A sudden fire broke out at the United Nations COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, causing chaos and forcing delegates to evacuate the premises. The blaze erupted in a country pavilion within the event’s ‘blue zone,’ sending thick smoke billowing through the venue. Firefighters and security teams responded swiftly, bringing the fire under control without any reported injuries. The cause of the incident remains unknown. The fire occurred during critical negotiations among global ministers, who were attempting to resolve deadlocks on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures. Mauricio Lyrio, head of the Brazilian delegation, confirmed that his team was evacuated mid-meeting and doubted they could return to the site that day. The conference, held in large tents near the Amazon, has drawn tens of thousands of participants. Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged negotiators to reach an ‘ambitious compromise,’ emphasizing the global significance of the talks. ‘The world is watching Belem,’ he stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate challenges. The incident underscores the high stakes of COP30 as nations strive to finalize agreements before the summit concludes on Friday.
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Cuter and closer: Raccoons may be on their way to becoming America’s next pet
Raccoons, often affectionately dubbed ‘trash pandas’ for their notorious habit of scavenging through garbage, are showing signs of domestication, according to a groundbreaking study. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology, analyzed nearly 20,000 photographs and revealed a notable reduction in snout length among urban raccoons compared to their rural counterparts. This physical change mirrors the early stages of domestication observed in cats and dogs. The study suggests that these masked mammals are adapting to human environments, potentially dampening their innate fight-or-flight responses. Raffaela Lesch, a co-author from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, emphasized that trash plays a pivotal role in this urban domestication. ‘Trash is really the kickstarter,’ she told Scientific American. ‘Wherever humans go, there’s trash — and animals love our trash.’ The study also highlights the ‘domestication syndrome phenotype,’ which includes traits like curly tails, floppy ears, and reduced facial skeletons, commonly seen in domesticated animals. Interestingly, the authors argue that domestication might not always be initiated by humans but could begin naturally as animals adapt to human environments. This process, they suggest, is driven by natural selection, favoring animals with reduced flight responses. As raccoons continue to thrive in both wild and urban settings, they occupy a unique space in American life — cherished as pets in some neighborhoods and viewed as pests in others. Their increasing comfort around humans, coupled with their evolving physical traits, suggests that raccoons might be inching closer to becoming America’s next beloved pet.
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Streaming platform Twitch added to Australia’s teen social media ban
Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban targeting users under 16 has now extended its reach to include Twitch, the popular livestreaming platform predominantly used by gamers. The ban, set to take effect on December 10, mandates that platforms like Twitch must prevent under-16s from creating new accounts and deactivate existing ones by January 9. Twitch, owned by Amazon, joins other major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat in this regulatory measure.
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UAE prisoner convicted in mass trial dies in prison
A UAE national, Ali Abdullah Fateh Ali Al-Khaja, who spent over a decade in prison due to his political affiliations, has died in custody, according to the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Centre. The centre reported that Khaja, a long-term detainee, passed away in his cell at Al-Razeen Prison on Wednesday, leaving behind a family that had awaited his release for more than 13 years. Born in 1966, Khaja faced persistent ‘security harassment’ in the UAE for his social activities and association with Al-Islah, an Islamist political group linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in the country. The UAE’s ruling Al Nahyan family perceives the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat and has aggressively suppressed its supporters for decades. Khaja was arrested in August 2012 at his home and subjected to enforced disappearance until his court appearance. During his detention, he endured solitary confinement, intimidation, and other forms of torture. In 2013, he was charged alongside 56 others with affiliation to a ‘secret illegal organization’ and sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of probation. Despite being scheduled for release in August 2022, Emirati authorities detained him further and initiated another trial in 2024. Khaja was part of the ‘UAE 94,’ a group of 94 activists prosecuted in 2013 for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government during the Arab Spring. The trial, widely criticized by human rights groups as unfair, targeted lawyers, professors, activists, and students advocating for democratic reforms. Many detainees, including Khaja, were affiliated with Al-Islah, a non-violent political reform party. However, the UAE extended sentences for several high-profile dissidents under its 2014 anti-terror law, continuing its crackdown on political dissent.
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Starmer defends G20 trip to South Africa despite Trump’s absence
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he will advocate for British businesses on the global stage. The summit, which convenes leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, will proceed without former US President Donald Trump, who has opted to boycott the event. Trump’s decision stems from his controversial and widely discredited claims of white persecution in South Africa, which he reiterated in a social media post labeling the summit a ‘total disgrace.’
Sir Keir, often criticized for his frequent international travels, will use the summit to highlight the strategic importance of the UK’s global presence. During his visit, he will tour a Johannesburg depot showcasing trains manufactured in Derby, UK, and announce a new partnership where Crossrail International, a UK government-owned entity, will provide consultancy services to South Africa’s railway sector. This follows a similar agreement recently signed with Vietnam.
Downing Street has emphasized Africa’s potential as a key market for UK businesses, citing demographic trends such as half of Africa’s population being under 20 and projections that over a quarter of the global population will reside in Africa by 2050. Sir Keir underscored the importance of face-to-face diplomacy, stating, ‘I will focus on the deals we can do, the business we can do, with our partner countries and make sure that the work we do internationally is impacting directly at home.’
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed Trump’s boycott as ‘their loss,’ asserting that such tactics are ineffective. He also refuted claims of white genocide in South Africa, calling them ‘widely discredited and unsupported by reliable evidence.’ Despite Trump’s absence, the summit remains a critical platform for fostering international collaboration and economic growth.
