Navaneeth Shreejith, an eleven-year-old Grade 6 student at GEMS Cambridge International School in Abu Dhabi, has made a remarkable debut at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 with his first comic book, “Electrizer: Destiny Starts.” Published by Chiranthana Publications, UAE, the book was launched at Expo Centre Sharjah, attracting notable attendees including Hari Kumar, chairman of Elite Group of Companies, and Raman V, chairman of GBH International Group. Navaneeth, a passionate reader and artist since childhood, personally illustrated the entire book, which took 11 months to complete. His work, which combines adventure, friendship, and self-belief, has been praised for its creativity and inspiring message. The young author’s family, including his father, Dr. Sreejith, a cardiologist, and mother, Revathi, an engineer, expressed immense pride in his achievement. The Sharjah International Book Fair, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, is a global platform that fosters literary talent and cultural exchange, making Navaneeth’s debut a significant milestone in his budding literary career.
博客
-
Oklahoma spares death row inmate hours before planned execution
In a significant decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has granted clemency to Tremane Wood, a death row inmate, commuting his sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The announcement came just hours before Wood, 46, was scheduled to face lethal injection on Thursday. Wood was convicted in 2004 for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of farmworker Ronnie Wipf during a robbery in 2002. The victim’s family had expressed their opposition to Wood’s execution, a sentiment that influenced the governor’s decision. Governor Stitt stated, ‘After a thorough review of the facts and prayerful consideration, I have chosen to accept the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation to commute Tremane Wood’s sentence to life without parole.’ This marks the second time Stitt has granted clemency to a death row prisoner since taking office in 2019. Wood’s legal team acknowledged his participation in the robbery but denied his direct involvement in the stabbing, which was attributed to his older brother, Zjaiton Wood, who pleaded guilty and died in prison in 2019. Governor Stitt emphasized that the commutation aligns with the punishment his brother received and ensures that Wood remains incarcerated permanently. Wood’s attorney, Amanda Bass Castro-Alves, praised the decision, highlighting the governor’s ‘moral courage and leadership.’ The clemency decision followed a 3-2 vote by the state’s parole board earlier this month, which recommended clemency over execution. The victim’s family and Arnold Kleinsasser, a survivor of the robbery, supported the recommendation. Governor Stitt commended their forgiveness, stating, ‘They are models of Christian forgiveness and love.’ However, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed disappointment, vowing to ensure Wood remains imprisoned. Oklahoma has executed two individuals this year, following four executions in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
-
UAE-based DP World takes control of Syria’s Tartus port in $800m deal
Syria has officially transferred the operational control of Tartus Port, its second-largest port, to DP World, a leading logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates. The transition marks a significant milestone in Syria’s efforts to revitalize its logistics sector after years of conflict. The move follows a 30-year concession agreement valued at $800 million, signed between DP World and Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports earlier this year. The deal is among the largest foreign investments in Syria’s infrastructure in recent history, aiming to transform Tartus into a modern, efficient trading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fahad al-Banna, the newly appointed CEO of DP World Tartus, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its global expertise to modernize the port, enhance trade opportunities, and establish Tartus as a pivotal regional trade center. DP World plans to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, expand its handling and storage capacity, and invest in advanced bulk handling systems. This development comes after Syria’s government terminated a 2019 agreement with Russian company Stroytransgaz, citing contractual breaches and insufficient investment. The new administration, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been actively seeking to rebuild economic ties with Western and regional powers, including a separate 30-year deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM to operate Latakia Port. The easing of U.S., EU, and UK sanctions has further supported Syria’s economic recovery efforts. Notably, President Sharaa’s recent visit to the White House marked a historic moment in Syrian-U.S. relations, underscoring the country’s push for international reintegration.
-
US justice department sues California over new voting maps favouring Democrats
The US Justice Department has initiated legal action against California following the approval of new congressional maps by voters in a recent election. These maps, which favor the Democratic Party, are seen as a countermeasure to the redistricting efforts by Republicans in Texas. US Attorney General Pam Bondi has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of a ‘brazen’ attempt to consolidate political power. Bondi emphasized that Newsom’s focus should be on ensuring the safety of Californians and addressing issues like Antifa violence rather than manipulating the state’s political landscape for partisan advantage. The redistricting bill, known as Proposition 50, was overwhelmingly approved by California voters and grants Democrats a significant edge in five new congressional districts. This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between the two major political parties over electoral boundaries and representation.
