分类: society

  • Protesters storm Nigeria’s new art museum

    Protesters storm Nigeria’s new art museum

    A highly anticipated preview event at the newly constructed Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) in Benin City, Nigeria, was abruptly halted on Sunday as protesters stormed the premises, directing their anger at foreign visitors. The $25 million museum, designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, was envisioned as a cultural hub and a potential home for the Benin Bronzes—priceless artifacts looted by British soldiers in the 19th century. However, the absence of these artifacts, coupled with disputes over the museum’s governance, fueled the demonstrators’ ire. Videos from the scene captured protesters verbally assaulting guests and demanding their departure. The museum’s management swiftly escorted all visitors to safety and issued a public apology for the disruption. According to a local resident, the protest reflects broader dissatisfaction among Edo State’s traditional rulers and government officials, who feel sidelined in the museum’s operations. The museum’s executive director, Phillip Ihenacho, clarified that Mowaa aims to serve a pan-African purpose, explaining the decision to remove ‘Edo’ from its name. The institution emphasized its independence and non-profit status, distancing itself from political affiliations. In response to the unrest, Mowaa has canceled all preview events leading up to its grand opening on Tuesday and advised visitors to avoid the campus until tensions subside. The incident underscores the complex legacy of colonial-era looted art and the challenges of cultural restitution in modern Africa.

  • Investing in people: a worthwhile investment

    Investing in people: a worthwhile investment

    As China’s modernization drive reaches a pivotal stage, Chi Fulin, President of the China Institute for Reform and Development and the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies, has released a groundbreaking book titled ‘A Great Nation Prioritizing People’s Livelihoods: The Grand Strategy of Chinese Modernization.’ Launched in Beijing on November 9, 2025, the book underscores the necessity of shifting from an investment-led model to a people-centered approach in China’s modernization efforts. Published by CITIC Press, the work draws on over four decades of research and reform experience, emphasizing the importance of improving human capital, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, and fostering inclusive urbanization. Chi, a veteran reform advisor since the 1980s, argues that investing in people is not merely a social expenditure but a productive investment that drives innovation, consumption, and job creation. The book aligns with the Communist Party of China’s vision of shared prosperity and offers a practical roadmap for achieving these goals. Chi highlights that redirecting resources from infrastructure to human development can unlock the vast potential of China’s 1.4 billion population, boosting productivity and consumption. He also stresses the unique advantages of China’s socialist system in implementing equitable and sustainable policies. As China progresses toward its 2035 long-term goals, Chi’s insights provide both strategic direction and inspiration for building a modern, inclusive society.

  • BBC director resigns after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech

    BBC director resigns after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech

    In a significant development, the BBC’s top executives, Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness, stepped down on Sunday following widespread criticism over the broadcaster’s handling of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy stems from the BBC’s editing of Trump’s address on January 6, 2021, which preceded the storming of the U.S. Capitol by protesters. The public broadcaster faced backlash for its editorial decisions, which were perceived as altering the context of the speech. The resignations mark a pivotal moment for the BBC, raising questions about journalistic integrity and accountability in the face of public scrutiny. The organization has yet to announce replacements for the departing leaders, leaving a leadership vacuum at a critical time.

