分类: society

  • Dubai teen cremated after cardiac arrest on Diwali; tributes pour in

    Dubai teen cremated after cardiac arrest on Diwali; tributes pour in

    The tragic passing of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Dubai resident, has left his family, friends, and community in mourning. Vaishnav, a first-year student at Middlesex University and a former pupil of GEMS Our Own Indian School, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a Diwali celebration on Tuesday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not be saved. His final rites were conducted on Saturday afternoon in his hometown of Alappuzha, Kerala, surrounded by grieving family members. The family had arrived in Kerala earlier that morning after a heart-wrenching journey from Dubai. On Friday evening, hundreds of parents, teachers, and friends gathered at an embalming center in Al Muhaisnah to pay their respects. Attendees described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly emotional, with many sharing heartfelt memories of Vaishnav’s positive influence on their lives. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with friends and acquaintances recalling his kindness, leadership, and ability to inspire others. His school and university also posted touching messages, with the school postponing several events in his honor. Vaishnav is survived by his mother, Vidhu, a STEAM teacher at GEMS Our Own Indian School, and his eight-year-old sister.

  • Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration honored in Fujian

    Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration honored in Fujian

    The first Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration was celebrated on Saturday at the Taiwan Guild Hall in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. The event brought together approximately 60 attendees, including Taiwanese businesspeople, educators, and students living in Fuzhou. The commemoration featured a historical photo exhibition highlighting the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Additionally, clips from the acclaimed drama *Silent Glory*, which chronicles the life of Wu Shi, a Communist Party of China underground operative in Taiwan, were screened. Participants also visited Wu Shi’s former residence in Luozhou town to honor his enduring legacy. This event underscores the historical and cultural ties between Fujian and Taiwan, emphasizing shared heritage and mutual respect.

  • A timeline of the jewel heist at the Louvre in Paris

    A timeline of the jewel heist at the Louvre in Paris

    Paris prosecutors have announced the first arrests in connection with the high-profile theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, a week after the daring heist at the world-renowned institution. The suspects were apprehended on Saturday evening, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. The timeline of events reveals a meticulously planned operation. On October 10, thieves used a false pretext to steal a basket lift, employing threats but no violence. The company owning the truck filed a complaint in Louvres, a town north of Paris. On October 19, the thieves, disguised as renovation workers, parked the truck equipped with a freight lift near the Louvre. They used traffic cones to simulate maintenance and gained entry through a window. At 9:34 a.m., they entered the Apollo Gallery, triggering an alarm. Security officers evacuated visitors, and the museum manager alerted the police. The thieves used disc cutters to break into display cases and stole the jewels. They fled on scooters, leaving behind equipment. Later that day, the imperial crown of Empress Eugénie was found outside the museum, but eight other invaluable objects remained missing. On October 22, the museum reopened, with 100 investigators and forensics experts analyzing evidence. On October 26, arrests were made, with one suspect preparing to leave the country. The investigation continues, with no confirmation on whether any jewels have been recovered.

  • Camping in Dubai this winter? Best spots, dos and don’ts; all you need to know

    Camping in Dubai this winter? Best spots, dos and don’ts; all you need to know

    As the winter season approaches, Dubai transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect escape from the scorching summer heat. With temperatures becoming more pleasant, residents and tourists alike can indulge in a variety of activities, including camping in the desert. From October to April, Dubai’s camping season is in full swing, providing ample opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect camping trip in Dubai.

    **Top Camping Spots in Dubai**

    1. **Al Qudra Lakes**: Just a short drive from the city, Al Qudra Lakes offers a serene escape with its artificial lakes and abundant wildlife. Early mornings are ideal for spotting desert foxes and flamingos. Nearby, the Love Lake, with its heart-shaped design, is a must-visit.

    2. **Hatta**: Located about 90 minutes from Dubai, Hatta is a mountainous retreat with designated camping sites equipped with BBQ pits, restrooms, and parking. Adventure seekers can enjoy biking, kayaking, and glamping in this scenic area.

