分类： society

An Indian national residing in Saudi Arabia has become the latest multi-millionaire after winning the coveted Dh25 million jackpot in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw held on December 3. Rajan P V, a 52-year-old quality control supervisor from Kerala, secured the life-changing prize with ticket number 282824, purchased on November 9.

Rajan, who has lived in Saudi Arabia for three decades, revealed his 15-year history with the lottery system, initially introduced through friends’ recommendations. His participation evolved into a sustained tradition, both individually and as part of a 16-member syndicate of close companions.

Expressing overwhelming emotion upon receiving the winning notification, Rajan described the moment as “a dream come true for all of us.” Demonstrating remarkable generosity, the winner announced plans to divide the entire prize equally among his syndicate members. From his portion, Rajan intends to allocate funds for charitable causes supporting those in need while reserving a special amount for his family.

The December draw also distributed significant secondary prizes. Bangladeshi expat Mohammed Rubel Siddque Ahmed won a Maserati Grecale luxury vehicle through the Dream Car series with ticket number 020002. Additionally, ten consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each were awarded to expatriates from India, Bangladesh, Philippines, China, and Canada residing across the UAE.

The event maintained Big Ticket’s established pattern of creating substantial winners, following October’s Dh25 million award to Abu Dhabi-based Indian expat Saravanan Venkatachalam, who participated in drawing the latest jackpot winner.

Dubai witnessed an extraordinary cultural fusion as the MMDE Thrissur Pooram festival, a UNESCO-recognized Indian celebration, was spectacularly recreated at Etisalat Academy during the UAE National Day weekend. The two-day event attracted more than 30,000 attendees who experienced a vibrant showcase of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through musical performances, celebrity appearances, and innovative technological displays.

The festival’s most poignant moment occurred when organizers paid tribute to UAE leadership through a groundbreaking ceremonial presentation. Seven robotic elephants, each adorned with ceremonial umbrellas bearing portraits of the seven emirates’ rulers, were unveiled in a heartfelt gesture of gratitude. This fusion of traditional Kerala culture with modern technology earned a standing ovation from the captivated audience.

This sixth Dubai edition faithfully recreated elements from the original Thrissur Pooram, which has been celebrated annually in Kerala’s Thrissur district since 1798. The event featured an elaborate Ilanjithara Melam percussion ensemble with artists playing traditional instruments including chenda, ilathalam, kuzhal, and kombu. Malayalam actor Jayaram joined legendary percussionists Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar in leading the authentic performances.

The immersive experience included a meticulously crafted replica temple façade, an illuminated Poorappandal canopy, and traditional ceremonial décor complete with artistic umbrellas and temple instruments. This event marked the second recent recreation of the Kerala festival in Dubai, following a similar celebration at Zabeel Park last month commemorating Kerala’s formation day.

In the aftermath of Hong Kong’s most catastrophic building fire in over seventy years, survivors are grappling with profound trauma amid revelations of critical safety failures. The Wang Fuk Court inferno, which claimed at least 159 lives, has exposed alarming lapses in fire safety protocols while highlighting extraordinary acts of courage during the disaster.

William Li, a 40-year-old lifelong resident of Wang Cheong House, embodies the complex psychological aftermath of the tragedy. Despite being hailed as a hero for rescuing neighbors, Li is tormented by guilt over those he couldn’t save. ‘My heart breaks every time someone calls me a hero,’ he revealed through tears, describing how he dragged two neighbors to safety by touch through smoke-obscured corridors.

The disaster’s severity was compounded by multiple systemic failures. Investigation findings confirm the installation of non-fire-resistant netting around the building and malfunctioning fire alarms that never activated. These deficiencies created a deadly trap for residents like Li, who initially underestimated the danger when his wife called about the fire.

Among the many tragic stories emerges that of Bai Shui Lin, a 66-year-old woman who successfully alerted multiple families but perished in the process. Her son Yip Ka-Kui noted, ‘We know her. She wouldn’t have left without warning others.’ The tragedy also affected Hong Kong’s migrant community, with ten foreign domestic workers among the casualties.

Rhodora Alcaraz, a 28-year-old domestic worker, maintained her post caring for her employer’s three-month-old baby and elderly mother throughout the ordeal, sending desperate voice messages to her sister saying, ‘I’m feeling very weak. I can’t breathe.’ All three were eventually rescued by firefighters.

The property management company, a subsidiary of Danish firm ISS, has not responded to inquiries regarding reports that emergency exits were locked during the disaster. Hong Kong’s chief executive has ordered an independent investigation into both the fire’s origins and the inadequate emergency response that left residents like Li waiting over two hours for rescue.

As the community mourns, survivors face not only physical recovery but profound psychological challenges. Li describes experiencing complete emotional collapse upon reaching the hospital: ‘I no longer had any strength in me and my knees gave in. A burning smell lingered in my nose.’ He has since dedicated himself to seeking truth and justice for all affected residents, hoping widespread attention will prevent similar tragedies.

