Avner Netanyahu, the youngest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has significantly reduced the asking price of his three-bedroom flat in Oxford, UK, after failing to sell it for nine months. The property, initially listed for £620,000 in February, has now been marked down to £500,000, representing a nearly 20% reduction and a potential loss of £2,500 for Netanyahu’s son.
分类： society
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Communities of slave descendants in Brazil demand recognition of territories
In the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Zaqueu Belém Araújo demonstrates a centuries-old technique of harvesting acai berries, a practice deeply rooted in the traditions of quilombos—communities descended from runaway slaves. With minimal impact on the environment, this method ensures the survival of both the forest and the people who depend on it. “We understand that keeping the forest alive also keeps us alive,” says Erica Monteiro, a resident of Itacoa-Miri, a quilombo near Belem, where the UN climate conference is currently underway.
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Black-necked cranes return to Guizhou’s Caohai reserve for winter
The Caohai National Nature Reserve in Guizhou province has once again become a winter sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes. Photographers recently documented these majestic birds foraging along the lakeshore, marking their seasonal return to the region. Since November 11, the reserve has welcomed the first arrivals of this year’s migratory flock. By November 16, the reserve’s management committee reported a total of 114 black-necked cranes in the Caohai area. This annual migration highlights the ecological significance of Caohai as a critical habitat for these rare birds. The reserve’s efforts in conservation and habitat preservation continue to play a vital role in supporting the survival of this species, which is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
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Dubai schools’ new KHDA ratings: What parents need to know
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has unveiled the first inspection ratings for four of the city’s newest private schools, offering parents a critical evaluation of these institutions’ performance. This comes as full school inspections remain suspended for most schools until 2026, with only schools that opened in 2022 eligible for reviews this academic year. The KHDA’s decision to extend the inspection pause aims to provide schools with more time to innovate and refine their internal practices. Notably, these ratings directly influence the tuition fee increases schools can implement, with higher-rated institutions permitted to request larger hikes. Among the four schools reviewed, Bloom World Academy and Citizens School both secured ‘Good’ ratings, while Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba and Durham School Dubai received ‘Acceptable’ ratings. Bloom World Academy was particularly praised for its personalised learning model and strong environmental responsibility, while Citizens School excelled in student development and community engagement. Both schools, however, were advised to enhance academic attainment and literacy provision. The other two schools, despite their ‘Acceptable’ ratings, were commended for their supportive environments and health and safety standards. With full inspections paused, schools can only adjust fees based on the Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for the 2025–26 academic year, limiting fee hikes regardless of performance. Dubai’s education sector continues to thrive, with 81% of students attending schools rated ‘Good’ or better, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
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What makes ‘The Summit of Tianjin’ special?
The Summit of Tianjin, a groundbreaking architectural marvel, opened its doors to the public in June 2025. This iconic structure, located in Tianjin, China, boasts a unique ‘steel tubular column and steel plate shear wall’ design, earning it the distinction of being the tallest building in the world to utilize this innovative structural system. The Summit of Tianjin is not just a testament to modern engineering but also a symbol of the city’s rapid development and ambition. Visitors to the sightseeing hall can experience panoramic views of the city, offering a blend of architectural brilliance and urban beauty. The building’s design emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural resilience, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Summit of Tianjin stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing China’s prowess in pushing the boundaries of architectural design and urban planning.
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‘Too little, too late:’ Former UK government slammed for its initial COVID-19 response
A damning public inquiry report released on Thursday has sharply criticized the UK’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, labeling it as ‘too little, too late.’ The inquiry, led by former judge Heather Hallett, revealed that the delayed implementation of lockdown measures in early 2020 resulted in an ‘unacceptable loss of life,’ potentially costing 23,000 lives in England alone during the first wave of the pandemic. The report highlighted chaos within the Conservative government at the time, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused of fostering a ‘toxic’ culture in Downing Street and frequently changing his stance on critical decisions. Key cabinet members and scientists also failed to act with the necessary urgency to combat the virus. The UK-wide lockdown, announced on March 23, 2020, came weeks after most European nations had already imposed restrictions. Hallett emphasized that an earlier lockdown could have reduced deaths by 48%, saving thousands of lives. The report also criticized Johnson’s overly optimistic outlook and the behavior of his special adviser, Dominic Cummings, who was accused of using ‘offensive, sexualized, and misogynistic’ language, further exacerbating the government’s dysfunction. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group welcomed the findings, placing much of the blame on Johnson for prioritizing his political reputation over public safety. Hallett’s inquiry, which began two years ago and is expected to continue until 2027, is now focusing on the impact of the pandemic on children.
