In a touching act of generosity, global pop sensation Taylor Swift has donated $100,000 to support a two-year-old girl, Lilah, who is bravely fighting stage 4 brain cancer. The news of Swift’s significant contribution quickly spread across social media, garnering widespread admiration from fans and followers. Lilah’s mother, Katelynn Smoot, has been actively sharing her daughter’s journey on social media, raising awareness and funds for her treatment. In a heartfelt video titled ‘Stand with Lilah,’ the toddler referred to Swift as her ‘friend,’ highlighting her love for the singer’s music, which has been a source of joy during her challenging treatment. Swift, moved by Lilah’s story, made the donation on October 17, accompanied by a personal message: ‘Sending the biggest hug to my friend, Lilah! Love, Taylor.’ This act of kindness is not new for Swift, who has a history of supporting various causes. In 2024, she donated $250,000 to Operation Breakthrough, an education center in Kansas City, and surprised patients at a Florida children’s hospital with a visit. Additionally, she contributed $5 million to relief efforts for Hurricane Milton and Helene. Swift’s latest donation underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and communities in need.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Fasset and Ajman Bank sign MoU to launch Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenised assets
In a groundbreaking move, Fasset, a prominent UAE-based digital asset platform, and Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce Shariah-compliant stablecoins and tokenized assets across the UAE. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Islamic finance, combining the reliability of a regulated Islamic bank with cutting-edge blockchain technology. Under the agreement, Ajman Bank will leverage Fasset’s comprehensive white-label solution to offer embedded digital asset capabilities to both retail and institutional clients. These offerings include access to tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) such as S&P Shariah ETFs, gold-backed financing, staking and savings products, and a private institutional trading desk. Additionally, the partnership will integrate stablecoin payment infrastructure to enhance cross-border efficiency. Fasset will develop the core infrastructure, including wallet solutions, KYC/B integrations, custody services, and regulatory compliance tools, to ensure secure and compliant operations. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the institution’s values, stating that it enables customers to participate in the digital economy without compromising trust or principles. Mohammad Raafi Hossain, CEO and Co-Founder of Fasset, highlighted the collaboration’s focus on meaningful integration, embedding tokenized finance into everyday banking to make wealth creation more accessible and ethical. This partnership underscores the growing demand for compliant and inclusive digital financial products in the UAE and the broader Islamic world, paving the way for a new era in the global financial ecosystem.
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Sydney Sweeney brings boxer Christy Martin’s battles to the big screen
Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney takes on the challenging role of former professional boxer Christy Martin in the highly anticipated biopic *Christy*. Directed and co-written by David Michôd, the film delves into two decades of Martin’s life, capturing her rise from an accidental entrant into boxing to becoming one of the most celebrated female fighters of the 1990s. The movie, which premiered at the London Film Festival, also explores her tumultuous relationship with her coach-turned-husband Jim Martin, portrayed by Ben Foster, and the harrowing consequences of his control over her career and personal life. Martin, now 57, was the first woman to sign with boxing promoter Don King and competed from 1989 to 2012. Beyond her boxing achievements, the film highlights her advocacy work through her non-profit *Christy’s Champs*, which supports family abuse victims. Sweeney, known for her roles in *Euphoria* and *Anyone But You*, underwent a rigorous three-month transformation for the role, gaining 35 pounds and training intensively with boxing coaches, weight trainers, and nutritionists. She described the experience as physically demanding but empowering, even sustaining a concussion during filming. The movie, set for a global release on November 7, not only celebrates Martin’s boxing legacy but also addresses critical themes of domestic violence and sexual identity. ‘We set out to make a film that’s about many things, not just boxing,’ said co-writer Mirrah Foulkes. Michôd added, ‘I wanted to understand how coercive-control relationships function, because they are tragically common worldwide.’
