In the heart of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the apple harvest season is in full swing. On October 23, 2025, an aerial drone captured the bustling activity at an orchard in Alaer city, where workers diligently transported freshly picked apples. Known for its unique climate, Xinjiang boasts abundant sunshine and dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, creating the perfect environment for cultivating fruits with naturally high sugar content. Among these, the apple stands out as a regional specialty, celebrated for its thin skin, dense texture, and juicy flesh. This year’s harvest not only highlights the agricultural prowess of the region but also underscores the economic and cultural significance of this beloved fruit. As the apples make their way to markets across the country, they carry with them the essence of Xinjiang’s rich agricultural heritage.
分类： society
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Indian minister accused of victim blaming after Australian cricketers’ assault
A recent incident involving the street harassment of two Australian female cricketers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has ignited widespread condemnation and a heated debate in India. The players, who were in the country for the Women’s World Cup, were reportedly approached and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe. The perpetrator has since been arrested, but the incident has drawn global attention to the pervasive issue of street harassment in India.
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Sermons urge youth to take part in public affairs in Morocco after wave of protests
In a striking move to address rising youth discontent, Morocco’s government has taken to the pulpit to deliver a unified message across the nation’s mosques. On Friday, imams in over 53,000 mosques, including one in Rabat, delivered a government-written sermon urging parents to involve their children in public affairs. The sermon, broadcast live on public television, emphasized the importance of civic participation, national loyalty, and the role of youth in shaping Morocco’s future. This initiative comes in the wake of widespread protests led by the Gen Z 212 movement, which has been demanding better social and economic conditions and accountability from the government. The protests, organized via social media platforms like Discord, have been marked by acts of vandalism, arrests, and even fatalities. While the sermon did not directly address the protests, it was widely interpreted as an attempt by the government to engage with the youth and steer them toward constructive dialogue. Critics, however, argue that the state’s control over sermon content turns mosques into tools for promoting government policies. In response to the unrest, the government has announced new measures, including a draft bill to simplify election candidacy requirements for individuals under 35 and a record $15 billion allocation for health and education in the 2026 budget. Despite these promises, weekend protests saw lower-than-expected turnout, with only dozens attending a gathering in Casablanca. Analysts like Dr. Driss El Ganbouri suggest that while sermons can influence public opinion, they must be backed by tangible actions to gain the trust of the younger generation.
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Sheikh Mohammed attends launch of new initiative to preserve Dubai’s history, legacy
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated the Al Maktoum Archives on October 26, 2025. This landmark initiative aims to safeguard the legacy of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family, ensuring their historical contributions are accessible to future generations. Established under Law No. (28) of 2024, the archives will serve as a public institution dedicated to documenting both tangible and intangible heritage. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the project is not merely about creating a new institution but about narrating Dubai’s story and preserving its identity. The archives will collaborate with local, regional, and international organizations to exchange expertise, publish historical works, and raise cultural awareness. Additionally, it will provide researchers and the public with access to historical records, fostering a deeper understanding of Dubai’s leadership and humanitarian achievements. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of preserving national heritage as a duty to future generations, stating that the story of a ruler is inseparable from the story of their people. The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to honoring its past while building a greater tomorrow.
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What to know about uncontacted Indigenous peoples and efforts to protect them
In the remote corners of the Amazon rainforest and the dense jungles of Indonesia, uncontacted Indigenous communities are facing an existential crisis. A recent report by Survival International, a London-based Indigenous rights organization, reveals that at least 196 uncontacted groups across 10 countries are under severe threat from logging, mining, agribusiness, and drug trafficking. The report, released on Sunday, estimates that 65% of these groups are endangered by logging, 40% by mining, and 20% by agribusiness. Fiona Watson, Survival’s research and advocacy director, describes these threats as “silent genocides,” unfolding far from public scrutiny or effective state protection. Uncontacted peoples, often misunderstood as “lost tribes,” are contemporary societies that deliberately avoid contact with outsiders due to historical violence, slavery, and disease. They thrive in their environments, maintaining ancient traditions and languages, and play a crucial role in preserving forests essential to combating climate change. However, their isolation makes them vulnerable to diseases like the flu, which can decimate entire communities. The report highlights the urgent need for stronger legal protections, no-contact policies, and global awareness to safeguard these communities. Governments and corporations must halt extractive activities in Indigenous territories, while consumers must ensure their purchases do not fund destruction. International treaties like the ILO’s Convention 169 and the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirm their right to self-determination, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Survival International’s report calls for immediate action to prevent the extinction of these unique cultures, emphasizing that their survival is intertwined with the planet’s future.
