In a stunning display of skill and determination, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen surged to the forefront during the opening run of the men’s World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland, on Sunday. The Brazilian skier, who switched national allegiances from Norway to Brazil last season, finished 0.41 seconds ahead of 2022 Olympic champion Clement Noel of France and 0.49 seconds ahead of his former Norwegian teammate Timon Haugan. With the final leg of the race set for later that day, Pinheiro Braathen positioned himself for what could be Brazil’s first-ever victory in a top-level ski race, just months before the Milan Cortina Olympics. Pinheiro Braathen, a technical specialist who debuted on the World Cup circuit in 2018, has already secured five race wins and the season-long slalom title in 2022-23. His journey has been marked by challenges, including a year-long hiatus following a dispute with the Norwegian ski federation over personal marketing rights. Since his return, he has represented Brazil, his mother’s homeland, and achieved five podium finishes. In a September interview with The Associated Press, Pinheiro Braathen expressed confidence, stating, ‘It will come, and it’s coming soon,’ referring to his first win for Brazil. Meanwhile, skiing legend Marcel Hirscher, who also switched federations before his comeback last year, opted to sit out Sunday’s race, delaying his return from injury until January. Hirscher, an eight-time overall World Cup champion for Austria, now competes for the Netherlands, his mother’s native country. His comeback season was cut short in December due to a knee injury sustained during slalom training. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on Pinheiro Braathen, who could make history for Brazil in the world of Alpine skiing.
博客
-
Nearly 70 schools to close in Australia over fears of asbestos in play sand
In a significant public health response, 69 schools across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will remain closed on Monday following the recall of colored play sand due to asbestos contamination risks. The recall, initiated by major retailers Kmart and Target on Saturday, was prompted by the discovery of asbestos traces in some product samples. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has assessed the risk of asbestos becoming airborne as ‘low,’ but authorities are taking no chances. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed that air testing across all schools has so far returned negative results for airborne asbestos. However, comprehensive inspections are ongoing and may take several days to complete. This development follows the partial or full closure of several schools and preschools in the region last Friday, triggered by similar asbestos concerns in sand products sold by Officeworks. The issue has also extended to New Zealand, where at least two schools are set to close for testing on Monday. Berry emphasized that the recalled sand products are more widely used in ACT schools than the Officeworks items, necessitating a broader response. Over the weekend, State Emergency Service volunteers and school staff conducted thorough inspections, mapping all colored sand in school premises. The ACT government has assured the public that individuals exposed to the products do not require clinical assessments, but the government is committed to eliminating risks ‘as much as reasonably practicable.’ Meanwhile, 23 schools will remain open, either due to minimal stock or the absence of the recalled products. The affected items include the Active Sandtub 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand. Asbestos, a hazardous material once commonly used in construction, can release toxic fibers when disturbed, posing long-term health risks such as cancer. Both Australia and New Zealand strictly prohibit the import or export of asbestos-containing goods.
-
Japanese anti-war groups fear Okinawa will once again become battlefield
In a significant gathering in Tokyo, anti-war and anti-base organizations from Okinawa Prefecture voiced their apprehensions about Japan’s escalating military expansion in the region. The seminar, held on Friday, drew over 230 attendees, including members of the Japanese parliament, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly representatives, and local citizens. They collectively expressed profound dissatisfaction and concern over the deteriorating security environment in Okinawa and the broader Ryukyu Islands. Mizuho Fukushima, leader of Japan’s Social Democratic Party, criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s characterization of a ‘Taiwan contingency’ as a ‘survival-threatening situation,’ labeling it as illogical. Fukushima emphasized that Japan, including Okinawa and Kyushu, is increasingly being militarized, a trend that must be halted to prevent the nation from becoming a battlefield. Yoichi Iha, former mayor of Ginowan City and a member of the House of Councillors, accused the government of exacerbating tensions by increasing reliance on U.S. military bases and accelerating military buildup. Yukako Sonan, a representative from Miyako Island, highlighted the close proximity of civilian and military facilities on small islands, warning that ordinary citizens would inevitably suffer in the event of conflict. Participants stressed the urgent need to prevent the southwestern islands from becoming war zones and to avert further deterioration of the regional security situation.
-
Pakistan elects to field against Sri Lanka in final ODI
In the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan secured the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a potential series sweep. The match, held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan entering with confidence after securing victories in the previous two encounters—by six runs and eight wickets, respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to captain the side after recovering from fever, leading a reshuffled lineup with four strategic changes. Afridi replaced Naseem Shah, while all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram stepped in for Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. Opening batter Haseebullah made his series debut, replacing the rested Saim Ayub. On the opposing side, Sri Lanka also introduced four changes, including stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, who took over from the ill Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake made his ODI debut, replacing Asalanka, while spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and fast bowler Eshan Malinga were brought in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka reinforced its spin attack by recalling Maheesh Theekshana, leaving out fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Both teams showcased their depth and adaptability, promising an intense contest as Pakistan sought to cap off the series with a flawless performance.
