分类： society

In a significant development, Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, is set to be granted Lebanese citizenship, as announced by the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) on Tuesday. This decision comes during Infantino’s two-day visit to Lebanon, accompanied by his Lebanese wife, Lina al-Ashkar. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun extended this honor, which the LFA described as a recognition of Infantino’s contributions to football development and his ongoing support for Lebanese football. Infantino expressed his pride and happiness, stating, ‘I feel very good, I feel very proud, I feel very happy. And I’m Lebanese since many, many years already, so it’s good that we formalise this as well.’

Despite Lebanese women being unable to pass citizenship to their spouses or children under a 1925 law, Infantino’s case is an exception. During his visit, Infantino also discussed plans to build a state-of-the-art football stadium in Lebanon, fully funded by FIFA. ‘I feel that there is one thing that we need here in Lebanon, which is a ‘state-of-the-art’ football stadium. A stadium where the national team can play its home games, a stadium where Lebanon will be proud and will be happy,’ he remarked.

Following his visit to Lebanon, Infantino will travel to Qatar to watch an Arab Cup qualifier match between Lebanon and Sudan. Since becoming FIFA president in 2016, Infantino has maintained close ties with former US President Donald Trump, under whose administration the US, Mexico, and Canada were awarded the 2026 World Cup. However, Infantino has faced criticism for FIFA’s handling of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with calls for Israel’s suspension from FIFA and UEFA. Infantino has defended FIFA’s stance, emphasizing its role in promoting peace and unity rather than addressing political issues.

Nearly two decades after the discovery of 19 dismembered bodies near a bungalow in Noida, India, dubbed the ‘house of horrors,’ the case has resurfaced with the acquittal of Surinder Koli, the last of the two men convicted. On November 12, the Supreme Court overturned Koli’s conviction, citing that his confession—which included admissions of cannibalism and necrophilia—was extracted under torture. The case, which dates back to December 2006, involved the murders of women and children, predominantly from the impoverished Nithari slums, near the affluent neighborhood where the crimes occurred. Businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and his servant Koli were arrested after body parts were found near their residence. Pandher was acquitted in 2023 due to insufficient evidence, and Koli’s recent release has concluded the judicial process in one of India’s most infamous criminal cases. Families of the victims, many of whom have moved away from Nithari, are left grappling with unanswered questions. Jhabbu Lal Kanaujia, whose 10-year-old daughter Jyoti was among the victims, expressed despair, burning all case-related documents he had collected over the years. The Supreme Court criticized the police and investigative agencies for a flawed investigation, accusing them of negligence and implicating Koli without substantial evidence. The court also highlighted the failure to explore leads, including a potential organ trade angle. Families like Pappu Lal’s, whose daughter Rachna was among the victims, continue to seek justice, questioning the integrity of the criminal justice system. Despite the acquittals, the emotional scars remain, with victims’ families urging the government to ensure accountability and justice for their children.

The global Cantonese community came together in a historic gathering held in the ancient Zhuji Alley in Shaoguan, Guangdong province, on Tuesday. This significant event attracted over 800 representatives from more than 60 countries and regions, showcasing the widespread influence and unity of the Cantonese diaspora. The 1,500-meter-long alley, steeped in history, served as the perfect backdrop for the occasion, which featured a variety of cultural activities, including a themed gala and ancestral tracing ceremonies. These activities were designed to strengthen bonds among Cantonese people worldwide and to celebrate their shared cultural heritage. The gathering not only highlighted the enduring connections within the Cantonese community but also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting their unique cultural identity on a global scale.

China’s Civil Aviation Administration has unveiled draft regulations aimed at significantly improving air travel accessibility for passengers with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. The proposed rules, currently open for industry feedback, would mandate airports and airlines to facilitate the check-in of non-electric wheelchairs at boarding gates. Additionally, well-equipped airports would be required to extend this service to electric wheelchair users, who often encounter regulatory hurdles during check-in. The draft emphasizes the prioritization of aerobridge boarding for disabled passengers and the provision of ramps to minimize height discrepancies between aircraft and boarding lifts or stairs. These measures mark a substantial advancement over existing regulations, which necessitate 48-hour prior notification of special needs and may result in denial due to logistical constraints. The administration underscores the importance of safeguarding the air travel rights of persons with disabilities, aligning with the principle of ‘aviation for the people.’ To ensure the successful implementation of these rules, the administration has committed to enhancing facilities, services, funding, and staff training, aiming to deliver standardized, respectful, and considerate service to passengers with special needs. The draft also stipulates the availability of barrier-free pathways, tactile paving, lowered service counters, and accessible toilets, along with writing boards for hearing- or speech-impaired passengers. Furthermore, professional escort services for unaccompanied disabled passengers and comprehensive disability service training for airline and airport staff are mandated. Enhanced training for security personnel to identify assistive devices and employ appropriate inspection methods is also highlighted. The administration plans to strengthen oversight, integrating compliance into routine inspections and administrative checks.