Kids dive into science creativity at SIBF

Science and Health

One of this year’s highlights was the “Make a Bouncy Ball” workshop, where children explored the intersection of science and creativity. Led by Hadi Bedir, a biomedical engineering and psychology student from Lebanon, the session gave young participants the chance to create their own bouncy balls while learning about polymers and chemical reactions.“This workshop is more than just fun—it’s an opportunity to understand science in action,” said Bedir. He introduced children aged nine and above to Borax, explaining its role in creating elasticity by forming polymers when combined with glue. “It’s a hands-on way to show how chemistry shapes the world around us,” he added.Children eagerly participated, mixing warm water with Borax powder and blending glue, glitter, and food colouring to personalise their creations. Bedir guided them through each step, demystifying the science behind the transformation. “The glue’s molecule chains interact with Borax to form a dense, elastic structure, turning a liquid into a solid bouncy ball,” he explained.The workshop also fostered psychological growth, encouraging children to embrace new experiences. When 10-year-old Fahad hesitated to handle the sticky mixture, Bedir patiently reassured him, inspiring confidence and active engagement.The room buzzed with excitement as children tested their creations. “My ball bounces so high—it’s amazing!” exclaimed 11-year-old Ragad Mohammed.As SIBF’s 43rd edition wraps up on November 17, its 12-day celebration of literature and learning has left a lasting impression. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this year’s event featured close to 1,3500 activities for children and adults, seamlessly merging education and entertainment to ignite young imaginations.

Why ‘tourist syndrome’ can get you in trouble on holiday – and thousands do it

Travel

OVER half of tourists have admitted to experiencing troublesome “tourist syndrome” – and you may discover that you are guilty too.The latest survey of 1,231 adults by travel analysts at Radical Storage has found the behaviour “threatens the future freedom of travel”.2The research has even found the most common offences that tourists have admitted to doingCredit: AlamyThe October data has found that 56.5 percent of people will do “something out of character” while travelling.The co-founder at Radical Storage, Giacomo Piva, told USA Today Travel: “Unfortunately, the findings of this survey confirm what we already know.”The tourism industry may have recovered from the impact of COVID-19, but sadly the epidemic of bad behaviour continues to threaten the future freedom of travel, with anti-tourist protests sweeping Europe.”The fact that 56.5% of people admitted to behaving badly and experiencing ‘tourist syndrome’ on vacation shows us that this issue isn’t about the few ruining travel for the many – but the many ruining travel for us all.”Read more Travel NewsOut of those taking part in the research, Gen Z was the largest group to admit to acting out.Some 72 percent of those born between 1997 and 2012 said they were guilty of the offence.Nearly half of those questioned suggested social media use was to blame for their bad behaviour which could explain why the younger generation were more inclined to let their hair down.A third suggested the anonymity of travel lended itself to such behaviour.Four in ten suggested it was out of having fun and wanting to “let their hair down”.Participants were also asked to admit to a list of offences with territorial towel placing being one of the most common.LaGuardia passengers evacuated due to ‘police activity’Others in the top three included posing inappropriately with a statue and plant picking without permission. Despite the high number admitting they took part in the behaviour, 61 percent of respondents added harsher punishments should be in place.It comes after “selfish tourists” were accused by locals of ruining a seaside town in Filey, North Yorkshire.Parking has become a hot issue for those living in the area.2Tourists admitted they wanted to let their hair down which could lead to the behaviourCredit: Reuters

Throwback: When Alia Bhatt hoped daughter Raha will enjoy her debut film Student of the Year

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Alia Bhatt, in an old interview, opened up about her personal growth through her career, the support she receives from her family, and her vision for the future. She spoke candidly about her debut film, ‘Student of the Year’, saying she hopes her daughter, Raha, will one day watch it despite feeling that her performance in it was not her best. Alia expressed that, while she may not be proud of her acting in that movie, she thinks Raha would still enjoy its upbeat and youthful vibe.Reflecting on the films that shaped her, Alia, while appearing on IMDb’s Icons Only segment said ‘Highway’ was a turning point, describing the experience of filming on the road and away from home as similar to “going away to college.” She noted how the role helped her mature in ways she hadn’t anticipated, as she was immersed in a setting completely different from her usual environment. Another role that pushed her to her limits was her character in ‘Udta Punjab’. For this film, she tried “method acting” for the first time, isolating herself emotionally and physically to capture her character’s depth. Finally, she described her time on the set of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ as life-changing, thanks to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She noted that working with such an intense director changed her approach to acting.Alia also credited her family for helping her stay grounded and resilient. Coming from a family with a film background, she explained that her parents taught her the importance of hard work and thick skin. According to her, the film industry is constantly changing, with new actors entering the scene, and only consistent dedication and kindness can make a lasting impression. Alia shared that her family’s insights have helped her face the ups and downs of fame, reminding her not to take praise or success for granted.When asked about films she would like Raha to watch, Alia chose ‘Student of the Year’ for herself, explaining that its lighthearted storyline and music make it child-friendly. For her husband Ranbir Kapoor’s films, she selected ‘Barfi!’ because of its charm and suitability for all ages.Looking to the future, Alia shared a blend of personal and professional goals. She hopes to continue making movies, not only as an actor but also as a producer, and to grow her family. Additionally, she wants to lead a peaceful, balanced life filled with travel and time in nature. She emphasized that she doesn’t set specific goals but instead views life as a series of milestones, each one coming naturally as she moves forward.

