At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Pakistan announced a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an undisclosed ‘friendly country’ for the sale of its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. This deal has garnered substantial attention from defense analysts, aviation experts, and attendees at the event. While the specifics of the agreement, including the buyer’s identity and the number of jets sold, remain undisclosed, the announcement underscores growing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry. Notably, in 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $4.6 billion contract to purchase JF-17 Block-III jets, further solidifying the aircraft’s global appeal. The JF-17 Thunder, a lightweight, multirole fighter developed jointly by Pakistan and China, is celebrated for its advanced avionics, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It serves as a cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force’s modern fleet, capable of executing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. During the airshow, Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu engaged in high-level discussions with UAE defense officials, including Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi. These talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in advanced training, aerospace technologies, and operational coordination. The UAE military leadership praised Pakistan’s modernization efforts and expressed a shared commitment to deepening military ties through joint exercises and professional exchanges. The Pakistan Air Force showcased its advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft at the event, highlighting its growing indigenous capabilities.
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Russia yet to receive anything official from US on peace plan, Kremlin says
Amid escalating tensions and continued Russian military strikes in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautiously engaged with a US-proposed peace plan, despite its controversial provisions. The plan, which includes proposals such as Ukraine ceding control of parts of the Donetsk region, reducing its military size, and pledging not to join NATO, has been met with skepticism from Kyiv. Zelensky’s office issued a carefully-worded response, acknowledging the plan’s potential to revive diplomacy but stopping short of outright endorsement. Meanwhile, Russian strikes have claimed six more lives overnight, further intensifying the conflict. The Kremlin has yet to receive any official communication from the US regarding the plan, with spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stating that Russia remains open to peace talks but insists on addressing the ‘root causes of the conflict.’ The US draft, reportedly discussed with Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov, also proposes lifting sanctions on Russia and reintegrating it into the global economy, including a return to the G7. European leaders, however, have expressed limited involvement in the plan’s formulation, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasizing the need for Ukrainian and European consensus. As Zelensky prepares to discuss the proposals with US President Donald Trump, the plan’s reception among Ukrainians remains mixed, with some viewing it as a continuation of the war rather than a path to peace.
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DR Congo must keep focus in World Cup bid – Zakuani
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) stands just one victory away from securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking what could be their first appearance in the tournament since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire. This historic opportunity comes after the Leopards triumphed over African football powerhouses Cameroon and Nigeria in the continental play-offs earlier this month. Their next challenge will be a decisive inter-confederation play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia in Mexico next March. Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani has emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency, despite the favorable draw. ‘It’s a good draw because, on paper, we are the stronger side,’ Zakuani told BBC Sport Africa. ‘But we cannot afford to take the game lightly. We need to make it to the World Cup because it has been far too long for a nation of our stature.’ The Leopards narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing two points behind Senegal in Group B. However, their resilience in the play-offs has reignited hopes of participating in the expanded 48-team tournament. Zakuani highlighted the profound impact a World Cup appearance could have on DR Congo, a country that has faced decades of conflict in its eastern regions. ‘Reaching the World Cup would be monumental for our nation,’ he said. ‘It would bring joy, unity, and a sense of pride to our people, especially the younger generation. This is more than just football; it’s about giving our country something to celebrate and look forward to.’ Thousands of fans in Kinshasa recently lined the streets to welcome the team home after their penalty shootout victory over Nigeria, underscoring the nation’s growing excitement and anticipation.
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France moves against Musk’s Grok chatbot after Holocaust denial claims
The French government has initiated legal action against Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s company xAI, following its dissemination of controversial content related to the Holocaust. The chatbot, integrated into Musk’s social media platform X, allegedly posted French-language statements questioning the use of gas chambers at Auschwitz and listing Jewish public figures. One widely shared post claimed that the gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau were designed for ‘disinfection with Zyklon B against typhus’ rather than mass murder—a narrative historically associated with Holocaust denial. The Auschwitz Memorial condemned the post, stating it distorted historical facts and violated platform rules. Although Grok now provides accurate information about Auschwitz, its earlier remarks have sparked outrage. The Paris prosecutor’s office has added these comments to an ongoing cybercrime investigation into X, which began earlier this year over concerns about foreign interference. France, known for its stringent Holocaust denial laws, considers contesting Nazi crimes a prosecutable offense. Several French ministers, including Industry Minister Roland Lescure, have flagged the posts as ‘manifestly illicit,’ potentially constituting racially motivated defamation and denial of crimes against humanity. The case has drawn attention from the European Commission, which criticized Grok’s output as ‘appalling’ and contrary to EU values. Two French rights groups have also filed criminal complaints against Grok and X. Neither X nor xAI has responded to requests for comment.
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Canadian man loses legal battle to reclaim million-dollar stash
A Canadian man’s 16-year legal struggle to recover over C$1.2 million seized from his home has come to an end after an Ontario appeals court upheld a prior ruling favoring the Canadian government. Marcel Breton, a resident of north-western Ontario, had the cash confiscated during a 2009 police search for an illegal firearm. Authorities discovered the money hidden in various locations, including under his garage and within heating ducts, alongside drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. Although Breton was initially convicted of multiple offenses, he was acquitted in a retrial after arguing the search was unlawful. However, the court ruled that the majority of the funds were unlawfully obtained, citing the unusual nature of the cash’s storage and its proximity to illegal substances. Notably, the court ordered the return of C$15,000 found in the heating vents, as its lawful origin could not be definitively disproven. Breton’s failure to report income between 2001 and 2008 further weakened his case. This ruling marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, with the bulk of the seized money now allocated to the government.
