Prince William, the Prince of Wales, unveiled the five winners of the 2025 Earthshot Prize during a star-studded ceremony at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow. The event, hosted by acclaimed Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck, celebrated groundbreaking environmental projects from across the globe. Prince William hailed the winners as “an inspiration that gives us courage,” emphasizing their work as “proof that progress is possible.” The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William in 2020, awards £1 million annually to each of five innovative projects aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. This year’s winners included initiatives such as re.green, which is making Brazil’s Atlantic Forest financially viable, and the High Seas Treaty, a global effort to conserve marine life set to take effect in 2026. Other winners included Bogotá’s clean air policies, Lagos Fashion Week’s sustainable practices, and Friendship’s efforts to support vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. The ceremony featured performances by Kylie Minogue, Shawn Mendes, and Brazilian pop icon Anitta, while legendary figures like footballer Cafu, gymnast Rebeca Andrade, and former Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel presented the awards. Prince William reflected on the halfway point of the Earthshot Prize’s 10-year mission, stating, “We set out to tackle environmental issues head-on and make real, lasting changes that would protect life on Earth.” The event also highlighted the urgency of collective action, with Christiana Figueres, chair of the board of trustees, praising the winners for their ambition and determination. Earlier in his five-day visit to Brazil, Prince William addressed deforestation at the United for Wildlife conference and participated in mangrove conservation efforts on Paqueta Island. He is scheduled to speak at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest, further underscoring his commitment to environmental advocacy.
分类： society
-
Did you know? Zohran Mamdani’s wife went to school in Dubai, met him on Hinge
Rama Duwaji, the Syrian-American artist and wife of newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has emerged as a figure of quiet yet profound influence. Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Dubai, Duwaji’s journey from a budding artist to the city’s Gen-Z first lady is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Her parents, both Syrian Muslims from Damascus, supported her artistic aspirations while encouraging practicality in her career choices. After completing her high school education in Dubai, Duwaji pursued her passion for art, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her artistic journey took her to residencies in Beirut and Paris before she moved to New York in 2021. It was there that she met Mamdani on the dating app Hinge, sparking a relationship that culminated in a romantic rooftop Nikkah ceremony in Dubai Creek Harbour and a courthouse wedding in New York. Despite her husband’s political rise, Duwaji has maintained a low profile, channeling her voice through her art, which often addresses humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon. As Mamdani’s historic mayoral win thrusts her into the spotlight, the question remains whether she can preserve her quiet, artistic life while embracing her new role as New York’s first lady.
-
Iconic New York-based pizzeria launches its first Dubai outlet at Silicon Central Mall
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a legendary New York-based establishment celebrated for its coal-fired brick-oven pizzas, has officially opened its first Dubai location at Silicon Central Mall. This expansion marks a significant milestone as the pizzeria introduces its century-old Brooklyn pizza-making tradition to the UAE, offering residents and visitors an authentic taste of New York. Founded on the principles of hand-tossed fresh dough and premium ingredients, Grimaldi’s prides itself on its signature coal-fired brick ovens, which deliver unparalleled flavor and crispness. The restaurant features an open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the artistry behind each pizza, and provides a family-friendly, casual yet upscale ambiance suitable for any occasion. In addition to its award-winning pizzas, the Dubai menu includes a variety of appetizers and daily-made desserts. Grimaldi’s has consistently earned the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences 5 Star Diamond Award for eight consecutive years in the U.S. Joseph Ciolli, CEO of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, expressed excitement about bringing the authentic New York pizza experience to Dubai, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to quality, tradition, and creating a welcoming environment for families and friends. With over 100 years of pizza-making heritage and international acclaim, Grimaldi’s continues to expand its global footprint, sharing its passion for pizza with new communities.