Public have say on whether tourist tax should be introduced in Highlands

Travel

Highland Council has begun a public consultation on a proposed tax on tourism.It estimates that a 5% level of “visitor levy” on accommodation costs will reap an annual income of more than £10m.The money will be reinvested in the sector to improve services.A committee unanimously agreed to proceed with a three-month public consultation – prompting a mixed response from accommodation providers.There is wide agreement that investment in basic infrastructure and repairs to heavily used tourist routes need urgent attention.However, some hoteliers and self-catering operators have urged the council to tread carefully.Fiona Campbell of the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers said: “Other destinations don’t have a VAT level of 20%. So, if Highland Council is looking at a 5% visitor levy – which is very, very high – then we are technically looking at a 25% tax.“And, of course, we’ve seen that short-term let licensing has been far from plain sailing.”Tony Story, who owns the Kingsmills and Ness Walk hotels in Inverness, said: “The 5% is not a question of simply adding 5%. There are inflationary increases.“I estimate hospitality inflation to be running at at least 5%-7%. So, for us to stand still, we’re talking about at least a 12% increase in our room rates, which our client base will not accept. This is not a tourist tax. This is a business tax.”Some councillors concede the new levy could prove an administrative nightmare, but those paving its path say there is a long way to go, and all such concerns will be fully addressed.Ken Gowans, the council’s economy and infrastructure committee chairman, asked: “Would it harm their business? Well, any evidence that we have from similar schemes across Europe has not evidenced that.“So, I would wait and see what happens. But I really don’t think that would be the case.“In terms of the number, we’ve had to come in with a number as part of Scottish Government guidelines. We came in at 5%. It could be three, it could be eight. It just depends. That’s why we have the 12-week consultation.”Jane Slaughter, who owns self-catering accommodation at Pinewood Steading near Beauly, said: “It’s not just accommodation providers and overseas guests that it will impact but locals – Scots – who will decide to stay and travel and tour within Highland.“They’ll be hit by the levy at a time when things are really quite tough for a lot of people.”People can respond online or by post. The council has promised that the feedback will shape a paper that will go before a full council meeting next March.If agreed, the earliest the scheme can be implemented is autumn 2026.STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Russian political scientist Andrei Kolesnikov: For Putin, Trump’s election is both good and bad news

Science and Health

Russia’s Vladimir Putin wants to show that he is not dependent on Donald Trump. That is why he denies the very existence of the phone call that allegedly took place on November 7. This is also the reason why, at a major conference in Russia on the same day, he did not mention the President-elect for the first three hours of his speech. The Kremlin leader was convinced that he had to demonstrate his independence from any American influence.
That’s what Andrei Kolesnikov, a political analyst and commentator in the Russian version of the newspaper, said. “Novaya Gazeta, one of the few media outlets in Moscow still critical of the Kremlin regime. According to Kolesnikov, “to his audience in Russia, Putin wants to present himself as king of the world:” Trump is important, but he is even more important. “Vladimir Putin doesn’t care about the rest – the state of mind he wants to demonstrate. In the United States, the message is the same: ‘If you want to make an offer for peace in Ukraine, you can send it to me; I will be happy to receive you; but I am the one who decides when and how to behave,'” the Russian political scientist explained.

“For him /Putin, ed./ the election of Donald Trump is both good and bad news. On the one hand, he feels close to the president-elect and his conservative and conspiratorial positions. But on the other, there is the problem of Donald Trump’s unpredictability, which could undermine Moscow’s discourse and policy towards Washington. The Kremlin wants to preserve the Cold War climate. Donald Trump’s outstretched hand disrupts this tactic. No one opened the champagne in the Kremlin on 5 November /the date of the US presidential election/. And I doubt very much that Vladimir Putin will agree to meet with Donald Trump soon after his inauguration, on January 20, 2025, for a big public show of reconciliation. Initially, the resumption of contacts will take place informally, behind the scenes. Donald Trump and his new administration could also quickly cut aid to Kiev, but this remains uncertain and the consequences difficult to measure,” said Andrei Kolesnikov. | BGNES

