分类: society

  • Pakistan: Suicide attack outside Islamabad court kills 12

    Pakistan: Suicide attack outside Islamabad court kills 12

    A tragic suicide bombing occurred outside a court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. The attack, which took place in a bustling area of the capital city, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about security measures in public spaces. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation to determine the motives behind the attack and identify the perpetrators. Preliminary reports suggest that the bomber detonated explosives near the entrance of the court, causing widespread devastation and injuring several others. The incident has drawn condemnation from both local and international leaders, who have called for increased efforts to combat terrorism and protect civilians. This attack underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in maintaining security and stability amidst persistent threats from extremist groups.

  • UAE weather: Light rain expected in some areas; low of 23ºC in Dubai

    UAE weather: Light rain expected in some areas; low of 23ºC in Dubai

    Residents in certain parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should prepare for light rainfall and varying weather conditions on Tuesday, November 11, as forecasted by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy over western islands, with occasional dust in northern and eastern regions. Humidity levels are predicted to rise by night and into Wednesday morning, particularly in internal areas. Winds will shift from northwesterly to southeasterly, ranging from 10 to 25 km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 35 km/hr. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will remain calm. Temperature lows are anticipated to drop to 19ºC in Sharjah, 23ºC in Dubai, and 21ºC in Abu Dhabi. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather developments.

  • 100 days to Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Dates of holy month, 3-day Eid Al Fitr break revealed

    100 days to Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Dates of holy month, 3-day Eid Al Fitr break revealed

    As the UAE prepares for one of its most spiritually significant periods, the countdown to Ramadan 2026 has officially begun. With just 100 days remaining, residents are gearing up for the holy month, which is expected to commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to astronomical calculations. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and charitable acts, observed from dawn to dusk. The exact start date, however, will be confirmed by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee after the crescent moon is sighted.

    This year, Ramadan is anticipated to last 29 days, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid Al Fitr. The festival, which marks the end of fasting, will bring the UAE’s first long weekend of the year. Public holidays are expected to span from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22, providing residents with a three-day break. Should Ramadan extend to 30 days, an additional day off could be added, creating a four-day weekend. However, current predictions favor a 29-day observance.

    Ramadan 2026 will also bring shorter fasting hours compared to previous years, thanks to its occurrence during the cooler months. The first fast is projected to last 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually increasing to 13 hours and 26 minutes by the end of the month. This is a welcome change from the nearly 14-hour fasting days experienced in 2025.

    During Ramadan, daily life in the UAE undergoes a profound transformation. Workplaces and schools adjust their hours, and a serene atmosphere envelops the Emirates. At sunset, the call to prayer resonates across cities as families and friends gather for Iftar, the meal to break the fast. Mosques remain open late into the night, hosting special prayers such as Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Layl.

    As the UAE prepares for this sacred time, the anticipation is palpable. Ramadan not only fosters spiritual growth but also strengthens community bonds, making it a cherished period for residents across the Emirates.

  • Orchids flourish in hidden gem Wanglang

    Orchids flourish in hidden gem Wanglang

    Nestled in the northern reaches of Sichuan province, the Wanglang National Nature Reserve stands as a testament to China’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. Despite its proximity to the renowned Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas, Wanglang remains a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, this reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity, particularly known for its rich variety of orchids, including the unique Cypripedium species.

  • Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture

    Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture

    In the heart of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital, the streets came alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rendez-Vous Chez Nous festival. Organized by the Nama marionette and dance group, the three-day event, held from November 6 to 8, showcased a dazzling array of dance performances, concerts, and theatrical plays. The festival’s centerpiece was a parade of over 200 giant marionettes, representing modern Malian women adorned with bold features, colorful attire, and intricate hairstyles, alongside animal puppets symbolizing unity and social cohesion. Despite the city’s ongoing struggles with al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants, who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports, the festival drew thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and participants from across West Africa. Yacouba Magassaouba, the festival director, emphasized the resilience of Malian artists, stating, ‘We fight through our art. Canceling this festival would mean the jihadists have won.’ The event, supported by the Spanish embassy and other partners, highlighted Mali’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of creativity and community. Amid the chaos, the festival served as a beacon of hope and defiance, celebrating the nation’s artistic legacy and fostering regional unity.

  • The deadly car explosion in New Delhi is being investigated under an anti-terrorism law

    The deadly car explosion in New Delhi is being investigated under an anti-terrorism law

    Indian authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act following a devastating car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort. The incident, which occurred late Monday, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left several others injured. Forensic teams are meticulously working to ascertain the cause of the blast, which is believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 car stopped at a traffic signal. The explosion caused significant damage to nearby vehicles, with images depicting shattered windows, twisted metal, and engulfing flames. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to Bhutan, has vowed that the perpetrators will face justice, emphasizing that investigators will uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that all possible angles are being explored, with security agencies leveraging CCTV footage from the area to expedite the inquiry. In response to the incident, major transportation hubs, including train stations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, have been placed on heightened security alert. The Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument and a symbol of national pride, is a prominent tourist destination and the site of annual Independence Day speeches by Indian leaders. The surrounding area, known for its bustling bazaars, is typically crowded, amplifying the impact of the explosion. Authorities are also working to identify the car’s owner and occupants, who are presumed to have perished in the blast.

