分类： society

Vietnam is undergoing a transformative approach to managing floods as relentless storms and record rainfall wreak havoc across the country. With climate change intensifying, the government has committed over $6 billion under a national master plan through 2030 to build early-warning systems, relocate vulnerable communities, and redesign urban areas to better handle extreme weather. Central to this strategy is the concept of ‘sponge cities,’ which absorb and release water naturally, reducing flood risks. Cities like Vinh are already implementing these ideas, expanding drainage networks, creating flood basins, and transforming riverbanks into green spaces. However, the urgency of this work has been underscored by a series of devastating storms in 2025, including Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo, which caused widespread destruction and economic losses. Scientists warn that warmer seas are fueling more intense and prolonged storms, disproportionately affecting Vietnam’s poorest communities. The economic toll has been severe, with extreme weather costing the country $1.4 billion in 2025 alone. Vietnam estimates it will need $55 billion to $92 billion this decade to manage climate impacts. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, home to nearly 18 million people, are particularly vulnerable due to rapid urbanization that has replaced natural flood buffers with concrete. Flooding in Hanoi in October 2025 lasted nearly a week, overwhelming the city’s outdated infrastructure. Experts emphasize that traditional flood control methods are insufficient and advocate for nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands and green spaces. Globally, cities like Bengaluru and Johannesburg are adopting similar strategies, and Vietnam’s real estate developers are beginning to follow suit. For instance, the Sun Group is building a ‘sponge city’ in Nha Trang, featuring 60 hectares of wetlands designed to store and reuse rainwater. As climate risks escalate, Vietnam’s efforts to adapt offer valuable lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges.

In a groundbreaking move, Australia has extended its social media age restrictions to include Reddit and Kick, mandating that these platforms ban users under the age of 16. This decision, announced by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, places these platforms alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube in adhering to the new regulations effective December 10. Platforms that fail to enforce these age restrictions could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).

Wells emphasized the government’s commitment to child safety online, stating, ‘Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are merely asking that they use that same technology to keep children safe online.’ The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who will oversee the enforcement of these regulations, noted that the list of restricted platforms will evolve with emerging technologies.

The government has defined the criteria for these restrictions, targeting platforms whose ‘sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.’ Inman Grant also highlighted plans to collaborate with academics to assess the ban’s impact, including potential changes in children’s sleep patterns, social interactions, and physical activity levels. ‘We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence,’ she added, underscoring the importance of learning from Australia’s initiative.

Australia’s approach has garnered international attention, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praising the ‘common sense’ legislation during a United Nations forum in September. However, critics argue that the ban could infringe on user privacy, as platforms may require all users to verify their age. Wells assured that the government aims to protect user data privacy while implementing these measures.

Despite the government’s assurances, over 140 academics specializing in technology and child welfare have expressed concerns, describing the age limit as ‘too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.’ As Australia pioneers this legislation, its outcomes will likely influence global policies on children’s social media usage.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often synonymous with luxury and opulence, but beyond its glittering facade lies a treasure trove of affordable attractions that cater to both residents and tourists. From cultural landmarks to natural wonders, the UAE offers a diverse range of experiences that cost Dh50 or less, ensuring that leisure and exploration are accessible to all. Here’s a curated list of 20 budget-friendly destinations that showcase the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of the UAE. Sharjah Aquarium invites visitors to delve into marine life with close to 100 species on display, while Dubai Safari Park offers an immersive wildlife experience with over 3,000 animals. Global Village, a family favorite, provides a multicultural journey through pavilions representing countries worldwide. For panoramic views, the Garden in the Sky in Expo City Dubai and the Hanging Gardens in Kalba are must-visits. History enthusiasts can explore Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, or the Etihad Museum, which chronicles the nation’s unification. Nature lovers can wander through Jubail Mangrove Park or spot flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Unique experiences like the Rain Room in Sharjah and the Butterfly House on Noor Island add a touch of magic to the itinerary. From Al Ain Zoo’s conservation efforts to the Quranic Park’s spiritual journey, these attractions prove that the UAE’s cultural and natural wealth is within everyone’s reach. Whether you’re a resident seeking weekend adventures or a tourist looking to maximize your budget, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

The ‘bird theory,’ a viral TikTok trend, has sparked widespread debate about its effectiveness as a litmus test for relationship health. The concept, rooted in the idea of ‘bids for connection,’ measures a partner’s responsiveness to seemingly trivial observations, such as pointing out a bird. Layne Berthoud, an occupational therapist from Los Angeles, inadvertently became a focal point of this trend when her TikTok video, featuring her husband Alexandre Berthoud, garnered nearly 5 million views in just five days. In the video, Layne mentions seeing a bird, and Alexandre’s curious response—’Oh yeah?’—unwittingly passed the test.

