Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been awarded the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Achievement Award in its nineteenth cycle. This prestigious accolade recognizes his decades-long contributions to culture, knowledge, and sustainable development on a global scale. The Award’s Board of Trustees emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to humanity, innovation, and progress. His initiatives have not only transformed the UAE but also inspired communities worldwide. Among his notable achievements is the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015, which has engaged over 163 million students in promoting Arabic literacy. Additionally, the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and the Digital School underscores his dedication to fostering education and cultural enrichment. The Board also highlighted his literary works, including ‘My Vision’ and ‘Reflections on Happiness and Positivity,’ which have significantly enriched Arab literature. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has redefined the role of culture and knowledge in shaping a brighter future, making him a beacon of inspiration across the Arab world and beyond.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Bomb threat sent to Delhi airport two days after deadly Red Fort blast
In the wake of a devastating explosion near New Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed 12 lives and left many injured, a bomb threat sent to Delhi Airport Terminal 3 on November 12, 2025, triggered widespread panic. The threat, received via an email on IndiGo’s grievance portal, also implicated other major airports in Chennai and Goa. Delhi Police swiftly responded, mobilizing the fire brigade and conducting thorough inspections at all mentioned locations. However, after a detailed investigation, the threat was confirmed to be a hoax. The Red Fort blast, which occurred on November 10, has been under intense scrutiny by multiple agencies, including the National Security Guard, National Investigation Agency, and the Central Reserve Police Force. Forensic analysis from the blast site revealed the presence of ammonium nitrate among other explosives. In a related development, 360 kg of ammonium nitrate was seized in Faridabad, leading to the arrest of two individuals linked to Al Falah University, who are suspected to be connected to the Red Fort incident. The Indian government has announced compensation of Rs1,000,000 for the victims’ families, as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of this tragic event.
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Gambling ringleader sent back to China
She Zhijiang, the mastermind behind a sprawling cross-border gambling and fraud syndicate operating in Myanmar, has been extradited to China. Known also as Tang Kriang Kai, She was escorted by Thai police to Bangkok’s airport on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant step in international law enforcement cooperation. The extradition follows a prolonged legal battle, culminating in the Thai Court of Appeal upholding a lower court’s decision on November 10, 2025, to send She back to China to face charges related to illegal casino operations. According to Thai prosecutors, She is accused of orchestrating 239 gambling websites, which facilitated transactions totaling approximately 2.77 trillion yuan ($389.18 billion). Additionally, he is suspected of running extensive gambling and telecommunications fraud operations in Myanmar, targeting Chinese citizens through online platforms. Interpol had issued a Red Notice for She in May 2021, linking him to a criminal group that registered shell companies and developed online gambling platforms, generating around 150 million yuan in illegal profits. She was arrested by Thai authorities in August 2022, and after a series of legal proceedings, his extradition was finally approved in October 2025. This case underscores the global efforts to combat transnational organized crime and highlights the collaboration between Thailand and China in addressing such issues.
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Delhi blast was terror incident, Indian government says
A devastating car explosion in a bustling area of India’s capital, Delhi, has been officially labeled a “terror incident” by the government. The blast, which occurred near the historic Red Fort on Monday, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left 20 others injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, during a late Wednesday security meeting, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act orchestrated by anti-national forces. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators remain unidentified. In a resolution, the cabinet emphasized the urgency of a professional investigation to bring those responsible to justice swiftly. The statement also reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The explosion took place near a metro station adjacent to the Red Fort, a prominent landmark in Delhi. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the incident occurred at approximately 18:52 local time when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light and subsequently exploded, causing damage to nearby vehicles. A police spokesperson revealed that the explosion originated from a Hyundai i20 car carrying three individuals. In response to the incident, Delhi police declared a high alert, with neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, quickly following suit. Forensic experts, security teams, and police are currently investigating the explosion. Home Minister Amit Shah assured the public that all possibilities are being explored, and a thorough investigation is underway. Prime Minister Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. The Red Fort, a 17th-century monument, is a major tourist attraction and the site where Indian prime ministers deliver their annual Independence Day speeches.
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Francesca Albanese: Why I’m accusing 63 nations of complicity in the Gaza genocide
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has leveled serious accusations against major European powers, including the UK, Italy, and Germany, for their alleged complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In a recent interview with the Expert Witness podcast on November 3, Albanese detailed the findings of her latest report, ‘Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime,’ which implicates 63 states in enabling Israel’s violations of international law. She emphasized that despite overwhelming evidence of atrocities, these nations continue to provide diplomatic, military, and political support to Israel, shielding it from accountability. Albanese specifically criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for failing to acknowledge the risk of genocide and for his government’s role in perpetuating Israel’s actions. She also condemned the UK’s crackdown on Palestine Action, labeling it as fostering a ‘climate of complicity.’ Additionally, Albanese denounced Germany and Italy for obstructing joint EU action against Israel, noting the historical irony of their positions. She called for legal consequences for government officials involved in these actions and urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to continue its investigations despite facing sanctions. Albanese’s report underscores the systemic complicity of states in enabling Israel’s actions and calls for urgent international legal intervention to address the ongoing crisis.
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Intl experts raise alarm over the accelerating loss of biodiversity
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.