    3. **Lahbab Desert**: Known for its iconic Pink Rock and Big Red sand dune, Lahbab Desert is a hotspot for thrill-seekers. Activities like quad biking and sandboarding make it a popular choice for camping enthusiasts.

    4. **Al Aweer**: Managed by Dubai Municipality, Al Aweer offers secure and well-equipped camping plots for families and individuals. Permits are required and can be obtained via the Dubai Municipality website or the Dubai Now app.

    5. **Jebel Ali Beach**: For those who prefer a beachside camping experience, Jebel Ali Beach is the ideal spot. A no-objection certificate from the Dubai Municipality is required to park caravans here.

    **Planning Your Trip**

    Decide whether to DIY or opt for guided tours offered by desert tour operators. If driving into the desert, ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-roading. Pack essentials like tents, sleeping bags, water, food, and first-aid kits. Layer up for the cold desert nights and always check the weather forecast.

    **Dos and Don’ts**

    – Set up your tent before dark and choose a safe, elevated spot.
    – Keep your tent away from cooking areas and secure it against strong winds.
    – Dispose of trash properly and avoid leaving food or burning coal unattended.
    – Always inform someone of your whereabouts and check site-specific rules and booking requirements.

    With these tips, you’re all set to enjoy a memorable camping experience in Dubai’s stunning winter landscape.

  • Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre museum

    Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre museum

    Paris authorities have apprehended suspects linked to the audacious theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, as confirmed by the Paris prosecutor on Sunday. The arrests, made on Saturday evening, included one individual attempting to depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. While French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien reported two arrests, the prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, refrained from confirming the exact number or disclosing whether any stolen jewels had been recovered. The heist, which occurred last Sunday morning, saw thieves execute a meticulously planned operation in under eight minutes, making off with jewels valued at €88 million ($102 million). Utilizing a basket lift to scale the museum’s façade, the intruders forced open a window, shattered display cases, and fled with priceless Napoleonic-era treasures. The Louvre’s director lamented the incident as a “terrible failure.” Investigators from a specialized police unit dedicated to armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts spearheaded the arrests. Beccuau expressed concern over premature information leaks, which could impede the efforts of over 100 investigators working to recover the stolen artifacts and apprehend all perpetrators. The Louvre has since reopened, but the theft has left a cultural wound likened to the 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Among the stolen items were a sapphire diadem, necklaces, earrings, and a reliquary brooch tied to 19th-century French royalty. One piece, Empress Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown, was discovered damaged but repairable outside the museum. The arrests have brought a sense of relief to Louvre visitors, though concerns remain about the recovery of the stolen jewels.

  • London police arrest a sex offender and asylum-seeker mistakenly released from prison

    London police arrest a sex offender and asylum-seeker mistakenly released from prison

    In a significant lapse that has drawn widespread criticism, London police have re-arrested Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a convicted sex offender and asylum-seeker who was erroneously released from prison. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was apprehended in the Finsbury Park area of north London and will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service. This incident has sparked outrage, particularly given Kebatu’s prior notoriety for a sexual assault case earlier this year that fueled anti-migrant protests across the UK. Authorities were alerted on Friday afternoon that Kebatu, 38, had been mistakenly released from a prison in Chelmsford, Essex, and was seen boarding a train to London. Reports indicate he was incorrectly categorized as a prisoner due for release rather than being transferred to an immigration detention center. Kebatu had been sentenced in September to 12 months in prison for multiple offenses, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Epping, just weeks after arriving in the UK by boat. His case has reignited debates over migration policies, with the government’s practice of housing asylum-seekers in hotels facing heavy scrutiny. The Prison Service has launched an investigation, and a prison officer involved in the error has been suspended. Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the incident as a ‘serious failure,’ emphasizing that Kebatu should have been deported rather than left at large. The episode has further intensified the already heated discourse on unauthorized migration in the UK.

