In a landmark move to empower the youth of Dubai, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the formation of a new Dubai Student Council. Comprising 16 students from 16 private schools across the emirate, the council is set to commence its operations in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of the ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ initiative. The council, which includes students from Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13, represents six different curricula and nine nationalities, reflecting the diverse fabric of Dubai’s private education system. Among the members are eight males, eight females, and a student of determination, ensuring inclusivity and representation. The selection process was rigorous, with 40 students shortlisted from 90 private schools before final members were chosen through interviews and group activities. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the council’s role as a bridge between the student community and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), urging members to embody innovation, perseverance, and national pride. As a symbolic gesture, he gifted the council a copy of ‘Lessons from Life’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a book that encapsulates values inspiring achievement and positive change. The council’s one-year term, renewable based on performance, carries significant responsibility, with expectations to amplify student voices and contribute to the evolution of Dubai’s education system.
分类： society
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Frost scenery transforms Hebei mountains into silvery world
The Wuyuezhai scenic area in Lingshou county, Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, has recently been transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland following a significant drop in temperature. The frosty phenomenon, captured by photographers Liu Weigang and Bai Yunfei, has turned the mountainous landscape into a silvery spectacle. With ample moisture in the air, trees across the region have been enveloped in icy, crystal-like frost, creating a scene reminiscent of delicate ice sculptures. Willow and pine branches, in particular, have taken on an ethereal appearance, enhancing the area’s natural beauty. This stunning transformation has drawn attention to the region’s unique winter charm, offering visitors a rare and enchanting visual experience. The frost-covered scenery not only highlights the area’s natural splendor but also serves as a reminder of the seasonal wonders that can emerge in colder climates.
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GMU hosts 19th annual MASE 2025 with record participation from schools, students and visitors
Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman successfully hosted the 19th Annual Inter-School Medical, Science, Arts & Humanities Exhibition and Contest (MASE 2025), marking a milestone in the UAE’s academic calendar. This year’s event saw unprecedented participation, with 123 schools from across the UAE and over 10,000 students, teachers, and visitors converging on the GMU campus. The exhibition, inaugurated by Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, celebrated the creativity and innovation of young minds. Prof. Venkatramana emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking, stating, ‘MASE reflects our belief that education must ignite curiosity and innovation. This platform showcases how the next generation is shaping the future of science, art, and humanity.’ Since its inception nearly two decades ago by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, MASE has evolved into a flagship event, encouraging students to explore real-world applications of science, medicine, and the arts. The 2025 edition featured interactive projects, live experiments, digital art showcases, health awareness campaigns, and robotics challenges. GMU’s specialized colleges, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, and AI in Health Informatics, hosted hands-on workshops, offering students a glimpse into modern healthcare education. The event also saw active participation from teachers, mentors, and parents, who supported students competing in categories such as ‘Best Scientific Innovation,’ ‘Health Awareness Campaign,’ ‘Creative Art Display,’ and ‘Social Impact Projects.’ MASE has grown into a national platform recognized for fostering innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and community engagement among UAE students. Gulf Medical University, a leading private medical university in the region, continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders from over 111 nationalities, living up to its motto, ‘Where the World Comes to Learn.’
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Suitcase murderer jailed for at least 40 years
Yostin Mosquera, a 35-year-old Colombian national, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, whose dismembered remains were discovered in suitcases near Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The Woolwich Crown Court found Mosquera guilty in July 2024, and he was handed a minimum sentence of 40 years and 264 days by Judge Justice Bennathan, who described the crimes as ‘thoroughly wicked.’ Mosquera, who had denied the charges, showed no remorse during the sentencing, even smiling as he was led away from the courtroom. The court heard that Mosquera had decapitated and dismembered the victims at their Shepherd’s Bush flat in London before transporting their remains to Bristol. The murders occurred on July 11, 2024, during Mosquera’s second visit to the UK, which was funded by Mr. Alfonso. Mosquera had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, for which he received a concurrent 16-month sentence. The relationship between Mosquera and Mr. Alfonso was described as ‘transactional,’ with Mosquera receiving financial support and gifts in exchange for sexual videos. Despite Mosquera’s claims of being ‘raped every day’ by Mr. Alfonso, the court found no evidence to support his defense. The case has left investigators puzzled, particularly regarding Mosquera’s decision to transport the remains to Bristol, which exposed him to unnecessary risk.
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‘It became one of the children’ – Kenyan family on adopting orphaned cheetah cub
In a heartwarming yet complex tale of human-wildlife interaction, a Kenyan family from Wajir County has shared their extraordinary journey of raising an orphaned cheetah cub. The cub was discovered beside its deceased mother, and the family, led by Bisharo Abdirahman Omar and Rashid Abdi Hussein, decided to nurture it despite opposition from their livestock-rearing neighbors. The Somali-speaking nomadic community, heavily reliant on livestock, often views predators like cheetahs as threats. However, the family chose compassion over convenience, caring for the cub for over two years, during which it became an integral part of their household. They fed it milk via a syringe initially and later transitioned to meat, sacrificing 15 sheep to sustain the growing cheetah. Their efforts earned praise from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), though the agency emphasized that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal. The cheetah has since been relocated to the Nairobi Safari Walk for professional care. This story sheds light on the broader crisis facing cheetahs in northeastern Kenya, where poaching, poisoning, and trafficking are rampant. According to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, hundreds of cheetah cubs are smuggled annually from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf States. The family’s refusal to sell the cub, despite lucrative offers, underscores their commitment to wildlife protection and raises awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts.
