A historic Rolex Reference 4113, one of the rarest timepieces ever produced, has been sold for a staggering $4.7 million at an auction hosted by FutureGrail at the Bvlgari Yacht Club in Dubai. This sale marks the watch as the ninth most expensive Rolex in history, surpassing the previous record for the same model by over $1.2 million. Crafted in the 1940s, only 12 units of the Rolex Reference 4113 were ever made, with just nine known to have survived to this day. It is the only ‘split-seconds’ vintage chronograph ever produced by Rolex, adding to its exclusivity and allure. The watch has a strong connection to motor racing, having been owned by drivers and team owners over the decades. FutureGrail, a Singapore-based luxury auction house, organized the sale and is expanding its operations to the UAE in 2026 to meet growing demand in the Middle East. Ali Nael, CEO of FutureGrail, described the sale as a landmark event in auction history, highlighting the global appetite for rare luxury watches. Arnaud Tellier, Head of Curation at FutureGrail, emphasized the increasing interest from collectors and investors who view such items as valuable additions to their portfolios. This record-breaking sale underscores Dubai’s position as a hub for high-end auctions and luxury markets.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Unwell Asalanka and Fernando ruled out of tri-series in Pakistan, Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka
In a significant development for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been ruled out due to illness. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Monday that Dasun Shanaka will take over the captaincy for the tournament, which also includes Zimbabwe. The team has called up top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, who recently made his ODI debut in the third and final match against Pakistan, scoring 32 runs off 37 balls. Pakistan had earlier secured a dominant 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka in the ODI series. The tri-series, set to begin on Tuesday with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe, will see all three teams play each other twice, with the top two advancing to the final on November 29. All matches will be hosted in Rawalpindi. SLC confirmed that Asalanka and Fernando will return home to receive proper medical care and recover in time for future assignments. The series serves as crucial preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup, where Zimbabwe has secured a spot after missing the 2024 edition. The tour had initially been in jeopardy following a suicide bombing in Islamabad last week, which killed 12 people. However, SLC decided to proceed after receiving security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
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New study links water balance, plant growth to desertification control
A groundbreaking study conducted by Chinese and German researchers has unveiled the critical relationship between groundwater balance and plant water-use efficiency in desert ecosystems. Published in the journal *Water Resources Research*, the research provides essential insights for ecological restoration and desertification control. The study, led by Zhang Zhishan from the Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasizes that vegetation restoration in arid drylands is a viable strategy to prevent desertification. Drylands, characterized by low rainfall and high evapotranspiration, often face a negative water balance, making water the primary limiting factor for plant survival. Groundwater, a vital resource in desert ecosystems, plays a pivotal role in plant growth and the sustainability of ecological restoration efforts. The research was conducted at the Shapotou desert research station in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, using 12 Lysimeter units to measure evapotranspiration and quantify water balance components from 2019 to 2023. The findings revealed that groundwater recharge transforms soil water storage, increasing actual evapotranspiration and seepage. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems exhibited higher evapotranspiration rates, and semi-shrubs were identified as crucial for plant configuration strategies. Zhang highlighted that vegetation reconstruction, coupled with appropriate plant configuration methods, is key to ensuring long-term ecological sustainability and combating desertification.
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New weasel species discovered in SW China nature reserve
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the realm of biodiversity as Chinese scientists identified a new weasel species in the Dafengding National Nature Reserve, located in Sichuan province, Southwest China. The species, named Mustela mopbie, was confirmed through a collaborative effort by researchers from the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China West Normal University, and Sichuan University. The findings were published in the esteemed international journal, Journal of Systematics and Evolution, this month. The discovery was made during a small mammal biodiversity survey conducted in July and August 2024, where three specimens were collected. By integrating genomic and morphological data, the team confirmed the uniqueness of this species. Mustela mopbie is characterized by its small size and ability to navigate narrow crevices and burrows to hunt insects and small rodents. This discovery sheds light on species differentiation within the Genus Mustela and offers new insights into how small carnivores adapt to diverse environments through genetic variation. The study underscores the ecological significance of the Hengduan Mountains region, particularly the areas surrounding the Sichuan Basin, in global biodiversity conservation efforts.
