In a remarkable display of creativity, the cleaning staff at Dalian University of Foreign Languages in Liaoning Province have transformed the seasonal litter of ginkgo leaves into stunning works of art. Utilizing everyday objects such as umbrellas, chairs, and tables, they have crafted intricate designs that have captivated students and become a viral sensation on social media. The vibrant crimson and gold hues of the leaves, typically associated with autumn’s poetic beauty, have now become the centerpiece of an unexpected artistic movement on campus. This initiative not only highlights the aesthetic potential of natural elements but also underscores the often-overlooked talents of the university’s support staff. Their innovative approach has sparked widespread admiration, drawing attention to the intersection of nature, art, and community engagement.
分类： society
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Dh50 million awarded to 100 UAE workers, companies at Emirates Labour Market Awards
The third edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award (ELMA), held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, recognized 100 exceptional workers and private companies for their outstanding contributions to the UAE labour market. Organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the event celebrated best practices and innovation in the sector, with a total prize pool of Dh50 million, up from Dh37 million in the previous edition. This year’s awards expanded to include 98 winners, compared to 84 in the second edition. Individual winners received cash prizes of Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Companies securing top positions were classified under MoHRE’s first category, benefiting from significant discounts on ministry services, with financial savings of up to Dh1.2 million. A new subcategory, ‘Labour Accommodations,’ was introduced to encourage sustainable and recreational initiatives for workers, particularly during national and Eid holidays. MoHRE emphasized that such activities enhance productivity, promote positive values, and foster a sense of belonging among workers, ensuring compliance with laws protecting their rights and well-being. The annual event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
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‘Thought it was a prank’: Indian expat wins $1 million at Dubai Duty Free after 10 years
An Indian expatriate based in Dubai has struck gold by winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, a life-changing moment that came after a decade of unwavering participation. Atul Rao, a banker originally from Mumbai, purchased his winning ticket—number 2242 in Series 522—on his birthday while transiting through Dubai International Airport. The draw took place approximately two and a half weeks later, turning Rao’s life upside down in the best possible way. Rao, who has been shuttling between the UAE and Oman since 1998, initially dismissed the news as a prank. ‘With so many spam calls and messages these days, it was hard to believe,’ he admitted. It wasn’t until he verified the win on the Dubai Duty Free website that the reality sank in. Rao’s journey to this moment began in 2012 when he first started purchasing tickets during his travels. ‘Every time I travel, I buy at least three tickets—one each for the bike, car, and millionaire draws,’ he shared. Over the years, he estimates spending nearly Dh50,000 on tickets, always holding onto hope. Rao’s persistence finally paid off, and he plans to use his winnings wisely. Part of the money will go toward charity and investments, and he is considering reinvesting in Dubai’s property market, having previously owned and sold a property in the city. His family, including his wife, a special educator, and his daughter, who works in Dubai, are overjoyed. His son, studying in Canada, is also part of the celebrations, with the family planning a holiday soon. Despite his newfound wealth, Rao has no plans to stop participating in the draws. ‘I’ll definitely keep buying tickets,’ he said, adding with a laugh, ‘Who knows, maybe I’ll win the bike draw next.’ Rao’s story is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance, proving that dreams can come true when you least expect them.
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Nankai University scholar publishes long-lost Latin translation of Tao Te Ching
A long-lost Latin translation of the Tao Te Ching, hidden in the British Library for over three centuries, has been brought to light by Misha Tadd, a scholar at Nankai University in Tianjin. This remarkable discovery offers a unique glimpse into the early dissemination of Chinese philosophy in the West and the cross-cultural interpretations of Laozi’s teachings. The manuscript, translated by missionaries in the early 18th century, was recently published, marking a significant milestone in the study of East-West intellectual exchange. Tadd’s efforts have not only resurrected a forgotten piece of history but also provided scholars with valuable insights into how ancient Chinese wisdom was perceived and adapted in Europe during a pivotal period of cultural interaction. The publication of this rare manuscript underscores the enduring relevance of the Tao Te Ching and its profound impact on global philosophical thought.
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‘Another major win any time’: UAE Lottery says every ticket has a shot after Dh100-million win
The UAE Lottery has marked a historic milestone with its largest-ever payout of Dh100 million, awarded to a 29-year-old Abu Dhabi resident, Anilkumar Bolla. The IT professional defied odds of 1 in 8.8 million to match all seven numbers in the exact winning combination. This monumental win has not only transformed Bolla’s life but also reignited public interest in the lottery, with participation surging across the country. Scott Burton, UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that every draw is independent, and the odds remain unchanged regardless of previous wins. ‘We could see another major win at any time,’ he stated, highlighting the lottery’s commitment to fairness and excitement. The Dh100 million prize is a testament to the lottery’s rapid growth since its launch less than a year ago. Bolla, who plans to continue working and invest wisely, dreams of bringing his family to the UAE to share in his newfound fortune. The win has also spurred a wave of new registrations and reengaged former players, further solidifying the lottery’s popularity. With another Dh1 million winner announced in the latest draw, the UAE Lottery continues to captivate the nation with its promise of life-changing rewards.
