The Australian government has initiated a comprehensive public education campaign to guide parents and children in transitioning away from social media ahead of the implementation of a groundbreaking national age restriction. Starting December 10, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube will face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) if they fail to enforce measures preventing users under 16 from creating accounts. The current de facto age limit, based on U.S. privacy laws, is 13. Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized the significance of this change, describing it as a “very monumental event for a lot of young people.” The campaign, which includes digital, television, radio, and billboard messages, aims to raise awareness and provide resources for families to navigate the new regulations. Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted the goal of allowing children to experience childhood without the pressures of social media, while also giving young Australians more time to develop their identities. However, the policy has sparked debate, with over 140 academics opposing the age limit as overly simplistic. Despite these concerns, the law passed with strong support last year. Australia’s approach is being closely monitored by other nations, including Denmark, which is considering similar measures to protect children in the digital age.
分类： society
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Police call off search for four-year-old missing in Australian outback
South Australian police have officially suspended the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, who vanished from his family’s remote sheep station nearly three weeks ago. Despite a renewed effort involving 80 Australian Defense Force personnel, no trace of the boy has been found. Gus was last seen playing outside his home near Yunta, approximately 300 kilometers from Adelaide, on September 27. His grandmother had left him unattended for about 30 minutes before discovering his absence, triggering one of the largest search operations in the region’s history. Authorities, who do not suspect foul play, have transitioned the case into a ‘recovery operation.’ The search covered an expansive area of 470 square kilometers—twice the size of Edinburgh—but the rugged, harsh terrain and unpredictable weather conditions have significantly hindered efforts. A 12-person taskforce has been established to continue the investigation, with future searches not ruled out. Gus, described as adventurous yet shy, was last seen wearing a gray hat, light gray pants, boots, and a blue long-sleeve T-shirt featuring a yellow Minion character. His disappearance has captivated national attention, with widespread media coverage and online speculation. Police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly after fake AI-generated images of Gus circulated on social media. The Lamont family remains ‘devastated,’ expressing their profound grief and longing for Gus. Commissioner Grant Stevens acknowledged the family’s resilience, describing the situation as ‘traumatic’ and emphasizing the emotional toll of not knowing Gus’s whereabouts.
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Dubai: Indian, Afghani expats win $1 million in draw, share investment plans
In a life-changing event at Dubai International Airport, two expatriates—an Indian and an Afghan national—emerged as the latest millionaires in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Danny Telis, a 47-year-old Indian construction manager based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, clinched the $1 million prize with ticket number 0542, purchased on September 23. A long-time participant in the promotion, Telis expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a dream come true.” He plans to invest in Dubai, a city he once called home for 13 years. Telis is the 261st Indian national to win the Millennium Millionaire promotion, highlighting the significant participation of Indians in the draw. Meanwhile, Mohammad Khan Barakzai, a 44-year-old Afghan entrepreneur residing in Dubai, secured his $1 million win with ticket number 1700, purchased online on the same day. Barakzai, who runs an interior decoration company in Business Bay, is the first Afghan national to achieve this feat since the promotion’s inception in 1999. Following the millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw awarded three luxury vehicles to Indian expatriates. Chinmay Joshi, a 31-year-old strategic alliance manager from Mumbai, won a Mercedes Benz S500, while Melwin Pontes and Seetaraman Venkataraman secured an Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 motorbike and a BMW S 1000 XR, respectively. Venkataraman, a 67-year-old business development manager in Abu Dhabi, plans to use the proceeds from selling his bike to fund his children’s education. The event underscores Dubai’s reputation as a hub of opportunity and fortune for expatriates.
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Eco-friendly Diwali: Sustainable decor ideas to add sparkle to your festivities
As Diwali approaches, millions worldwide are preparing to celebrate the festival of lights, with home decoration being a central focus. This year, many are embracing sustainable practices to adorn their homes, blending tradition with eco-consciousness. Here are some innovative ideas to make your Diwali celebrations both festive and environmentally friendly.
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Weekly quiz: What award did this sleepy spider win a 10-year-old?
This week, Manchester witnessed an outpouring of grief as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to boxing icon Ricky Hatton, whose funeral procession drew massive crowds. Amidst this somber event, Sebastien Lecornu resumed his former role, and Cynthia Erivo, the star of ‘Wicked,’ captivated the cast of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with her performance. However, while these moments captured public attention, a myriad of global developments unfolded over the past seven days. To test your awareness of these events, Ben Fell has curated a quiz that challenges your memory of recent happenings. Whether you attempt last week’s quiz or explore the archives, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the broader world beyond local headlines. Additionally, a striking photograph of spiders offers a glimpse into the intricate beauty of nature.
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Watch: Rains cause flooding in Al Ain; authorities issue orange alert
Al Ain and its surrounding areas experienced severe rainfall on Thursday, leading to widespread flooding and hazardous driving conditions. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had earlier forecasted a period of rainy weather due to a low-pressure system affecting the UAE. The downpour was particularly intense in desert and mountainous regions, creating mini waterfalls and transforming roads into streams. Videos circulating on social media captured cars navigating through waterlogged streets with windshield wipers working tirelessly against the relentless rain. The NCM issued orange and yellow alerts for the eastern parts of the country, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and adhere to official guidance. Authorities have emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest weather advisories to ensure safety during this challenging weather event.
