分类: society

  • ‘Children are not machines’: UAE billionaire reiterates call for shorter school days

    ‘Children are not machines’: UAE billionaire reiterates call for shorter school days

    The ongoing debate over school timings in the UAE has intensified as Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, a prominent billionaire and head of Dubai’s Al Habtoor Group, reiterates his call for shorter school days. Speaking on November 14, 2025, Al Habtoor emphasized that the quality of education should not be measured by the number of hours students spend in classrooms. This is not the first time he has raised this issue; a similar appeal in May sparked widespread discussions among parents, many of whom agreed that extended school hours are detrimental to children’s energy, health, and family life. Al Habtoor argued that prolonged school schedules often lead to student fatigue, diminished enthusiasm, and a loss of focus, turning education into a burden rather than a joyful experience. He urged the UAE’s Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to reconsider school hours, not to reduce learning but to enhance its quality. Citing Switzerland’s successful educational model, Al Habtoor highlighted how Swiss students benefit from shorter, balanced academic blocks with regular breaks, allowing their minds to rest and function effectively. He also pointed out that many of the UAE’s founding leaders were educated in schools with shorter hours, yet they achieved remarkable success through determination, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. The debate has gained traction as Dubai residents grapple with increasing traffic congestion, further fueling calls for reforms in school timings.

  • Several killed after bus crashes into Stockholm bus stop

    Several killed after bus crashes into Stockholm bus stop

    A tragic bus accident in central Stockholm has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, according to Swedish police. The incident occurred at approximately 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Valhallavägen street, a bustling area in the Swedish capital. Authorities have confirmed that the bus driver has been arrested, and a manslaughter investigation has been initiated as part of standard procedure. Police have refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the number, gender, or ages of the victims at this stage. Local media images depict emergency responders working diligently to assist individuals trapped beneath the double-decker bus. Transdev, the company responsible for operating local bus services in northern Stockholm, has acknowledged that the bus involved in the crash was part of their fleet. A shop owner on the street, who witnessed the event, reported that the bus collided with a pole in front of the bus shelter. The witness also mentioned that several distressed individuals sought refuge in their shop, visibly shaken and in tears. This developing story is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected shortly.

  • Bus crashes into a bus stop in Stockholm and causes fatalities, police say

    Bus crashes into a bus stop in Stockholm and causes fatalities, police say

    A tragic incident unfolded in Stockholm on Friday afternoon when a double-decker bus collided with a bus stop, resulting in fatalities and injuries, according to local police. The crash occurred at 3:23 p.m. on Valhallavägen, a prominent street in the Östermalm district of the Swedish capital. Authorities were swiftly alerted to the scene, but details regarding the exact number of victims remain undisclosed. Initial reports from Swedish news agency TT indicate that the bus was not in service at the time of the accident, and no passengers were on board. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with no immediate clarity on what led to the devastating event. Emergency services responded promptly, but the full extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined.

  • No casualties reported in Wenchang Pavilion fire

    No casualties reported in Wenchang Pavilion fire

    A fire erupted at Wenchang Pavilion in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, on Wednesday, triggered by a visitor lighting incense. The incident, which occurred in a site often confused with a historically significant temple, resulted in no casualties and left the surrounding forest area unscathed, as confirmed by local fire authorities on Thursday.

    Wenchang Pavilion, located within the Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area, was constructed between January 2008 and October 2009. Upon completion, it was placed under the management of the nearby Yongqing Temple. The original Yongqing Temple dates back to the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty (502-557), experiencing periods of prosperity and decline over the centuries. In 1993, a new temple was built in the area, bearing the same name to honor the historical legacy of the original.

    According to the investigation team, all structures within the temple are modern constructions, with no ancient edifices remaining. Additionally, the pavilion does not house any cultural relics, further distinguishing it from historical sites.

  • Police in Paris wound knife-wielding man at Montparnasse train station

    Police in Paris wound knife-wielding man at Montparnasse train station

    A knife-wielding man was shot and injured by police at the Montparnasse train station in Paris on Friday, according to the city’s prosecutor’s office. The incident involved a man reportedly known for domestic violence, who allegedly inflicted self-inflicted knife wounds after being confronted by authorities. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene. A 53-year-old bystander sustained a gunshot wound to the foot during the altercation and received immediate medical attention. Authorities clarified that initial investigations did not indicate any terrorist motive behind the incident. The event occurred just one day after the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks, which claimed 132 lives. French rail operator SNCF confirmed that a security perimeter was established in a small section of the station following the police intervention, causing minor disruptions to train services.

  • Heady odors and sensory overload as 5,200 cheeses compete for the World Cheese Awards

    Heady odors and sensory overload as 5,200 cheeses compete for the World Cheese Awards

    The 37th World Cheese Awards, a unique blend of competition and celebration, commenced in Bern, Switzerland, on Thursday, offering a sensory experience like no other. The event, which runs for three days, attracted cheese connoisseurs, culinary experts, and curious consumers from around the globe. With over 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries, including a significant Swiss contingent, the exhibition hall was a melting pot of aromas, flavors, and textures. Descriptions of the cheeses ranged from ‘stinky socks’ to ‘sick dog,’ yet the diversity and craftsmanship of the offerings were undeniable. The competition, judged by 265 experts, focused on attributes such as aroma, texture, and flavor, culminating in the selection of a ‘Super Gold’ winner. This year’s top honor went to a ‘spezial’ Gruyere from the Vorderfultigen Mountain Dairy in Switzerland. The event also highlighted regional and national bests, showcasing the global artistry of cheesemaking. Despite the olfactory challenges, the World Cheese Awards remains a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of cheese.

