A tragic shark attack at Crowdy Bay Beach in New South Wales, Australia, has resulted in the death of a young woman and left a man critically injured. The incident occurred early Thursday morning at the remote beach within Crowdy Bay National Park, approximately 300 kilometers north of Sydney. Authorities reported that the woman, believed to be in her 20s, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The man, also in his 20s, sustained severe lacerations to his thigh and was airlifted to a hospital in Newcastle, where he remains in critical condition. Witnesses attempted to assist the victims before emergency services arrived. Following the attack, the beach was immediately closed, and experts from the Department of Primary Industries were consulted to identify the shark species involved. Surf Life Saving NSW announced that surrounding beaches would remain closed for 24 hours as drones monitored the area for safety. Steve Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and urged the public to avoid the water and heed lifeguards’ instructions. This marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year, with the most recent occurring less than three months ago on Sydney’s northern beaches. Further updates on this developing story are expected shortly.
分类： society
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‘Who really likes turkey?’ – JD Vance serves Thanksgiving meals to soldiers
During a visit to Fort Campbell in Tennessee, US Vice-President JD Vance sparked a lighthearted debate about the traditional Thanksgiving meal while serving holiday dinners to military personnel. Vance, known for his candid remarks, humorously questioned the widespread appeal of turkey, a staple of the American Thanksgiving feast. His comments came as he engaged with troops, expressing gratitude for their service and dedication. The event highlighted the importance of connecting with service members during the holiday season, even as it playfully challenged long-standing culinary traditions. Vance’s visit underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting military families and fostering a sense of community during national celebrations.
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Eid Al Etihad: Where to watch fireworks displays this UAE National Day
The United Arab Emirates prepares for its 54th National Day celebrations on December 2, 2025, with spectacular fireworks displays planned across multiple emirates. Known locally as Eid Al Etihad, this anniversary commemorates the nation’s 1971 founding through vibrant cultural expressions including live performances, flag-raising ceremonies, and particularly renowned pyrotechnic exhibitions that consistently surpass global standards for creativity and scale.
Dubai’s celebrations will illuminate multiple locations with synchronized displays. Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta will commence fireworks at 8pm, while Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Beach at JBR will follow at 9pm. Global Village presents a special weekend extravaganza featuring combined fireworks and drone shows from December 1-3 at 9pm nightly. Dubai Parks and Resorts offers multiple viewing opportunities at Riverland with fireworks at 7pm and 9:30pm on December 1-2, complemented by laser shows at 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:45pm.
Abu Dhabi’s capital skyline will shine with Yas Bay Waterfront hosting two days of celebrations (December 1-2) featuring traditional performances and 9pm fireworks. The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental will dazzle spectators with a 9:15pm display on December 2. The Sheikh Zayed Festival continues its three-day program (December 1-3) with integrated fireworks, laser, and drone performances alongside cultural concerts.
Al Ain’s Mother of the Nation Festival at Al Mugheirah Bay extends celebrations across five days (November 28-December 2) with laser shows and pyrotechnics, while Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Baniyas East continues festivities through December 7, culminating with Ayala performances and an 8pm fireworks display on December 2.
Sharjah contributes to the national celebration with events running through December 2 across historical and tourist sites, including Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn where celebrations began November 22 featuring annual operettas and fireworks displays.
These coordinated nationwide celebrations reflect the UAE’s unity and prosperity, offering residents and visitors unforgettable visual experiences that honor the nation’s journey since federation.
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US transportation secretary wants more civility in air travel. Not everyone is on board
As the United States braces for its busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has launched a campaign urging air travelers to embrace civility and dress more respectfully. Titled ‘The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,’ the initiative draws inspiration from the 1950s and 60s, aiming to restore decorum in modern air travel. However, the campaign has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it overlooks the root causes of passenger frustration, such as flight delays, cramped seating, and stressful airport experiences. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts over 52,000 flights on November 25 alone, underscoring the challenges travelers face. Aviation experts and social media users alike have questioned the efficacy of Duffy’s message, pointing out that declining travel conditions, rather than passenger behavior, are the primary issue. Since 2019, in-flight outbursts have surged by 400%, with 13,800 unruly passenger incidents recorded since 2021. Despite these statistics, experts argue that air travel today is safer and more accessible than in previous decades, though improvements in comfort and efficiency are still needed. While some have praised Duffy’s call for kindness, others emphasize that airlines and regulatory bodies must address systemic issues to truly enhance the travel experience.
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At least 13 dead as major fire breaks out in northern HK housing estate
A devastating fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on the evening of November 26, 2025, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and leaving numerous residents trapped. The blaze, which quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm by 6:22 pm, engulfed multiple buildings wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, creating a perilous situation for both residents and emergency responders. Among the casualties was a firefighter who lost his life while battling the inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed profound grief on social media, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. As of 6 pm, authorities reported four deaths, with three individuals in critical condition, one in serious condition, and another in stable condition. Nine victims were rushed to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for urgent medical care. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas.
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Xinshengwei Yangtze River Bridge opens in Nanjing
The Xinshengwei Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, officially commenced operations on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. After more than five years of meticulous construction, the bridge now drastically reduces travel time between downtown Nanjing and the Jiangbei New Area to a mere 10 minutes. Spanning approximately 13.17 kilometers, the bridge features a six-lane mainline designed for speeds of up to 80 km per hour. Its centerpiece is a single-span suspension bridge with a steel box girder, boasting a main span of 1,760 meters, making it China’s longest and the world’s third-longest in its category. Innovative double-layer reinforcement technology was employed during construction to ensure the stability of deep foundation pits, guaranteeing the bridge’s structural integrity. Beyond enhancing Nanjing’s Yangtze River crossing capacity, the bridge also significantly upgrades the regional road network, fostering economic growth and improving transportation efficiency.
