分类： society

In a landmark ruling, a Singaporean court has acquitted three women who organized a walk to the presidential office in support of Palestine. The trio—Siti Amirah Mohamed Asrori, Kokila Annamalai, and Mossammad Sobikun Nahar—were initially charged with organizing an illegal procession in February 2024. However, the judge ruled that their actions did not fully meet the legal criteria for the charge, citing their lack of awareness that the route they took was in a prohibited area. The women had walked along public roads and pavements, with no signage indicating restrictions. The judge noted that they had made efforts to comply with the law, and their procession, though unpermitted, did not warrant conviction. If found guilty, each could have faced fines of up to S$10,000, six months in jail, or both. The acquittal has been hailed as a significant moment for civil rights activists in Singapore, where public demonstrations are rare and heavily regulated. The women’s supporters celebrated outside the court, with one of the defendants stating that the verdict provides ‘a new sense of energy and hope’ for the movement. The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly as Singapore maintains strict rules against public assemblies, especially those related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities have consistently denied permits for such events, citing the risk of public disorder. The government supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine but enforces stringent measures to maintain domestic harmony. The prosecution has two weeks to appeal the verdict, while police continue to investigate other events related to the conflict.

Farmers worldwide may soon have a new revenue stream by storing carbon in their soil, contributing to environmental protection while boosting their incomes. This innovative concept was highlighted at the Abu Dhabi Global Food Week (ADFW) 2025, where experts discussed the potential of carbon credits in regenerative farming practices. Satyam Bose, Chairman and CEO of Virenxia Group, emphasized that sustainable agriculture is not only beneficial for the planet but also financially viable for farmers. Bose’s company is at the forefront of this transformation, integrating sustainable bio-inputs, digital soil testing tools, and AI-based advisory systems to guide farmers in real-time decision-making. However, Bose stressed that technology alone doesn’t drive change—people do. He shared the success story of Ajay Chauva, a young agricultural graduate from India, who, after training in Virenxia’s systems, now runs his own enterprise and is a respected figure in his farming community. This shift towards data-driven agriculture is fostering a culture of innovation, with farmers discussing advanced topics like drone scheduling and soil organic carbon as casually as sports scores. Bose also drew parallels between the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India and those in the UAE’s controlled agricultural systems, noting that both must learn to trust data while preserving traditional wisdom. To support this transition, new systems are being introduced, such as greenhouses that provide real-time soil and water readings directly to farmers’ phones. This evolution is reshaping farmers’ identities, empowering them to make data-backed decisions and inspiring a new generation of tech-savvy farmers who balance traditional practices with modern innovations. Bose’s insights were shared during the AgriTech Forum at ADFW 2025, a three-day event bringing together global experts to explore how emerging technologies can build resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.

In response to severe weather conditions, schools in Chennai will remain closed on Wednesday, October 22, as heavy rains continue to batter the region. The decision, announced by Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade on Tuesday, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. This closure extends the Diwali holidays, which were initially set to end on Tuesday. The torrential downpour, caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has resulted in widespread waterlogging, disrupting daily life and making commutes across the city extremely difficult. The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist, with other parts of Tamil Nadu also bracing for heavy rainfall. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has inspected infrastructure projects aimed at improving water drainage in Chennai and its surrounding areas to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and stay updated on weather advisories.

The United States is increasingly becoming a less attractive destination for non-permanent residents, particularly Indian nationals, due to stringent visa regulations and limited access to housing loans, according to recent media reports. Historically, Indians have dominated the H-1B visa category, often arriving in the US for higher education and subsequently pursuing employment opportunities. However, escalating visa fees, restrictive policies, and diminishing housing prospects are deterring Indian students and professionals from choosing the US as their preferred destination.

Young individuals from Taiwan gathered in Beijing to reflect on the shared heritage and historical ties between Taiwan and mainland China, emphasizing the importance of a correct understanding of history and national identity. The event, held at the Taiwan Guild Hall, marked the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China and was organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, China Daily’s national news channel, the Beijing Taiwan Compatriots Association, and the association for relatives of patriots in Taiwan who fought against Japanese occupation. Four youth representatives from Taiwan shared their personal and familial connections to this historical period, highlighting the enduring bonds across the Taiwan Strait. Lo Chih-ying, a 23-year-old from Changhua county, traced her family’s roots back over 300 years to Fujian province, underscoring the deep ancestral ties. Lu Ying-chu, a 21-year-old student from Taipei, recounted the painful history of Taiwan’s cession to Japan in 1895 and the resilience of her great-grandfather during the occupation. Lin Ching-mao, a 26-year-old Peking University student, honored the resistance against Japanese rule, while Lin Kuan-ting from Taipei spoke of the belief that Taiwan’s future is intertwined with the strength of the motherland. The event also featured their participation in a documentary, ‘Stories across the Strait,’ which deepened their historical awareness. Li Zhenguang, dean of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, stressed the significance of this historical memory for the younger generation, calling them the hope of the Chinese nation.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, MERED, the internationally acclaimed developer, has joined forces with Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron to unveil Riviera Residences, a landmark waterfront development on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. This project marks a fusion of innovative design and cultural heritage, set to redefine luxury living in the region. Scheduled for launch in November 2025, Riviera Residences promises to be a testament to architectural excellence and thoughtful urban planning. The development will feature over 400 meticulously designed apartments, 12 exclusive villas, and a penthouse, all inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving legacy. The shimmering mother-of-pearl façades, designed to capture natural light, pay homage to the city’s coastal heritage while offering a contemporary aesthetic. Herzog & de Meuron, renowned for iconic projects like the Tate Modern in London and the Beijing National Stadium, have brought their signature precision and sustainability to this venture. The interiors and amenities, crafted with elegance and functionality, include landscaped gardens, four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, wellness spaces, and a luxurious promenade lined with cafés and boutiques. Olga Bolshanina, Partner at Herzog & de Meuron, emphasized the project’s ambition to create a vertical neighborhood that balances individuality and collective life. Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, highlighted the development’s ability to blend heritage with bold architectural design, offering residents a unique waterfront living experience. Al Reem Island, part of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, continues to attract investors, with off-plan property prices rising by 38% year-on-year in Q2 2025. Riviera Residences is poised to set a new standard for luxury living in the capital, combining innovative architecture with a vibrant community spirit.