As winter sets in across the United Arab Emirates, temperatures have begun to drop significantly, marking a shift in the region’s weather patterns. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the National Centre of Meteorology reported the lowest temperature of 11.7°C in Mezaira, located in the Al Dhafra Region, at 6:15 AM. This cooling trend is expected to continue, with Dubai forecasted to experience a low of 19°C on Sunday, while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will see temperatures of 20°C and 18°C, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest temperature recorded on Saturday was 35°C in Sweihan, Al Ain, at 2 PM. On Sunday, Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi are expected to reach a maximum of 31°C. The UAE’s skies will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds forming over the sea and islands. Humidity is anticipated to increase by night and into Monday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas, raising the likelihood of fog or mist formation. Light to moderate southeasterly to northeasterly winds, ranging from 10-20 km/h and occasionally reaching 30 km/h, will prevail. The Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will experience slight sea conditions. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments as the season progresses.
分类： society
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Nearly 70 schools to close in Australia over fears of asbestos in play sand
In a significant public health response, 69 schools across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will remain closed on Monday following the recall of colored play sand due to asbestos contamination risks. The recall, initiated by major retailers Kmart and Target on Saturday, was prompted by the discovery of asbestos traces in some product samples. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has assessed the risk of asbestos becoming airborne as ‘low,’ but authorities are taking no chances. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed that air testing across all schools has so far returned negative results for airborne asbestos. However, comprehensive inspections are ongoing and may take several days to complete. This development follows the partial or full closure of several schools and preschools in the region last Friday, triggered by similar asbestos concerns in sand products sold by Officeworks. The issue has also extended to New Zealand, where at least two schools are set to close for testing on Monday. Berry emphasized that the recalled sand products are more widely used in ACT schools than the Officeworks items, necessitating a broader response. Over the weekend, State Emergency Service volunteers and school staff conducted thorough inspections, mapping all colored sand in school premises. The ACT government has assured the public that individuals exposed to the products do not require clinical assessments, but the government is committed to eliminating risks ‘as much as reasonably practicable.’ Meanwhile, 23 schools will remain open, either due to minimal stock or the absence of the recalled products. The affected items include the Active Sandtub 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand. Asbestos, a hazardous material once commonly used in construction, can release toxic fibers when disturbed, posing long-term health risks such as cancer. Both Australia and New Zealand strictly prohibit the import or export of asbestos-containing goods.
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Flexible work, marriage leave: UAE rolls out benefits for parents ahead of ‘Year of Family’
In anticipation of the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ local governments across the Emirates are rolling out a series of progressive policies aimed at enhancing work-life balance and supporting working parents. These initiatives focus on integrating family responsibilities with professional life, offering flexibility and comprehensive support to strengthen the modern family unit.
Ajman has taken a leading role with a comprehensive overhaul of its Human Resources law for government employees. Key provisions include flexible working hours and remote work options, extensive family leave such as enhanced maternity and paternity leave, marriage leave, childcare leave, and bereavement leave. Additionally, pregnant employees and those raising five or more children will benefit from increased work-hour flexibility.
Dubai and Sharjah have introduced paid marriage leave policies to support the formation and stability of new families. Dubai offers 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati nationals, including all salary allowances, effective from 2025. Sharjah provides eight days of paid marriage leave and a unique ‘Care Leave’ for female employees who give birth to a sick child or a child with disabilities requiring constant care.
Abu Dhabi has focused on social and civil family law reforms, particularly for its non-Muslim expatriate community. The 2021 Civil Family Law introduced a secular alternative to Sharia-based personal status laws, offering civil options for marriage, divorce, and custody. Key features include legal registration of civil marriages, a non-fault divorce process, and equal custody rights for both parents. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has also extended maternity leave rights to female employees who adopt a child under five years old or experience a stillbirth or miscarriage after 24 weeks.
These initiatives build upon federal reforms, including five days of paid parental leave for all working parents within the first six months of a child’s birth, extended child custody to the age of 18, and equal travel rights for both parents. These measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to promoting shared parental responsibility and enhancing family well-being.
