Australia has become the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, effective from December 10. The groundbreaking policy, widely supported by parents, mandates social media companies to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to deactivate or remove existing ones. The government aims to shield children from the ‘pressures and risks’ associated with social media, including harmful content and behaviors such as cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to misogynistic or self-harm-promoting material. A recent government study revealed that 96% of children aged 10-15 use social media, with 70% encountering harmful content. The ban currently applies to nine major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, though platforms like YouTube Kids and WhatsApp are exempt. Social media companies face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, but critics question the effectiveness of age verification technologies and the adequacy of penalties. While some platforms, like Meta, have begun implementing measures, others remain silent on their compliance strategies. The ban has sparked debates about its potential to isolate teens and drive them to unregulated corners of the internet. Despite concerns, the government asserts that the legislation includes robust data protection measures. Australia’s pioneering move is being closely watched by other nations, many of which are exploring similar restrictions to safeguard young users.
分类: society
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South African women arming themselves against gender violence
In response to the escalating crisis of gender-based violence, an increasing number of women in South Africa are turning to firearms as a means of self-defense. This trend reflects a broader societal concern over the safety and security of women in a country where gender violence remains alarmingly prevalent. Many women are now enrolling in firearm training programs, seeking to equip themselves with the skills necessary to protect against potential threats. This shift towards personal armament underscores the urgent need for more effective measures to address the root causes of gender violence, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of South African women to safeguard their own lives. The movement has sparked a national conversation about the balance between personal safety and the broader implications of widespread gun ownership.
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Beijing set to open 8th railway station soon
Beijing is poised to enhance its urban transportation network with the inauguration of its eighth railway station, the Beijing Sub-center Station, located in Tongzhou district. This development, announced by transportation authorities during a press conference on Thursday, is scheduled to be operational by the end of this year. The integration of all eight railway stations with subway lines underscores the city’s commitment to improving commuter convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the recent advancements in regional rail connectivity, including the launch of the Beijing-Harbin high-speed railway and the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity line, along with the opening of Yizhuang Station on the Beijing-Tianjin intercity railway, have significantly bolstered the transportation infrastructure in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. These developments have effectively established a travel circle of 1 to 1.5 hours between major cities, fostering a one-hour commuter belt around Beijing.
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Police, villagers join overnight rescue for missing 76-year-old in Gansu
In a remarkable display of community solidarity and efficient law enforcement, a 76-year-old woman who went missing in Zhenyuan county, Qingyang city, Gansu province, was successfully rescued after an intensive 11-hour search operation. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, involved over 30 police officers and local villagers, who braved the cold mountainous terrain to locate the missing senior. The search utilized advanced technology including drones and a highly trained police dog from Xifeng district, alongside traditional grid search methods. The woman was eventually found in a ravine approximately seven kilometers from her home, exhausted but in stable condition. She was carefully carried up the steep slope by the rescuers and provided with immediate care, including warm water and food, before being safely escorted home. In gratitude, her family presented silk banners to the Mengba Police Station and the police dog unit, acknowledging their relentless efforts and dedication.
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Finanshels and ShopDoc host ‘Fitness for Founders’ event to support UAE entrepreneurs’ wellness
In a bid to foster holistic well-being among entrepreneurs, Finanshels, a prominent provider of outsourced accounting and compliance services, joined forces with ShopDoc to host the ‘Fitness for Founders’ event on November 1 at Inc 5 Media in Production City, UAE. The initiative aimed to empower business leaders with actionable strategies to maintain physical, mental, and financial health, essential for thriving in the competitive business landscape.
The event commenced with a light stretching session to energize attendees, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Divya Gokulnath, co-founder of Byju’s. Gokulnath shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the critical role of perseverance and resilience in achieving success.
Two dynamic panel discussions formed the core of the event. The first, moderated by Muhammed Shafeekh, CEO of Finanshels, featured industry leaders such as Youssef Salem (CFO of ADNOC Drilling), Nupur Mittal (co-founder of OCTA), Abhinav Gupta (CEO of CARS24 Arabia), and Chada El Islam (founder of ENERGIX Ventures). The panel explored financial fitness, offering practical advice on cash flow management, financial literacy, and the importance of disciplined financial habits. Mittal highlighted, ‘Financial habits are the bedrock of sustainable growth,’ while Gupta likened business maintenance to vehicle servicing, stressing the need for consistency.