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‘A brother before a friend’: UAE mourns Osama Al Shaafar, ex FNC member, sporting icon
The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the tragic passing of Osama Al Shaafar, a revered figure in both the political and sporting arenas. Al Shaafar, a former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and a prominent leader in cycling and bodybuilding, died on Wednesday due to an accident abroad. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes flooding social media platforms and official statements from various organizations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers remembered Al Shaafar as a man of exceptional kindness, humility, and warmth, often describing him as ‘a brother before a friend.’ His genuine smile and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Al Shaafar’s contributions to the UAE and Asian sporting communities were immense. He served as president of the UAE Cycling Federation for eight years, during which the sport achieved significant milestones in talent development and international recognition. He also held leadership roles in the Asian Cycling Confederation and the International Cycling Union (UCI), among others. His legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. The UAE community continues to honor his memory, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both sports and society.
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Coordinated operation across Europe dismantles antiquities smuggling ring
In a groundbreaking international effort, law enforcement agencies from seven countries, in collaboration with Eurojust and Europol, have successfully dismantled a sprawling criminal network involved in the trafficking of stolen cultural artifacts across Europe. Bulgarian authorities announced the operation on Thursday, revealing that 35 suspects have been arrested in connection with the smuggling ring. Among them, 20 individuals are facing charges of antiquities trafficking and money laundering. Bulgarian Prosecutor Angel Kanev disclosed that the group has been active for over 16 years, operating across Western Europe, the Balkans, the United States, and other regions. The investigation has uncovered illicit funds exceeding $1 billion. Coordinated actions were carried out in Albania, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom, resulting in 131 searches of properties, vehicles, and bank safes. Authorities seized over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient golden and silver coins, artworks, weapons, and investment gold, with an estimated total value surpassing €100 million ($116 million). Paolo Befera, deputy head of Italy’s Carabinieri cultural heritage protection directorate, described the operation as the largest of its kind, with 300 historical artifacts recovered in Italy alone. The Balkan region and Italy, rich in Greek and Roman archaeological treasures, have long been targeted by criminal networks despite stringent national laws. The international black market continues to fuel demand for such stolen artifacts.
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Flights cancelled, delayed at Sharjah due to foggy weather; airport issues advisory
Sharjah Airport experienced significant disruptions on Thursday morning as dense fog blanketed the region, leading to multiple flight cancellations and delays. The airport issued an advisory urging passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the terminal. Visibility dropped below 500 metres in several areas, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue red alerts across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. The fog, which began forming shortly after midnight, severely impacted flight operations, ground handling, and aircraft movements. Sharjah Police also warned drivers to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, and reduce speeds due to the hazardous conditions. Similar warnings were echoed by Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police, with the latter activating speed reduction systems on major roads. Motorists were advised to avoid using hazard lights in fog, as it could confuse other drivers and increase the risk of accidents. The disruptions highlight the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions in the UAE, particularly during the winter months.
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K-pop fans’ environmental activism comes to UN climate talks
In a groundbreaking move, K-pop fans have emerged as a powerful force in the fight against climate change, showcasing their influence at the United Nations climate talks (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. Known for their passionate dedication, these fans are leveraging their collective energy to address global environmental issues. The event featured creative protests, including costumed demonstrations inspired by the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” which has garnered over 325 million views. Activists carried banners reading “Export K-pop, not fossil fuels,” urging South Korea to halt its funding for foreign fossil fuel projects. South Korea’s Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, Kim Seong-hwan, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting K-pop fans and artists in their climate advocacy. This marks the first time K-pop fans, rather than the artists themselves, have been spotlighted on a COP stage. Cheulhong Kim, director of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, highlighted the unique ability of K-pop fans to shape social and political discourse. K-pop fandoms have previously mobilized for causes such as the U.S. Black Lives Matter movement, opposing coal plant deals, and advocating for political change in South Korea. Experts like Gyu Tag Lee, a professor at George Mason University Korea, noted that the fans’ engagement with social issues is partly driven by the actions of K-pop groups like Blackpink, which has actively supported climate negotiations. Dayeon Lee of KPOP4PLANET emphasized the unifying power of K-pop culture, stating, “We are young people facing the same future, fluent in social media, keen to respond to injustice.” The activism aligns with the Brazilian concept of “mutirão,” a spirit of collective effort championed by the COP30 Presidency. Vinicius Gurtler, general coordinator for international affairs in Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, underscored the role of music and youth in envisioning a sustainable future. Over 80 countries have endorsed the “mutirão” initiative, which environmentalists believe could mark a turning point in global climate action.