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Unconfirmed number of deaths following two-car crash
A tragic road traffic accident in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, has resulted in multiple fatalities, with an unconfirmed number of deaths reported. The incident occurred on Saturday evening shortly after 21:00 local time on the L3168 Ardee Road in the townland of Gibstown, Dundalk. According to Gardaí (Irish police), the collision involved two vehicles, and the scene remains active with both vehicles and the bodies of the deceased still present. Emergency services transported several injured individuals to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment. The road between the N52 and R171 remains closed as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination. Local traffic diversions have been implemented to manage the situation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and assist with the investigation.
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A peek inside the Colonna Palace, Rome’s most exclusive tourist site
Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Colonna Palace remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets, a private home-museum that stands in stark contrast to the bustling tourist hubs of the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. Spread across four wings and occupying an entire city block, this baroque masterpiece houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, busts, and tapestries, including the awe-inspiring 76-meter Great Hall. Yet, its doors open only sparingly, welcoming small groups of 10 visitors on Friday and Saturday mornings, guided by art historians. ‘Mass tourism is not our wish,’ explains Elisabetta Cecchini, a restorer at the palace, emphasizing that the limited access ensures the preservation of its artistic integrity. ‘Art dies without public appreciation, but this is not a museum meant for commodification.’
The palace remains the residence of Don Prospero Colonna, the family’s sitting prince, who has occasionally permitted high-profile events, such as the 2005 release of Pope John Paul II’s book and the 2018 Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition on Catholic fashion, attended by luminaries like designer Donatella Versace and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. These rare occasions have allowed journalists fleeting glimpses into this exclusive world. Claudio Strinati, a former superintendent of Rome’s museums, lauds the palace’s seclusion, calling it ‘one of humanity’s greatest artistic heritages’ and a legacy the Colonna family is duty-bound to protect. ‘These spaces were not conceived as tourist attractions,’ he notes. ‘They are for those who truly understand history.’
The Colonna family’s ties to the palace date back to the 12th century, when they became part of the ‘black nobility,’ Roman families loyal to the Pope during Italy’s unification in 1870. Their black banners symbolized mourning for the Papal State, while their walls safeguarded priceless masterpieces. Over the centuries, the family has maintained a trust ensuring the palace’s treasures remain intact. Princess Isabella Colonna played a pivotal role in preserving these artifacts during World War II, ordering them to be hidden in a sealed wing as the Nazis invaded. Today, the palace’s opulent interiors reflect its storied past, from the Throne Room’s portrait of Pope Martin V to the Great Hall’s frescoed ceiling depicting the naval victories of Commander Marcantonio Colonna. ‘The Colonna family and Rome are inseparable,’ says Patrizia Piergiovanni, the palace’s gallery director. ‘Their contributions have shaped the city’s history.’
Adding to its allure, the Great Hall served as the setting for the final scene of the 1952 classic ‘Roman Holiday,’ where Audrey Hepburn, portraying a princess, declared her love for the Eternal City. ‘Rome,’ she said with conviction. ‘By all means, Rome.’ The Colonna Palace, with its blend of art, history, and exclusivity, continues to embody the timeless elegance of Rome itself.
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South Korean actress and K-pop star fights off home intruder
South Korean actor and K-pop singer Nana, alongside her mother, successfully thwarted a dangerous home invasion, according to local media reports. The incident occurred when a man in his 30s, armed with a weapon, broke into Nana’s residence in Guri, South Korea. The intruder reportedly threatened both women and demanded money. However, Nana (real name Im Jin-ah) and her mother managed to subdue the assailant until law enforcement arrived. During the altercation, Nana’s mother lost consciousness, and both women required medical attention. The suspect, who was attempting to steal valuables, has been detained on charges of aggravated robbery. He was also hospitalized for treatment following the incident. Nana, who gained fame in 2009 as a member of the K-pop group After School, has since transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in popular TV series such as ‘Kill It’ and ‘Justice.’ She recently released her first solo album in September. The incident has sparked widespread concern about home security and safety in South Korea.