-
Full moon through lenses across China
On the evening of November 5, 2025, a breathtaking celestial event unfolded as the full moon reached its peak phase at 9:19 pm Beijing Time. This particular full moon was the closest to Earth in 2025, making it the largest and most visually striking lunar display of the year. Across China, photographers and stargazers alike seized the opportunity to capture the moon’s radiant glow against iconic backdrops. One such image, taken by photographer Zou Hong, showcased the full moon hovering above the White Lotus Tower in Wuzhen’s Xizha scenic area in Zhejiang province. The photograph, shared by chinadaily.com.cn, highlights the moon’s majestic presence as it illuminated the night sky. This astronomical phenomenon not only drew attention from astronomy enthusiasts but also served as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The event was widely celebrated, with social media platforms flooded with images and videos of the moon from various locations across the country.
-
Controversial rapper Namewee held over influencer’s death
Malaysian rapper Namewee, known for his provocative and satirical music, has been remanded in custody following the mysterious death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. The 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub two weeks ago. Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, was the last person seen with Hsieh, who was in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video project. Police have reclassified her death as murder, and Namewee is now assisting in the investigation.
Namewee, 42, initially turned himself in after Hsieh’s death and was arrested when police discovered nine blue pills, suspected to be ecstasy, in the hotel room. Despite denying drug use, he tested positive for multiple illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. Although he was granted bail on drug-related charges, he has been detained again as the case escalated.
Namewee has maintained his innocence, accusing local media of sensationalism. The rapper, who boasts 3.6 million YouTube subscribers and 856,000 Instagram followers, is renowned for his controversial music, which often critiques societal and political issues. His 2021 song ‘Fragile,’ which mocked Chinese nationalists, was banned in China but gained widespread popularity among Mandarin-speaking audiences.
Hsieh, nicknamed the ‘nurse goddess,’ had a significant social media presence, with over 545,000 Instagram followers. She was known for her revealing photos and had recently started an OnlyFans account. Her family, unable to travel to Malaysia due to severe disabilities, has hired legal representatives to handle the case.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus stated that Namewee had ‘gone into hiding’ after the case was reclassified but later turned himself in, pledging full cooperation. Authorities are awaiting post-mortem and toxicology results to determine the cause of death. The case continues to unfold, drawing significant attention across Asia.
-
US to cut flights at 40 airports if shutdown doesn’t end, transportation secretary warns
The US transportation sector is bracing for significant disruptions as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in air travel capacity across 40 major airports, effective Friday morning. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over air traffic controller fatigue, exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown—now the longest in US history. FAA Chief Bryan Bedford emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation, noting that controllers have been working without pay for over a month, leading some to seek alternative employment or call in sick. The affected airports, all high-traffic hubs, will be disclosed on Thursday, with daily flight cancellations expected to range between 3,500 and 4,000. Bedford warned that unchecked pressures could compromise the safety and efficiency of the US airline system, widely regarded as the safest globally. While Duffy assured the public that air travel remains safe, he cautioned that further shutdown-related strains could necessitate additional restrictions. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has left most federal workers unpaid, with essential personnel like controllers continuing their duties without compensation. The aviation industry has already felt the impact, with some airports grounding flights due to staff shortages and others relying on controllers from neighboring facilities. Duffy has urged controllers to prioritize their duties, even as they face financial hardships, and has threatened disciplinary action against those who fail to report for work.
-
How I beat Sharjah-Dubai rush-hour traffic using the ferry
Navigating the notorious rush-hour traffic between Sharjah and Dubai can be a daunting task, but one traveler discovered a refreshing alternative: the ferry. On November 5, 2025, Waad Barakat opted for the Dubai Ferry from Al Ghubaiba station to Sharjah, transforming what would have been a grueling hour-long drive into a serene 32-minute journey across calm waters. As the ferry departed promptly at 4pm, the bustling cityscape of Dubai faded into the background, replaced by the soothing sounds of waves and the sight of seabirds gliding overhead. The ferry offered a unique perspective of Dubai, showcasing both modern waterfront developments and traditional dhows bobbing gently at the docks. Inside, the cabin was comfortably air-conditioned, with a gentle sea breeze flowing through the deck. Around 15 passengers, including tourists and regular commuters, enjoyed the peaceful ride. By 4:32pm, the ferry docked at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, and a quick taxi ride brought Barakat to the Expo Centre Sharjah by 4:49pm—matching the time it would have taken by car but without the stress. This experience was part of broader efforts by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) to enhance transportation options for visitors to the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025). New shuttle bus routes and marine transport services, including the FR5 ferry, have been introduced to ease commutes. Badr Mohammed Saab, Director of Government Communications at SBA, emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation in supporting cultural events like SIBF. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the water, Barakat arrived at the Expo grounds feeling refreshed and triumphant, having outsmarted the rush-hour chaos.