  • Mystery ‘fedora man’ at Louvre heist scene revealed as teenage detective fan

    Mystery ‘fedora man’ at Louvre heist scene revealed as teenage detective fan

    In the aftermath of the high-profile Louvre museum heist, which saw the theft of the French crown jewels, a peculiar mystery captivated the public: the identity of the ‘fedora man.’ This sharply dressed individual, photographed outside the museum on the day of the robbery, became an overnight sensation on social media, sparking widespread speculation about his role in the incident. While the identities of the thieves were quickly uncovered due to their careless handling of DNA evidence, and the Louvre’s director acknowledged the museum’s inadequate CCTV security, the fedora man’s identity remained unknown—until now. Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, a 15-year-old from Rambouillet, southwest of Paris, has come forward as the person behind the viral image. Pedro, a fan of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, explained that he had planned to visit the Louvre with his family but found it closed due to the heist. Unaware of the robbery, he was photographed by an Associated Press (AP) photographer while inquiring about the closure. The photo, which included Pedro in his distinctive fedora and waistcoat, quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on TikTok and even appearing in The New York Times. Pedro, who enjoys dressing in a vintage style inspired by 20th-century statesmen and fictional detectives, expressed his astonishment at the sudden fame. ‘I like to be chic,’ he told the AP. ‘I go to school like this.’ Despite the online frenzy and wild theories—ranging from him being a real detective to an AI-generated image—Pedro chose to remain silent for weeks, allowing the mystery to linger. ‘With this photo, there is a mystery, so you have to make it last,’ he said.

  • Three dead and 15 injured in Tenerife tidal surge

    Three dead and 15 injured in Tenerife tidal surge

    Tenerife, a popular holiday destination in Spain’s Canary Islands, has been struck by tragedy as powerful waves claimed three lives and left 15 others injured. Emergency services reported on Sunday that a woman died after being swept into the ocean near the Puerto de la Cruz resort, while a man lost his life in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A third victim was discovered in the waters near a beach in Granadilla. Rescue teams airlifted a man who fell into the sea at La Guancha in the island’s north, but he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Another man was found floating near El Cabezo beach in the south, where lifeguards and medical personnel were unable to revive him. At Puerto de la Cruz, a woman died of a heart attack, and 10 others were swept out to sea, with three sustaining serious injuries. Pedro, a local waiter, recounted his heroic efforts to save those in distress, managing to rescue three individuals but tragically failing to save a woman who passed away at the scene. Eyewitness Carlos expressed frustration at tourists ignoring warnings to stay away from the dangerous waves. Authorities have issued alerts for coastal hazards across the Canary Islands, predicting worsening sea conditions with swells reaching two-to-four meters. Both tourists and locals are urged to exercise extreme caution.

  • Exhibition commemorating the epic relocation of universities opens in Fujian

    Exhibition commemorating the epic relocation of universities opens in Fujian

    A landmark exhibition commemorating the monumental relocation of Chinese universities during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) has opened at Sanming University in Fujian Province. The event, which began over the weekend, is a collaborative effort involving over 40 universities across China and coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. The exhibition vividly portrays the challenging journey of more than 150 universities that were forced to move to safer regions in southwestern, northwestern, central-southern, and eastern mountainous areas to safeguard China’s educational and cultural heritage during the war. Tang Tao, an expert from East China Normal University who contributed to the exhibition’s framework, emphasized the historical significance of this relocation, describing it as a pivotal chapter in China’s educational history. He highlighted the unique panoramic approach of the exhibition, which captures the nationwide scope and timeline of the relocations. Over the past eight decades, many universities have established memorials at their relocation sites to honor this legacy, but this exhibition stands out for its comprehensive narrative and collaborative effort.

  • Sharjah: New main roads constructed to improve traffic flow, ease congestion

    Sharjah: New main roads constructed to improve traffic flow, ease congestion

    Sharjah has taken a significant step toward improving urban mobility and supporting economic development with the construction of new main roads in the Al Malha Commercial Area. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority announced on Sunday that the newly built roads span six kilometers and are designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the overall flow of vehicles. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the emirate’s infrastructure, ensuring a better quality of life for residents and fostering economic activity. The project also includes the paving of main roads and the optimization of entrances and exits to facilitate smoother traffic movement. Motorists in Sharjah have expressed optimism about the Dh170-billion transport infrastructure plan, which includes a fourth national highway connecting the northern emirates to Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the Industrial Area 6 is set to undergo a major redevelopment project, expected to be completed within two years, further easing the daily commute for thousands of drivers. These efforts underscore Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable urban development and improved connectivity.

