A seven-year-old boy from Dubai has etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the youngest person to trek both Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit’s Thorong La Pass within a single year. Ivan Krasiukov, a student at Bloom World Academy, accomplished this remarkable feat before his seventh birthday, earning recognition from Official World Record Europe. In April 2024, at just six years old, Ivan completed the 130-kilometre Everest Base Camp trail. A year later, in April 2025, he crossed Nepal’s Thorong La Pass, one of the world’s highest walkable mountain passes at 5,416 metres. Ivan’s journey was supported by his parents, Alla and Dmitrii, along with a Nepalese guide and two porters. His father recounted how Ivan, upon reaching Everest Base Camp after 12 days, expressed disappointment that the trek wasn’t longer, a sentiment that underscored his passion and determination. Ivan’s preparation included rigorous training in athletics, swimming, parkour, and acrobatics, which equipped him for the high-altitude challenges. John Bell, founding principal of Bloom World Academy, praised Ivan’s resilience, stating, “We couldn’t be prouder to see a Bloom student making history on a global stage.” This extraordinary achievement highlights the boundless potential of young adventurers and serves as an inspiration to aspiring explorers worldwide.
分类： society
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China reforms research review to boost young university staff
In a significant move to bolster the development of young university faculty, China has introduced a groundbreaking guideline aimed at enhancing the evaluation of scientific research. Issued jointly by the Ministry of Education and five other government bodies, the document seeks to elevate the ideological and political caliber, teaching quality, scientific research, innovation capability, and international perspective of young teachers. The guideline emphasizes a reformed approach to assessing young academics, focusing on innovation, practical results, and contributions rather than relying solely on quantitative metrics. It also promotes peer review mechanisms and encourages the publication of research in domestic academic journals to foster academic self-reliance. Additionally, the document outlines measures to provide stable, long-term support for young faculty engaged in original and breakthrough technological innovation, promoting interdisciplinary and cross-field studies. Beyond research, the guideline calls for improved ethical conduct mechanisms, partnerships between universities and large enterprises, and enhanced career development support. To boost job satisfaction, it advocates for salary system reforms, including annual salary and project-based pay structures, and efforts to reduce non-academic burdens and assist with housing, health, and well-being.
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Tianzi Mountain colored by autumn magic in Zhangjiajie
The Tianzi Mountain, nestled within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, has recently become a spectacle of nature’s artistry. As late autumn sets in, the mountain’s dense forests have been painted in a mesmerizing palette of red, orange, and yellow hues. This transformation, akin to a masterful oil painting, has not only enhanced the natural beauty of the region but also attracted a multitude of visitors from across the globe. The scenic vista, offering a visual feast, underscores the unique charm of China’s natural landscapes and continues to be a significant draw for tourism in the area.
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‘One of us’: Ugandan pride in New York mayor with roots in their country
Ugandans are brimming with pride as Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born dual national, ascends to the role of New York City’s mayor. Many view him as one of their own, a beacon of inspiration for the nation’s youth. Mamdani’s rise has sparked widespread excitement, particularly given Uganda’s youthful demographic, with a median age of just 16.2, the second-lowest globally according to the CIA World Factbook. At 34, Mamdani is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned Ugandan academic, and Mira Nair, an acclaimed filmmaker. His family’s deep roots in Uganda, particularly in Kampala, where his father taught at Makerere University, have further endeared him to the nation. Journalist Angelo Izama, who mentored Mamdani during his teenage internship, recalls his determination and fondness for Kampala, which he frequently mentions. Makerere University professor Okello Ogwang expressed pride in Mamdani’s success, calling him a “son of a colleague” and a testament to the potential of African youth. Students like Abno Collins Kuloba and Chemtai Zamzam see Mamdani as proof that ambition and determination can transcend one’s background. Beyond Uganda, Mamdani’s victory resonates across Africa. Abdul Mohamed, a former senior UN and African Union official, highlights Mamdani’s symbolic significance, emphasizing his commitment to pan-Africanism and the power of multi-ethnic identity. As Uganda prepares for its upcoming elections, Mamdani’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of youth and the importance of political engagement. His historic win has also been celebrated in South Africa, where his family lived for three years. Mamdani’s journey underscores the global impact of African talent and the enduring hope it inspires.
