The inaugural Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup has become a platform for extraordinary stories of resilience and determination, particularly for the Indian team. Comprising players from diverse rural backgrounds, these women have overcome significant societal and personal challenges to compete on the global stage. The tournament, which began on November 11 in Delhi and moved to Colombo for the knockout stages, features six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA. The Indian squad, representing nine states, has emerged as a dominant force, winning all five of their matches and securing a spot in the semi-finals. Blind cricket, played with a plastic ball containing metal bearings that produce sound, requires players to rely on auditory cues. Players are classified into B1, B2, and B3 categories based on their level of visual impairment, with B1 players being fully blind. The Indian team’s journey is led by captain Deepika TC, who lost her vision in an accident as a child. Her leadership has been pivotal, inspiring her teammates and drawing support from cricketing legends like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shubman Gill. The team’s success is a testament to the efforts of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), which has been instrumental in promoting the sport among visually impaired women. The tournament has not only provided a stage for these athletes but also highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in sports. As the semi-finals and final approach, the Indian team aims to make history by securing the championship, further elevating the profile of blind cricket globally.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump administration to release communication with anti-Palestinian groups
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, demanding the release of communications between federal agencies and anti-Palestinian organizations that allegedly led to his arrest in March 2025. Khalil, a green-card holder married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a government crackdown on alleged antisemitism across U.S. campuses. His arrest followed claims by groups like Canary Mission and Betar USA, which boasted of sharing information on pro-Palestinian activists with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khalil accused these organizations of orchestrating a smear campaign to silence his advocacy against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The lawsuit was filed after the Trump administration ignored Khalil’s Freedom of Information Act request for related documents. During a trial, an ICE official revealed that the agency reviewed over 5,000 names provided by Canary Mission, a site accused of blacklisting pro-Palestinian voices. Khalil, who was detained in Louisiana for three months, was denied the chance to attend the birth of his child. A federal judge later ruled his detention unconstitutional, but the Trump administration attempted to deport him, alleging omissions on his green card application. Khalil is now seeking $20 million in damages and full transparency regarding the alleged collusion between federal agencies and anti-Palestinian groups.
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Japan’s first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has sparked a national debate over the long-standing taboo barring women from entering the sumo ring. While Takaichi’s historic election in October marked a significant milestone for gender equality in Japan, her stance on traditional gender roles has raised questions about whether she will challenge this cultural norm. The issue came to the forefront as the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament concluded, with the winner traditionally receiving the Prime Minister’s Cup from the prime minister. However, Takaichi, who was attending the G20 summit in South Africa, missed the opportunity to make a decision this time. Her next chance will be during the New Year’s tournament in Tokyo. The controversy over women’s exclusion from the sumo ring is part of a broader debate about gender equality in Japan, where women are still banned from certain sacred spaces and festivals due to historical beliefs about female ‘impurity.’ Despite efforts to eliminate such bans, they persist in some religious and cultural practices. Sumo, with its 1,500-year history, has faced criticism for its exclusion of women, though the Japan Sumo Association denies that the ban is rooted in Shinto beliefs about impurity. Takaichi, a staunch conservative, has not indicated whether she will challenge the tradition, but her decision could have significant implications for Japan’s evolving gender dynamics.
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Dubai Run 2025: RTA announces list of roads affected, closure timings
As Dubai prepares for the highly anticipated Dubai Run 2025, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has released detailed information regarding road closures and alternative routes to ensure a smooth event. Scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Dubai Run is a flagship event of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, transforming the city into a massive running track. The RTA has announced that road closures will be in effect from 3:00 AM to 10:00 AM on the event day. Participants are advised to plan their journeys in advance and utilize the suggested alternative routes to avoid disruptions. The event offers flexible start times for registered participants, beginning as early as 4:00 AM, with the official run commencing at 6:30 AM and the start line closing at 8:00 AM. The RTA has also shared a video highlighting the affected roads, encouraging residents and visitors to stay informed and prepared. This annual event not only promotes fitness and wellness but also showcases Dubai’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active community.
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Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed offers condolences on passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has expressed profound condolences on the passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar, a distinguished former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and President of the Asian Cycling Confederation. Al Shaafar, who also served as the President of the UAE Cycling Federation, passed away abroad on November 19, 2025. The FNC announced his demise with a statement reflecting on his significant contributions and legacy. Funeral prayers were held on November 20 at Al-Khair Mosque, followed by his burial at Al-Quoz Cemetery. Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill, President of the Asian Cycling Confederation, and the broader cycling community also extended their heartfelt condolences, praising Al Shaafar’s leadership and enduring impact. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, joined in mourning, offering solace to the Al Shaafar family during this challenging time.