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World Padel Academy brings together global athletes for the Tooba Padel Cup in support of Al Jalila Foundation
In a groundbreaking initiative blending sportsmanship and philanthropy, the World Padel Academy (WPA) hosted the Tooba Padel Cup on October 4, 2025, in Dubai. The charity tournament brought together 14 doubles pairs of professional athletes, padel enthusiasts, and philanthropists for a day of competitive sport and social impact. The event, held in collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation, aimed to raise awareness and funds for individuals and families in need across the UAE. The tournament followed a single-elimination format, featuring the Fast4 rules — one set to four games, a tiebreak to seven points at three-all, and no-ad scoring to maintain a dynamic pace. The day culminated in an awards ceremony and a charity auction, where exclusive signed memorabilia from participating athletes were auctioned off, with all proceeds channeled to the Al Jalila Foundation through Tooba’s innovative donation platform. Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, emphasized the event’s broader mission, stating, ‘Sport has always been more than competition; it is about connection, wellness, and creating lasting impact.’ Tooba, an international charitable platform, has revolutionized giving by enabling direct contributions to verified causes, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Since its inception, Tooba has facilitated over $40 million in donations, benefiting more than 700,000 people globally. Ramazan Medzhidov, founder of Tooba, expressed gratitude to the WPA, partners, and attendees, highlighting how the event transformed sport into tangible social impact. The collaboration showcased the power of sport to drive meaningful change, combining WPA’s world-class sporting infrastructure, Tooba’s cutting-edge donation technology, and Al Jalila Foundation’s humanitarian efforts. Together, they demonstrated how purpose-led initiatives can inspire communities and create a lasting legacy of compassion and support.
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No crackers, only lights: Dubai homes sparkle as Indian families celebrate Diwali
As the sun sets over Dubai, the city transforms into a radiant spectacle of lights and warmth, marking the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, by Indian families across the Emirates. From the bustling lanes of Karama and Bur Dubai to the serene villa communities of Arabian Ranches, homes are adorned with twinkling string lights, flickering LED lamps, and shimmering candles, creating a festive ambiance that bridges the distance from India to the UAE. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, holds profound significance for Indian communities worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In Dubai, the festival is not just about illumination but also about preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community. Geetanjali Kumar, a long-time UAE resident, emphasizes the importance of giving during Diwali. Her family prepares hampers of essential items for community helpers, teaching their children empathy and the spirit of sharing. Similarly, Sheetal Sablepatil from Arabian Ranches revives childhood memories by preparing traditional Maharashtrian sweets and decorating her villa with lights, celebrating the festival with close friends. Yoga instructor Ritu Agarwal from The Springs balances her professional commitments with the five-day Diwali celebrations, highlighting the significance of integrating tradition into daily life. Across Dubai, Diwali serves as a reminder of cultural roots, bringing families together through prayers, feasts, and the warmth of shared traditions. The festival’s essence of spreading light and joy resonates deeply, making Dubai a home away from home for the Indian diaspora.
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New festival at Expo City Dubai allows children to play with goats on rooftop
Expo City Dubai has introduced a delightful new attraction this October and November at Terra, its sustainability-themed building. The rooftop garden now hosts five pygmy goats, offering children and families a unique opportunity to interact with these playful animals. The Goat Festival, designed to be both educational and entertaining, will take place on October 25-26 and November 1-2. Visitors can enjoy guided walking tours every 30 minutes, where they can meet the goats up close and learn about their role in maintaining healthy gardens. Additionally, the festival features a Rescue Animal Encounter, allowing families to meet and learn about rehabilitated animals. Children can also participate in creative activities such as making bookmarks, goat masks, and footprint art, as well as planting their own mini gardens. A dedicated game zone, ‘Be The GOAT,’ will be available for kids to enjoy independently. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm on the scheduled days, offering an indoor-outdoor experience. Tickets are priced at Dh50 for individuals aged three and above, with free entry for younger children. Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
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‘Luxurising the sacred’: New Mecca mega project sparks debate
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the ambitious King Salman Gate project on Wednesday, a massive development initiative adjacent to Mecca’s Grand Mosque. Designed to accommodate up to 900,000 worshippers during peak pilgrimage periods, the project aims to enhance the experience for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims while preserving the city’s historical and cultural heritage. The development includes the restoration of approximately 19,000 square meters of cultural and heritage areas, alongside the construction of mixed-use facilities, iconic architecture, and residences with views of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site. The project is also expected to create over 300,000 jobs by 2036, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. However, the announcement has sparked a heated debate on social media. While some praised the initiative for addressing the growing needs of pilgrims, others criticized it for commercializing the sacred city, arguing that the glitzy architectural display detracts from the spiritual essence of Mecca. Critics also expressed concerns about the project’s accessibility to lower-income pilgrims, with some likening the development to a ‘Las Vegas’ or ‘Disneyland’ transformation. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasized the necessity of modernization and infrastructure improvements to maintain the city’s global significance. The project remains a polarizing topic, reflecting broader tensions between tradition and modernity in one of the world’s most revered religious sites.