging. Avani will remain under close monitoring in the ICU before beginning physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Her husband, Sharon, expressed immense relief and gratitude for the unexpected support, stating that the family was struggling to cope with the sudden accident and urgent medical decisions. The incident has drawn widespread public interest, highlighting the compassionate intervention of Dr. Vayalil and the dedication of the medical team at VPS Lakeshore Hospital.
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Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon seeks a solution to Delhi’s pollution woes
Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, a native of Delhi, has voiced her growing concerns over the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. Speaking at a press conference for her upcoming film *Tere Ishk Mein*, Sanon emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to combat pollution, warning that the situation could reach a critical point where visibility is severely compromised. ‘It’s getting worse and worse. I’m from Delhi, and I know how it used to be. If we don’t act now, we’ll reach a stage where we won’t be able to see each other standing next to us,’ she stated. Her comments come as Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘very poor’ category, averaging 359. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has tightened the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the crisis. Despite slight improvements, areas like Noida and ITO continue to record severe AQI levels, with smog enveloping landmarks such as India Gate and Akshardham. Sanon’s film *Tere Ishk Mein*, produced by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Colour Yellow Productions, explores themes of love and vengeance, with her character Mukti entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Dhanush’s volatile Shankar. The film is set to release on November 28.
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Fifty children escape after mass school abduction in Nigeria
In a dramatic turn of events, fifty of the 315 children abducted by armed gunmen from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, have managed to escape and reunite with their families. The mass kidnapping, which occurred early Friday morning, has plunged the nation into a state of anguish and prompted a large-scale military-led search and rescue operation for the remaining 265 children and 12 teachers still in captivity. Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sorrow over the incident, urging Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the abductees. The escape of the children, described as a courageous and perilous effort, has brought a glimmer of hope to families and a nation grappling with the escalating crisis of school abductions. The incident has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2014 Chibok kidnapping, where 276 girls were taken by Boko Haram. In response to the escalating security threats, authorities in Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Yobe, and Kwara states have ordered the closure of schools. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed foreign engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, to address the growing security concerns. The kidnapping epidemic, driven by criminal gangs known as bandits, has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with ransom demands fueling the cycle of violence. Despite the outlawing of ransom payments, the practice persists, exacerbating the crisis. The recent wave of attacks has also reignited debates about religious persecution, with U.S. figures alleging targeted violence against Christians. However, the Nigerian government has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that terrorist groups target individuals indiscriminately, regardless of faith. Analysts argue that many conflicts in Nigeria are rooted in competition for resources rather than religious differences. As the search for the missing children intensifies, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the broader implications of this tragic event.
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50 schoolchildren escape captivity in Nigeria, 253 students and 12 teachers still being held
In a glimmer of hope amidst a harrowing ordeal, fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state, Nigeria, have managed to escape captivity and reunite with their families. The Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and proprietor of the school, confirmed the development on Sunday. The children, aged between 10 and 18, reportedly escaped individually between Friday and Saturday. However, the situation remains dire, as 253 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still being held by the kidnappers. Yohanna stated that the school authorities were able to verify the escapes after contacting and visiting some of the parents. The abduction occurred on Friday when gunmen stormed the remote Papiri community school, seizing both students and teachers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities have deployed tactical squads alongside local hunters in a bid to rescue the remaining captives. The whereabouts of the children during their captivity and the circumstances of their escape remain unclear. Nigeria’s military and police have yet to respond to inquiries from the Associated Press regarding the incident.
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Hiring in Dubai: Are freelancers eligible to get leave, other benefits?
In Dubai, the freelance work model is gaining traction as a flexible and independent employment option. Governed by Article 8 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, freelancers are defined as individuals who provide services or perform tasks for a specified period without being tied to a specific employer. This legal framework ensures that freelancers operate independently, earning income through their services while maintaining no formal employment relationship with clients or organizations.