  • Dubai Metro Blue Line construction: Over 10 new traffic diversions planned

    Dubai Metro Blue Line construction: Over 10 new traffic diversions planned

    The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced more than 10 new traffic diversions to support the ongoing construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line. These measures aim to ensure smooth traffic flow while enhancing the city’s public transport network. The Blue Line, a significant addition to Dubai’s metro system, will connect key districts, improve quality of life, and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Since the project’s inception, 11 diversions have already been implemented, with more planned in the coming months. Recent changes include the closure of the entrance from Ras Al Khor Road into International City 1 and a major diversion at Centrepoint Metro Station. The Blue Line extends in two directions: one spanning 21 km with 10 stations from Creek Interchange Station to Dubai Academic City, and another covering 9 km with four stations from Centrepoint Interchange Station to International City (1). The project also includes the construction of a depot and maintenance facility in Al Ruwayyah 3. To keep residents informed, the RTA has launched a public awareness strategy, providing regular updates through media channels and community gatherings. The authority has also conducted detailed field surveys to engage with affected communities. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, highlighted the project’s economic benefits, estimating savings of over Dh56.5 billion by 2040 due to reduced travel time, fuel consumption, and accident-related fatalities. Additionally, the Blue Line is expected to boost property values by up to 25% around metro stations and reduce traffic congestion by 20% along its corridors. A McKinsey & Company study commissioned by the RTA revealed that neighborhoods linked to Dubai’s transport network, such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, have already seen property price increases of up to 16%, underscoring the transformative impact of infrastructure projects.

  • People in Taiwan commemorate victims of White Terror period

    People in Taiwan commemorate victims of White Terror period

    On Saturday, November 8, 2025, residents of Taiwan gathered at the Taipei Machangding Memorial Park to honor the victims of the White Terror period, a dark chapter in the island’s history marked by political repression during the 1950s. The annual remembrance ceremony, attended by survivors, families of the victims, and representatives from various sectors of Taiwanese society, served as a poignant reminder of the era’s injustices and a call for peace and unity across the Taiwan Strait. The White Terror era saw the arrest and execution of numerous individuals perceived as threats to the ruling Kuomintang regime, many of whom were buried in unmarked graves. It wasn’t until 1993 that four such burial sites were discovered in Taipei, leading to the establishment of the annual autumn commemoration. This year’s ceremony featured a heartfelt eulogy by Taiwan youth representative Chen Chu-yin, who expressed hope that the martyrs’ ideals of national reunification would be realized through the efforts of the younger generation. The event underscored the enduring impact of the White Terror period on Taiwan’s collective memory and its ongoing relevance in contemporary discussions about cross-Strait relations.

  • What does UAE law say about car insurance costs, conditions?

    What does UAE law say about car insurance costs, conditions?

    In the United Arab Emirates, car insurance premiums and policy conditions are strictly regulated under national law to ensure fairness and transparency for vehicle owners. According to the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Loss and Damage, insurers are permitted to charge a maximum premium of five percent for saloon vehicles and seven percent for four-wheel drive vehicles for a 13-month policy. These regulations are established under Insurance Authority Board of Directors’ Decision No. 25 of 2016 and Decision No. 30 of 2016, which govern motor vehicle insurance tariffs and policy frameworks. The law mandates specific clauses in every insurance policy, including the obligations of both the insurance company and the insured. Insurers are required to compensate for damages, repair or replace vehicles, and cover other stipulated losses. Meanwhile, policyholders must pay premiums, adhere to safety precautions, and ensure compliance with ownership and licensing requirements. Exclusions such as indirect losses, damages from overloading, or accidents occurring outside the policy’s geographical territory are also clearly defined. Additionally, the law allows for optional riders, enabling insurers and policyholders to agree on additional coverage for specific risks, such as damages to personal property or incidents occurring off-road. These provisions ensure that motor vehicle insurance in the UAE is comprehensive, standardized, and aligned with legal requirements. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding these regulations to make informed decisions when renewing or purchasing car insurance.