-
Shanghai’s Jinshan district reports economic growth
Shanghai’s Jinshan district has demonstrated significant economic progress and rural revitalization during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). According to local officials, the district’s GDP surpassed 120 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) in 2024, with per capita GDP reaching $21,500. Liu Jian, Party secretary of Jinshan district, highlighted the district’s focus on industrial transformation, spatial reorganization, and governance reforms during a recent press conference. The total industrial output of enterprises above a designated size exceeded 300 billion yuan, with emerging sectors like fiber materials, drones, and optoelectronic transmission materials gaining national recognition as characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs. The service sector also showed robust growth, with businesses above a designated size achieving an average annual growth rate of 62%. Jinshan attracted 20 major investment projects, each exceeding 1 billion yuan, including four megaprojects valued at over 10 billion yuan each. Innovation metrics surged, with invention patents per 10,000 residents doubling and international PCT patent applications increasing nearly 11-fold. High-tech enterprises grew by 39.5%, while specialized and sophisticated technology enterprises expanded by 375.3%. In agriculture, Jinshan implemented key initiatives, boosting agricultural labor productivity by 21%, surpassing the city’s average. Rural residents’ per capita disposable income rose by an average of 7.4% annually. The tourism sector flourished with the opening of the Legoland Shanghai Resort, which attracted over 800,000 visitors since July 2025, driving accommodation and catering business revenue up by 15.2% year-on-year. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Jinshan aims to become an innovative, green, and livable bay area, focusing on emerging industries, technological innovation, and urban-rural integration.
-
Windows 10’s End Marks the Dawn of AI-Powered PCs
As Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, businesses across the UAE are being urged to transition to Windows 11 Pro and the next generation of Copilot+ PCs. This move marks a significant shift in the computing landscape, as unsupported systems become vulnerable to cyberattacks, posing a critical risk for a region rapidly advancing its digital economy. Microsoft, in collaboration with its regional distributor Logicom, is pushing organisations to adopt these new technologies to ensure security, efficiency, and future readiness. Windows 11 Pro, designed for hybrid work environments, integrates advanced security features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, Secure Boot, and Virtualization-based Security (VBS), offering robust protection against modern threats. The operating system boasts 99.7% compatibility with existing business applications, facilitating a seamless transition for enterprises reliant on legacy systems. Alongside Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing Copilot+ PCs, which leverage Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. These AI-powered devices enable local execution of AI models, enhancing productivity by automating routine tasks like document summarization, email drafting, and file organization. The hardware’s efficiency ensures longer battery life, faster performance, and enhanced offline capabilities. Matthias Scharer, Go-to-Market GM at Microsoft DPS EMEA, emphasized that the rise of AI-powered PCs is rapidly becoming the standard for organisations seeking smarter performance and robust security. To accelerate adoption, Logicom is collaborating with Microsoft’s partner network to provide early access to Copilot+ devices and Windows 11 Pro upgrades across the GCC. ASUS, a leading OEM, is also playing a pivotal role in this transition, offering lightweight and efficient Copilot+ laptops like the Zenbook A14. Mubasher Malik, Business Development Manager at ASUS, highlighted the importance of timely upgrades, warning that delaying the transition increases the risk of cyber incidents, data loss, and operational disruptions. For systems unable to meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, Microsoft’s Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers temporary security patches until October 13, 2026. However, this is not a long-term solution, and businesses are encouraged to modernize their systems promptly to stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
-
Jailbreak, freedom, exile: Life of Mahmoud al-Arda, architect of daring Israeli prison escape
Mahmoud al-Arda, a 50-year-old Palestinian, has spent much of his life in Israeli prisons, enduring harsh conditions and solitary confinement. His journey began in 1992 when he was first arrested during the First Intifada at just 16 years old. Over the years, Arda became a symbol of resistance, rejecting the legitimacy of Israel’s occupation courts and viewing his escape attempts as acts of defiance. On September 6, 2021, he led a daring breakout from Gilboa Prison, tunneling out with five other inmates using spoons. Although recaptured within days, his story made international headlines. Arda was eventually released in October 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, but he was deported to Egypt, where he remains in exile. Despite his physical freedom, Arda describes exile as a “curse” and yearns to return to his homeland. His life in prison was marked by relentless abuse, including torture and medical neglect, yet he found solace in reading and collective resistance. Arda’s story highlights the broader struggles of Palestinian prisoners and the systemic abuses they face. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the Palestinian cause, vowing to continue resisting Israel’s occupation.