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Saudi bus carrying Indian pilgrims crashes; over 40 feared dead
A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has resulted in the deaths of over 40 Indian pilgrims, with many more feared injured. The incident occurred late at night when the bus, en route from Makkah to Madinah, collided with a diesel tanker. The majority of the passengers were from the Indian state of Telangana, according to reports from Indian media.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah and the Embassy in Riyadh have swiftly responded to the crisis, coordinating with Saudi authorities and local Umrah operators. A dedicated team of consulate staff and community volunteers has been deployed to hospitals and shelters to assist the victims and their families. Emergency helpline numbers have been established to provide support and information to those affected.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, ‘My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones.’ He assured that Indian officials are in close contact with Saudi authorities to ensure all necessary measures are taken. India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also conveyed his shock and pledged full support to the affected families.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered an immediate investigation into the accident and directed authorities to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to expedite relief efforts. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi revealed that 42 Hajj pilgrims were on the bus at the time of the crash and has requested the repatriation of the deceased and proper medical care for the injured.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has set up a 24×7 control room to assist those in need, with toll-free and WhatsApp helpline numbers available for immediate contact. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the pilgrimage, with the Indian community rallying together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
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FVC and X2O Media announce strategic partnership to drive next-gen hybrid communication solutions across MEA
FVC, a prominent provider of unified communications, audio-visual solutions, and cybersecurity across the Middle East and Africa, has entered into a strategic partnership with X2O Media, a global leader in visual communication and immersive hybrid collaboration technologies. This collaboration is set to transform the landscape of hybrid communication and learning across the MEA region by combining FVC’s extensive regional expertise and distribution network with X2O Media’s innovative X2O oneroom platform and unified visual communication solutions. The partnership will enable enterprises, educational institutions, and public-sector organizations to deploy immersive hybrid learning and meeting environments, enhance workforce collaboration through dynamic messaging and digital signage, and leverage FVC’s robust regional presence for seamless deployment and support. Rob Brinklow, Director of Sales for EMEA & APAC at X2O Media, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that FVC’s market reach and commitment to high-quality service make it the ideal partner to bring X2O oneroom to the region. Parag, Managing Director of FVC, expressed enthusiasm about introducing X2O Media’s cutting-edge technologies to regional clients, highlighting the partnership’s potential to deliver tailored, future-ready solutions that address real business challenges. The alliance will accelerate the adoption of X2O Media’s technologies across various sectors, including corporate, education, life sciences, and government, offering clients advanced visual communication platforms that integrate immersive hybrid environments with real-time collaboration and centralized content delivery.
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Indonesian rescuers search for nearly three dozen people after landslides killed at least 18 people
Rescue operations intensified on Monday as Indonesian authorities scrambled to locate 34 individuals still missing following two devastating landslides on Java Island. The calamities, triggered by relentless torrential rains, have claimed at least 18 lives so far. In Central Java’s Cilacap district, 16 fatalities were reported after landslides engulfed dozens of homes across three villages late Thursday. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), confirmed the rising death toll and ongoing search efforts involving over 500 personnel, including police and military units, supported by 22 excavators and 18 sniffer dogs. A similar disaster struck Banjarnegara district on Saturday, burying 30 houses under tons of mud and forcing over 800 residents to flee to higher ground, despite the risk of further landslides. Rescuers retrieved two bodies from Banjarnegara on Monday while continuing to search for 27 missing individuals. Local authorities are also working to relocate residents from vulnerable hills to safer government shelters. To aid the rescue operations, BNPB initiated a weather modification program on Sunday, deploying an aircraft to disperse 3,000 kilograms of seeding material to stabilize weather conditions and prevent additional downpours. Cloud seeding aims to redirect rainfall away from the affected areas, ensuring smoother search efforts. BNPB-released images depict rescue workers battling thick mud, rocks, and uprooted trees in villages where once-green rice terraces now lie buried. Indonesia’s geography, with millions residing in mountainous or flood-prone regions, makes it particularly susceptible to landslides and floods during the rainy season.
