In a landmark moment for the maritime industry, Captain Sahar Rasti, the UAE’s first female ship master, was awarded the Benchmark for Maritime Industry Excellence Award at The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented on October 29, 2025, at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, recognizes her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment in the maritime sector. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, drew over 1,000 senior executives and industry leaders from across the Middle East, India, and beyond. Captain Rasti’s achievement is a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation within its maritime industry. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that the award symbolizes the potential of Emirati women to excel in leadership roles and encouraged young women to pursue their passions in maritime careers. The TMS Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across 25 categories, including shipping, logistics, and marine technology, while highlighting the UAE’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices. Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, underscored the event’s role in promoting innovation and excellence, reinforcing the region’s position as a global maritime leader. Captain Rasti’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a milestone for women in the industry but also reflects the UAE’s vision of nurturing local talent and driving global maritime innovation.
分类： society
-
Pink-purple buckwheat fields bloom in Guizhou province
Every November, the rolling hills of Anshun in Guizhou province are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink and purple as buckwheat fields burst into full bloom. Unlike the more common white buckwheat flowers, these blooms exhibit a unique and striking pink-purple hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors and photographers alike. The vibrant colors blanket the gently sloping terrain, offering a stark contrast to the region’s usual greenery. This natural phenomenon not only highlights the beauty of Guizhou’s rural landscapes but also underscores the area’s agricultural diversity. The annual bloom has become a symbol of the region’s natural charm, drawing attention to its ecological and cultural significance.
-
How 3 Sharjah residents battled building fire before firefighters arrived
In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, three Sharjah residents averted a potential catastrophe by extinguishing a fierce apartment fire before firefighters could arrive. The incident occurred in Al Mamzar, Sharjah, where Abdullah Mohammed Ali Al-Maleji, a 30-year-old employee at Americana Food Company, first noticed the danger while conversing with his wife on their fourth-floor balcony. Hearing cries of ‘Fire! Fire!’, Al-Maleji spotted thick smoke emanating from a balcony three floors above. Without delay, he alerted the police and, alongside his flatmate Khaled Mohammed Al-Baili, rushed to the scene, wisely avoiding the elevator for safety reasons. Upon reaching the seventh floor, they encountered their neighbor, Abdulrahman Al-Husaini, who was desperately attempting to quell the flames with a bucket of water. The fire, which had ignited on the balcony, had rapidly spread to nearby mattresses, exacerbating the situation due to the flammable nature of the materials. Realizing the inadequacy of the bucket, Al-Maleji swiftly located the building’s fire hose. With Abdulrahman’s assistance, they maneuvered the hose into the apartment and began dousing the flames. Meanwhile, Khaled and Abdulrahman worked to remove flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and electrical cables, preventing the fire from spreading further. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing the blaze under control within minutes. When the police arrived, they encouraged the trio to continue their efforts until the Civil Defence team could take over. By the time the firefighters arrived, the fire had been completely extinguished, and the area was secured. Abdulrahman sustained a minor hand injury but was promptly treated by paramedics. The following day, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority honored the three men with certificates of appreciation, presented by Brigadier General Yousef Harmoul Al Shamsi, in recognition of their courage and sense of responsibility. Reflecting on the honor, Al-Maleji expressed profound pride and gratitude, stating, ‘It’s a feeling I can’t describe. I felt pride, honour, and appreciation, something beyond words.’ Abdulrahman also conveyed his gratitude to the emergency services and expressed his joy at being honored by such esteemed figures.
-
Algeria pardons French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal after yearlong imprisonment
In a significant humanitarian gesture, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune granted a pardon to French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal on Wednesday, ending his yearlong imprisonment. The 76-year-old author, known for his critical works on Islam, colonialism, and Algeria’s leadership, was arrested in November 2024 upon his return from France. He was subsequently convicted under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws for undermining national unity and insulting public institutions, receiving a five-year sentence in March. Sansal, who is battling cancer, faced deteriorating health during his incarceration. The presidential statement highlighted humanitarian reasons and an appeal from Germany as the basis for his release, with Germany agreeing to provide him medical care. This decision concludes a contentious chapter that had strained relations between Algeria and France, where Sansal’s case garnered widespread political and literary support. His novels, including the award-winning ‘2084: The End of the World,’ have earned him acclaim in Europe, particularly among far-right leaders and literary circles. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s intervention, citing Sansal’s age and health, played a pivotal role in securing his freedom.
-
Passenger bus plunges into a ravine in southern Peru killing at least 37
A devastating bus accident in southern Peru has resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and left 13 others injured. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when the bus collided with a pickup truck, causing it to veer off the road and plunge more than 200 meters (650 feet) into the Ocoña river. The bus, which had departed from the mining city of Chala, was en route to Arequipa at the time of the crash. Walther Oporto, the health manager of the Arequipa region, confirmed the details to local radio RPP. Fatal bus accidents are a recurring issue in Peru, often attributed to reckless driving and excessive speed. This tragic event follows a series of similar incidents in recent months, including an August accident that claimed 10 lives and a July crash that resulted in 18 deaths and 48 injuries. Official data from the Death Information System reveals that traffic accidents in Peru have led to approximately 3,173 fatalities in 2024 alone.
