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A recent investigation by Middle East Eye has uncovered that the University of Oxford holds indirect investments in at least 49 companies implicated in illegal Israeli activities within occupied Palestinian territories. These investments, valued at over £19 million ($25.5 million), represent a small fraction of Oxford’s £8 billion endowment but have sparked significant ethical concerns. Critics argue that these holdings contradict the university’s stated commitment to ethical investment practices and raise questions about the transparency of its broader financial portfolio. The investments are managed through a passive equity tracker fund developed in collaboration with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. While the fund excludes companies involved in fossil fuels and controversial weapons, it does not screen out firms listed on a UN database for complicity in human rights violations related to Israeli settlements. Notable companies in the fund include major Israeli banks, travel-sector giants like Expedia and Airbnb, and U.S. technology firm Motorola Solutions. The Oxford BDS Coalition, comprising students and staff, has condemned the university’s involvement, accusing it of profiting from human rights abuses and calling for immediate divestment. Despite repeated awareness of these issues, Oxford has yet to take decisive action, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in its investment practices. The revelations come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with other institutions, such as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and the Dutch pension fund ABP, already divesting from companies linked to the occupation. The case highlights the broader ethical dilemmas faced by academic institutions in aligning their financial strategies with their missions and values.

Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, has witnessed a remarkable surge in its famous springs’ water levels, drawing a wave of tourists to its scenic spots. According to the Jinan Culture and Tourism Development Group, Baotu Spring, one of the city’s most iconic attractions, reached a water level of 30.32 meters on Wednesday, marking the highest point in six decades. This unprecedented rise is attributed to persistent rainfall in the region. The increased water levels have not only revitalized Baotu Spring but also enhanced the beauty of other renowned springs, such as the Black Tiger Spring and the Crescent Spring. Spectacular water gushes at these sites have captivated visitors, creating a bustling atmosphere in the city. The phenomenon has turned Jinan into a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, showcasing the city’s unique geological and cultural heritage. Local authorities are leveraging this natural spectacle to promote tourism, highlighting Jinan’s reputation as the ‘City of Springs.’

Japan is grappling with an unprecedented surge in fatal bear attacks, with the country’s environment ministry reporting seven deaths since April—the highest number since records began in 2006. The majority of these incidents have occurred in the northeastern regions and Hokkaido, where a 60-year-old man cleaning an outdoor hot spring bath has recently gone missing in what is suspected to be the latest bear-related tragedy. Experts attribute the rise in attacks to climate change, which has led to poor yields of beech nuts, a primary food source for bears, forcing them to venture into residential areas in search of sustenance. Additionally, depopulation in rural areas has exacerbated the issue, leaving fewer humans to deter wildlife. The ministry’s data reveals that this year’s fatalities have already surpassed the five recorded in the previous 12 months, with around 100 injuries reported so far. Recent incidents include a bear entering a supermarket in Numata, Gunma, injuring two elderly men, and a farmer in Iwate being attacked by a bear and its cub. The situation has raised alarms about the growing human-wildlife conflict in Japan, home to two bear species: the Asian black bear and the larger brown bear found in Hokkaido.

China is intensifying efforts to secure its autumn grain harvest, a critical component of the nation’s annual grain production, despite adverse weather conditions affecting several regions. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, over 60% of the autumn grain crops have already been harvested. Autumn grains typically constitute approximately 75% of the country’s total annual grain output. The harvest progress varies by crop type, with 70% of mid-season rice, 50% of corn, and 80% of soybeans already collected. Persistent rainfall since September has posed significant challenges, prompting both central and local governments to implement urgent measures. These include accelerated funding support to expedite the harvest process. The Ministry of Finance has allocated 484 million yuan (approximately $68 million) from the central budget to aid agricultural disaster prevention and relief efforts, particularly in seven provinces: Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi. These funds will support the use of agricultural machinery, drying damp grains, and draining waterlogged farmlands. Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong has emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure a successful harvest, including the timely drying of grains to prevent spoilage. Concurrently, Chinese authorities are promoting food security awareness through themed activities during World Food Day, encouraging the public to reduce food waste. Recent years have seen campaigns like ‘clean your plates’ gain traction, fostering a culture of food conservation. Government data highlights China’s robust food security during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), with annual grain output consistently exceeding 650 million tonnes. In 2024, grain output surpassed 700 million tonnes for the first time, with per capita grain possession reaching 500 kilograms, well above the international food security benchmark of 400 kilograms. Liu Huanxin, head of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, affirmed China’s self-sufficiency in grains and absolute security in staple foods. Additionally, China is enhancing international cooperation in agriculture, sharing expertise with developing nations through technology exchanges, joint research, and training programs, thereby contributing to global food security.

Across the United Arab Emirates, a growing number of residents are transforming the lives of abandoned animals by providing them with care, shelter, and a place to call home. From pigeons to kittens, these once-stray animals are now cherished members of families, thanks to the compassion of their rescuers. One such story is that of Boots, a pigeon rescued by Tiffany Dickinson in Dubai. Found struggling on a pavement, Boots was diagnosed with a neurological virus that left her unable to survive in the wild. Today, she thrives in Tiffany’s apartment, enjoying showers, short flights, and even her own Instagram page. Boots’ story is just one of many. Shirin Zemmo and her husband rescued two newborn kittens left in a crate near their Arjan building. Initially planning to care for them temporarily, the couple soon found themselves inseparable from the affectionate felines. Similarly, Natasha D’Souza, a long-time animal rescuer, has opened her home to multiple cats over the years, including senior cats Boney and Mindy, and more recent additions like Rosie and Ruby. These heartwarming tales highlight a broader trend in the UAE, where residents are stepping up to address the plight of abandoned animals, turning strays into beloved family members.