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Philippines: Thousands of anti-graft protesters take to Manila streets for second day
For the second consecutive day, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Manila on Monday, intensifying their calls for accountability in the wake of alleged corruption tied to flood-mitigation projects. The protests, which began on Sunday and attracted over 600,000 participants, are set to continue until Tuesday. Organized by Iglesia Ni Cristo, a prominent church with a membership of 2 million known for its bloc voting influence, the movement has mobilized supporters nationwide. Many protesters expressed frustration over what they perceive as inadequate investigations into irregularities in major infrastructure projects. Freddie Beley, a 60-year-old participant, emphasized the need for a genuine and transparent inquiry, stating, ‘We demand that the government conduct a sincere investigation and not shield anyone involved in this anomaly.’ The scandal gained momentum in August when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed the findings of an internal audit on flood-control projects, exposing significant irregularities. The controversy has implicated public works officials, construction firm executives, and lawmakers, who are accused of profiting from substandard or non-existent projects. This has eroded investor confidence and contributed to a four-year low in economic growth during the third quarter, as public spending declined. Marcos has established a commission to investigate the alleged corruption, particularly in flood-control facilities. Positioning himself as a champion of accountability and transparency, the president, whose father was accused of widespread corruption during his rule, vowed on Thursday that those responsible for the flawed projects would face imprisonment before Christmas. However, protester Armelyn Bandril, 35, criticized the lack of progress, noting, ‘Nearly 100 days have passed since the investigation began, yet no one has been jailed despite ample evidence.’
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Arxan’s six-month winter tourism season kicks off in Inner Mongolia
The 2025-2026 winter tourism season officially commenced on Saturday in Arxan, located in the Hinggan League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This event marks the beginning of a six-month celebration, highlighted by the 20th Arxan Ice and Snow Festival. The festival’s launch followed a winter tourism news conference held in the city on Friday, where five key winter activities were unveiled. The centerpiece of these activities is a ‘1+6’ model of winter routes, which combines snow-based activities with the city’s renowned hot springs. Despite its small population of just 30,000 residents, Arxan has emerged as a remarkable tourism success. Official statistics reveal that from January to October, the city welcomed over 6.14 million tourists, generating a revenue of 7.68 billion yuan ($1 billion). This figure equates to hosting more than 200 times its population, underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a winter destination.
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Bangladesh’s ousted leader Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death
In a landmark ruling, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for her role in the violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 individuals. The verdict, delivered in absentia, marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as Hasina has been in exile in India since her ousting in July 2024. The tribunal found her guilty of authorizing the use of lethal force against protesters, a charge she vehemently denies, labeling the trial as “biased and politically motivated.”
The protests, initially sparked by demands to abolish government job quotas, quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. A UN report in February highlighted the severity of the crackdown, describing the killings as potential “crimes against humanity.” Leaked audio verified by the BBC suggested Hasina had authorized the use of “lethal weapons” during the unrest, which was presented as evidence during the trial.
Families of the victims have welcomed the verdict, with many calling for severe punishment. Ramjan Ali, whose brother was killed during the protests, expressed a desire for “exemplary punishment” for Hasina and others involved. Lucky Akther, who lost her husband, emphasized the need for the sentence to be carried out before the next election to bring closure to the bereaved families.
The verdict has intensified political tensions in Bangladesh, with the interim government banning Hasina’s Awami League party in May. Hasina has warned that millions might boycott the upcoming 2026 election if her party’s candidates are barred from participating. The ruling also poses a diplomatic challenge for India and Bangladesh, as Dhaka has requested her extradition, a move India has yet to comply with.
While the sentence offers some closure to the victims’ families, it is unlikely to heal the deep political divisions in the country. Rights activists and observers have noted that without an apology or remorse from Hasina and her party, the Awami League’s path to political rehabilitation remains uncertain.