International experts have issued a stark warning about the accelerating loss of biodiversity, driven by global environmental changes. Speaking at the 2025 World Science and Technology Development Forum in Beijing, Rodolfo Dirzo, a biology professor at Stanford University, emphasized the urgent need for strengthened scientific research to combat this crisis. Dirzo described the current era as one of ‘anthropogenic, dramatic global environmental change,’ with biodiversity loss being the most critical issue. He cited the drastic decline of vultures in India as a case study, where a 95% population drop led to increased stray dogs, rabies cases, and public healthcare costs. Dirzo stressed the importance of halting habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach to address the problem. Sun Baojun, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for proactive research to identify vulnerable species and regions. Sun’s team found that lizards from low-latitude areas are particularly at risk and should be prioritized for protection. Both experts underscored the critical role of science in mitigating biodiversity loss and its cascading effects on ecosystems and human health.
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Palm Kitchen launches ‘The Grand Carnival Brunch’ on Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s culinary and entertainment landscape is set to embrace a vibrant new addition this season. Palm Kitchen, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, is introducing ‘The Grand Carnival Brunch,’ a monthly outdoor extravaganza that combines vintage aesthetics with gourmet delights and family-friendly entertainment. Launching on November 29, 2025, this unique event will transform Palm Kitchen’s terrace into a whimsical carnival-themed haven, offering a nostalgic escape for guests of all ages. The brunch will feature a lineup of stilt walkers, swing jazz bands, retro clowns, and roaming magicians, creating an atmosphere brimming with theatrical flair and Instagram-worthy moments. Set against Dubai’s picturesque winter backdrop, the event promises to be a feast for the senses. Attendees can indulge in a curated selection of brunch classics and beverages, with ticket tiers designed to cater to diverse preferences. Families and friends are invited to enjoy the festivities, whether sipping on artisanal drinks or watching children delight in cotton candy clouds. Running monthly on Saturdays until May 2026, ‘The Grand Carnival Brunch’ aims to become a cherished seasonal tradition, blending nostalgia, magic, and culinary excellence.
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The UK’s first Turkish-Kurdish MP says Britain can help PKK peace process
Feryal Clark, a British Member of Parliament with Turkish and Kurdish roots, has expressed strong support for the ongoing peace process between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Turkish government. Describing the initiative as “potentially transformative,” Clark emphasized the UK’s potential role in fostering this historic reconciliation. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the UK, announced its dissolution in May 2024 following a call from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, urging Kurds to pursue their rights within democratic frameworks. Clark, whose family fled political persecution in Turkey during the 1980s, highlighted the significance of this move in building trust between Kurdish groups and the Turkish state. She noted the remarkable shift in Turkey’s attitude toward its Kurdish population, contrasting the current openness with the oppressive policies of the past, such as the prohibition of Kurdish music and language. Clark also underscored the economic and geopolitical benefits of peace, suggesting that resolving the conflict could attract foreign investment and stabilize the region. Drawing parallels with the Northern Ireland peace process, she advocated for the UK to share its expertise in conflict resolution to support the Turkish-Kurdish dialogue. Clark, the first MP of Turkish descent in the UK, reflected on her dual identity and the importance of cultural representation in politics. She expressed hope that Turkey’s association with the PKK conflict would soon be a thing of the past, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
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Global NICMARians Alumni Meet and Construction Leadership Conclave 5.0 concludes in Dubai
The Global NICMARians Alumni Meet and Construction Leadership Conclave 5.0, held at the Hilton Dubai, Business Bay, successfully concluded, bringing together over 200 industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from the construction and real estate sectors. Organized by the Alumni Growth Network Initiative (AGNI), the official UAE chapter of NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management and Research), the event marked one of the largest alumni-driven industry gatherings in the region.
The conclave commenced with opening remarks from Balkrishan Singh, managing director and founding partner of RBS Architectural Design Consultancy, and Raghvendra Singh Bisen, vice-president (development) at Sobha UAE and Qatar Projects. Both emphasized AGNI’s mission to foster a collaborative ecosystem for alumni leadership, professional growth, and industry partnerships. Distinguished academic leaders from NICMAR University, Pune, including Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, director general (in-charge), and Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, vice chancellor, also addressed the attendees, highlighting NICMAR’s global impact and the role of alumni in shaping infrastructure and project management excellence.
The one-day event featured leadership sessions and panel discussions on various topics, including project management, AI and digital transformation, entrepreneurship, global HR trends, women’s leadership, and coastal infrastructure development. The “NICMARians Firechat: Chasing the Dream” session showcased alumni who have achieved significant milestones in international markets, offering insights into global best practices and innovation in construction management.
Senior alumni and volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the NICMAR community and their efforts in mentoring emerging professionals. The conclave resulted in new collaborations, mentoring clusters, and cross-border partnerships among NICMAR alumni, reinforcing stronger links between academia and industry to develop future-ready leadership.
“This conclave represents a collective force of leaders who believe in contributing, connecting, and creating value beyond boundaries,” said Balkrishan Singh. Raghvendra Singh Bisen added, “NICMARians are not just professionals; we are visionaries shaping the future. Together, we are building an ecosystem of opportunity.”