-
IOC President Coventry praises Mengniu’s desert treatment efforts
During her recent visit to China, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry visited the headquarters of Mengniu, China’s leading dairy company, in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Accompanied by Mengniu CEO Gao Fei, Coventry toured the company’s state-of-the-art dairy production facility and engaged in discussions on the integration of sports, nutrition, and sustainable development. The visit also highlighted Mengniu’s ongoing efforts in ecological restoration, particularly in the Ulan Buh Desert, where the company has been actively combating desertification since 2009. Coventry praised Mengniu’s achievements, describing the transformation of over 220 square kilometers of desert into green land as ‘incredible.’
Mengniu’s innovative approach combines ecological restoration with industrial development, creating a sustainable organic dairy value chain that links farming, livestock breeding, and milk processing. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the company showcased its desert treatment success by transforming a 140-square-meter area beneath the Eiffel Tower’s beach volleyball venue into a ‘desert oasis,’ drawing global attention to China’s environmental efforts.
In a significant announcement, Mengniu launched the ‘Ulan Buh Ecological Protection Plan,’ pledging to restore 10 million square meters of land over the next five years, enhance biodiversity, and promote rural revitalization through green industries. Coventry commended Mengniu for its dual focus on nutrition and sustainability, expressing hope for future collaborations to advance public well-being through the synergy of sports and nutrition.
As a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), Mengniu remains committed to Olympic values and sustainability. The company’s model of ‘industrial ecology and ecological industrialization’ offers valuable insights for global green transitions. Moving forward, Mengniu aims to expand its sustainability initiatives across its global operations, supporting the long-term development of the Olympic movement and the global sports community.
-
At least six die in crush at Ghana military recruitment event
A devastating crowd crush at a military recruitment event in Accra, Ghana, has resulted in the deaths of at least six people, with several others receiving emergency medical treatment. The incident occurred at El-Wak Stadium, where thousands of hopeful applicants had gathered to join the military. According to a statement from Ghana’s armed forces, the tragedy was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates. The recruitment event, which had been extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, was scheduled to begin at 06:20 GMT. Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin confirmed that the crush happened before the event’s official start time. Calm has since been restored, and the recruitment process has commenced. Ghana’s youth unemployment rate, currently at 13%, has made such events highly competitive, often leading to chaotic scenes. The incident underscores the challenges faced by young Ghanaians seeking employment opportunities in a strained economic climate.
-
Why is Donald Trump threatening to sue the BBC?
The BBC is embroiled in a significant crisis following the resignation of its director general, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness. The turmoil stems from allegations that a Panorama documentary misrepresented a speech by former US President Donald Trump, leading to widespread criticism and a $1 billion lawsuit threat from Trump. The documentary, titled ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’, aired on October 28, 2024, and allegedly edited Trump’s speech to suggest he explicitly encouraged the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. BBC chairman Samir Shah has since apologized for the ‘error of judgement’. Trump’s legal team has demanded a retraction, an apology, and compensation, setting a deadline for the BBC to respond by November 14, 2025. The controversy has sparked internal and external scrutiny of the BBC’s editorial standards, with concerns also raised about its coverage of trans issues and the Israel-Gaza conflict. The resignations of Davie and Turness have further intensified the crisis, as the BBC navigates this challenging period ahead of a government review of its Royal Charter in 2027.
-
Fewer holiday trips, tighter budget: Families cut back on travel, report says
The holiday travel season in the United States is facing a significant slowdown as families, including high-income households, cut back on trips and tighten their budgets. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the average number of planned holiday trips has decreased to 1.83 from 2.14 last year, while travel budgets have shrunk by 18% to an average of $2,334. This shift reflects broader financial concerns, with nearly 20% of households earning over $100,000 annually reporting a decline in their financial well-being compared to the previous year. About 80% of these high-income travelers are opting for more affordable travel options. The prolonged US government shutdown has further exacerbated the situation, forcing airlines to reduce flights and delaying approximately 3.2 million passengers. Travel companies, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Marriott International, have noted strong demand for premium services in recent months. However, this trend may be reversing as high-income travelers, who typically spend more and travel farther, adjust their plans. Millennials, who represent 34% of luxury travelers, are leading the way in cutting back on trips this year. Interestingly, they are also at the forefront of adopting generative AI for travel planning, with usage increasing 1.5 times since 2024. While travelers primarily use AI to discover activities and attractions, they are most likely to act on restaurant recommendations.
-
Thousands protest in Romania’s capital against government austerity measures
In a significant display of public discontent, thousands of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to the government’s austerity measures and demanding higher wages, tax reductions, and effective strategies to combat inflation. Organized by the National Trade Union Bloc, which represents numerous professional federations, the protest saw demonstrators gather outside government headquarters before marching toward the Palace of Parliament. Participants honked horns, banged drums, and carried placards with messages such as “We want decent salaries!” and “Don’t hit those who save you,” the latter accompanied by an image of an ambulance worker. The rally highlights growing frustration over Romania’s economic challenges, including a budget deficit exceeding 9% in 2024—one of the highest in the European Union. The government has committed to reducing the deficit to 8.4% this year through measures such as tax hikes, public sector wage freezes, and cuts to public spending and administration jobs. Critics argue that these policies disproportionately burden ordinary citizens while failing to address systemic issues. The union bloc condemned the measures, stating, “Workers are once again being sacrificed for their jobs—even though we work harder, we are getting poorer. The impoverishment of the population has become state policy.” Protesters also called for an end to public sector job cuts and stronger efforts to combat tax evasion. Political analyst Cristian Andrei noted that the government’s inability to implement swift and decisive reforms has eroded public trust, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of economic hardships. The ruling coalition, elected earlier this year, had pledged to prioritize deficit reduction and institutional reform, but its approach has sparked widespread criticism and fear of further cuts.