Authorities in Delhi, India, conducted an unsuccessful cloud seeding trial on Tuesday in an effort to combat the city’s escalating air pollution crisis. The experiment, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Delhi government, aimed to induce rainfall by dispersing silver iodide and sodium chloride particles into the atmosphere using a Cessna aircraft. However, the attempt—the first in 50 years—was deemed “not completely successful” due to insufficient moisture in the air. Despite the lack of rain, IIT Kanpur reported a measurable reduction in particulate matter, suggesting that cloud seeding could still contribute to improved air quality under limited moisture conditions. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained alarmingly high, ranging between 300 and 400—nearly 20 times the acceptable limit—over the past two weeks. Experts, including IIT Kanpur’s director Manindra Agarwal, have cautioned that cloud seeding is an emergency measure rather than a long-term solution. Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa announced plans to repeat the trial in the coming weeks as moisture levels in the clouds are expected to increase. Historically, Delhi’s first cloud-seeding experiment dates back to 1957, with another attempt in 1972. The city had considered the technique in 2023 but faced delays due to pending court approvals. While cloud seeding has shown mixed results globally—with China claiming success during the Olympics and the UAE facing skepticism after floods in Dubai—its efficacy remains debated. Climate change expert Abinash Mohanty emphasized the lack of empirical evidence on its impact and the inherent limitations of altering natural processes.
分类： society
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Studying the wrong ancient Roman ruler gets Australian high school seniors out of a history exam
In a surprising turn of events, teachers at nine high schools in northeastern Australia discovered just days before an ancient history exam that they had mistakenly taught their students about Augustus Caesar instead of his predecessor, Julius Caesar. The error, uncovered on Monday, led to an exemption for students in Queensland from the statewide exam scheduled for Wednesday. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described the situation as “extremely traumatic” for the students and pledged to investigate the mix-up. The affected 140 seniors were granted an exemption from the exam, which constitutes 25% of their annual marks. Instead, their grades will be determined based on assessments covering the remaining 75% of their coursework. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority revealed that the exam topic had been Augustus Caesar for the past four years, but schools were informed two years ago that the focus would shift to Julius Caesar in 2025. The incident has sparked criticism from parents, who argue that the panic surrounding the exam disrupted their children’s preparation for other tests, including one held earlier on Wednesday. Langbroek assured that the students would not be disadvantaged and emphasized the need for accountability in the education system.
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Angry Spaniards still demand answers a year after Valencia’s deadly floods
On 29 October 2024, eastern Spain was struck by catastrophic floods, known as the Dana, which claimed the lives of 237 people across the Valencia region and neighboring areas. The disaster, the worst of its kind in decades, left an indelible mark on communities such as Benetússer and Paiporta, where entire families were swept away by the torrential waters. Toñi García, a resident of Benetússer, tragically lost her husband, Miguel, and their 24-year-old daughter, Sara, when floodwaters engulfed their home’s basement. ‘They didn’t reach the garage door,’ she recalls, ‘because it was so much water, so many metres deep.’ A year later, the region continues to grieve, with a state memorial service attended by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The emotional scars remain, particularly among children, with nearly a third still experiencing fear of rain and loud noises, according to Save the Children. Despite significant progress in reconstruction, questions linger about the handling of the crisis. The regional government’s delayed emergency alarm, issued after 20:00 on the day of the floods, has drawn widespread criticism. Regional President Carlos Mazón’s actions during the disaster, including a lengthy lunch with a journalist, have fueled public outrage. Tens of thousands protested in Valencia, demanding his resignation. Mazón, supported by the far-right Vox party, has defied calls to step down, blaming the central government for insufficient support. A judicial inquiry into possible negligence is ongoing, with Mazón set to face a parliamentary commission later this month. As Valencia rebuilds, the threat of future weather events looms large, prompting calls for improved preparedness and resilience.