-
Miss Universe contestants walk out after organiser berates Miss Mexico
A dramatic confrontation at a Miss Universe pre-pageant ceremony in Thailand has sparked widespread outrage and solidarity among contestants. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for allegedly failing to post promotional content. When Ms. Bosch objected, Mr. Nawat escalated the situation by calling security and threatening to disqualify those who supported her. This led to Ms. Bosch leaving the room, followed by several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. The incident, which was live-streamed, quickly went viral, prompting condemnation from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO). MUO President Raul Rocha described Mr. Nawat’s behavior as ‘malicious’ and ‘disrespectful,’ stating that it contradicted the pageant’s mission of empowering women. Mr. Nawat has since apologized, claiming his words were misunderstood, but the MUO has limited his involvement in the competition and is considering legal action. Despite the controversy, the pageant continues, with the winner set to be crowned on November 21 in Bangkok. Ms. Bosch, in a post-event interview, emphasized her commitment to being a voice for women and girls worldwide, stating, ‘I’m not a doll to be made up and styled. I came here to make a difference.’
-
Mexico president to seek charges after being groped on street
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her decision to press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. The incident, captured on mobile phone footage, occurred on Tuesday near the National Palace. In the video, a man is seen approaching Sheinbaum from behind, attempting to kiss her neck and place his hands on her body. Sheinbaum swiftly moved away, and a member of her security team intervened. The offender was subsequently arrested. At a news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of her decision, stating, ‘If I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?’ She recounted her personal experiences with harassment, both as a student and as a public figure, and highlighted that the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. ‘A line must be drawn,’ she declared. The incident has sparked discussions about the pervasive issue of machismo in Mexican society and the broader challenges of gender-based violence. Despite Sheinbaum’s campaign promises to address femicide and violent crime, progress has been slow. The event also raises questions about presidential security and the safety of politicians, particularly in light of the recent murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Sheinbaum has affirmed her commitment to maintaining close contact with her supporters, despite the risks. Her administration has made strides in combating fentanyl trafficking, a key concern for U.S. President Trump, but the fight against sexual harassment and gender-based violence remains a critical issue.
-
China records 10-year low in first marriages
China has recorded its lowest number of first marriages in a decade, with only 9.1723 million couples tying the knot in 2024, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Bureau. This marks the first time the figure has fallen below 10 million in the past ten years. The decline is part of a broader trend, with the number of first marriages decreasing annually from 2014 to 2024, except for a slight uptick in 2023. In 2024 alone, the number dropped by 2.77 million, or 23.18 percent, compared to the previous year, representing the steepest decline in a decade. Compared to 2013, the number of first marriages in 2024 plummeted by 14.69 million, a staggering 61.57 percent reduction. Marriage registrations also saw a significant drop, falling from 13.469 million in 2013 to 6.106 million in 2024, a decline of 54.7 percent. Demographics scholar He Yafu attributes this trend to two primary factors: a shrinking young population and a rising unmarried rate. Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs reveals that the 25-34 age group, which accounts for the majority of marriages, has seen a decline in population. The seventh national population census in 2020 showed that the population aged 21-30 (born between 1990 and 1999) was only 178 million, compared to 215 million in the 31-40 age group (born between 1980 and 1989). Additionally, the unmarried rate among 30-year-olds has surged from 14.56 percent in 2013 to 29.97 percent in 2023, reflecting a significant societal shift. This trend underscores the challenges China faces in addressing demographic changes and their implications for social and economic stability.