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Eleven provincial-level regions buck national trend with population growth
Despite a nationwide population decline of 4.32 million over the past three years, eleven provincial-level regions in China have bucked the trend by recording significant population growth, according to the China Statistical Yearbook 2025. These regions include Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hainan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Guizhou, Fujian, Hubei, Ningxia Hui, Xizang, and Xinjiang Uygur, with Zhejiang and Guangdong leading the surge. The growth is attributed to migration patterns favoring the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions, as people from smaller cities and rural areas continue to move toward urban centers. Zhejiang, in particular, saw its population increase by 1.3 million, driven by its thriving private sector and balanced regional development, which minimized urban-rural disparities. Among cities, Hefei, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Changsha, and Zhengzhou experienced the highest population increases, with Hefei reaching a milestone of 10 million residents in 2024. Beyond migration, birth rates and natural population growth remain key factors, with regions in western and southern coastal areas showing higher birth rates. For instance, Guangdong not only attracts migrants but also leads the nation in births, with a rate of 8.89 per thousand.
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AP Interview: Security guard who foiled Stade de France bomber recounts traumatic night
Ten years after the devastating Paris terror attacks, Salim Toorabally, a security agent at Stade de France, continues to grapple with the psychological scars of that fateful night. On November 13, 2015, coordinated attacks across Paris claimed 132 lives and injured over 400. At the national stadium, Toorabally’s vigilance prevented a catastrophic loss of life by stopping Bilal Hadfi, one of the three suicide bombers, from entering the venue. Despite being hailed as a hero by then-President François Hollande and the public, Toorabally’s own suffering has remained largely unaddressed.
Toorabally, stationed at Gate L, recounted how he intercepted Hadfi, who attempted to tailgate another fan. Suspicious of Hadfi’s behavior, Toorabally alerted his colleagues, ensuring the bomber was denied entry. Hadfi later detonated his explosive vest outside the stadium, causing one death and injuring 14. Toorabally vividly remembers the explosions, the smell of burning, and the chaos that followed. He also tended to a wounded man, an experience that left him with haunting memories of blood and human flesh on his hands.
Despite his heroism, Toorabally received no immediate psychological support, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has since sought therapy, but the traumatic images of that night, including the graphic aftermath of Hadfi’s death, remain etched in his mind. Toorabally’s story underscores the long-term impact of terrorism on survivors and first responders, even as they are celebrated for their bravery.
As France commemorates the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Toorabally’s presence at a recent World Cup qualifier in Paris was a poignant reminder of the night that changed his life forever. His courage averted a potential disaster, but the emotional toll continues to weigh heavily on him. Former President Hollande and French footballer Blaise Matuidi have praised Toorabally’s actions, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy he prevented. Yet, for Toorabally, the battle with his own trauma remains far from over.
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Nigeria cancels mother-tongue teaching in primary schools and reverts to English
The Nigerian government has decided to scrap a contentious education policy that mandated the use of indigenous languages for teaching in early schooling, reinstating English as the primary medium of instruction. Introduced three years ago by former Education Minister Adamu Adamu, the policy aimed to enhance learning by teaching children in their mother tongue, a method supported by UN studies on early childhood education. However, current Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the policy’s immediate cancellation, citing its failure to deliver expected academic outcomes. Data from key examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), revealed significant academic underperformance in regions that adopted the mother-tongue approach. The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some, like education expert Dr. Aliyu Tilde, support the reversal, arguing Nigeria lacks the resources and trained teachers to implement such a policy effectively, others believe the policy was abandoned too soon. Critics, including social affairs analyst Habu Dauda, contend that the initiative required more time, investment, and support to succeed. The debate underscores Nigeria’s struggle to balance its linguistic heritage with the practical demands of a globalized economy where English proficiency is paramount. The policy reversal highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s education system, including poor teaching quality, inadequate resources, and low teacher pay, which have contributed to high dropout rates and millions of children out of school.
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Pope Leo XIV appoints his first Irish bishop
In a significant development for the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, Bishop Niall Coll has been appointed as the new Bishop of Raphoe, his native diocese. This marks the first Irish appointment by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The announcement was made at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny, County Donegal, following Mass on Thursday. The diocese had been without a bishop since February 2024, when Bishop Alan McGuckian was appointed to Down and Connor. Bishop Coll, 62, a native of Saint Johnston in east Donegal, returns to the northwest after serving as Bishop of Ossory since January 2023. Ordained a priest in 1988, Bishop Coll has a rich academic and pastoral background, including studies in Maynooth, Rome, and Trinity College Dublin, and roles as a chaplain, teacher, and parish priest. His appointment underscores the Church’s commitment to leadership continuity and local roots.
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UK commits to ensuring ‘poignant’ COVID memorial wall in London will be preserved
The British government announced on Thursday that the National COVID Memorial Wall in London, a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives during the pandemic, will be preserved permanently. Located on the Albert Embankment along the River Thames, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, the 8-foot-high Portland stone wall commemorates the approximately 240,000 COVID-related deaths in the UK and honors the sacrifices of key workers, particularly in health and care sectors. Established in March 2021 by the groups COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice and Led by Donkeys, the wall features over half a kilometer of hand-painted hearts, each representing a life lost. Volunteers, known as The Friends of the Wall, maintain the memorial, refreshing the artwork weekly with durable masonry paints. Culture Minister Fiona Twycross described the wall as a ‘powerful reminder of the pandemic’s toll,’ emphasizing the importance of remembering those who died. The government also pledged to continue an annual day of reflection in March and support the creation of additional memorial spaces nationwide. The UK, which experienced one of Europe’s deadliest COVID outbreaks, has faced criticism for its pandemic response, particularly the delayed lockdown in March 2020. However, its vaccine rollout has been widely praised. A national inquiry into the handling of the pandemic, launched two years ago, is ongoing and expected to conclude in 2027.