  • WWII nurses who dodged bullets and saved lives deserve Congressional honor, lawmakers say

    WWII nurses who dodged bullets and saved lives deserve Congressional honor, lawmakers say

    At 106 years old, Alice Darrow vividly remembers her time as a nurse during World War II, a period marked by bravery and sacrifice. As part of a pioneering group of nurses, she risked her life to treat soldiers’ burns and gunshot wounds, often under enemy fire. Some nurses were killed, while others endured years as prisoners of war. Most returned home to lives of quiet obscurity, their contributions largely unrecognized. Now, eight decades after the war, a coalition of retired military nurses and advocates is campaigning to award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, to all nurses who served in WWII. This effort aims to honor their courage and dedication, which saved countless lives.

  • Finding direction in Chinese martial arts

    Finding direction in Chinese martial arts

    Jacob Brinnand’s life took a transformative turn when he discovered the profound world of Chinese martial arts. Growing up in the Bay Area, Brinnand was immersed in a vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander community where martial arts were deeply ingrained in the culture. Inspired by kung fu films like *Drunken Master II*, he sought authenticity in martial arts but struggled to find a mentor who could guide him to its true essence. This changed in 2005 when he met Y.C. Wong, a fourth-generation disciple of the legendary Wong Fei-hung, a Qing Dynasty martial artist renowned for his mastery of hung gar and drunk boxing, as well as his expertise in traditional Chinese medicine. Wong became Brinnand’s sifu (master), offering him not just martial arts training but also a path to self-discovery and purpose. Brinnand’s journey led him to China in 2007, where he participated in the 160th anniversary of Wong Fei-hung’s birth, performing alongside masters and living legends. This experience deepened his understanding of kung fu as a holistic practice encompassing health, strength, longevity, and community. Inspired by Wong’s teachings and Chinese philosophical texts like the *Tao Te Ching*, Brinnand left his successful marketing career to dedicate his life to martial arts. Today, he teaches hung gar in Houston, Texas, helping others find strength and fulfillment through this ancient art.

  • What we know about the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed 8 people

    What we know about the car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort that killed 8 people

    A devastating car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, prompting a high-level investigation under India’s anti-terrorism laws. The incident occurred late Monday evening when a Hyundai i20 vehicle, stopped at a traffic signal, suddenly exploded, igniting nearby cars and rickshaws. The blast caused widespread destruction, with shattered windows, twisted metal, and flames engulfing the area. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with body parts scattered across the site and vehicles reduced to wreckage. Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area as forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) began probing the cause of the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that all possibilities, including terrorism, are being explored, with CCTV footage playing a crucial role in the investigation. In response to the incident, security alerts were heightened across major train stations, airports, and government buildings nationwide. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi advised citizens to avoid crowded areas near the Red Fort, a significant tourist attraction and a symbolic location for India’s Independence Day celebrations. The explosion has raised concerns about public safety in one of the city’s busiest areas, known for its bustling bazaars and heavy foot traffic.

  • 18 injured in people carrier crash at Washington-area airport

    18 injured in people carrier crash at Washington-area airport

    A mobile lounge, commonly referred to as a people carrier, crashed at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday, resulting in injuries to at least 18 passengers. The incident occurred around 16:30 EST (21:30 GMT) when the vehicle struck a dock while approaching the terminal. According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the collision also caused damage to the terminal building. Passengers exited the carrier using stairs and were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The airport remains operational, as confirmed by spokeswoman Crystal Nosal. The exact number of passengers onboard at the time of the crash remains unclear. Dulles Airport, located in Virginia and serving as a major hub for Washington DC travelers, operates a fleet of 19 mobile lounges, each capable of carrying 102 passengers. These vehicles, in use since 1959, have faced persistent criticism for being outdated and insufficiently modern. Earlier this week, Trent Morse, a former Trump official nominated to the MWAA board, labeled the mobile lounges as ‘relics of the past’ during a Senate confirmation hearing. He expressed embarrassment over international travelers being transported in such antiquated vehicles. NBC Washington reported that mobile lounges were involved in 16 accidents between 2007 and 2017, including one fatal crash. This latest incident coincides with the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to flight delays and staffing shortages at US airports. The Trump administration has mandated a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 airports, including Dulles, due to these shortages.