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PTCL Group’s ‘Dil Se’ campaign wins gold for tackling water scarcity in Pakistan
PTCL Group’s ‘Dil Se’ campaign has been awarded the Gold Dragon Award at the Dragons of Asia awards in the Digital Campaigns category, recognizing its efforts to combat water scarcity in Pakistan. This accolade underscores the increasing importance of corporate-driven social impact initiatives in addressing critical issues like access to clean drinking water. In Pakistan, where water scarcity is a pressing concern, particularly in regions such as Thar and Southern Punjab, the ‘Dil Se’ campaign has been instrumental in providing sustainable water solutions to underserved communities. The campaign’s first phase, in collaboration with Shifa Foundation, involved the installation of water pumps in Thar, significantly improving the daily lives of nearly 15,000 residents. Many of these individuals, especially women and children, previously had to walk long distances to fetch water, which adversely affected their health, education, and livelihoods. Building on this success, PTCL Group has partnered with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) to launch Phase Two of the initiative. This phase aims to benefit approximately 200,000 people in water-stressed areas of Southern Punjab and Thar, making it one of the largest corporate-led clean water efforts in the country. Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PTCL & Ufone 4G, expressed pride in the campaign’s impact, stating, ‘This platform represents our heartfelt commitment, just like its name, ‘Dil Se’. We’re proud of the difference it has made so far, but our journey doesn’t end here.’ The Dragons of Asia awards have been honoring marketing and CSR excellence across the Asia Pacific for over two decades. PTCL Group’s win not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in regional social impact leadership.
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Ex-Kenyan leader Raila Odinga buried after days of memorial events
Kenya laid to rest its former Prime Minister and long-standing opposition leader, Raila Odinga, in a solemn ceremony held in Bondo, western Kenya, on Sunday. The burial marked the culmination of a series of memorial events that drew thousands of mourners, including prominent politicians, family members, and devoted supporters. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in an Indian hospital on Wednesday, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and justice. His son, Raila Odinga Jr., emotionally declared, ‘Now finally Baba is home,’ as the casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was prepared for its final journey. The memorial service, held at a university in Bondo, was a poignant tribute to a man who, despite losing five presidential campaigns, remained a beloved figure in the region. Kenyan President William Ruto eulogized Odinga on Facebook, praising his ‘courage, vision, and unyielding faith in our collective destiny.’ Odinga was buried at his late father’s homestead, where a family mausoleum stands. The days leading up to the burial were marked by both reverence and turmoil. A public viewing in Kisumu on Saturday saw tens of thousands of mourners file past his open coffin, many lamenting, ‘we are orphans.’ However, the event turned chaotic, with police opening fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens injured. Similar incidents occurred during other memorial events, underscoring the deep emotional impact of Odinga’s passing. His legacy as a ‘true champion of democracy,’ as described by former US President Barack Obama, continues to resonate across Kenya and beyond.
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Messi bags hat trick as Inter roar into playoffs with 5-2 win over Nashville
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat trick to secure the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a resounding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The win clinched a playoff berth for Inter Miami, who finished third in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s three goals brought his season tally to an impressive 29 goals in 28 matches, solidifying his status as the league’s top scorer. Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge trailed behind with 24 goals each. Messi’s stellar display also bolstered his case for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Inter Miami will face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24. Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s exceptional performance, stating, ‘Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the MVP for what he has demonstrated.’ The match saw Nashville take an early lead, but Messi’s brilliance, including a penalty and a curling shot through traffic, turned the tide in Miami’s favor. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, San Diego FC secured the top seed after a 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers, while Dallas clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. Real Salt Lake also advanced to the playoffs following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis.
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6-year-old Dubai expat sets Guinness record for naming 16 composers by tune in 1 minute
In a remarkable display of musical genius, six-year-old Shivankh Varun, a Dubai-based expat, has etched his name in the Guinness World Records by identifying 16 classical music composers by their melodies in just one minute. This extraordinary feat is a testament to his exceptional auditory skills and deep connection with music, which began at the tender age of three. While most children were captivated by the antics of Tom and Jerry, Shivankh was engrossed in the background music, often identifying composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven with ease. According to his mother, Yalini, music is not just a pastime for Shivankh; it’s a language through which he interprets and connects with the world. His ability to recognize over 65 classical compositions by ear has left many in awe. The journey to the Guinness World Record began as a playful idea but soon turned into a rigorous preparation process. With daily practice sessions in public spaces, Shivankh honed his skills to achieve both speed and precision. On September 14, amidst a supportive community and official witnesses, he successfully completed the record attempt, leaving everyone breathless. Life post-record has been a blend of normalcy and newfound recognition. While Shivankh continues to explore music with childlike curiosity, his mother envisions a future where he delves deeper into the world of classical compositions, perhaps even performing at the Dubai Opera. His dream of meeting Bach may remain unfulfilled, but in the realm of music, Shivankh has already connected with the maestro in his own unique way.