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Australia’s beloved weather website got a makeover – and infuriated users
The Bureau of Meteorology (Bom), Australia’s national weather agency, faced widespread backlash following the launch of its redesigned website on October 22. The update, which cost an astonishing A$96.5 million (US$62.3 million), was intended to enhance stability, security, and accessibility after a major cybersecurity breach in 2015. However, the changes were met with fierce criticism from users, particularly farmers and fishermen, who found the new interface less functional and harder to navigate. Complaints ranged from the altered color scheme of the rain radar to the inability to input GPS coordinates for location-specific forecasts. The hashtag #changeitback quickly went viral on social media, reflecting public dissatisfaction. Psychologist Joel Pearson likened the situation to a poorly executed home renovation, where the contractor not only made the house less functional but also charged exorbitantly. The timing of the launch, coinciding with severe weather conditions, further exacerbated frustrations. Within days, the acting head of Bom issued an apology, and parts of the old site were reinstated to appease users. Despite assurances that the community had been consulted, the overwhelming negative feedback suggested otherwise. The incident highlighted the cultural significance of Bom in Australia, where extreme weather events are increasingly common due to climate change. Sociologist Ash Watson noted that while the intentions behind the redesign were good, the public’s fatigue with constant technological changes played a role in the backlash. The controversy also reignited debates about the efficient use of taxpayer money, with government officials demanding accountability. Bom’s spokesperson acknowledged the mixed feedback but emphasized that further adjustments would be made based on user input.
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‘I am devastated’: Hong Kong residents in disbelief after fire destroys blocks of flats
A catastrophic fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming at least 36 lives and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. The blaze, which rapidly spread across eight blocks, forced over a thousand residents to evacuate, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is believed to have been fueled by bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, which were undergoing renovations. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and despair as flames consumed the high-rise structures, with some residents watching helplessly as their homes burned. Local councillor Mui Siu-fung reported receiving numerous distress calls from families searching for missing relatives. Among the affected was Harry Cheung, a 66-year-old resident of block two, who recounted hearing a loud noise before witnessing the fire erupt in a nearby block. “I don’t even know how I feel right now,” Cheung said, expressing uncertainty about his immediate future. Another resident, Jason Kong, shared his devastation, stating, “I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore.” Criticism has been directed at the government’s response, with some residents questioning the lack of immediate action. Ms. Poon, a resident in her sixties, voiced her disappointment, noting the proximity of the fire station and the rapid spread of the flames. Despite the ongoing efforts to contain the fire, officials have not provided a timeline for its complete extinguishment. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee assured that government departments are assisting affected residents, but many expressed frustration and heartbreak over the tragedy. The community has rallied to support victims, with local residents donating supplies such as blankets and heat packs. As the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, the focus remains on preventing further casualties and providing aid to those displaced by the disaster.
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Dubai Duty Free draw: Indian man wins $1 million after entering for 15 years
After fifteen years of unwavering participation, Selvaraj Vijayananth, a 50-year-old Indian national from Chennai, has achieved his dream by winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. The life-changing event occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse D.
Vijayananth, a senior engineering manager in the software industry and father of one, purchased his winning ticket (number 1346) online on November 13. His persistent participation in the promotional lottery for over a decade and a half finally yielded the monumental victory. “Winning has always been a dream of mine and now that it has finally come true, I am deeply grateful,” expressed the elated millionaire.
The celebration extended beyond Vijayananth as Atul Dinkar Rao, an Indian expatriate residing in Dubai, also claimed a $1 million prize in the Millennium Millionaire Series 522 with ticket number 2242. Rao, another long-time participant, received his ceremonial check from Dubai Duty Free senior management, stating, “I feel grateful and thankful for this win. I have always had faith and participated for a long time.
Following the millionaire announcements, the Finest Surprise draw awarded two luxury motorbikes to additional winners. Samer El Achkar, a 58-year-old Lebanese businessman and Dubai resident since 1991, won a BMW F 900 GS motorbike after twenty years of participation. Jaya Devan, a 38-year-old Indian storekeeper based in Ras Al Khaimah, secured a BMW S 1000 XR motorbike despite only participating for approximately one year. “I’m still in disbelief but feeling lucky,” Devan remarked.
Notably, Indian nationals represent the most significant demographic among ticket purchasers for these draws, with Vijayananth becoming the 266th Indian citizen to claim the $1 million prize in the promotion’s history.
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UAE: Girl returns money she found in public place; Ajman Police honour honesty
In a heartwarming display of integrity, a young girl named Shaimaa Ali has been honored by Ajman Police for her honesty after she returned a sum of money she found in a public place. The incident occurred when Shaimaa discovered the money and immediately requested her elder sister to accompany her to the Musherif Police Station to hand it over to the authorities. The police station hosted a special ceremony to recognize her commendable act, where officers posed with Shaimaa and her father, celebrating her positive attitude. At the event, Shaimaa was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a gift, acknowledging her honesty. Brigadier General Al Muhairi, who attended the ceremony, praised Shaimaa’s actions, emphasizing that such behavior reflects good upbringing and social awareness. He highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of returning lost items and protecting public property. This incident is not isolated in the UAE, as similar acts of honesty have been frequently reported. For instance, in September, Dubai Police honored a student for returning a lost wallet containing cash and a cheque valued at Dh200,000, and in April, a citizen was recognized for returning a lost passport and money. These acts underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering values of honesty and community responsibility.