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UAE residents wake up to dusty skies, reduced visibility on roads
On the morning of November 5, 2025, residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) awoke to hazy skies and significantly reduced visibility due to a widespread dust storm. The phenomenon, which began overnight, has impacted daily life, particularly for commuters navigating the roads. Authorities have issued warnings urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures, including reducing speed and using headlights. The dusty conditions are attributed to strong winds carrying sand particles from desert regions, a common occurrence in the UAE during certain weather patterns. Meteorologists predict that the situation may persist for the next 24 to 48 hours, with potential improvements as wind speeds decrease. Meanwhile, health officials have advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors and use protective masks if venturing outside. This event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s arid climate and the importance of preparedness for such environmental occurrences.
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Fostering future cooperation: China-US educational exchange
The 6th China-US Provincial/State University Presidents’ Forum, a pivotal event within the 26th China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education, brought together leading educational figures from both nations to deliberate on enhancing bilateral educational partnerships. Held on November 5, 2025, the forum served as a platform for reviewing past collaborative efforts and charting a course for future initiatives. Discussions spanned a wide array of topics, from assessing the historical trajectory of academic exchanges to formulating strategies for fostering deeper educational connections. The event underscored the mutual commitment of China and the United States to advancing educational collaboration, recognizing its critical role in strengthening global ties and fostering mutual understanding. Attendees shared insights and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared educational challenges. The forum also featured a video presentation, offering a glimpse into the discussions and key takeaways from the event.
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William follows in mother Diana’s footsteps with statue photo
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, recently paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, during his visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Standing in the exact spot where Diana was photographed 34 years ago, William reflected on her legacy while continuing his own mission to combat climate change. The visit marks the third day of his five-day trip to Brazil, where he is set to present the Earthshot Prize, an annual award established by his charity to recognize innovative environmental projects. The star-studded ceremony, featuring performances by Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, will take place at Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow, with five winning projects each receiving £1 million in funding. The prince also plans to address global leaders at COP30, the UN’s annual climate conference, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action. Throughout his trip, William has engaged with locals, many of whom fondly recalled Princess Diana’s 1991 visit to Brazil. Security measures were heightened during his visit to Christ the Redeemer, temporarily suspending public access to the site. The Earthshot Prize shortlist includes notable projects such as Guangzhou’s electric public transport network, Lagos Fashion Week’s sustainable initiatives, and Barbados’ environmental leadership. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join William for the awards ceremony before both head to the Amazon rainforest for COP30. Earlier in his trip, William participated in football at Maracana Stadium and barefoot beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach, while also addressing deforestation at the United for Wildlife conference and planting tree saplings on the island of Paqueta.
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RAK Police sees over 11% increase in emergency calls during Q3 2025
The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Police has reported a significant 11.6% increase in emergency calls during the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year. According to Colonel Staff Dr. Abdullah bin Salman Al Nuaimi, Director of the Operations Department at RAK Police, the operations room received a total of 129,191 emergency calls through the 999 hotline across the emirate. This surge is attributed to the emirate’s ongoing expansion across various sectors, which has led to heightened demand for emergency services.
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Dubai expat dies in car crash: Mosque being built in his honour
A 29-year-old Egyptian expatriate, Amr Hesham, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Dubai, marking a heartbreaking echo of his brother’s fate 11 years prior. Amr, who worked as a project manager at the Saeed Ahmad Lootah Charity Foundation, was known for his compassionate nature and dedication to humanitarian causes. His untimely death has left friends and colleagues in shock, with many remembering him as a person who brought light and positivity to every room he entered. Ranya Makki, a close friend of Amr, shared her grief and described him as a charitable and kind-hearted individual. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and speeding, hoping that Amr’s memory will inspire safer driving habits. In a heartfelt tribute, the International Charity Organisation has initiated the construction of a mosque in Amr’s honor. The project, which aims to raise Dh133,300, has already gathered over Dh80,000 in donations. This initiative not only commemorates Amr’s life but also serves as a lasting legacy of his contributions to charity and his community.
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From a few to more than 350, children and parents ride together to school as a ‘bike bus’
On a crisp autumn morning in Montclair, New Jersey, a vibrant scene unfolded as children, clad in helmets and backpacks, gathered with their parents for a communal bicycle ride to local elementary schools. Volunteers in orange safety vests ensured everyone was ready before the group embarked on their 5-mile “bike bus” route. As the procession moved through the neighborhood, more families joined, swelling the group to over 350 participants. Older students chatted with friends, while younger ones focused on pedaling. Cars respectfully yielded to the long line of cyclists, and as the journey progressed, families peeled off toward their respective schools. This weekly ritual, which began three years ago as a small initiative by a handful of parents, has now become a cherished tradition and a viable commuting option for many families.