分类： society

In a concerning development, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have mandated that women, including patients, caretakers, and staff, must wear a burka—a full Islamic veil—to access public health facilities in Herat, a western city. This directive, reported by the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), took effect on November 5. According to Sarah Chateau, MSF’s programme manager in Afghanistan, these restrictions are severely limiting women’s access to healthcare, even for those requiring urgent medical attention. MSF noted a 28% decline in admissions for urgent cases at Herat Regional Hospital in the initial days of enforcement. Taliban members stationed at hospital entrances have reportedly denied entry to women not wearing the burka. However, a Taliban spokesperson dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry’s stance focuses on hijab, not the burka, and denied allegations of women being barred from medical centers. Activists and social media users have criticized the move, with some women in Herat reportedly burning burkas in protest. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has seen numerous restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, which the UN has labeled as ‘gender apartheid.’ The recent enforcement of the burka in Herat marks a significant escalation in these policies, raising alarm among human rights advocates.

At 91, Al Haj N. Jamaluddin, a UAE-based Indian educationist and poet, is set to become the oldest author to host a book signing session at the Sharjah International Book Fair. On November 15, Jamaluddin will meet readers at the Sharjah Expo Centre, where he will sign copies of ‘Zamzam,’ the Arabic translation of his Malayalam poetry collection. The book, first launched at the fair in 2023, has now reached Arabic-speaking audiences, fulfilling Jamaluddin’s long-held dream of transcending linguistic barriers. Joining him will be Karima El Azizi, Secretary to the CEO’s Office at the Sharjah Book Authority, who will also be signing her latest work.

Jamaluddin describes ‘Zamzam’ as a cultural bridge between his two homes: Kerala, where he was born, and the UAE, where he has lived since 1965. The poetry collection delves into his life experiences, Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and Islamic history, including the early arrival of Islam in southern India. ‘The UAE and my homeland, Kerala, share a bond that goes back centuries,’ he said. ‘Being able to share our stories in Arabic means a lot to me.’

Before his literary pursuits, Jamaluddin dedicated decades to education. He is the founder and chairman of Crescent English High School in Dubai, established in 1984 to provide affordable quality education to low- and middle-income families. Even at 91, he continues to visit the school daily, finding inspiration in the children. ‘When I’m with the children, I forget everything,’ he once told Khaleej Times. ‘They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.’

Born in Kollakadavu, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s life parallels the UAE’s transformation. Arriving in Dubai in the mid-1960s, he worked with the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) until 1983 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Relief Committee, which later facilitated consular services for Indian expats and direct flights between Kerala and Dubai. Despite lucrative job offers, he chose to focus on education and literature, believing that ‘books and schools are what endure.’

Jamaluddin’s curiosity remains undiminished. He writes regularly, reads daily, and stays connected with former students worldwide. When asked about his motivation, he said, ‘As long as I can learn, I’ll keep writing. Age is not an obstacle, but a reminder that time is precious.’

Professor Wang Wen, a distinguished academic and dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, has been honored with the Jubilee Medal For Labors Reward by the Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO). This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant contributions to fostering academic and public exchanges between China and Russia. The award ceremony took place at the State Kremlin Palace during the VEO’s 260th-anniversary celebration. The Labors Reward medal, awarded once every decade to no more than 15 individuals, is one of Russia’s highest academic honors. This year’s recipients include prominent Russian academicians, senators, and business leaders, with Professor Wang being the sole Chinese honoree. His recognition marks a significant milestone in China-Russia academic collaboration and underscores China’s increasing influence in global scholarly discourse.

Roya Karimi, once a child bride in Afghanistan, has transformed her life to become one of Europe’s top bodybuilders. Now 30, she is set to compete in the World Bodybuilding Championships, marking a remarkable rise in a sport she embraced professionally less than two years ago. Her journey began in 2011 when she fled Afghanistan with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway. There, she rebuilt her life, pursued education, and became a nurse, all while meeting her second husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, a fellow bodybuilder who became her staunch supporter. Bodybuilding became a turning point for Roya, helping her reclaim her identity and break free from the mental and social constraints she faced in Afghanistan. Despite facing criticism and threats on social media for her bold appearance, Roya remains undeterred, using her platform to inspire women in Afghanistan, where rights have severely regressed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Her victories in competitions like the Stoperiet Open and Norway Classic 2025 have cemented her status as a trailblazer. As she prepares for the world championships in Barcelona, Roya aims to make history for Afghan women, proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province experienced a partial collapse, raising concerns about infrastructure safety. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that no casualties were reported. The collapse occurred shortly after the bridge’s opening, prompting immediate investigations into the structural integrity and construction standards. Officials emphasized that emergency protocols were effectively implemented to ensure public safety. This incident has sparked widespread discussions on the quality control measures in China’s rapidly expanding infrastructure projects. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety assessments in public construction endeavors.

A groundbreaking exhibition at the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is shedding light on the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Titled ‘Love and Memory of the Greater Bay Area – Historical and Cultural Relics of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Since the 19th Century,’ the event opened on November 11 and will continue until March 8. Featuring over 350 cultural artifacts, the exhibition chronicles the social, economic, and cultural evolution of the Greater Bay Area over the past century. These relics illustrate how the three regions, despite geographical separation, have preserved a shared ancestry, traditions, and cultural bonds. The exhibition emphasizes that ‘Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao’ is not just a geographical term but a symbol of identity and a vital link that connects Hong Kong and Macao to mainland China through a shared heritage.

In a groundbreaking development for China’s agricultural sector, Yunnan province has successfully trialed the cultivation of durians, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known as the ‘king of tropical fruits,’ durians have traditionally been imported from countries like Thailand and Vietnam to meet China’s high demand. However, recent trials in Jinghong city and Mengla county, located in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, have yielded promising results. Local farmers, including Jia Guohua from Mengla, have shared videos of their ripened durians, with Jia’s tree producing 16 fruits this year—a surprising outcome from a seed he had discarded a decade ago. This breakthrough could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imports and pave the way for ‘durian freedom,’ making the fruit more accessible and affordable for Chinese consumers. The success of these trials highlights Yunnan’s potential as a key agricultural hub for tropical fruits, offering economic opportunities for local farmers and contributing to food security in the region.