In a poignant demonstration against gender-based violence, hundreds of women clad in black gathered at a Johannesburg park on Friday, just one day before the commencement of the G20 summit. The 15-minute lie-down protest symbolized the tragic reality that 15 women lose their lives daily to gender-based violence in South Africa. Organized by the nonprofit Women for Change, the event aimed to draw global attention to the crisis, which has plagued the nation for decades. Despite South Africa’s progressive stance on gender issues during its G20 presidency, the country’s femicide rate remains alarmingly high, five times the global average, according to U.N. Women. Protest coordinator Courtney Gelderblom, 19, described the act as ‘a minute of silence for every woman that could have fallen within the day,’ emphasizing the need to mourn and honor the victims. The protest saw participation from ordinary citizens, activists, and survivors of gender violence, some of whom wept while lying down. Placards bearing messages like ‘Why do you hate us?’ and ‘My body is not your crime scene’ underscored the urgency of the issue. The demonstration was part of a month-long campaign by Women for Change, which garnered over a million signatures on a petition urging the government to act. In response, the South African government declared gender-based violence a national disaster, mandating authorities to allocate resources and take decisive action. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the crisis during a G20 sideline summit, calling it a ‘national crisis.’ Gender violence expert Professor Corné Davis-Buitendag highlighted the global implications of the issue, noting its significant economic and societal costs. Despite legal reforms aimed at supporting victims, the rates of gender-based violence continue to rise. The Women for Change petition calls for stricter measures, including denying bail in severe cases, imposing life sentences for offenders, and holding officials accountable for negligence.
分类： society
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Safeguarding life on the Roof of the World
In the majestic expanse of the Himalayas, often referred to as the ‘Roof of the World,’ a unique initiative is unfolding. The multi-ethnic team known as the Friends of Himalayan Creatures has joined forces with local communities to protect this sacred landscape. Their mission is not only to safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity but also to share its story with the world through the compelling power of imagery. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystems of the Himalayas, which are home to a myriad of species, including the iconic black-necked cranes. By documenting their conservation work, the team aims to raise global awareness and inspire collective action towards environmental stewardship. The initiative underscores the critical role of local engagement and the use of visual storytelling in fostering a deeper connection between humanity and nature.
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Grizzly bear on loose after attacking school group in Canada, injuring 11
A grizzly bear attack on a school group in Bella Coola, British Columbia, has left 11 people injured, including two in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon during a walk on a local trail. Armed officers are currently searching for the bear, and residents have been advised to stay indoors. Veronica Schooner, a parent of a child in the group, recounted the terrifying experience to the Canadian Press. Her 10-year-old son narrowly escaped the attack, feeling the bear’s fur as it rushed past him. The male teacher bore the brunt of the attack, while some children were inadvertently hit with bear spray during the chaos. The injured were attended to by British Columbia Emergency Health Services, with two critically injured, two seriously hurt, and seven treated on-site. The group was from Acwsalcta School, operated by the indigenous Nuxalk Nation, located 700km northwest of Vancouver. The Nation has temporarily closed the school and is providing counseling services. Officials have urged the community to remain indoors and avoid the highway as the search for the bear continues.
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‘The Hub’: Petrol stations with padel, restaurants, play areas debut in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has introduced a groundbreaking concept in roadside destinations with the launch of ‘The Hub,’ a modular petrol station designed to redefine the traditional refueling experience. Located off the Shawamekh–Shamkha corridor, this innovative site combines essential services with lifestyle amenities, including children’s play areas, outdoor fitness zones, padel courts, and a variety of dining options from brands like Starbucks, Al Baik, and Burger King. Developed by Adnoc Distribution, The Hub aims to transform quick fuel stops into community-centric destinations where families can spend an hour or more enjoying a blend of convenience and recreation. The modular design allows for flexible retail configurations, enabling tenants to customize their spaces and adapt to neighborhood needs. With plans to expand to 30 hubs by 2030, Adnoc Distribution is leveraging its extensive land bank to create profitable, data-driven, and community-focused spaces. The Shawamekh Hub, the first of its kind, is three times larger than a standard Adnoc station and features fast EV chargers, car care services, and AI-driven operations to enhance customer experience. This initiative not only modernizes retail options for local residents but also positions Adnoc as a leader in innovative roadside services.