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Colombian man to serve minimum 42 years in UK prison for grisly double murder
A 35-year-old Colombian man, Yostin Andres Mosquera, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years for the brutal murder of two men in their London apartment. The victims, Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, were killed in July last year using a hammer and a knife. Mosquera then dismembered their bodies, froze some parts, and transported the remains in suitcases to Bristol, where they were discovered on the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The case has been described by London police as one of the “most harrowing” they have encountered. At Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Joel Bennathan emphasized the premeditated and “thoroughly wicked” nature of the crimes but stopped short of imposing a whole-life order, citing Mosquera’s lack of prior convictions and possible childhood trauma. Mosquera, who was staying with the couple, also pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing child pornography. Police revealed that the murders occurred during an extreme sex session, with footage of the crime leaving a lasting impact on investigators. Mosquera attempted to steal money from the victims’ bank accounts post-murder, and the judge concluded that the killings were “undoubtedly murders committed for gain.”
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China to build a birth-friendly society, enhance care and engagement for the elderly
China has announced ambitious plans to foster a birth-friendly society and bolster care and engagement for the elderly over the next five years. Health Minister Lei Haichao outlined these initiatives during a press conference on October 24, 2025, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges posed by an aging population and declining birthrates. The strategy, part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), includes promoting positive attitudes toward marriage and childbirth, enhancing fertility support policies, and providing childcare subsidies and tax incentives. Additionally, the government will pilot subsidized nursery care services and develop affordable, integrated care for toddlers and preschoolers to alleviate family burdens. On the elderly care front, China aims to optimize basic care services, integrate medical and elderly care, and expand long-term care insurance. Efforts will also focus on improving policies for elderly employment, delaying the legal retirement age, and fostering the silver economy. Lei stressed that health and population services must cater to all demographics, ensuring comprehensive coverage from prevention to rehabilitation. These measures are designed to lay a robust foundation for China’s modernization and sustainable demographic development.
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German police seize fake Picassos in multi-million euro forgery raid
In a sweeping international operation, Bavarian police have uncovered a sophisticated art forgery ring, seizing counterfeit works falsely attributed to legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, and Frida Kahlo. The operation, spanning Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, led to the confiscation of artworks valued at millions of euros. The alleged mastermind, a 77-year-old German man, along with 10 accomplices, faces charges of conspiracy and fraud. Authorities became suspicious when the suspect attempted to sell two purported Picasso originals and a forged version of Rembrandt’s ‘De Staalmeesters’ for a staggering 120 million Swiss francs (£113m), despite the original being housed in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. The counterfeit ‘De Staalmeesters’ was owned by an 84-year-old Swiss woman, who is now under investigation. During coordinated raids on October 15, police seized numerous suspected forgeries, along with documents, electronic devices, and cloud data. The suspect allegedly attempted to sell 19 additional counterfeit works by renowned artists, including Frida Kahlo, Peter Paul Rubens, Amedeo Modigliani, and Joan Miró, with prices ranging from €400,000 (£349,000) to €14 million (£12.2m). A 74-year-old accomplice was accused of fabricating expert reports to authenticate the forgeries. Both suspects were arrested but later conditionally released as the investigation continues. All seized artworks will undergo detailed examination by experts in the coming weeks.
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Watch: Public reacts as part of the White House is demolished
In a significant development at the heart of Washington, D.C., the demolition of the White House East Wing has sparked a wave of public reactions. The BBC conducted interviews with individuals in the vicinity of the iconic residence to gauge their sentiments about the ongoing construction project. The East Wing, a historic section of the White House, is being dismantled to pave the way for a new ballroom, a move that has elicited a spectrum of emotions from locals and visitors alike. While some expressed nostalgia and concern over the loss of a piece of American history, others welcomed the modernization, viewing it as a necessary step to enhance the functionality of the presidential residence. The project underscores the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing progress, a debate that continues to resonate in the public discourse.
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Dubai firefighters scale Burj Khalifa in less than an hour to set Guinness World Record
In a remarkable display of endurance and professionalism, three Emirati firefighters from the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have etched their names in history by scaling the 159 floors of the Burj Khalifa in just 52 minutes and 30 seconds. Wearing full firefighting gear weighing 15 kilograms, the trio braved extreme heat, limited oxygen, and physical fatigue to achieve this extraordinary feat, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The challenge, which took place on October 24, 2025, was not merely a test of physical strength but also a demonstration of Dubai’s firefighters’ readiness to tackle emergencies in skyscrapers. The final stages of the climb were particularly grueling, with gravity and the oppressive heat inside their suits adding to the difficulty. The firefighters underwent rigorous daily training, including endurance exercises and realistic simulations, to prepare for the challenge. Guinness-certified observers meticulously documented the event, ensuring compliance with official standards. No medical incidents were reported, thanks to thorough preparation and supervision. The achievement has inspired pride and motivation among DCD personnel, showcasing their ability to face any challenge at great heights. Earlier, viral social media videos of the firefighters training in full uniform had already garnered widespread admiration, with many viewing them as a source of inspiration for the UAE community.