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Nine injured after car rams into crowd at Australia demolition derby
A tragic incident unfolded during the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally in southeastern Australia, leaving nine people injured, one critically, after a car veered off the track and crashed into a crowd. The accident occurred on Saturday night in the town of Walcha, New South Wales, during a demolition derby—a motorsport event where drivers intentionally collide with each other. According to police, the car breached a fence and struck the grandstand, causing injuries to bystanders aged between 20 and 75. The critically injured individual is a 54-year-old man. Authorities revealed that the 27-year-old driver had been involved in a collision on the track moments before the crash. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The Walcha Council expressed shock and sadness in a statement on the rally’s Facebook page, pledging to collaborate with authorities to examine the causes of the accident. Local politicians, including Brendan Moylan, Member of Parliament for Northern Tablelands, and Barnaby Joyce, former deputy prime minister, extended their thoughts and prayers to the victims, praising the emergency responders for their swift and professional actions. The Walcha Motorcycle Rally, described as a grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts, ended on a somber note as the community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy.
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My mum was a 17-year-old free spirit – so she was locked up and put in a coma
Marina Freixa grew up sensing a dark secret in her family’s history. Her mother, Mariona Roca Tort, had lived through Spain’s Franco dictatorship, but the details of her past remained shrouded in mystery. A decade ago, during a Christmas gathering, Mariona finally broke her silence, revealing a harrowing chapter of her life that would forever change Marina’s understanding of her family and her country’s history.
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Why India caps pollution reading at 500 when the air is far more toxic
In northern India, November brings a familiar yet grim reality: ashy air, hazy skies, and the daily struggle of stepping outdoors. For millions, checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) has become a morning ritual. However, the numbers they see vary drastically depending on the source. Government-backed platforms like SAFAR and SAMEER cap the AQI at 500, the upper limit of India’s scale, which consolidates data on pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone into a single figure. In contrast, private and international trackers such as IQAir and AQI frequently report readings soaring past 600, even reaching 1,000 on severe days. This discrepancy raises pressing questions: Which figures are accurate? And why does India’s official system stop at 500? Experts caution against comparing India’s AQI to global standards like those of the WHO or the US, as each country’s index is tailored to its unique environmental and health contexts. India’s 500 cap, introduced over a decade ago, was intended to avoid public panic, as exceeding this threshold signaled a critical need for immediate action. However, this approach flattens data, treating all readings above 500 equally, regardless of actual pollution levels. The National Air Quality Index, last revised in 2009, relies on Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAMs), which measure particle mass with strict calibration. In contrast, platforms like IQAir use sensor-based monitors, which estimate particle counts through laser scattering and electrochemical methods. These sensors, unapproved by the Indian government, lack the same calibration rigor. Environmental scientists and activists are now advocating for a comprehensive revision of India’s air quality framework, including the removal of the 500 cap and the integration of sensor-based data. As pollution levels continue to rise, the health impacts worsen, underscoring the urgent need for an updated and transparent AQI system.
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Lula’s former human rights minister formally accused of sexual misconduct
In a significant development, Brazil’s federal police have formally accused Silvio Almeida, the former human rights minister under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of sexual misconduct. The allegations, which led to Almeida’s dismissal last September, have now escalated into a formal investigation. A police official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, confirmed the accusations on Saturday. Prosecutors are currently reviewing the case to determine whether to press charges. If charges are filed, the Supreme Court will decide whether to proceed to trial. Almeida, a prominent Black law professor and anti-racism advocate in Lula’s administration, has previously denied the allegations but has remained silent since the formal accusation was reported by local media on Friday. The accusations have cast a shadow over Lula’s government, particularly given Almeida’s vocal stance against racism alongside Anielle Franco, the Minister for Racial Equality, who was named as one of the alleged victims. Franco, who entered politics following the murder of her sister Marielle Franco, a Rio de Janeiro councilwoman, publicly supported Lula’s decision to dismiss Almeida. The case has reignited discussions about violence against women in Brazil, where over one in three women has experienced sexual or gender-based violence, according to a 2025 report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety. Isabel Rodrigues, a professor in São Paulo, has accused Almeida of sexual assault and emphasized the need for justice and support for victims.