A remarkable love story born from the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake has culminated in marriage, capturing the nation’s attention as a testament to human connection and resilience. Liu Ximei, now 27, has wed Liang Zhibin, 39, the People’s Liberation Army soldier who saved her from the rubble when she was just 10 years old.

The extraordinary journey from rescue to romance spanned 17 years, with their story going viral on Chinese social media platforms after being featured by Rednet.cn. The narrative, celebrated as a real-life fairy tale, accumulated over 2.3 million views on Sina Weibo and ranked among the platform’s top three trending topics.

The initial connection occurred on May 12, 2008, in Qingchuan county near the earthquake’s epicenter. The catastrophic magnitude-8.0 quake claimed approximately 70,000 lives and left hundreds of thousands injured or missing. During rescue operations, Liang discovered young Liu trapped in the wreckage and carried her to safety. Liu’s most enduring memory remains the image of Liang’s hands—covered in rescue debris yet conveying profound security and warmth.

Following the disaster, their paths separated without contact for more than a decade until a chance encounter in 2020 on a Changsha street. While dining with her parents, Liu’s mother noticed a resemblance to ‘Soldier Liang’ in a man at a nearby table. Overcoming initial shyness and excitement, Liu approached him, though Liang didn’t immediately recognize the woman before him as the child he had saved.

Their relationship evolved gradually, with Liang initially viewing Liu as a younger sister figure due to their significant age difference. However, Liu’s proactive communication and eventual confession of feelings transformed their dynamic. Both emphasize that their union stems from genuine love rather than mere gratitude, distinguishing between humanitarian duty and personal affection.

Liang articulated this distinction clearly: ‘Saving people during the disaster was my professional responsibility. Loving Liu today comes from my heart—these are fundamentally separate matters.’ The couple’s story continues to inspire nationwide as a powerful narrative of hope emerging from tragedy.

In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, a former senior investigator from the nation’s top disciplinary watchdog has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for accepting bribes exceeding 102 million yuan ($14.44 million). The Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday against Li Gang, a 60-year-old former official who had held prominent positions in both Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

The court determined that between 1998 and June 2024, Li exploited his authoritative roles—including serving as deputy mayor of Sichuan and heading the organization department of Yunnan—to illicitly benefit various individuals and organizations. His corrupt activities encompassed business operations, project contracting, land transfers, and personnel promotions in exchange for substantial financial gains.

Despite the severity of the crimes, which the court noted caused ‘enormous losses to the country and its citizens,’ the sentence reflected some leniency considerations. The judicial authority acknowledged Li’s cooperation in exposing other illegal activities, his confession after apprehension, voluntary disclosure of previously unknown bribery facts, and active restitution efforts. Additionally, the court imposed a 6 million yuan fine and ordered the confiscation of all illicit assets to be transferred to the state treasury.

Li’s career trajectory, which began in 1982 and included Communist Party membership since 1986, culminated in his September 2024 investigation while serving as head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection team stationed at the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. His subsequent expulsion from the Party and dismissal from public office occurred in April, followed by formal indictment three months later.

The September 18th public hearing attracted significant attention, with over twenty attendees including national lawmakers and political advisers, underscoring the case’s importance within China’s comprehensive anti-graft initiative.

Dubai’s Al Nasr Club sports hall radiated with palpable emotion and triumph during the fifth annual People of Determination Fitness Championship. Over 100 students from various government centers and associations across the UAE participated in the inclusive sporting event, demonstrating exceptional physical prowess and unwavering determination.

The championship featured a diverse array of athletic challenges including obstacle courses, jumping competitions, leg-strength exercises, and core workouts such as sit-ups and upper-body lifts. Weeks of dedicated preparation under the guidance of experienced coaches culminated in performances that surpassed all expectations.

Ahmed Salah, one of the participating coaches, expressed profound admiration for the participants: ‘Their execution today was nothing short of remarkable. They remembered every instruction and demonstrated perfect balance and focus. Most importantly, their visible joy throughout the competition was truly inspiring.’

The event created an atmosphere of mutual support where children of varying abilities cheered for one another while demonstrating their physical capabilities. Seven-year-old Fatima shared her excitement about the jumping challenges, stating, ‘When I run and jump, I feel very strong.’ Fourteen-year-old Rania emphasized the social aspect, noting, ‘I made new friends today. We all cheered for each other.’

Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Development Sector at the Ministry of Family, highlighted the championship’s significance within the UAE’s broader inclusion framework. ‘This event reflects our nation’s clear vision of empowerment and social integration. Sports serve as a powerful vehicle for building confidence, physical health, and emotional wellbeing while helping participants discover their unique talents,’ she explained.

The ministry’s approach to developing such programs incorporates continuous research, global best practices, and active collaboration with families and experts. Tahlak emphasized that family insights directly inform program design to ensure meaningful impact in participants’ lives.

As the championship concluded, participants departed with medals symbolizing their achievements, while parents and coaches left with hearts full of pride, already anticipating next year’s gathering that continues to redefine possibilities for people of determination.