Russian political scientist Andrei Kolesnikov: For Putin, Trump’s election is both good and bad news

Science and Health

Russia’s Vladimir Putin wants to show that he is not dependent on Donald Trump. That is why he denies the very existence of the phone call that allegedly took place on November 7. This is also the reason why, at a major conference in Russia on the same day, he did not mention the President-elect for the first three hours of his speech. The Kremlin leader was convinced that he had to demonstrate his independence from any American influence.
That’s what Andrei Kolesnikov, a political analyst and commentator in the Russian version of the newspaper, said. “Novaya Gazeta, one of the few media outlets in Moscow still critical of the Kremlin regime. According to Kolesnikov, “to his audience in Russia, Putin wants to present himself as king of the world:” Trump is important, but he is even more important. “Vladimir Putin doesn’t care about the rest – the state of mind he wants to demonstrate. In the United States, the message is the same: ‘If you want to make an offer for peace in Ukraine, you can send it to me; I will be happy to receive you; but I am the one who decides when and how to behave,'” the Russian political scientist explained.

“For him /Putin, ed./ the election of Donald Trump is both good and bad news. On the one hand, he feels close to the president-elect and his conservative and conspiratorial positions. But on the other, there is the problem of Donald Trump’s unpredictability, which could undermine Moscow’s discourse and policy towards Washington. The Kremlin wants to preserve the Cold War climate. Donald Trump’s outstretched hand disrupts this tactic. No one opened the champagne in the Kremlin on 5 November /the date of the US presidential election/. And I doubt very much that Vladimir Putin will agree to meet with Donald Trump soon after his inauguration, on January 20, 2025, for a big public show of reconciliation. Initially, the resumption of contacts will take place informally, behind the scenes. Donald Trump and his new administration could also quickly cut aid to Kiev, but this remains uncertain and the consequences difficult to measure,” said Andrei Kolesnikov. | BGNES

CoCT says no injuries reported after Montague Gardens business fire

Business News

CAPE TOWN – The City of Cape Town says no injuries have been reported following a fire which broke out at a business site in Montague Gardens on Sunday. It’s understood the blaze started during the early hours of Sunday morning. While it’s not yet clear what caused the fire, National Fire Detection Services says the business affected by the blaze manufactures paint.  “The city’s fire and rescue service received an emergency call of a fire in Montague Gardens in the early hours of this morning at 03:20 am,” said spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse.Carelse adds the fire has since been contained.

Domestic Tourism festive season campaign launched

Travel

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has this Saturday in Mazoe launched Domestic Tourism festive season travel campaign targeting arrivals’ spending ( annual bonuses and savings) to boost the country’s gross domestic product.Speaking during the launch, Rwodzi announced that Zimbabwe records a domestic tourism surge through local arrivals towards and during Christmas holidays when everyone spends their annual savings and bonuses.”It is only during these annual holidays when we experience a surge in local arrivals who will be spending more with their loved ones. Through reconnecting and joining their rural communities and villages, we have noted that they contributed much to our GDP,” Rwodzi said.”We have therefore clustered our tourism sector to accommodate everyone and with infrastructure which commensurate with tastes and preferences complementing urban set-ups. Through establishments of caravans and catering diverse local dishes, arrivals will feel at home even when they are away from their adopted modern homes, thus promoting rural tourism and gastronomy tourism,” Rwodzi added.”Several families depend on every spending on domestic tourism, hence bonuses and savings will be serving various dependents in rural areas. If we spend money within, it helps in sustaining domestic tourism and let me announce to you that we have already surpassed the 2025 target of 5 billion economy through tourism,” Rwodzi said.Statistics have shown that through clusterisation of tourism, domestic tourism has been recorded as one of the major clusters that is sustaining Zimbabwe’s economy especially during arrivals for annual festivities and holidays. Mashonaland Central province has been amongst provinces which contribute to the country’s economic growth through domestic tourism.Launched at the prestigious Mazowe Dam Resort, the Domestic Tourism Festive Season Travel Campaign has set an inspiring tone thereby encouraging Zimbabweans to travel and experience diverse tourism attractions. Amongst the attendees include Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Minister Christopher Magomo (Mashonaland Central Province’s Minister of State), ZANU PF Mazowe DCC chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara,  among others.

Shyam Benegal names his top 3 favorite Indian films

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal recently shared his top three favourite Indian films, revealing a preference for movies that, while not always acclaimed for their technical perfection, stood out for their compelling themes.
Speaking with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia, Benegal named ‘Aurat’, ‘Roti’, and ‘Sant Tukaram’ as the films that left a lasting impact on him.

Shyam Benegal, known for his contributions to India’s parallel cinema movement, explained that his choices were based more on the subject matter and intent of the films rather than their cinematic quality.

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