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Israel-backed militia to oversee ‘rehabilitation’ of Rafah city
A militia group supported by Israel, accused of looting humanitarian aid in Gaza, has been authorized to lead the rehabilitation efforts in Rafah city, according to reports from Israeli media. The Popular Forces, led by former smuggler Yasser Abu Shabab, will facilitate operations in areas under their control. Israeli sources confirmed the plan but noted that there is no broader strategy for anti-Hamas militias post-Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Abu Shabab describes the group as opposing Hamas’s rule, yet it faces allegations of extortion, aid theft, and collaboration with the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which has been linked to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians at aid sites. Some members of the Popular Forces are also reportedly connected to the Islamic State. Israel’s support for the group is part of a broader effort to weaken Hamas’s dominance in Gaza. Palestinian sources revealed that Abu Shabab’s associates have met with senior US officials. Areas controlled by the Popular Forces have received aid and resources, largely due to systematic looting, as highlighted in a 2024 UN report. Despite a ceasefire announcement in October, Israel’s continued attacks in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with over 69,179 deaths, including 20,000 children, since October 2023. The military campaign has been widely condemned as genocide.
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French relief as Algeria frees jailed novelist at centre of diplomatic crisis
In a significant diplomatic development, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has granted a pardon to French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, allowing him to leave the country nearly a year after his arrest. Sansal, 81, who is battling prostate cancer, was en route to Germany for medical treatment on a military plane on Wednesday evening. His release follows a direct appeal from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who cited Sansal’s advanced age and fragile health as reasons for clemency. Steinmeier acted as a ‘trusted third party’ in the negotiations, leveraging his strong relationship with Algeria’s leader. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to Tebboune for this ‘act of humanity,’ emphasizing France’s role in maintaining respect and calm throughout the process. Sansal had been sentenced to five years in prison in July for undermining national unity through remarks questioning Algeria’s borders. His case had exacerbated tensions between France and Algeria, already strained by France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and other diplomatic spats. The release marks a potential thaw in relations, though tensions persist, particularly over the imprisonment of French sportswriter Christophe Gleizes. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised diplomatic efforts and expressed hope for Gleizes’s imminent release.
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China’s power battery industry records nearly 50% jump in sales
China’s power battery industry has maintained its global leadership for the eighth consecutive year, achieving a remarkable 48.9% year-on-year sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025. According to Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, the industry’s sales volume reached 786 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during this period. Speaking at the 2025 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, Sichuan province, Wan also highlighted that power battery exports surged by 32.7% to 129 GWh. This robust growth has significantly bolstered China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, which recorded sales of 6.937 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a 40.3% increase. Despite these achievements, Wan emphasized ongoing challenges, including the need to enhance battery performance for all-climate and full-scenario applications, improve upstream resource supply, and strengthen downstream recycling systems. He called for diversified technological innovation, intelligent management technologies, and the development of new application models to ensure sustainable growth. The conference also saw the signing of 180 green energy projects worth 86.13 billion yuan ($12.1 billion), expected to generate 90 billion yuan in output and create 30,000 jobs.
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6-month extension granted to correct status of runaway domestic workers in Saudi Arabia
In a significant move to support ongoing labor market reforms, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has granted a six-month extension for domestic workers with irregular legal status to regularize their residency. This initiative specifically targets workers reported as absent (huroob) who remain in the Kingdom, offering them a chance to correct their status without penalties. The grace period, effective from November 11, 2025, allows new employers to utilize the Musaned platform to complete the necessary procedures seamlessly. Musaned, the official Saudi digital platform for domestic worker recruitment, was launched to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and safeguard the rights of both employers and employees. The ministry emphasized that this step aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote fairness, safety, and opportunity in the labor market, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to labor reforms and equitable employment practices. Notably, this is the second such initiative in 2025, following a similar six-month grace period announced in May, which applied to cases initiated before the announcement date.
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Alan Walker lights up Dubai restaurant with surprise set
Dubai’s vibrant dining scene witnessed an unexpected fusion of music and gastronomy as global DJ sensation Alan Walker delivered a surprise performance at Kasumigaseki, the contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Vida Emirates Hills. Fresh from his headline act at the Untold Festival, Walker captivated the intimate venue with a high-energy set, featuring his chart-topping hits like ‘Alone’ and ‘Faded’. The evening kicked off with UAE’s own DJ Bliss, who warmed up the crowd with his signature urban beats, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Kasumigaseki, known for its unique blend of Tokyo’s street culture and Japanese culinary artistry, temporarily transformed into a pulsating music hub, showcasing Dubai’s ability to turn even a dinner outing into a headline-worthy event. Since its opening earlier this year, the restaurant has quickly become a staple in Dubai’s fine dining landscape, and Walker’s impromptu performance further cemented its reputation as a destination for extraordinary experiences.
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From barren to bounty: Dunhuang’s ‘golden eggs’
In the arid region of Dunhuang, Gansu province, where evaporation rates surpass rainfall by 50 times, a remarkable agricultural transformation is underway. Once considered barren and unsuitable for farming, the land is now flourishing, yielding what locals proudly refer to as ‘golden eggs.’ This dramatic change is attributed to the innovative application of subsurface drip irrigation and organic soil treatment techniques. These methods ensure water is delivered directly to plant roots while simultaneously pushing away harmful salts, revitalizing the soil. The success of the Dunhuang Model stands as a testament to the power of science and perseverance in converting extreme landscapes into productive farmland. This breakthrough not only boosts local agriculture but also offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.