-
Sheikh Mansour honours Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi with UAE Order for Culture and Creativity
In a significant ceremony held in Al Ain, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presented the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity to Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the UAE President’s Representative. This prestigious award, part of its second edition, recognizes Al Suwaidi’s exceptional contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative development. Al Suwaidi, a pivotal figure in the UAE’s history, played a crucial role alongside the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in shaping the nation’s foundational institutions and cultural identity. Sheikh Mansour praised Al Suwaidi’s unwavering dedication and loyalty, emphasizing that the award reflects the UAE’s commitment to honoring citizens who have elevated its cultural and civilizational standing. Al Suwaidi expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and reaffirming his pride in serving the UAE. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is the highest honor of its kind, celebrating individuals who have enriched the nation’s cultural heritage and strengthened its global presence.
-
Germany paves way to conscription as defence boss sees strongest EU army in five years
Germany’s coalition government has finalized a comprehensive military service plan aimed at significantly bolstering its armed forces. The initiative, which follows months of political negotiations, mandates all 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire assessing their suitability for service and, starting in 2027, undergo medical screenings. This move is part of Berlin’s broader strategy to establish Europe’s most formidable conventional army. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defense firm, expressed confidence in the plan’s feasibility, stating that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s goals are ‘realistic’ and supported by decisive government action. The Bundeswehr, currently comprising 182,000 troops, aims to increase its numbers by 20,000 in the next year, eventually reaching between 255,000 and 260,000 by 2035, supplemented by approximately 200,000 reservists. While the plan initially introduces voluntary military service for women, men will face mandatory assessments. If recruitment targets are not met, compulsory enlistment could be considered. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns, with German defense chief Gen Carsten Breuer warning of a potential Russian attack within four years. Despite opposition from some political factions and a significant portion of young Germans, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that a stronger military enhances deterrence and reduces the likelihood of conflict. Germany’s defense spending, which declined after the Cold War, has seen renewed focus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with NATO allies urging increased military investments. Rheinmetall, a key player in Europe’s rearmament efforts, has reported substantial revenue growth, driven by demand for vehicles, ammunition, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. Papperger, who has been linked to a Russian assassination plot, remains optimistic about Europe’s defense capabilities, stating, ‘Whatever you call it, it’s not a peaceful time.’
-
UK billionaire Joe Lewis receives pardon from Trump
Joe Lewis, the 88-year-old British billionaire and former owner of Tottenham Hotspur football club, has been granted a presidential pardon by US President Donald Trump. Lewis, who pleaded guilty to insider trading in 2024, avoided prison as part of a deal with prosecutors. The charges stemmed from allegations that he shared confidential corporate information with his private pilots, friends, personal assistants, and romantic partners, resulting in millions of dollars in illicit profits. A White House official confirmed the pardon, stating that Lewis sought clemency to receive medical treatment and visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the US. Lewis had previously admitted to his wrongdoing, paid a $5 million fine, and did not contest extradition. In a statement, Lewis expressed relief, saying he looks forward to retirement and watching his family continue to build their businesses. A source close to the Lewis family expressed gratitude to Trump for the pardon. Lewis, founder of the Tavistock Group, was ranked 39th on the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated net worth of over £5 billion ($6.4 billion). He was arrested in July 2023 on 16 counts of securities fraud and three counts of conspiracy, accused of exploiting his access to corporate boardrooms to pass insider information. Prosecutors alleged that his associates made millions through ‘sure thing’ stock market bets. In one instance, Lewis reportedly instructed a girlfriend to invest in a biotech company before the public release of clinical trial results, personally investing $700,000 from her account and netting a $849,000 profit. In 2024, Lewis pleaded guilty to conspiracy and two counts of securities fraud, receiving a $5 million fine and three years of probation. Lewis, who acquired Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 for £22 million ($32 million), transferred control of the club to a family trust in 2022, relinquishing ‘significant control’ over its operations.