Iraq stands just one victory away from securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across North America. This potential achievement marks a significant milestone for a nation that has endured decades of turmoil and conflict. The Iraqi national team, led by veteran coach Graham Arnold, faces a decisive playoff match against either Bolivia or Suriname in March 2025. The winner will earn a coveted place in the global tournament, ending Iraq’s 40-year absence from the World Cup stage. The journey to this point has been grueling, with Iraq navigating an unprecedented 21-game qualifying campaign—more than any other team in the competition. Their recent dramatic victory over the United Arab Emirates, sealed by a last-minute penalty kick, has fueled hope and excitement among Iraqi fans. Arnold, who previously guided Australia to World Cup qualification, described the immense pressure and emotional weight of the task, emphasizing its transformative potential for Iraq. Despite the challenges, including social media bans for players to maintain focus, the team has shown resilience and determination. For a country still recovering from war and conflict, this moment represents more than just a sporting achievement—it symbolizes unity, pride, and a brighter future.
作者： admin
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India’s delayed action plan raises eyebrows at COP30 climate summit
As the UN climate summit (COP30) unfolds in Belem, Brazil, India, the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, finds itself under intense scrutiny for its delayed submission of a crucial climate plan. Known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), these updated plans are essential for achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C. While around 120 of the 196 UNFCCC member countries have submitted their updated NDCs, India remains among the holdouts, with its environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, announcing that the plan will be submitted by the end of December. India’s delay has raised eyebrows, especially as international assessments label its climate actions as ‘worryingly inadequate.’ Despite this, India has met its pledge to achieve 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources ahead of the 2030 deadline. However, coal still dominates 75% of its electricity generation, a figure that must drop significantly to align with global climate goals. India’s stance at COP30 emphasizes the need for developed nations to take greater responsibility for emissions reductions and provide substantial financial support to developing countries. Yadav argued that ‘global climate progress can’t come from endless discussions alone,’ calling for developed nations to reach net-zero emissions earlier and deliver trillions in climate finance. The issue of climate finance remains contentious, with developing nations demanding over $1 trillion annually, while developed countries have pledged only $300 billion. India’s reliance on coal and its delayed NDC submission have drawn criticism, particularly as China, its usual ally in climate negotiations, has already submitted its updated plan. As COP30 continues, the world watches to see if India’s updated climate plan will address these concerns and align with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.
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No 2026 World Cup spot but China is experiencing a grassroots soccer revival
Despite the Chinese national soccer team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup and the ongoing struggles of its top clubs in Asian competitions, there are signs of hope for the sport in China. The 2025 Chinese Super League season concluded on a positive note, with Shanghai Port poised to retain the title if they secure a draw in their final match against Dalian. Should they falter, city rivals Shanghai Shenhua could seize the opportunity. The season has seen an average attendance of 26,000 per match, the highest among top Asian leagues and a significant improvement from a decade ago when Chinese clubs splurged on international stars like Oscar, Tevez, and Hulk, and renowned coaches such as Marcello Lippi and Manuel Pellegrini. Today, the league lacks such high-profile names, and clubs face financial difficulties, but the passion for soccer remains undiminished. Simon Chadwick, a professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in France, noted that a dedicated fan base persists in China, undeterred by recent challenges. While the sustainability of this resurgence is uncertain, Chadwick believes the seeds of a new era in Chinese soccer are beginning to sprout. This revival extends beyond the professional level, with amateur regional leagues flourishing across the country. The Jiangsu Football City League, launched in May 2025, has been particularly successful, drawing an average attendance of 30,000 and culminating in a final that attracted 62,000 spectators in Nanjing. The league’s success has inspired other provinces to establish similar competitions, marking a shift from top-down initiatives to grassroots, community-driven growth. Taizhou coach Zhou Gaoping emphasized the league’s role in rediscovering the essence of soccer, transcending mere victories and defeats. As Taizhou prepares for the 2026 season with overwhelming player interest, the future of Chinese soccer appears promising, even as the national team remains absent from the World Cup. If this trend continues, soccer could experience unprecedented growth in one of the world’s most populous nations.
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UN chief urges compromise on climate finance
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged developed nations to make compromises to address the climate finance concerns of developing countries. Speaking at a press conference during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, Guterres emphasized the need for balanced progress in both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. He expressed cautious optimism, noting that many developed nations seem ready to engage in financing adaptation measures. The conference, nearing its conclusion, aims to implement the COP29 targets, including an annual funding of at least $300 billion from developed countries and a broader climate finance goal of $1.3 trillion per year by 2035. Guterres also called for countries to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, stressing that current pledges are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C goal. He concluded by urging all parties to ensure the success of COP30, rather than discussing potential failures.
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Trump to meet with New York City mayor-elect Mamdani
President Donald Trump has announced a meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, scheduled for Friday at the Oval Office. This comes after months of tension, during which Trump threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and Muslim, won the election. Mamdani, born in Uganda, secured a decisive victory on November 4, defeating former New York governor Andrew Cuomo with over 50% of the vote. Despite Cuomo’s national profile and political dynasty, Trump backed him, citing shared billionaire donors. Trump, a Queens native, built his real estate empire and celebrity status in New York City.
