分类： society

The Miao New Year, a cherished cultural event, commenced with grandeur in Leishan County, Guizhou Province, on Wednesday. This annual festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Miao ethnic group, marks the culmination of the agricultural cycle and serves as a time to honor ancestors and express gratitude to nature. For the Miao community in Leishan, the New Year arrives in the 10th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, symbolizing the completion of the year’s harvest when grain is brought into homes.

This year’s celebrations are set to span over a month, promising a rich tapestry of cultural activities. The festivities began with a spectacular opening ceremony and a vibrant parade, which attracted over 10,000 participants and spectators from across the nation. The event not only showcases the unique heritage of the Miao people but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride among attendees.

The Miao New Year is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the enduring traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Miao community. Through these celebrations, the Miao people reaffirm their connection to their ancestors, nature, and the cyclical rhythms of life. The event also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, drawing visitors who are eager to experience the rich traditions and hospitality of the Miao people.

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 witnessed a remarkable event as over 300 children aged seven to 18 launched their books, showcasing a diverse range of literary works. From anthologies and adventure tales to science-fiction novels, these young authors transformed their dreams and personal reflections into published works. The launch ceremony, organized by Learners Circle, an edtech platform, brought together students from two schools and independent authors, highlighting the success of virtual writing workshops initiated during the pandemic.

Among the standout authors was Shaun Zechariah Anthony, a Year 10 student at St Mary’s Private High School in Ras Al Khaimah, who won the Writathon 4.0 writing competition. His book, which explores the journey of a shy boy embracing his true self, resonated with many. Shaun’s passion for storytelling earned him a PlayStation 5 as a prize, though he aspires to become a scientist in the future.

The event also featured Fatima Shakur, who launched her adventure-themed poem, expressing her disbelief at becoming a published poet. The launch included group projects like ‘Poetronica,’ a poetry collection by 208 young writers, and ‘Dreams Between Pages,’ an anthology by 33 students of New Indian Model School. Additionally, 70 children released individual titles across various genres.

Shankar, founder and CEO of Learners Circle, shared that the initiative began as a home project during the Covid-19 lockdown to keep children creatively engaged. The book launch at SIBF was not just about publishing manuscripts but celebrating the boundless creativity of young minds. “Every child has a story to tell. We simply give them the platform and guidance to tell it,” Shankar remarked.

Lifeguards in the UAE are facing significant challenges, including language barriers and unrelated duties, which experts say could compromise their ability to ensure safety at aquatic facilities. Professionals and safety authorities across the country are emphasizing the need for continuous training, vigilance, and clear communication to address these issues. Charne Schnetler, Client Service Director at Ellis & Associates, highlighted the importance of lifeguards remaining focused on swimmer surveillance rather than being distracted by tasks like taking orders or setting up pool furniture. ‘A lifeguard who doesn’t see someone in distress can’t rescue them,’ Schnetler said. Emma Jane Forrest, Business Development Director at the same organization, added that regulations now reinforce the connection between training and readiness, mandating at least four hours of in-service training per month. ‘Consistent, ongoing training is what determines whether a lifeguard can react effectively when it counts,’ Forrest noted. Ahmed El Sandoby, Senior Safety Officer at Dubai Municipality, explained that the emirate’s beaches operate under a comprehensive safety framework, including a colour-coded flag system, trained lifeguards, and clear signage. Despite these measures, communication remains a persistent challenge, particularly with non-Arabic-speaking tourists. Omar Al Sultan, Lifeguard Operations Manager at Khidmah, said that language barriers can delay quick responses during emergencies. To address this, Khidmah prioritizes recruiting multilingual lifeguards and conducts weekly drills and international certification programmes. Beyond Dubai, progress is being made in other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, where initiatives like the Champs of the Beach Lifesaving Competition are promoting water safety and professional excellence among lifeguards.

At the 2025 Beijing Forum, Tan Eng Chye, President of the National University of Singapore, tackled the pervasive question: ‘Are Asians inherently better at mathematics?’ His response challenged the notion of ‘racial gifts,’ emphasizing that success in mathematics is rooted in educational systems rather than nationality or ethnicity. Tan highlighted how early exposure to rigorous math education and culturally ingrained learning practices in Asian countries contribute to their students’ exceptional performance in international competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad. He argued that these achievements are a product of structured teaching methodologies, societal emphasis on academic excellence, and consistent practice from a young age. Tan’s insights underscored the importance of educational frameworks in shaping mathematical proficiency, urging a shift from racial stereotypes to a focus on systemic improvements in global education.

A rare glossy ibis, classified as a national first-class protected wildlife species, was observed in the Haiwei National Wetland Park, located in Changjiang Li autonomous county, Hainan province, on November 5, 2025. This sighting marks the second recorded appearance of the bird in the region since April 2024, highlighting the area’s ecological significance.

Xue Meili, deputy director of the park’s management center, described the experience as ‘incredibly exciting,’ noting that she spent five hours observing the sub-adult bird. ‘Although there was only one, it was still a rare find,’ she said, adding that she plans to continue monitoring the area for further sightings.

The glossy ibis, known for its distinctive long, curved bill and metallic, copper-green plumage, thrives in shallow wetlands. Once thought to be extinct in China during the 20th century, the species was upgraded to first-class protected status in 2021, reflecting its conservation importance. The park previously recorded a historic high of 13 glossy ibises in April 2024, the largest number ever documented in Hainan.

This latest sighting underscores the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve China’s biodiversity, offering hope for the recovery of endangered species in the region.

As the UAE braces for increased rainfall and extreme weather conditions, Dubai’s Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has issued a crucial advisory for residents to safeguard their homes against potential power disruptions. The rainy season, which often brings unpredictable weather, necessitates proactive measures to ensure the safety and continuity of electricity and water supplies. Dewa emphasizes that while these steps can significantly reduce risks, unexpected power interruptions may still occur. Residents are encouraged to utilize Dewa’s smart response services for quick issue resolution. The advisory follows the record-breaking rains in April 2024, which caused widespread flooding and property damage across Dubai and neighboring emirates. Building owners and tenants who acted swiftly during the deluge managed to mitigate significant losses. In preparation for the upcoming rainy season, Dewa recommends six essential steps: securely closing all electrical cabinets, replacing damaged glass covers on meters, ensuring proper grounding of connections, sealing unused conduits on roofs, inspecting and protecting exposed connections with waterproof fixtures, and hiring skilled technicians for thorough inspections. These measures aim to prevent internal interruptions and enhance safety. Dewa also reminds residents to use its smart app, official website, or the Dubai Now app for self-diagnosis and swift issue resolution during emergencies. The authority’s proactive stance underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Indonesian authorities have uncovered explosive materials and writings from the residence of a 17-year-old suspect involved in a mosque attack at a Jakarta high school that left dozens injured. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit confirmed the findings on Saturday, stating that the suspect, who was among the 54 injured in Friday’s blast, is still recovering in the hospital. The attack occurred during a Friday sermon at SMAN 72, a state high school located within a navy residential complex in Jakarta’s Kelapa Gading neighborhood. Two loud explosions near the mosque’s loudspeaker caused panic among worshippers, with gray smoke filling the area. Police are investigating the suspect’s potential ties to hate groups, as they recovered a toy submachine gun inscribed with white supremacist slogans and names of neo-Nazis. While the attack has been ruled out as terrorism, reports suggest the suspect, a bullied grade 12 student, may have sought revenge through a suicide attack. Neighbors described him as an introverted teenager who spent most of his time indoors. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if others were involved.