The ‘bird theory’ is based on the work of Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, who emphasizes the importance of couples acknowledging each other’s bids for connection. According to Gottman, couples who consistently respond to these bids are more likely to stay together. However, experts like Carrie Cole, director of research at the Gottman Institute, express reservations about using such tests to gauge relationship health. ‘What if your partner fails?’ Cole asks, highlighting the potential pitfalls of contrived scenarios.

The trend is part of a broader social media phenomenon, including the ‘orange peel theory’ and the ‘princess treatment’ debate, which reflect a collective desire to understand and validate intimate relationships. Alexandra Solomon, a clinical psychologist, notes that these tests echo the relationship quizzes found in women’s magazines, offering a sense of validation or camaraderie. However, she cautions against overinterpreting the results, emphasizing that a failed test should prompt deeper conversations rather than immediate conclusions.

Despite the popularity of these tests, experts agree that they often provide limited insight into the true dynamics of a relationship. Layne and Alexandre Berthoud, for instance, emphasize the importance of daily efforts to nurture their relationship, rather than relying on viral tests. ‘If I really had deep relationship questions, I probably wouldn’t record it,’ Layne said, ‘And I definitely wouldn’t post it.’

A high-profile scandal has erupted at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, following revelations that gold plating from several idols and temple structures has been stolen. The Kerala High Court has taken serious note of the matter, describing it as a ‘heist and plundering of gold.’ The court has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the disappearance of approximately 4.54 kg of gold since 2019. The investigation has led to the arrest of three individuals, including a former assistant temple priest, Unnikrishnan Potty, who is accused of orchestrating the theft. Temple records indicate that the gold was originally donated by disgraced billionaire Vijay Mallya in 1998-99 for the gold-cladding of idols and temple structures. The court has criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, for allowing Potty to remove the idols for ‘repairs’ and for mislabeling gold-clad items as ‘copper plates.’ The scandal has sparked political unrest, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Kerala’s Minister for Temple Affairs, VN Vasavan. The SIT has been given six weeks to complete its investigation, and the court has vowed to hold all culprits accountable, regardless of their status or influence.

Australia has broadened its pioneering social media ban for children under 16, adding Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick to the list of restricted platforms. This brings the total number of banned sites to nine, including Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads. Starting December 10, tech companies face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million) if they fail to take ‘reasonable steps’ to deactivate existing accounts for minors and prevent new ones. The government emphasized that these platforms were selected because their primary or significant purpose is to facilitate online social interaction. More sites may be added as technology evolves. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stated that delaying children’s access to social media allows them time to develop without exposure to harmful design features like opaque algorithms and endless scrolling. However, messaging services such as Discord and WhatsApp, gaming platforms like Lego Play and Roblox, and educational tools like Google Classroom and YouTube Kids are exempt. Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the ban, asserting it aims to protect children from the ‘chilling control’ of online platforms. Critics, however, have raised concerns about data privacy and the reliability of age verification methods, which include ID documents, parental approval, and facial recognition technology. While polls show most Australian adults support the ban, some mental health advocates argue it could isolate children or drive them to unregulated parts of the internet. They suggest the government should focus on regulating harmful content and educating children about online risks. Notably, an Australian influencer family with millions of YouTube followers recently announced plans to relocate to the UK to circumvent the ban, ensuring their 14-year-old daughter can continue creating content. YouTube, initially exempt, was later included in the ban after the government cited it as the platform where children aged 10 to 15 most frequently encountered harmful content. Teens under 16 can still view YouTube videos but cannot create accounts, which are necessary for uploading or interacting on the platform.