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A defiant mother seeks justice for Serbian train station collapse that killed her son and 15 others
BELGRADE, Serbia — Dijana Hrka’s life was irrevocably altered on November 1 last year when a catastrophic partial building collapse at a train station in Serbia’s northern city of Novi Sad claimed the life of her 27-year-old son, Stefan, along with 15 others. The tragedy, which also left one woman severely injured, has since ignited widespread anti-government protests across the country, challenging the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vucic. Hrka, 47, has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice, joining tens of thousands of protesters demanding accountability for the lives lost and an end to systemic corruption in construction and governance. The protests, which have rattled Vucic’s administration, are set to intensify on the first anniversary of the disaster. Authorities have yet to address the underlying grievances, with discontent simmering over the government’s crackdown on dissent, including detentions and job losses. Hrka, who has faced threats for her activism, remains resolute, drawing strength from the youth-led movement. “Once you lose what is dearest to your heart, you lose fear,” she said. The anniversary protest aims to pressure Vucic to call for early parliamentary elections and ensure those responsible for the collapse face justice. While prosecutors have charged 13 individuals, including engineers and officials, skepticism remains about the transparency of the judicial process. The protest, though intended as a peaceful commemoration, carries the risk of violence, given previous clashes between police and demonstrators. Amid the tension, university students have embarked on a cross-country trek to Novi Sad, symbolizing unity and resilience. Hrka’s unwavering determination and the youth’s activism continue to challenge the status quo, keeping the memory of the victims alive and demanding systemic change.
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Germany to give more than $1 billion for Holocaust survivors’ home care in 2026
In a landmark decision, Germany has pledged an additional $1.076 billion (923.9 million euros) to fund home care for Holocaust survivors globally in the coming year. This significant allocation, negotiated with Germany’s finance ministry, marks the largest budget ever dedicated to supporting frail and vulnerable Holocaust survivors through the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also known as the Claims Conference. Gideon Taylor, the organization’s president, emphasized that the funding addresses the increasingly complex needs of aging survivors, many of whom are now in their late 80s and facing severe health challenges. The average age of survivors receiving care has risen from 86 in 2018 to 88.5 in 2024, with a notable increase in disabilities such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. Additionally, the Hardship Fund Supplemental payments, which provide €1,450 annually to eligible survivors, have been extended through 2028, benefiting over 127,000 individuals globally. The Claims Conference also announced that non-Jewish rescuers who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust will now be eligible for similar home care services, ensuring they can live their final years with dignity. Colette Avital, a Holocaust survivor and member of the Claims Conference delegation, praised Germany’s continued commitment to survivors and rescuers, stating that it reflects a profound sense of responsibility. Furthermore, Holocaust education funding has been extended through 2029, with €175 million allocated to initiatives such as teacher training, academic research, and innovative mediums like film, gaming, and virtual reality. Greg Schneider, the Claims Conference’s executive vice president, stressed the urgency of investing in Holocaust education while survivors are still alive to share their testimonies, calling it a moral obligation to both survivors and the six million who perished.
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Singapore faces pressure to reveal carbon tax concessions to oil giants
Singapore, a pioneer in Southeast Asia with its carbon tax policy, is facing growing scrutiny over concessions granted to major polluters. Environmentalists argue that these tax breaks could weaken the incentive for industries to transition to cleaner energy. Conservation groups are demanding more transparency from the government regarding the discounts awarded to corporations under the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS). While Singapore accounts for only 0.1% of global carbon emissions, its per capita emissions rank 27th out of 142 countries, highlighting the urgency of effective climate action. The carbon tax, introduced in 2019, is set to increase gradually, reaching 45 Singapore dollars ($34.70) per metric ton by 2026 and 50-80 Singapore dollars ($40-$60) by 2030. However, the NCCS has withheld detailed data on emissions reductions, citing concerns over corporate confidentiality. Critics argue that transparency is essential to assess the policy’s effectiveness and ensure accountability. The tax burden primarily falls on global energy giants like ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, which operate significant refining facilities in Singapore. Local environmental groups warn that the costs may trickle down to households through higher utility rates, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The push for greater transparency coincides with global challenges to carbon tax momentum, particularly due to the U.S. administration’s opposition to such measures. Singapore’s leadership in climate policy is seen as a critical example for the region, but its success hinges on balancing corporate interests with public accountability.
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WWI soldiers’ messages in a bottle found on Australian beach more than 100 years later
In a remarkable discovery, messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers during World War I have been found over a century later on Australia’s coastline. The Brown family stumbled upon the Schweppes-brand bottle on October 9, 2025, during a routine beach cleanup at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia. Inside the bottle were cheerful letters penned in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated August 15, 1916. The soldiers were aboard the troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat, which had departed Adelaide on August 12, 1916, bound for the Western Front in Europe. Neville tragically lost his life in action a year later, while Harley survived the war but succumbed to cancer in 1934, believed to be a result of being gassed in the trenches. Neville’s letter requested the finder deliver it to his mother, Robertina Neville, while Harley was content for his note to be kept by the discoverer. The bottle, found in pristine condition, likely spent decades buried in sand dunes before being dislodged by recent erosion. The legible letters have since connected the soldiers’ descendants, who expressed profound astonishment and emotional resonance with the discovery. Harley’s granddaughter described it as a ‘miracle,’ while Neville’s great nephew reflected on the pride and sorrow tied to his ancestor’s sacrifice.