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Jewish community in the Czech Republic reports record number of antisemitic incidents in 2024
The Czech Republic witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in 2023, reaching unprecedented levels, according to the Federation of Jewish Communities. Their annual report revealed a staggering 4,694 antisemitic cases, marking an 8.5% increase from the previous year’s 4,328 incidents. This surge was particularly pronounced following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which ignited the Gaza conflict and triggered a 90% spike in antisemitic reports. Petr Papousek, head of the Federation, emphasized that this wave of hatred is part of a global phenomenon, fueled by the demonization of Israel and amplified by far-right, far-left, Islamist, and disinformation media groups. Papousek noted that antisemitism has become socially acceptable, with public discourse increasingly dominated by anti-Israel narratives. Nearly 96% of incidents occurred online, primarily through social media platforms. However, the report also documented four physical attacks—a record high—all linked to the Middle East conflict. Additionally, cases of desecration of Jewish cemeteries and monuments doubled to 12. In one notable incident, five teenagers were arrested for attempting to set fire to a synagogue in Brno, radicalized by the Islamic State group. Despite these troubling developments, the report affirmed that the Czech Republic remains a safe country for its Jewish community.
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Canadian man loses legal battle to reclaim million-dollar stash
A Canadian man’s 16-year legal struggle to recover over C$1.2 million seized from his home has come to an end after an Ontario appeals court upheld a prior ruling favoring the Canadian government. Marcel Breton, a resident of north-western Ontario, had the cash confiscated during a 2009 police search for an illegal firearm. Authorities discovered the money hidden in various locations, including under his garage and within heating ducts, alongside drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. Although Breton was initially convicted of multiple offenses, he was acquitted in a retrial after arguing the search was unlawful. However, the court ruled that the majority of the funds were unlawfully obtained, citing the unusual nature of the cash’s storage and its proximity to illegal substances. Notably, the court ordered the return of C$15,000 found in the heating vents, as its lawful origin could not be definitively disproven. Breton’s failure to report income between 2001 and 2008 further weakened his case. This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, with the bulk of the seized money now allocated to the government.
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Indian fighter jet pilot killed in crash at Dubai airshow
A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 when an Indian fighter jet, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Tejas, crashed during a display, resulting in the death of the pilot. The crash occurred at approximately 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT) on the final day of the event, which had drawn over 148,000 attendees and exhibitors from 1,500 companies. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended their support to the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. Dubai’s Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that emergency services responded swiftly to manage the situation on-site. The Dubai Airshow, which began on Monday, concluded on a somber note with this unfortunate event.
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UAE weather: Temperatures to drop slightly; fog expected
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures, with the mercury plunging to a chilly 7.8°C on Thursday, November 20, marking the coldest day of the winter season so far. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Friday, November 21, will bring partly cloudy and dusty conditions, with low clouds forming westward over the sea and islands. Coastal areas are expected to see a slight temperature dip, accompanied by fog that has triggered red and yellow alerts, reducing visibility until 10:30 AM. Authorities in Abu Dhabi have issued emergency alerts and implemented speed reductions on key roads to ensure safety. Humidity is likely to increase by night and into Saturday morning, with fog or mist expected in coastal and internal regions. Winds will blow lightly to moderately from the northeast to northwest, reaching speeds of 10-25 km/hr, and up to 40 km/h westward. Sea conditions will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. Temperatures are forecasted to drop to 15ºC in Sharjah, 19ºC in Dubai, and 21ºC in Abu Dhabi. The recent dense fog has already caused significant disruptions, with landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab obscured and severe traffic delays reported. Air travel has also been impacted, with Dubai diverting 19 flights and Sharjah experiencing multiple delays and cancellations.
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China’s top court highlights domestic violence cases to raise awareness
In a decisive move to combat domestic violence, China’s Supreme People’s Court has publicized eight significant cases, underscoring a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy toward such offenses. This initiative, announced on Friday, aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, reinforcing the court’s stance that domestic violence transcends mere family disputes. The court emphasized that psychological harm, including continuous humiliation and character degradation, is a critical component of domestic violence. The Supreme People’s Court articulated that domestic violence is an illegal act infringing on personal rights, whether it occurs within or outside the home, and should not evade legal consequences. The court also highlighted the importance of expert testimony in understanding the psychology and behavior of both defendants and victims, particularly in cases involving minors. Furthermore, Chinese courts have been urged to strengthen mechanisms against violence, decisively combat all forms of violence against women, and ensure public perception of fairness and justice in every judicial proceeding.
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Indian fighter jet crashes during a demo flight at Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot
A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when an Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight, resulting in the death of the pilot. The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident, which occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose control and plunged directly into the ground within the airfield premises. Emergency teams responded swiftly, and black smoke was seen rising from the crash site as sirens blared. The Indian Air Force expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended condolences to the pilot’s family. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash. The Dubai Air Show, a biennial event, resumed flight demonstrations approximately an hour and a half later, with the Russian Knights performing overhead. The Tejas, India’s domestically produced fighter jet, is a key component of the nation’s efforts to modernize its air force amid regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan. Recent contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Tejas jets highlight its strategic importance, though delays in deliveries due to engine shortages have posed challenges. The incident marks the second crash involving a Tejas jet in recent years, following a 2022 accident in Rajasthan where the pilot ejected safely.