Ugandans are brimming with pride as Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born dual national, ascends to the role of New York City’s mayor. Many view him as one of their own, a beacon of inspiration for the nation’s youth. Mamdani’s rise has sparked widespread excitement, particularly given Uganda’s youthful demographic, with a median age of just 16.2, the second-lowest globally according to the CIA World Factbook. At 34, Mamdani is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned Ugandan academic, and Mira Nair, an acclaimed filmmaker. His family’s deep roots in Uganda, particularly in Kampala, where his father taught at Makerere University, have further endeared him to the nation. Journalist Angelo Izama, who mentored Mamdani during his teenage internship, recalls his determination and fondness for Kampala, which he frequently mentions. Makerere University professor Okello Ogwang expressed pride in Mamdani’s success, calling him a “son of a colleague” and a testament to the potential of African youth. Students like Abno Collins Kuloba and Chemtai Zamzam see Mamdani as proof that ambition and determination can transcend one’s background. Beyond Uganda, Mamdani’s victory resonates across Africa. Abdul Mohamed, a former senior UN and African Union official, highlights Mamdani’s symbolic significance, emphasizing his commitment to pan-Africanism and the power of multi-ethnic identity. As Uganda prepares for its upcoming elections, Mamdani’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of youth and the importance of political engagement. His historic win has also been celebrated in South Africa, where his family lived for three years. Mamdani’s journey underscores the global impact of African talent and the enduring hope it inspires.
分类： society
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UAE residents wake up to dusty skies, reduced visibility on roads
On the morning of November 5, 2025, residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) awoke to hazy skies and significantly reduced visibility due to a widespread dust storm. The phenomenon, which began overnight, has impacted daily life, particularly for commuters navigating the roads. Authorities have issued warnings urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures, including reducing speed and using headlights. The dusty conditions are attributed to strong winds carrying sand particles from desert regions, a common occurrence in the UAE during certain weather patterns. Meteorologists predict that the situation may persist for the next 24 to 48 hours, with potential improvements as wind speeds decrease. Meanwhile, health officials have advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors and use protective masks if venturing outside. This event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s arid climate and the importance of preparedness for such environmental occurrences.
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Fostering future cooperation: China-US educational exchange
The 6th China-US Provincial/State University Presidents’ Forum, a pivotal event within the 26th China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education, brought together leading educational figures from both nations to deliberate on enhancing bilateral educational partnerships. Held on November 5, 2025, the forum served as a platform for reviewing past collaborative efforts and charting a course for future initiatives. Discussions spanned a wide array of topics, from assessing the historical trajectory of academic exchanges to formulating strategies for fostering deeper educational connections. The event underscored the mutual commitment of China and the United States to advancing educational collaboration, recognizing its critical role in strengthening global ties and fostering mutual understanding. Attendees shared insights and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared educational challenges. The forum also featured a video presentation, offering a glimpse into the discussions and key takeaways from the event.
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William follows in mother Diana’s footsteps with statue photo
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, recently paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, during his visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Standing in the exact spot where Diana was photographed 34 years ago, William reflected on her legacy while continuing his own mission to combat climate change. The visit marks the third day of his five-day trip to Brazil, where he is set to present the Earthshot Prize, an annual award established by his charity to recognize innovative environmental projects. The star-studded ceremony, featuring performances by Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, will take place at Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow, with five winning projects each receiving £1 million in funding. The prince also plans to address global leaders at COP30, the UN’s annual climate conference, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action. Throughout his trip, William has engaged with locals, many of whom fondly recalled Princess Diana’s 1991 visit to Brazil. Security measures were heightened during his visit to Christ the Redeemer, temporarily suspending public access to the site. The Earthshot Prize shortlist includes notable projects such as Guangzhou’s electric public transport network, Lagos Fashion Week’s sustainable initiatives, and Barbados’ environmental leadership. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join William for the awards ceremony before both head to the Amazon rainforest for COP30. Earlier in his trip, William participated in football at Maracana Stadium and barefoot beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach, while also addressing deforestation at the United for Wildlife conference and planting tree saplings on the island of Paqueta.
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RAK Police sees over 11% increase in emergency calls during Q3 2025
The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Police has reported a significant 11.6% increase in emergency calls during the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year. According to Colonel Staff Dr. Abdullah bin Salman Al Nuaimi, Director of the Operations Department at RAK Police, the operations room received a total of 129,191 emergency calls through the 999 hotline across the emirate. This surge is attributed to the emirate’s ongoing expansion across various sectors, which has led to heightened demand for emergency services.
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Dubai expat dies in car crash: Mosque being built in his honour
A 29-year-old Egyptian expatriate, Amr Hesham, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Dubai, marking a heartbreaking echo of his brother’s fate 11 years prior. Amr, who worked as a project manager at the Saeed Ahmad Lootah Charity Foundation, was known for his compassionate nature and dedication to humanitarian causes. His untimely death has left friends and colleagues in shock, with many remembering him as a person who brought light and positivity to every room he entered. Ranya Makki, a close friend of Amr, shared her grief and described him as a charitable and kind-hearted individual. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and speeding, hoping that Amr’s memory will inspire safer driving habits. In a heartfelt tribute, the International Charity Organisation has initiated the construction of a mosque in Amr’s honor. The project, which aims to raise Dh133,300, has already gathered over Dh80,000 in donations. This initiative not only commemorates Amr’s life but also serves as a lasting legacy of his contributions to charity and his community.