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Japan’s sushi legend Jiro Ono turns 100 and is not ready for retirement
At the age of 100, Jiro Ono, the legendary sushi master behind Tokyo’s famed Sukiyabashi Jiro, remains an enduring symbol of dedication and excellence. Renowned for earning three Michelin stars for over a decade, Ono has served dignitaries worldwide and inspired countless individuals through his unwavering pursuit of perfection. His story was immortalized in the award-winning documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” which showcased his meticulous craft and profound influence on the culinary world. Despite his advanced age, Ono has no plans to fully retire, stating, “I plan to keep going for about five more years.” His secret to longevity? “To work,” he replied when asked by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. “I believe the best medicine is to work.” Born in 1925 in Hamamatsu, Ono began his culinary journey at age 7, eventually opening Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 1965. His restaurant, a modest 10-seat establishment, became a global icon, earning Michelin stars in 2007 and maintaining its status until 2019. Ono’s dedication to his craft and his clients is unparalleled. In 2014, he famously turned down a reservation request from the Japanese government for then-U.S. President Barack Obama and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, citing a fully booked schedule. Obama later visited and enjoyed the experience, a testament to Ono’s commitment to his regulars. In recent years, Ono has scaled back his direct involvement due to physical limitations but continues to inspire through his son Yoshikazu, who now leads the restaurant. Ono’s philosophy of lifelong learning and improvement resonates deeply. “I haven’t reached perfection yet,” he once said. “I’ll continue to climb trying to reach the top, but nobody knows where the top is.” His humility, humor, and kindness have left a lasting impression on those who know him, including filmmaker David Gelb, who directed the documentary. Gelb described Ono as “a teacher and a fatherly figure” who remains “very funny and very sweet.” As Japan’s population ages, Ono stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration. With over 100,000 centenarians in Japan, his story underscores the importance of purpose and passion in life. Ono’s favorite sushi? “Maguro, kohada, and anago (tuna, gizzard shad, and saltwater eel),” he shared. As he looks to the future, Ono remains optimistic, aiming to live to 114. “I cherish my life so I get to work for a long time,” he says. His legacy continues to inspire generations, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
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UAE Royals attend wedding reception of adviser Faisal Al Bannai’s sons
In a grand celebration at Erth Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other prominent royals and dignitaries, attended the wedding reception of Abdulaziz and Abdulla, sons of Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs. The newlyweds married the daughters of Najeeb Ibrahim Al Zarouni and Sameer Meer Abdulaziz Al Khoury, respectively. The event was graced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Other notable attendees included Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also joined the festivities. Sheikh Mohamed extended his heartfelt congratulations to the couples and their families, wishing them a prosperous and harmonious life. The families expressed profound gratitude for the royal presence, highlighting the leadership’s deep connection with the Emirati people. The celebration featured traditional Emirati performances, adding cultural richness to the joyous occasion.
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Yemen’s Houthis release model after five years in prison
Yemeni model and actress Entisar al-Hammadi has been released after nearly five years in detention on charges of indecent behavior, her lawyer confirmed on Sunday. Hammadi, 25, was arrested in February 2021 in Sanaa while en route to a photo shoot. She was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison on allegations of prostitution, drug use, and fornication—claims her legal team and human rights organizations have vehemently dismissed as fabricated and politically motivated to suppress women’s freedoms. Her lawyer, Khaled al-Kamal, revealed that Hammadi was released on Saturday from the central prison in Sanaa. He also noted that her health had significantly deteriorated during her incarceration, as she suffered from various illnesses. Rights groups have reported that the high-profile model attempted to take her own life in 2021, highlighting the severe psychological toll of her imprisonment. Born to an Ethiopian mother and a Yemeni father, Hammadi had gained prominence as a model, sharing numerous photos online in both traditional Yemeni attire and modern outfits, with and without a headscarf. She had worked as a model for four years and appeared in two Yemeni television series in 2020, amassing thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook. Human Rights Watch (HRW) described her case as ‘marred with irregularities and abuse,’ condemning the court proceedings as arbitrary and lacking due process. Amnesty International further detailed that Hammadi was subjected to blindfolded interrogations, physical and verbal abuse, racist insults, and forced confessions to crimes she did not commit. HRW’s March 2024 report highlighted that warring factions in Yemen, including the Houthis, the internationally recognized government, and the Southern Transitional Council, have systematically curtailed women’s rights in their respective territories. These oppressive policies have severely restricted women’s mobility, access to work, education, healthcare, and their ability to visit family members, underscoring the broader struggle for gender equality in the region.
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Flight delays in US to grow worse, transportation secretary warns
The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its 26th day, is taking a heavy toll on air traffic controllers, who are increasingly seeking second jobs and calling in sick due to unpaid work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed the escalating crisis on Sunday, highlighting the strain on these essential workers. The situation has led to significant flight delays across the country, with a ground stop issued for much of the California coast due to staffing shortages. Over 3,000 flights were delayed on Sunday alone, exacerbating disruptions caused by weather and other factors. Duffy expressed deep concern, stating that controllers are under immense stress and are exploring alternative income sources, such as driving for Uber, to make ends meet. He emphasized the need for controllers to focus on airspace safety rather than financial worries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued alerts for multiple airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Dallas Fort-Worth, warning of delays due to low staffing. The crisis coincides with critical travel periods, including Game 3 of the World Series in Los Angeles and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. This situation mirrors the 2019 shutdown, which ended after air travel disruptions prompted a resolution. Duffy’s warnings underscore the urgent need for a resolution to prevent further deterioration of air travel safety and efficiency.
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UAE: Sheikh Mohammed calls on all residents to raise flag on November 3
In a call to foster national pride and unity, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged all citizens, residents, and institutions to raise the UAE flag at precisely 11 am on November 3, marking the country’s annual Flag Day. The day symbolizes a renewed commitment to the values of the union, emphasizing a sense of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and its leadership. Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as the Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the importance of this gesture in strengthening national identity. The celebration coincides with the ‘National Month,’ an emirate-wide initiative in Dubai that runs from Flag Day until Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025. This year marks the second consecutive observance of the extended celebration. As flags adorn homes, shops, and streets across the UAE, residents are reminded to handle the national symbol with respect. Guidelines include inspecting the flag for damage before raising it and ensuring proper placement when displayed vertically in public spaces, with the red stripe positioned at the top. The initiative underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to cultivate patriotism and unity among its diverse population.