In a landmark effort to safeguard the financial assets of elderly citizens, China has unveiled comprehensive new regulations governing the management of prepaid fees by nursing homes. The Ministry of Civil Affairs, in collaboration with the National Financial Regulatory Administration, introduced these measures as part of a broader initiative to combat illegal fundraising and financial fraud targeting seniors. The guidelines, titled ‘Guidance on the Custody and Management of Prepaid Fees for Nursing Institutions,’ mandate that all prepaid funds be deposited into a dedicated, monitored bank account to address longstanding concerns over misuse. Nursing homes are required to open these accounts at approved banks, and any withdrawals must be justified with supporting documents, except in cases of emergency medical expenses. Custodian banks are tasked with refusing suspicious transactions and reporting them to regulatory authorities. Additionally, the guidelines ensure prompt refunds, requiring banks to process repayments within one day of receiving a valid request. To enhance transparency, custodian banks must develop specialized account management systems that interface with civil affairs departments, providing real-time data on fund flows. Online banking for these accounts is prohibited, and all transactions must be processed over the counter or through a dedicated platform, with balance checks to maintain a required safety margin.
分类： society
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New Nafis award announced in UAE: Emiratisation to shift focus from numbers to quality of jobs
The UAE has unveiled significant updates to the Nafis Award for 2025-2026, marking a pivotal shift in the Emiratisation strategy. Announced at a recent press conference, the fourth cycle of the award, part of the Dh24-billion Nafis programme, will now prioritize the quality and sustainability of employment for UAE nationals in the private sector. This strategic move aims to deepen the impact of Emiratisation by focusing on long-term career growth and professional development rather than merely increasing the number of Emirati employees. The award introduces a new sub-category specifically for professionals in the education sector, including teachers, assistant teachers, and educational supervisors in private institutions. This addition recognizes the growing demand for Emirati talent in this critical field. The evaluation criteria for the Establishments category have also been refined, with companies now assessed on their ability to retain Emirati talent, their commitment to training, and their use of the Nafis platform for recruitment. The Individuals category, which includes 11 sub-categories, now features the new education track, allowing Emirati professionals to self-nominate for recognition. The award operates under a robust governance structure, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is organized by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. The timeline for the award includes awareness workshops until January, with evaluations beginning in February. The results will be reviewed by an arbitration committee before final approval. Since its launch in September 2021, the Nafis programme has seen a 437 per cent increase in Emirati employment in the private sector, with over 157,000 nationals now employed by more than 30,000 companies. The programme has also shifted career aspirations, with nearly six out of ten Emirati graduates now starting their careers in the private sector, up from 15 per cent previously.
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Ex-federal worker accused of staging own attack with slashes, political slurs on body
A shocking case has emerged in New Jersey, where a former congressional staffer stands accused of orchestrating a fabricated violent political attack. Natalie Greene, 26, allegedly conspired with an accomplice to stage the incident on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township. According to prosecutors, Greene claimed that three gunmen attacked her, tied her up, and inscribed derogatory messages on her body, including ‘Trump whore’ on her stomach. She also alleged that the attackers referenced her employment with New Jersey Republican Representative Jefferson Van Drew, though he was not named in the indictment. Greene has been charged with conspiracy to falsely report a violent attack and providing false statements to law enforcement. The incident occurred on July 23, when Greene and her co-conspirator called 911, reporting an ambush by three men. Police found Greene bound with zip ties, her shirt pulled over her head, and multiple lacerations on her body. However, inconsistencies in their stories and evidence, including a receipt for a $500 payment to a body modification artist, led investigators to conclude the attack was staged. Greene faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted. A spokesperson for Rep. Van Drew expressed sadness over the news and wished Greene well. Greene was released on a $200,000 bond, and her lawyers have yet to comment.
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Netanyahu’s son slashes asking price for Oxford flat after it fails to sell
Avner Netanyahu, the youngest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has significantly reduced the asking price of his three-bedroom flat in Oxford, UK, after failing to sell it for nine months. The property, initially listed for £620,000 in February, has now been marked down to £500,000, representing a nearly 20% reduction and a potential loss of £2,500 for Netanyahu’s son.
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Communities of slave descendants in Brazil demand recognition of territories
In the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Zaqueu Belém Araújo demonstrates a centuries-old technique of harvesting acai berries, a practice deeply rooted in the traditions of quilombos—communities descended from runaway slaves. With minimal impact on the environment, this method ensures the survival of both the forest and the people who depend on it. “We understand that keeping the forest alive also keeps us alive,” says Erica Monteiro, a resident of Itacoa-Miri, a quilombo near Belem, where the UN climate conference is currently underway.