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From a few to more than 350, children and parents ride together to school as a ‘bike bus’
On a crisp autumn morning in Montclair, New Jersey, a vibrant scene unfolded as children, clad in helmets and backpacks, gathered with their parents for a communal bicycle ride to local elementary schools. Volunteers in orange safety vests ensured everyone was ready before the group embarked on their 5-mile “bike bus” route. As the procession moved through the neighborhood, more families joined, swelling the group to over 350 participants. Older students chatted with friends, while younger ones focused on pedaling. Cars respectfully yielded to the long line of cyclists, and as the journey progressed, families peeled off toward their respective schools. This weekly ritual, which began three years ago as a small initiative by a handful of parents, has now become a cherished tradition and a viable commuting option for many families.
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Two Gurus, One Message: Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai celebrates faith, freedom, and humanity
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, the first official Sikh temple in the Gulf region, is set to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, with grandeur and devotion. The festivities, spanning November 5 and 9, 2025, will include continuous kirtan (devotional singing), paath (scriptural readings), and Guru Ka Langar (community meals), welcoming devotees and visitors of all faiths and nationalities. This spiritual and architectural landmark in the UAE embodies the timeless message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Recognise all of humanity as one.”
The celebrations will commence at dawn with Nitnem (daily prayers), followed by Asa ki Vaar and Sukhmani Sahib Paath, setting a serene tone for the day. Later in the month, on November 25 and 30, the Gurudwara will observe the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, revered as the “Protector of India” and “The Universal Protector.” Special prayers and kirtans will honor his legacy, with Guru Ka Langar served continuously.
Adding a significant dimension to this year’s celebrations, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City, and the Apostolic Nunciature of the UAE extended heartfelt greetings and blessings to the Sikh community on Guru Nanak Prakash Diwas. Their message, titled “Christians and Sikhs: Promoting Fraternity Together in the Spirit of Nostra Aetate,” emphasized shared values of peace, love, and fraternity. This gesture symbolizes a growing bridge of friendship between the Sikh and Christian communities, rooted in mutual respect and humanitarian ideals.
The Vatican’s message holds special significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a landmark declaration by the Second Vatican Council that transformed interreligious relations. Dr Surender Singh Kandhari and Dr Bubbles Kandhari, representing Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, participated in the anniversary celebrations in Rome, highlighting the Gurudwara’s global role in promoting dialogue, compassion, and mutual respect.
Dr Surender Singh Kandhari remarked, “These sacred occasions remind us that true faith lies in service, sacrifice, and compassion for all.” Dr Bubbles Kandhari added, “The essence of faith is compassion in action. At Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, we strive to live these teachings daily through seva (selfless service), humility, and love for all humanity.”
As divine hymns echo through its halls this November, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai continues to exemplify the vision of the Sikh Gurus—unity, harmony, and service to humanity.
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Munich’s famous river wave has vanished after a cleanup. Surfers hope it will return soon
The iconic Eisbach wave in Munich, Germany, a renowned man-made river-surfing spot, has mysteriously disappeared following the city’s annual river cleaning operation. This unexpected event has left the local surfing community in dismay, marking the first time in decades that the wave has failed to return. The Eisbach wave, created in 1972 by strategically placed concrete blocks in the Isar River canal, has been a magnet for surfers worldwide, earning the title of ‘the mother of all river waves’ from SurferToday.com. Known for its formidable height of up to 4 feet (1.22 meters), the wave offers thrilling but brief rides, typically lasting less than a minute. Surfers and spectators alike have long cherished the site, with enthusiasts taking turns to brave the frigid waters while onlookers gather on a nearby bridge. The wave’s sudden disappearance has sparked confusion and concern. Munich’s mayor’s office has confirmed that surfers are collaborating with the building department to investigate the cause and explore potential solutions for its restoration. In the interim, surfers have turned to a secondary wave within the same park, though it lacks the power and prestige of the Eisbach. Munich, globally celebrated for its Oktoberfest festivities, only legalized surfing at the Eisbach in 2010. The sport has faced challenges, including a tragic fatality in April when an experienced surfer’s leash became entangled in the riverbed, leading to her drowning. This incident prompted stricter safety measures, including a ban on nighttime surfing. River surfing remains popular in other regions, such as the United Kingdom and Hawaii, but the loss of the Eisbach wave is a significant blow to Munich’s unique surfing culture. Local resident Lena Stillner, a seven-year veteran of the Eisbach wave, expressed her disappointment and hope for a swift resolution to restore this cherished landmark.
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Migrant who returned to UK after removal sent back to France
The year 2025 has witnessed a significant surge in asylum seekers attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, marking an increase compared to the previous year. A recent case highlights the complexities of the UK-France migration agreement, as an Iranian migrant who was removed to France under the ‘one-in, one out’ scheme returned to the UK less than a month later, only to be removed again. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed to be a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smuggling gangs in France. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the government is committed to expediting removals and securing borders, stating, ‘Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed is wasting their time and money.’ The migrant recounted harrowing experiences of abuse and threats by smugglers, explaining his fear for his life in France. So far, 94 migrants have been removed from the UK under the treaty, while 57 have been admitted from France. The government faces mounting pressure to address illegal migration, particularly with 36,734 arrivals by small boat as of October 21, 2025—a figure 8,530 higher than in 2024 but 869 lower than the record high in 2022. Additionally, the government has pledged to end the use of costly asylum hotels, which have sparked anti-migrant protests. The previous Conservative government’s Rwanda asylum plan, which faced legal challenges, was halted by the current Labour administration after only four individuals were sent there.