  • Two arrested over theft of jewels at Louvre, French media report

    Two arrested over theft of jewels at Louvre, French media report

    In a shocking incident that has left France reeling, two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the audacious theft of priceless crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris. According to reports from French media outlet Le Parisien, the individuals hail from Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, with one of them reportedly attempting to flee via Charles de Gaulle Airport. The heist, which unfolded last Sunday, saw four thieves armed with power tools infiltrate the museum during daylight hours, making off with treasures of incalculable value. The French Justice Minister has since acknowledged a significant lapse in security protocols, describing the incident as a stain on the nation’s reputation. The thieves, who arrived at 09:30 local time, utilized a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony near the Seine. Surveillance footage revealed a ladder leading to a first-floor window, through which two of the intruders gained entry using power tools. Once inside, they threatened guards, prompting an evacuation, and proceeded to breach two display cases containing the jewels. A preliminary investigation has uncovered that one-third of the rooms in the targeted area lacked CCTV coverage. The entire operation lasted a mere four minutes, with the thieves escaping on two scooters at 09:38. In response, French authorities have heightened security measures around the country’s cultural institutions. This story is still developing, with further updates expected shortly.

  • Exhibition on history of Taiwan compatriots’ resistance against Japanese aggression held in Beijing

    Exhibition on history of Taiwan compatriots’ resistance against Japanese aggression held in Beijing

    A significant exhibition titled ‘Unyielding Treasure Island: Loyal to the Motherland’ has opened at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing. The event, which commenced on October 25, 2025, showcases 387 archival photographs and 453 cultural relics, offering a profound insight into the history of Taiwan compatriots’ resistance against Japanese aggression. This exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, highlighting the enduring spirit and sacrifices of the Taiwanese people during a tumultuous period in history. Visitors to the museum can explore the rich historical narrative through these carefully curated artifacts and images, which serve as a testament to the resilience and loyalty of Taiwan’s inhabitants to their motherland.

  • China confirms identities of 8 volunteer soldiers killed in Korean War

    China confirms identities of 8 volunteer soldiers killed in Korean War

    In a significant development, China’s Ministry of Veterans Affairs has successfully identified the remains of eight Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War (1950-1953). Utilizing cutting-edge DNA technology, the ministry confirmed the identities of these martyrs, whose remains were repatriated from the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2020 and 2021. Since 2014, a total of 1,011 CPV soldiers’ remains have been returned to China, with 36 identities now confirmed and their families located. This achievement underscores China’s intensified efforts in recent years to honor its fallen heroes, including the establishment of a specialized DNA laboratory to enhance the national database for martyrs and their families. The initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to preserving historical memory and providing closure to the families of those who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.

  • Postdoctoral innovation and entrepreneurship competition kicks off in Quanzhou

    Postdoctoral innovation and entrepreneurship competition kicks off in Quanzhou

    The 3rd China Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition officially commenced in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, on October 25, 2025. This prestigious event, which runs until October 27, has attracted significant attention for its role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among postdoctoral researchers. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, one of the organizers, the competition saw an overwhelming response, with 36,000 participants from 8,006 postdoctoral programs registering for the preliminary rounds. Among these, 46 teams and 1,743 groundbreaking ideas in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and energy conservation advanced to the finals. Li Jinsheng, Secretary-General of the competition’s organizing committee, highlighted the nation’s remarkable progress in nurturing postdoctoral talent. He noted that the number of postdoctoral researchers has surged from 12,000 in 2012 to 42,000 in 2024, reflecting an annual growth rate of 10.8%. Currently, there are approximately 135,000 postdoctoral researchers actively contributing to research stations across the country. Li emphasized that the postdoctoral program has become a cornerstone for cultivating young scientific and technological talent, significantly advancing China’s education, technology, and talent development. The competition, first held in Guangdong in 2021 and later in Shandong in 2023, has played a pivotal role in transforming innovative ideas into practical applications, thereby bolstering the nation’s progress.