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Emirates agrees deal with Rolls-Royce to maintain its own A380 engines
Emirates Airlines has solidified a groundbreaking agreement with Rolls-Royce to undertake the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of Trent 900 engines powering its A380 fleet, commencing in 2027. This strategic partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, underscores Emirates’ commitment to extending the operational lifespan of its iconic A380 aircraft well into the 2040s. As the largest operator of the now out-of-production A380, Emirates is actively refurbishing its fleet to ensure its continued service beyond the next decade, following Airbus’ cessation of A380 production in 2021. The deal also includes an extension of the TotalCare service agreement with Rolls-Royce, further cementing the collaboration between the two aviation giants. This agreement follows Emirates’ recent move to establish a seat assembly line in Dubai in partnership with France’s Safran. While Emirates has expressed concerns over Rolls-Royce’s engine performance on the A350-1000, it has lauded the smaller A350-900, which it began incorporating into its fleet last year. This deal marks a significant step in Emirates’ strategy to optimize its fleet and maintain its leadership in the global aviation industry.
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Leaders Arsenal face uncertainty as Gabriel injury clouds Spurs clash
Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations face a significant challenge as key defender Gabriel is likely to miss the highly anticipated clash against Tottenham Hotspur due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian centre-back, a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup, sustained the injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, casting a shadow over Arsenal’s preparations for the North London derby. Gabriel’s absence could disrupt Arsenal’s defensive solidity, particularly in aerial duels, where he has been dominant this season. The Gunners, currently leading the league by four points over Manchester City, are already grappling with fitness concerns surrounding Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Former England striker Alan Shearer emphasized Gabriel’s irreplaceability, stating, ‘Arsenal are losing probably the best centre-half in the Premier League.’ Potential replacements include Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, or a positional switch for Riccardo Calafiori. Meanwhile, Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, boast the league’s best away record and have shown resilience despite injuries to key attackers like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. A victory for Spurs could reignite the title race and intensify the battle for Champions League qualification. Elsewhere, Manchester City, led by the prolific Erling Haaland, aim to maintain their momentum against Newcastle United, while Liverpool seek to recover from a dismal run against Nottingham Forest. Manchester United, riding a five-game unbeaten streak, will look to continue their resurgence against Everton.
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Abu Dhabi seeks $54 billion in infrastructure projects over 5 years
Abu Dhabi has announced an ambitious $54 billion infrastructure investment plan spanning the next five years, with a significant focus on social infrastructure. The initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), aims to double this investment by 2040, targeting national housing, schools, and community facilities, which constitute approximately 50% of the portfolio. ADPIC’s director, Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, revealed these plans during a recent tour of Istanbul, where officials engaged with Turkish contractors, developers, and construction firms. The visit followed similar trips to Singapore and China, as part of a broader strategy to attract private sector participation. The projects, which include public-private partnerships, will be implemented across Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain city, and the Al-Dhafra region. Financing will be sourced through direct government funding, foreign consultants, and long-term partnerships with real estate developers and investors. Turkish contractors, who have already undertaken $6.1 billion worth of projects in the UAE in 2024, are among the key players being considered. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s economic diversification goals, with a particular emphasis on bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure linked to broader growth strategies.
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Will Trump emulate Thailand, Cambodia by punishing lèse-majesté?
Former President Donald Trump’s recent clash with comedian Seth Meyers has reignited discussions about the boundaries of free speech in the United States. Trump, known for his hypersensitivity to criticism, took to Truth Social to label Meyers’ monologue as “100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!” He later called for NBC to fire Meyers, a move that was reposted by the chair of the Federal Communications Commission. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s confrontations with entertainers and comedians, including Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert, who have criticized his administration. The situation has raised concerns about the erosion of one of the fundamental tenets of American democracy: freedom of speech. Democrat Senator Edward Markey introduced a resolution rebuking Trump for suggesting that criticism of the president could be illegal, emphasizing that such criticism is a constitutional right and a democratic duty. Republicans blocked the resolution, and Trump’s actions have drawn comparisons to the ancient law of “crimen maiestatis,” which protected Roman emperors from insults, and its later incarnation as “lèse-majesté,” which shielded European monarchs. The debate over free speech has historical precedents, including the Sedition Act of 1798, which criminalized criticism of the president and government, and was so unpopular that it contributed to John Adams’ loss in the 1800 presidential election. The principle of free speech, enshrined in the First Amendment, remains a cornerstone of American democracy, but its preservation requires vigilance. As Lyndon Johnson once remarked, being the target of satire is “part of the price of leadership” in a free nation.
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At least 41 dead as relentless rains flood Vietnam
Central Vietnam is facing catastrophic flooding as relentless rains have claimed at least 41 lives and left nine people missing, according to state media reports. The deluge has submerged over 52,000 homes and disrupted power for half a million households and businesses. Rainfall in some areas exceeded 1.5 meters (5 feet) over three days, surpassing the 1993 flood peak of 5.2 meters in certain regions. The coastal cities of Hoi An and Nha Trang, along with the central highlands’ coffee production belt, are among the worst-hit areas. Farmers in the highlands are already struggling with stalled harvests due to earlier storms. This year, Vietnam has been battered by extreme weather, including Typhoons Kalmaegi and Bualoi, which caused widespread destruction. Government estimates indicate that natural disasters have inflicted $2 billion in damages from January to October. Local media has published harrowing images of people stranded on rooftops as floodwaters invade their homes. A viral video shows a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province being torn from its anchors. The province has declared a state of emergency after landslides damaged major roads, including the collapse of part of the Mimosa Pass, a critical route to the tourist city of Da Lat. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated, with military and police forces setting up emergency shelters. A restaurant owner in Nha Trang expressed concern over his submerged property, stating that the water is unlikely to recede soon. Authorities have warned of continued moderate to heavy rains through Sunday.