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Black-necked cranes return to Guizhou’s Caohai reserve for winter
The Caohai National Nature Reserve in Guizhou province has once again become a winter sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes. Photographers recently documented these majestic birds foraging along the lakeshore, marking their seasonal return to the region. Since November 11, the reserve has welcomed the first arrivals of this year’s migratory flock. By November 16, the reserve’s management committee reported a total of 114 black-necked cranes in the Caohai area. This annual migration highlights the ecological significance of Caohai as a critical habitat for these rare birds. The reserve’s efforts in conservation and habitat preservation continue to play a vital role in supporting the survival of this species, which is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
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Dubai schools’ new KHDA ratings: What parents need to know
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has unveiled the first inspection ratings for four of the city’s newest private schools, offering parents a critical evaluation of these institutions’ performance. This comes as full school inspections remain suspended for most schools until 2026, with only schools that opened in 2022 eligible for reviews this academic year. The KHDA’s decision to extend the inspection pause aims to provide schools with more time to innovate and refine their internal practices. Notably, these ratings directly influence the tuition fee increases schools can implement, with higher-rated institutions permitted to request larger hikes. Among the four schools reviewed, Bloom World Academy and Citizens School both secured ‘Good’ ratings, while Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba and Durham School Dubai received ‘Acceptable’ ratings. Bloom World Academy was particularly praised for its personalised learning model and strong environmental responsibility, while Citizens School excelled in student development and community engagement. Both schools, however, were advised to enhance academic attainment and literacy provision. The other two schools, despite their ‘Acceptable’ ratings, were commended for their supportive environments and health and safety standards. With full inspections paused, schools can only adjust fees based on the Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for the 2025–26 academic year, limiting fee hikes regardless of performance. Dubai’s education sector continues to thrive, with 81% of students attending schools rated ‘Good’ or better, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
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What makes ‘The Summit of Tianjin’ special?
The Summit of Tianjin, a groundbreaking architectural marvel, opened its doors to the public in June 2025. This iconic structure, located in Tianjin, China, boasts a unique ‘steel tubular column and steel plate shear wall’ design, earning it the distinction of being the tallest building in the world to utilize this innovative structural system. The Summit of Tianjin is not just a testament to modern engineering but also a symbol of the city’s rapid development and ambition. Visitors to the sightseeing hall can experience panoramic views of the city, offering a blend of architectural brilliance and urban beauty. The building’s design emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural resilience, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Summit of Tianjin stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing China’s prowess in pushing the boundaries of architectural design and urban planning.
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‘Too little, too late:’ Former UK government slammed for its initial COVID-19 response
A damning public inquiry report released on Thursday has sharply criticized the UK’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, labeling it as ‘too little, too late.’ The inquiry, led by former judge Heather Hallett, revealed that the delayed implementation of lockdown measures in early 2020 resulted in an ‘unacceptable loss of life,’ potentially costing 23,000 lives in England alone during the first wave of the pandemic. The report highlighted chaos within the Conservative government at the time, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused of fostering a ‘toxic’ culture in Downing Street and frequently changing his stance on critical decisions. Key cabinet members and scientists also failed to act with the necessary urgency to combat the virus. The UK-wide lockdown, announced on March 23, 2020, came weeks after most European nations had already imposed restrictions. Hallett emphasized that an earlier lockdown could have reduced deaths by 48%, saving thousands of lives. The report also criticized Johnson’s overly optimistic outlook and the behavior of his special adviser, Dominic Cummings, who was accused of using ‘offensive, sexualized, and misogynistic’ language, further exacerbating the government’s dysfunction. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group welcomed the findings, placing much of the blame on Johnson for prioritizing his political reputation over public safety. Hallett’s inquiry, which began two years ago and is expected to continue until 2027, is now focusing on the impact of the pandemic on children.
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‘A brother before a friend’: UAE mourns Osama Al Shaafar, ex FNC member, sporting icon
The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the tragic passing of Osama Al Shaafar, a revered figure in both the political and sporting arenas. Al Shaafar, a former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and a prominent leader in cycling and bodybuilding, died on Wednesday due to an accident abroad. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes flooding social media platforms and official statements from various organizations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers remembered Al Shaafar as a man of exceptional kindness, humility, and warmth, often describing him as ‘a brother before a friend.’ His genuine smile and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Al Shaafar’s contributions to the UAE and Asian sporting communities were immense. He served as president of the UAE Cycling Federation for eight years, during which the sport achieved significant milestones in talent development and international recognition. He also held leadership roles in the Asian Cycling Confederation and the International Cycling Union (UCI), among others. His legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. The UAE community continues to honor his memory, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both sports and society.