-
UAE: Zayed University prepares students for jobs from their first year
Zayed University is revolutionizing higher education by equipping students with practical skills and career readiness from their very first year. Through its innovative Workplace Readiness course, part of the “First Year Experience” program, the university has partnered with Khaleej Times to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world professional experience. This initiative introduces students to teamwork, communication, and professional ethics while helping them align their strengths with future career paths. The course, targeted at first-year, second-semester students, aims to expose them to diverse career opportunities early in their academic journey. Dr. Lani San Antonio, Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator, emphasized that the program, launched in 2024, prepares students not only for post-graduation life but also for personal and professional growth during their university years. Students engage in industry sessions, office visits, and final projects, receiving feedback from professionals. Alia R Zaghloul, Head of People and Culture at Khaleej Times, noted significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and interpersonal skills. The program culminated in an Industry Showcase, where students creatively presented their projects, highlighting their understanding of various departments within partner companies. Students like Mohammed Samir and Mariam Jamal Alfalasi praised the program for its hands-on approach and transformative impact on their career perspectives. Despite logistical challenges, the initiative has proven to be a cornerstone in fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional awareness among young Emirati talent.
-
Flexible work, marriage leave: UAE rolls out benefits for parents ahead of ‘Year of Family’
In anticipation of the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family,’ local governments across the Emirates are rolling out a series of progressive policies aimed at enhancing work-life balance and supporting working parents. These initiatives focus on integrating family responsibilities with professional life, offering flexibility and comprehensive support to strengthen the modern family unit.
Ajman has taken a leading role with a comprehensive overhaul of its Human Resources law for government employees. Key provisions include flexible working hours and remote work options, extensive family leave such as enhanced maternity and paternity leave, marriage leave, childcare leave, and bereavement leave. Additionally, pregnant employees and those raising five or more children will benefit from increased work-hour flexibility.
Dubai and Sharjah have introduced paid marriage leave policies to support the formation and stability of new families. Dubai offers 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati nationals, including all salary allowances, effective from 2025. Sharjah provides eight days of paid marriage leave and a unique ‘Care Leave’ for female employees who give birth to a sick child or a child with disabilities requiring constant care.
Abu Dhabi has focused on social and civil family law reforms, particularly for its non-Muslim expatriate community. The 2021 Civil Family Law introduced a secular alternative to Sharia-based personal status laws, offering civil options for marriage, divorce, and custody. Key features include legal registration of civil marriages, a non-fault divorce process, and equal custody rights for both parents. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has also extended maternity leave rights to female employees who adopt a child under five years old or experience a stillbirth or miscarriage after 24 weeks.
These initiatives build upon federal reforms, including five days of paid parental leave for all working parents within the first six months of a child’s birth, extended child custody to the age of 18, and equal travel rights for both parents. These measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to promoting shared parental responsibility and enhancing family well-being.
-
South Africa shock India in low-scoring thriller
In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa clinched their first Test victory on Indian soil since 2010, defeating the hosts by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The match, which concluded within three days, saw the Proteas overcome a first-innings deficit to secure a memorable win. South Africa, fresh from their World Test Championship triumph at Lord’s earlier in the summer, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to outplay India in challenging conditions. Veteran spinner Simon Harmer was the standout performer, claiming eight wickets across both innings (4-30 and 4-21) to dismantle India’s batting lineup. India, chasing a modest target of 124, collapsed to 93 all out in just 35 overs, with Harmer and Keshav Maharaj (2-37) wreaking havoc on the middle order. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 55 in the second innings to steer his team to a competitive total of 153. India’s woes were compounded by the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who retired hurt on day two due to a neck injury and was ruled out of the remainder of the match. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Guwahati on November 22, where India will look to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.
-
France secures release of French-Chilean national held in Venezuela
In a significant diplomatic achievement, France announced on Sunday the release of Camilo Castro, a French-Chilean national who had been detained in Venezuela for four months. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Castro was en route to France. Barrot attributed the successful resolution to the persistent efforts of French diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his relief in a separate post, emphasizing France’s steadfast commitment to protecting its citizens. ‘France sometimes advances quietly, but always with determination and composure: That is how we protect our own,’ Macron wrote. Castro, a 41-year-old yoga teacher residing in Colombia, had reportedly crossed into Venezuela in June to extend his Colombian visa. According to Amnesty International, his disappearance sparked international concern, culminating in his eventual release.
-
Zelenskyy says Ukraine is working on prisoner exchange with Russia
Ukraine is intensifying efforts to resume prisoner exchanges with Russia, aiming to secure the release of 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday. This development follows progress in negotiations mediated by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, as revealed by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, on Saturday. Zelenskyy expressed optimism on X, stating, ‘We are counting on the resumption of POW exchanges. Many meetings, negotiations, and calls are currently taking place to ensure this.’ The Istanbul agreements, established in 2022 with Turkish mediation, serve as the framework for these exchanges, which have previously facilitated the release of thousands of prisoners despite being sporadic. Umerov emphasized that technical consultations are imminent to finalize procedural details, expressing hope that the freed Ukrainians could ‘celebrate the New Year and Christmas holidays at home — at the family table and next to their relatives.’ Meanwhile, the conflict continues unabated, with Russian drone strikes damaging energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region overnight, including a solar power plant. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 139 of 176 drones launched by Russia, while Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have shot down 57 Ukrainian drones. These attacks exacerbate Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its power grid amid relentless Russian aerial assaults, which have caused rolling blackouts as winter approaches.
-
Unconfirmed number of deaths following two-car crash
A tragic road traffic accident in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, has resulted in multiple fatalities, with an unconfirmed number of deaths reported. The incident occurred on Saturday evening shortly after 21:00 local time on the L3168 Ardee Road in the townland of Gibstown, Dundalk. According to Gardaí (Irish police), the collision involved two vehicles, and the scene remains active with both vehicles and the bodies of the deceased still present. Emergency services transported several injured individuals to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment. The road between the N52 and R171 remains closed as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination. Local traffic diversions have been implemented to manage the situation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward and assist with the investigation.