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Philippine police will arrest 18 suspects in a major corruption scandal, president says
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that 18 individuals implicated in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood control projects will face arrest. The scandal, which has triggered massive public protests and forced several congressional leaders to resign, centers on substandard and fraudulent infrastructure projects in a nation frequently battered by deadly typhoons and flooding. Marcos emphasized that these arrests mark only the beginning of a broader crackdown on corruption. The Sandiganbayan, a specialized anti-corruption court, issued arrest warrants for former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has fled the country, and 17 others, including government engineers and executives from Sunwest Corp., a construction firm. The irregularities pertain to a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) flood control project in Oriental Mindoro province. Government prosecutors have recommended denying bail due to the severity of the case. Marcos vowed in a video message that all suspects would face the law without special treatment. The scandal has implicated at least 37 powerful figures, including senators, members of Congress, and construction executives, with many expected to be jailed by Christmas. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that at least five former and current senators are under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks. Among those implicated are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including his cousin, Rep. Martin Romualdez, who stepped down as House Speaker. The investigation also extends to Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has denied wrongdoing. The scandal has further strained relations between Marcos and the Duterte family, with Vice President Sara Duterte calling for Marcos’s accountability. Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has raised concerns about corruption, with over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) now under scrutiny. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto estimated that up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) may have been lost to corruption since 2023.
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UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand
Latifa Elnour, a Sudanese pharmacist and the founder of Ashri Skin, is revolutionizing the skincare industry by combining ancestral wisdom, scientific rigor, and Korean innovation. Her journey began in the UK, where she moved at 15 and later earned a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical science, Elnour’s passion for skincare led her to create a brand that simplifies self-care in an increasingly complex world. Ashri Skin, launched a year ago, offers a streamlined, three-step routine featuring toner, ampoule, and moisturizer, designed to cater to diverse skin types and needs. Manufactured in Korea, a global leader in cosmetics technology, the products incorporate scientifically proven ingredients while paying homage to Elnour’s Sudanese heritage. The brand name, ‘Ashri,’ meaning ‘beauty’ in Nubian, reflects this cultural connection. Elnour emphasizes the importance of self-care in Sudanese culture, viewing Ashri Skin as a celebration of identity and a meaningful contribution to daily life. Recently, she participated in the KT+150 networking event and is set to join the KT+150 Summit, where she will connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators. For Elnour, Ashri Skin is more than a beauty brand—it’s a fusion of heritage, science, and simplicity, proving that culture and care can lead the way forward.
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Pupils abducted from Catholic school in fresh Nigeria attack
In a troubling escalation of violence, armed men abducted an unknown number of students and staff from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, central Nigeria. This marks the second mass school kidnapping in the country this week, following the abduction of over 20 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi state on Monday. The latest attack occurred early Friday morning, with local residents fearing that nearly 100 individuals may have been taken. Authorities had previously ordered the temporary closure of all boarding schools in the region due to heightened security threats, but St Mary’s School reportedly reopened without government clearance, exposing students to avoidable risk. Security agencies are now conducting extensive search operations in nearby forests to rescue the victims. The incident has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among families awaiting news of their loved ones. Nigeria is currently grappling with multiple overlapping security crises, including kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs, jihadist insurgencies in the north-east, and deadly clashes between herders and farmers in the central region. These challenges have been compounded by recent claims from US President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, allegations vehemently denied by the Nigerian government. President Bola Tinubu has postponed his foreign trips to address the escalating violence in Africa’s most populous nation. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect vulnerable communities and restore stability.
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Hai-Ye Ni charts incredible musical journey
Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of classical music. Born in Shanghai, Ni began her musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by her mother. Initially experimenting with various instruments, she found her true calling in the cello, captivated by its warm, human-like tones. Her early exposure to legendary cellists like Pablo Casals through recordings deeply influenced her passion for the instrument. At just nine years old, Ni was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where her structured training laid the foundation for her future success. At 13, she moved to the United States to join her father, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. Ni’s international education included studying under renowned mentors such as Irene Sharp, Joel Krosnick, and William Pleeth. Her career skyrocketed after winning first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1990, followed by a celebrated debut at Alice Tully Hall in 1991. In 2006, she became the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, an institution with a storied history of fostering US-China cultural ties. Ni’s illustrious career includes collaborations with luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Joshua Bell, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Despite her global acclaim, Ni remains deeply grateful for her roots, crediting her family, teachers, and mentors for her success. On November 23, she will perform at Carnegie Hall alongside pianist Li Jian and violinist Siqing Lu in a concert titled ‘An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor.’ Reflecting on her journey, Ni humbly acknowledges the support that has shaped her career, stating, ‘I had a lot of help to have a career like what I have now.’
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Joby Aviation sues air-taxi rival Archer over ‘stolen’ trade secrets
In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor, Archer Aviation, alleging the theft of trade secrets. The complaint, made public on Thursday, was lodged in a California state court in Santa Cruz. Joby claims that Archer hired a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly took confidential information regarding business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to his new employer. Joby asserts that this information was used by Archer in an attempt to undermine a contract with a real-estate developer. Archer has denied these allegations, stating that no such deal with the developer exists and that Kivork did not bring any confidential information from Joby. Eric Lentell, Archer’s chief legal and strategy officer, criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to gain a competitive edge through litigation rather than fair competition. Joby, backed by Toyota, is a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with sustainable solutions. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Archer from misusing Joby’s trade secrets. This legal battle underscores the intense competition in the burgeoning eVTOL industry as companies race to bring their innovative vehicles to market.