  • China vows to continue crackdown on hunting of protected birds

    China vows to continue crackdown on hunting of protected birds

    In a concerted effort to safeguard the environment and ecosystem, Chinese government and judicial authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to combating the illegal hunting and trafficking of protected bird species. On Friday, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), the Ministry of Public Security, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration released five significant cases to highlight their collaborative approach in addressing this issue. Wu Zhaoxiang, chief judge at the SPC’s Environment and Resources Division, emphasized the critical role of wild birds in maintaining ecosystems essential for human survival. He urged the public to learn from these cases, enhance legal awareness, and actively participate in conservation efforts. Courts across the nation have been instructed to impose severe penalties on individuals involved in the illegal hunting and trafficking of key protected species. One notable case involved a man surnamed Dong, who used glue nets to capture over 880 wild birds, including the nationally protected yellow-breasted bunting. Dong was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 30,000 yuan ($4,285). Li Chunjie, deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security’s division for investigating cases related to food and medicine safety and environmental protection, stressed the importance of eliminating threats to public security. Police have adopted a ‘zero-tolerance’ stance, confiscating illegal tools such as modified drones, snares, traps, and bird nets to deter wildlife crimes.

  • Second brother of French anti-drugs campaigner shot dead in Marseille

    Second brother of French anti-drugs campaigner shot dead in Marseille

    Amine Kessaci, a prominent French anti-drugs campaigner, has suffered another devastating loss as his second brother, Mehdi Kessaci, was shot dead in Marseille on Thursday. The 20-year-old was parking his car in the city center when a motorcycle pulled up, and the pillion passenger opened fire with a 9mm pistol. This tragic incident follows the 2020 murder of Amine’s elder brother, Brahim, whose charred body was found in a burned-out car—a grim hallmark of gang-related killings locally referred to as a ‘barbecue.’

    Amine, who was just 17 when Brahim was killed, founded an association called Conscience to help young people in Marseille’s impoverished neighborhoods escape the grip of powerful drug gangs. Investigators believe Mehdi’s murder may have been a targeted warning to Amine, who has recently received death threats and is under police protection. Marseille’s chief prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, stated that this hypothesis is not being ruled out, adding that such acts evoke dark periods in France’s history when familial vendettas led to brutal killings.

    Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has become infamous for its escalating drug wars, with rival gangs from high-immigration neighborhoods battling for control. This year alone, there have been 14 drug-related murders, often involving teenagers as young as 15. Amine’s association, Conscience, operates in several cities, offering support to families affected by drug violence and bridging connections between former delinquents and employers.

    Amine, who ran unsuccessfully for the Green Party in European and legislative elections last year, recently published a book titled *Marseille Wipe your Tears – Life and Death in a Land of Drugs*. He has become a symbol of resilience, having met President Emmanuel Macron in 2021 to discuss initiatives to improve life in Marseille. Reflecting on his journey, Amine wrote in his book, ‘Politics never held out its hand to me, so I decided to grab it by the throat. Brahim – it was you who threw me into politics the day you burned in a car.’

    The killings of his brothers have not only devastated Amine but also highlighted the pervasive violence plaguing Marseille. Christine Juste, a Green Party city councillor, expressed her sorrow and anger, stating, ‘No mother should go through that—losing two children. And I’m so angry that in France’s second city, people can be murdered so easily in plain daylight.’

  • A flooded restaurant in Thailand brings delight with swimming fish among diners

    A flooded restaurant in Thailand brings delight with swimming fish among diners

    In Nakhon Pathom province, central Thailand, a riverside restaurant has turned an unfortunate flood into a unique and profitable dining phenomenon. Pa Jit restaurant, located about 30 kilometers from Bangkok, has become an internet sensation after floodwaters from an adjacent river inundated the establishment 11 days ago. Customers flock to the restaurant to enjoy meals while sitting in knee-deep water, surrounded by live fish that swim around their feet. The experience has captivated diners, especially families with young children, who are mesmerized by the fish swimming around them. Wait staff, dressed in waders, navigate the flooded space to serve dishes like fish soup and chicken noodles. Owner Pornkamol Prangprempree initially feared the flood would drive customers away, but the opposite occurred. A viral social media post showcasing the fish-filled floodwaters drew crowds, doubling the restaurant’s daily profits from 10,000 baht ($309) to 20,000 baht ($618). Visitors like Chomphunuth Khantaniti, a 29-year-old local, praised the experience for its novelty and ability to entertain children. Bella Windy, 63, visited specifically to feel the fish nibbling at her feet, calling it a unique nature experience. While Pa Jit thrives, the broader region faces devastation from the floods. Since late July, 12 people have died, two are missing, and over 480,000 residents across 13 provinces have been affected, according to Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Despite the challenges, Pa Jit’s innovative adaptation to the flood has turned adversity into opportunity, offering a rare and memorable dining experience.

  • Overburdened power cable behind Bosnia retirement home fire that killed 15

    Overburdened power cable behind Bosnia retirement home fire that killed 15

    A tragic fire at a retirement facility in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has claimed the lives of 15 elderly residents, with authorities attributing the cause to an overburdened power cable. The incident, which occurred on November 4, began on the seventh floor of the retirees’ boarding house when a radio cable, squeezed between a bed and a wall, caused a short circuit. The blaze resulted in 11 fatalities on the day of the incident and left 30 others injured. Since then, four more individuals have succumbed to their injuries in the Tuzla hospital, including two last week and two within the past 24 hours, as confirmed by medical officials on Friday.

    Investigations are ongoing to determine whether negligence or oversight contributed to the disaster. The facility, which housed elderly residents with limited mobility or chronic illnesses, has faced significant public criticism. In the wake of the tragedy, the complex’s manager has resigned. Authorities have pledged to continue their probe to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.