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New images show engine flying off before UPS cargo plane crash
A recent federal investigation into the fatal UPS cargo plane crash on November 4 has unveiled startling details, supported by newly released images. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report highlights that the plane’s engine detached from its wing during takeoff, subsequently exploding into flames. The incident occurred as the aircraft, en route from Louisville, Kentucky, to Hawaii, barely cleared the runway before crashing into a nearby UPS warehouse. The crash claimed 14 lives, including three crew members and 11 individuals on the ground, while injuring 23 others. Preliminary findings indicate fatigue cracks and overstress failures around the left wing’s engine mount, compounded by a fractured bearing that secured the connection. The plane, which had logged approximately 92,992 flight hours and 21,043 cycles, was overdue for a detailed inspection at 29,200 cycles. The crash released tens of thousands of gallons of fuel, prompting a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius due to explosion and pollution risks. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the Kentucky National Guard. The investigation continues, with the cockpit flight recorder and flight data recorder being analyzed at a secure facility.
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Friday-night drug deals helping Russian war machine, UK crime agency warns
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed a shocking connection between cocaine purchases in the UK and the funding of Russian arms factories. A Russian-led money-laundering network operating in Britain has been using a Kyrgyzstan-based bank to facilitate payments for Russia’s military-industrial complex, including arms production for the Ukraine war. The NCA’s investigation, dubbed Operation Destabilise, has uncovered a sprawling criminal ecosystem that processes cash for drug gangs, illegal firearms suppliers, and people smugglers.
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Emirati, Israeli and far-right influencers ‘invented Christian killings in Sudan’, report says
A recent investigation by Beam Reports, a Sudanese platform dedicated to combating disinformation, has uncovered a coordinated digital campaign involving Emirati, Israeli, and far-right social media accounts. The campaign falsely alleged that Christians were being targeted and killed by Islamists in Sudan, particularly in the aftermath of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group’s seizure of el-Fasher in Darfur nearly a month ago. The report revealed that the campaign aimed to shift blame for atrocities away from the RSF, reframe Sudan’s conflict as a religious war to garner international sympathy, and flood online spaces with fabricated content to obscure media coverage.
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Delhi teen’s suicide triggers uproar against school teachers’ alleged mental abuse
A tragic incident in Delhi has ignited widespread outrage after a 16-year-old student allegedly took his own life, citing severe mental distress caused by his school teachers. The teenager, a Class 10 student at St Columba’s School, reportedly jumped from the Rajendra Place Metro station on Tuesday. In a handwritten suicide note recovered by the Delhi Police, the boy explicitly blamed his teachers and the school principal for his decision, urging authorities to take action to prevent similar tragedies.
The note, found in the student’s school bag, revealed the depth of his anguish. He apologized to his family, expressed his desire to donate his organs, and reiterated that the relentless emotional abuse from his teachers had driven him to this extreme step. The boy’s father alleged that his son had been subjected to continuous harassment by several teachers, despite repeated verbal complaints to the school administration. ‘He used to tell us that teachers scolded him for every small thing and emotionally hurt him. We complained many times, but they never stopped,’ the father told PTI.
The incident has triggered a massive protest outside the school, with demands for accountability and systemic reforms to address mental health and bullying in educational institutions. The FIR filed by the Delhi Police highlighted the boy’s frequent complaints about the teachers’ behavior, including scolding, insulting, and mental torment over minor issues. The parents emphasized that their pleas for intervention were consistently ignored, leaving their son to suffer in silence.
The suicide note poignantly read, ‘I am very sorry I did this, but the school staff said so much that I had to do it. My last wish is that action be taken against them so that no other student does what I did.’ This heartbreaking case has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations and support systems to protect students from emotional abuse and ensure their mental well-being.
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Sharjah launches Human Development Forum highlighting Palestinian heritage
Sharjah has inaugurated its first-ever Human Development Forum, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster humanitarian and cultural progress in the region. Hosted at the University of Sharjah (UOS) under the theme “Humanity and Heritage in Palestine,” the forum convened leaders, academics, and students to explore strategies for preserving Palestinian culture and supporting local communities. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of UOS, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan emphasized the importance of heritage preservation as a means to impart values, knowledge, and creativity to future generations. He highlighted the pivotal role of students in achieving the forum’s objectives, expressing confidence in their innovative ideas and proposals. Sheikha Jawaher announced the establishment of the Jawaher Al Qasimi Chair in Palestinian Studies and the Palestine Legacy Fund, initiatives aimed at safeguarding Palestinian heritage and providing scholarships for displaced students, particularly from Gaza. She underscored the forum’s commitment to combating efforts to erase Palestinian identity and heritage, stating that true belonging transcends geography and is rooted in values and history. The forum also featured discussions on protecting Palestinian history, arts, architecture, and social traditions, while encouraging research, student projects, and community engagement. By integrating academic research, humanitarian action, and cultural preservation, the forum has established a new model for advancing human development and reinforcing the UAE’s dedication to Palestine.