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Dubai Police issue urgent warning against ‘burning evil dolls’ trend among children
Dubai Police have issued an urgent warning to residents, particularly parents, about the alarming ‘burning evil dolls’ trend circulating on social media. This viral challenge encourages children to set dolls on fire, mimicking horror scenes, which poses significant risks to safety. Authorities emphasized that burning materials such as fabric, plastic, or synthetic doll hair can release toxic fumes and cause fires to spread rapidly, especially in enclosed spaces. The warning is part of Dubai Police’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign, aimed at educating the public about the dangers of such online trends. The alert follows a recent incident in Ras Al Khaimah, where a seven-year-old girl, Mouza Kaseb, suffered severe burns while attempting the challenge. Mouza and her cousin set a doll on fire, but the blaze quickly went out of control, igniting her clothing and causing extensive injuries. She was rushed to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi for urgent treatment. Dubai Police urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity closely and educate them about the risks of imitating unsafe challenges. They also called on the public to report any content promoting such behavior on social media or chat groups, as sharing dangerous videos is a legal offense that could lead to prosecution. Authorities stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and awareness over entertainment, reminding everyone to stay vigilant online and avoid trends that provoke curiosity or mimic horror scenes.
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South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
In a groundbreaking moment for diversity in elite sports, four South African rowers are set to make history at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this weekend. Representing the first crew of color from South Africa to compete internationally, their participation underscores a global effort to dismantle barriers in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Originating from British colonial traditions, competitive rowing has long excluded marginalized communities, but recent initiatives aim to reshape its future. This year’s regatta also features other historic firsts, including the first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S., an indigenous 4+, and a native women’s 4+. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23-year-old rower from Germiston, South Africa, emphasized the significance of their journey, stating, ‘It takes a lot to be at this regatta. There’s been a lot of pitfalls, there’s been a lot of barriers.’ Zwane and his teammates are acutely aware of their role as inspirations for younger rowers, particularly in communities where access to resources is limited. Structural challenges, such as the high cost of equipment and lack of access to waterways, persist in both South Africa and the U.S., perpetuating inequality. Arshay Cooper, founder of a foundation supporting underrepresented athletes, highlighted the need for systemic change, noting, ‘There’s talent everywhere, but not a lot of access and opportunity.’ The regatta also serves as a platform for social advocacy, with last year’s indigenous four using their participation to honor murdered and missing indigenous women. Despite recent setbacks in diversity initiatives, organizers remain committed to fostering inclusivity. Denise Aquino, co-founder of the nonprofit podcast Rowing in Color, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, ‘It’s about the young people who will see these boats and feel visibility and representation in the sport we all love.’ For Zwane and his teammates, the experience is both transformative and humbling, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains inaccessible to many. ‘This is a luxury,’ Zwane reflected. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’
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Dh100-million jackpot winner announced: Top 7 biggest lottery victories in the UAE
The UAE is abuzz with excitement following the announcement of its first-ever Dh100-million lottery jackpot winner. The historic event, which took place on Saturday at the UAE Lottery, has left the nation eagerly awaiting the winner’s identity. While the newest multi-millionaire remains anonymous, this monumental win has reignited interest in the country’s long history of life-changing lottery victories.
Over the years, the UAE has witnessed numerous tales of fortune and serendipity. Among the most notable is Junaid Rana, a former Pakistani driver earning less than Dh6,000 a month, who won Dh50 million in a Mahzooz live draw in October 2021. His life transformed overnight, and he now resides in Dubai with his growing family.
In January 2025, Manu Mohanan, an Indian nurse based in Bahrain, clinched a Dh30-million Big Ticket raffle. Mohanan, who had been purchasing tickets for over five years, shared the prize with 16 friends. Similarly, Mohammed Naser Balal, a Bangladeshi electrician, won Dh25 million in July 2025 after buying a ticket with a group of friends.
Other significant wins include Aravind Appukuttan, an Indian salesman from Sharjah, who took home Dh25 million in December 2024, and Tajuddin Aliyar Kunju, a 61-year-old Indian expat, who won the same amount in May 2025. Both winners shared their prizes with friends and pledged portions to charity.
The Dh20-million Big Ticket jackpot in August 2025 was claimed by Sabuj Miah Amir Hossain Dewan, a Bangladeshi tailor living in Dubai for 18 years. Jahangir Alom, another Bangladeshi, also won Dh20 million in March 2025, attributing his success to divine intervention.
Smaller yet life-changing wins include Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a 30-year-old technician from Uttar Pradesh, who won Dh15 million in September 2025, and Kathar Hussain, a car wash worker in Sharjah, who won Dh10 million in 2022.
The UAE Lottery continues to create dreams and transform lives, with each win adding to the nation’s rich tapestry of luck and fortune.