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Restaurant Review: A normal day is so much more than its name suggests
A Normal Day, a restaurant in Dubai, defies its modest name with an extraordinary dining experience that combines stylish interiors, inventive cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The venue seamlessly merges the chic ambiance of a Dubai café with a New York- or London-inspired menu of elevated small plates, crafted from high-quality ingredients and served in a 70s-inspired, intimate dining room. The standout dish, date bonbons, is a masterpiece of compressed Medjool dates layered with salted French butter, creating a creamy, sweet, and savory delight that leaves a lasting impression. The meal begins with an eggplant beetroot dip, a rich and decadent starter accompanied by a puffed bread reminiscent of the finest pizza crust. Mains include sirloin steak and chicken skewers, both expertly prepared and presented with a balance of flavor and texture. The steak, served beneath a mosaic of crisp potatoes, is a visual and culinary spectacle. The meal concludes with a return to the date bonbons and a double espresso, offering a serene and focused dining experience. A Normal Day is a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
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Inside Louis Moinet’s Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week
Louis Moinet has once again pushed the boundaries of haute horology with the unveiling of its exclusive Impulsion Titanium Green at Dubai Watch Week 2025. This 12-piece limited edition timepiece redefines the brand’s signature tourbillon-chronograph architecture, blending bold aesthetics with technical mastery. Designed specifically for the prestigious event, the watch embodies Louis Moinet’s philosophy of merging mechanical precision with emotional resonance. The Impulsion Titanium Green is a statement piece, characterized by its striking green accents, sculptural titanium case, and intricate openworked design. The watch’s dial features a carbon fiber mainplate, smoked sapphire counters, and subtle red highlights that guide the eye across its complex mechanics. Powered by the hand-wound LM114 calibre, the watch boasts a 96-hour power reserve and a single-pusher column wheel chronograph. The flying tourbillon, completing a revolution every minute, adds a touch of elegance to the watch’s dynamic performance. With its lightweight grade 5 titanium case and dramatic interplay of light and shadow, the Impulsion Titanium Green is both a technical marvel and a visual masterpiece. Limited to just 12 pieces, this timepiece is a testament to Louis Moinet’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, making it a standout at Dubai Watch Week.
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Iqbal Mohamed becomes second MP to leave Your Party
Your Party, a nascent left-wing political movement, is facing existential challenges even before its official launch. The party, still operating under a provisional name, has been plagued by a series of controversies and high-profile departures, casting doubt on its viability. Last Friday, Adnan Hussain, one of the six MPs in the party’s steering group, announced his departure. A week later, Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Batley and Dewsbury, followed suit, citing ‘false allegations and smears’ as the reason for his exit. Mohamed expressed disappointment over the lack of evidence supporting these accusations and emphasized his commitment to serving as an independent MP. The party’s internal discord has been exacerbated by public disagreements between co-leaders Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. Sultana’s controversial statements and unilateral actions, such as launching a party website without consulting Corbyn and other independents, further deepened the rift. The Independent Alliance, a parliamentary group comprising former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and three other independents, has also distanced itself from Your Party. Adnan Hussain lamented the ‘toxic and exclusionary’ culture within the party, which he initially joined with hopes of fostering a pluralistic and inclusive political space. Despite early enthusiasm and significant public support, Your Party’s future now hangs in the balance, with the Green Party emerging as a stronger contender on the British left. The party’s inability to unite diverse voter bases and resolve internal conflicts has undermined its potential to become a significant political force.
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UAE ministry, Abu Dhabi Police sign Dh25.4-billion deals to procure aircraft, drones
The UAE Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police have finalized a series of high-value contracts totaling Dh25.4 billion during the 19th Dubai Airshow 2025. These agreements, facilitated by the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, encompass 36 contracts aimed at bolstering the nation’s defense and security infrastructure. The deals include the procurement of advanced aircraft, drones, and other critical defense technologies. On the final day of the event, nine new contracts worth Dh1.012 billion were announced, bringing the total value of agreements signed over the five-day exhibition to Dh25.455 billion. Key local contracts included a Dh161.634 million deal with M4 Trading for aircraft procurement and a Dh76 million agreement with Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) for drone acquisition. International contracts featured partnerships with American firms Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, valued at Dh467.913 million, focusing on technical support and advanced identification systems. The Tawazun Council, the national authority responsible for enabling and regulating the UAE’s defense ecosystem, emphasized the strategic importance of these agreements in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities and fostering sustainable growth in the sector. Majed Ahmed Al Jaberi, a spokesperson for the Council, highlighted the success of the event in advancing the UAE’s defense and security objectives through collaboration with both public and private entities.
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Dubai Airshow incident: What could have caused the crash of India’s fighter jet Tejas?
The Dubai Airshow 2025 concluded on a tragic note as India’s indigenous fighter jet, Tejas, crashed during a stunt performance, resulting in the pilot’s death. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 PM on the final day of the event, marking the first major accident in the airshow’s history since its inception in 1986. Aviation analyst Saj Ahmad of StrategicAero Research suggested that the crash was likely caused by the stunt being performed too close to the ground, leaving insufficient space for the pilot to recover. The incident, captured on multiple cameras, is under investigation, with experts calling for a reevaluation of high-risk airshow displays. Tejas, developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft designed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. Its development began in the 1980s, with its first flight taking place in 2001. The Indian Air Force has been a regular participant at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its latest innovations and technologies. This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety of such high-profile airshow performances and may lead to stricter regulations in the future.