The second panel, moderated by Shihab Makaniyi, CEO of ShopDoc, featured Divya Gokulnath and Dilip Kumar from Zerodha Rainmatter Investments. This session focused on the interplay between mental and physical fitness and business success, underscoring the necessity of holistic well-being for sustained performance.
The event also featured health checkups by Shookra, logistical support from HUMD, and refreshments from FreshNow. A private workout session led by Dilip Kumar the following morning provided a fitting conclusion for select attendees.
Finanshels and ShopDoc reaffirmed their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools to balance business and personal well-being. This event exemplifies their dedication to fostering a thriving founder community.
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Top court urges stricter regulation of minors’ online behavior
In a significant move to safeguard minors in the digital age, China’s Supreme People’s Court has emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulation of children’s online behavior. This directive follows the release of three pivotal cases involving minors, which underscore the growing concerns over internet-related crimes and cyberbullying. The court has mandated judicial bodies nationwide to enhance their handling of such cases and implement robust legal measures to foster a safer online environment for young users. One notable case involved a student, Li, who posted defamatory remarks about his classmate, Wang, on a social media platform. The court ruled that Li’s actions constituted an insult and violated Wang’s right to reputation. Given Li’s minor status and his parents’ failure to fulfill their guardianship duties, the court ordered them to issue a written apology to Wang. The Supreme People’s Court highlighted that minors often lack the emotional maturity to handle conflicts appropriately, which can lead to harmful online behavior. It stressed that the internet is not a lawless space and that minors are subject to legal constraints when expressing themselves online. Parents, as guardians, have a crucial role in guiding their children and will be held accountable for any infringing behavior. Additionally, the court urged collaboration with internet platforms to prevent juvenile crimes. Another case involved two teenagers who extorted over 75,000 yuan by claiming to be practicing online games. The court discovered that they learned these criminal methods through harmful content on a short video platform, prompting a judicial recommendation to strengthen content monitoring. The court praised this proactive approach, noting its dual benefit in preventing juvenile crimes and ensuring the healthy development of the internet industry.
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Syrian teenage activist wins Children’s Peace Prize
Bana Al Abed, a 16-year-old Syrian activist, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation. Recognized for her relentless advocacy for children affected by war, Al Abed has dedicated her efforts to reuniting families, reopening schools, and offering hope to children in conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria. Her journey began in 2016 when she and her family were evacuated from Aleppo to Turkey, where she has since become a global voice for children’s rights. Al Abed has attended international conferences, visited refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan, authored two books, and garnered recognition from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. In her acceptance speech at Stockholm City Hall, Al Abed boldly addressed global leaders, including former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning their roles in the suffering of children worldwide. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for rebuilding war-torn societies, stating that it provides hope and opportunities for growth. Al Abed also highlighted the plight of 5,000 Syrian children forcibly separated from their families during the war, whose fates remain unknown. Marc Dullaert, founder and chairman of KidsRights, praised Al Abed’s courage and resilience, noting her transformation of personal hardship into a powerful advocacy platform. Previous recipients of the award include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.
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Bangladesh police hope new uniform repairs broken image
In a symbolic move to restore public confidence, Bangladesh Police have introduced new uniforms, replacing their traditional turquoise-and-blue attire with iron-grey shirts and chocolate-brown trousers. This initiative comes as the nation of 170 million people prepares for critical elections in February 2026, where the role of security forces will be pivotal in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The decision follows years of turmoil and public distrust stemming from the 2024 uprising, which resulted in the overthrow of the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina. The unrest left at least 1,400 dead and thousands injured, many due to police actions. Police spokesman Sahadat Hossaine acknowledged the force’s ‘unprecedented crisis,’ stating that policymakers believe the new uniforms could signal reform and foster positive change. However, skepticism remains among citizens like Nazma Akhtar, whose 17-year-old son was killed during the uprising. ‘How can a new uniform change their attitude?’ she questioned, reflecting widespread anger. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has established a police reform commission, but progress has been slow. Allegations of excessive force persist, and public trust has eroded to the extent that mobs often take justice into their own hands. Meanwhile, around 1,500 police personnel face criminal charges, including murder, with dozens in detention. The former police chief, who pleaded guilty alongside Sheikh Hasina, was sentenced to five years. Despite these challenges, serving officers express their own grievances, noting that 44 officers were also killed during the unrest. The path to rebuilding trust remains fraught with obstacles, as the police force seeks to shed its image as a political tool and regain legitimacy.
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New guidelines safeguard seniors’ prepaid care fees
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.
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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.