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Three Dubai sisters empower Tanzanian students through Arise Foundation
At an age when most teenagers are still figuring out their life paths, three Dubai-based sisters—Inaya, Simar, and Rania Bhasin—are making a profound impact on communities in Tanzania through their non-profit organization, the Arise Foundation. Founded on the principles of ‘Educate, Empower, and Conserve,’ the foundation aims to uplift underprivileged students and communities, demonstrating how youthful energy and determination can drive global change. The sisters began their journey with small initiatives, such as organizing recycling drives in Dubai and selling artwork to raise funds. Their efforts have since evolved into structured programs addressing critical issues like education, food security, and environmental sustainability. Partnering with Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania Plc (DTB), the foundation has donated 100 desktop computers to Songoro Mnyonge School, revolutionizing teaching methods and enhancing students’ digital skills. Additionally, their women-led school lunch initiative provides daily nutritious meals to 1,300 students, significantly improving attendance and academic performance while empowering local women through employment. The sisters also launched the Adopt a Tree initiative, planting 135 seedlings to foster environmental awareness and climate resilience. Despite its youth, the Arise Foundation has already made a tangible impact, proving that young leaders can address global challenges with innovative solutions and optimism.
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Australian girls being ‘hunted’ by online crime gangs to commit violent acts
Australian authorities have issued a stark warning about a sinister trend where young girls are being manipulated by online crime networks into committing violent acts. This alarming phenomenon, described as a ‘twisted type of gamification,’ involves coercing victims into harming themselves, their siblings, or even pets. Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett is set to address this issue in a speech on Wednesday, highlighting it as a ‘new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence.’
A newly established taskforce is working alongside global law enforcement agencies to combat this growing threat. So far, three individuals have been arrested in Australia, with an additional nine apprehended internationally. The perpetrators, primarily young men in their late teens or early 20s from Western backgrounds, are driven by violent extremist ideologies, including nihilism, sadism, Nazism, and satanism. Dubbed ‘crimefluencers’ by Barrett, they exploit gaming platforms like Roblox and messaging apps such as Discord and Telegram to recruit pre-teen and teenage girls.
Barrett emphasized that these networks operate similarly to online gaming cultures, hunting and luring victims across various platforms. The motivation behind these acts is not financial gain or sexual gratification but rather a desire for amusement, popularity, or sheer fun. ‘They may not fully understand the consequences of their behavior,’ she added.
In Australia alone, nearly 60 alleged offenders have been identified. The AFP is collaborating with Five Eyes nations—the US, UK, New Zealand, and Canada—to dismantle these groups. This development coincides with Australia’s upcoming social media ban for children under 16, aimed at reducing online harm. However, gaming and messaging platforms remain exempt from the new legislation, which takes effect in December.
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Dubai Fitness Challenge: Free events, classes, full calendar for November 2025
The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is set to return for its ninth edition on November 1, 2025, promising a month-long extravaganza of free fitness activities designed to inspire and engage residents of all ages and abilities. Running until November 30, this city-wide initiative will feature an array of events, including four flagship mass-participation events, three fitness villages, over 25 community hubs, and thousands of classes across Dubai. Highlights include the Dubai Ride on November 2, where cyclists can choose between a family-friendly 4-km route or a challenging 12-km course along iconic landmarks. The Dubai Stand Up Paddle event on November 8 and 9 at Hatta Dam offers a mix of fitness and adventure, while the Dubai Run on November 23 transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into the world’s largest free community fun run. The Challenge concludes with the inaugural Dubai Yoga event on November 30, a mass yoga session at Zabeel Park. Additionally, three fitness villages at Kite Beach, Zabeel Park, and Al Warqa’a Park will offer a variety of activities, from beach sports to yoga and cycling, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Registration for these events is now open, making it easy for participants to join in and embrace a healthier lifestyle.