The Summit of Tianjin, a groundbreaking architectural marvel, opened its doors to the public in June 2025. This iconic structure, located in Tianjin, China, boasts a unique ‘steel tubular column and steel plate shear wall’ design, earning it the distinction of being the tallest building in the world to utilize this innovative structural system. The Summit of Tianjin is not just a testament to modern engineering but also a symbol of the city’s rapid development and ambition. Visitors to the sightseeing hall can experience panoramic views of the city, offering a blend of architectural brilliance and urban beauty. The building’s design emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural resilience, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Summit of Tianjin stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing China’s prowess in pushing the boundaries of architectural design and urban planning.
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Despite hot streak, Max Verstappen knows another F1 title is unlikely
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a tale of two teams: McLaren’s resurgence and Red Bull’s struggle to maintain its historic dominance. While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have emerged as the frontrunners, Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time champion, has been fighting an uphill battle to keep his title hopes alive. Despite a late-season surge, Verstappen acknowledges that a fifth consecutive championship is highly improbable. The season began with Red Bull’s lackluster performance in Australia, a stark contrast to the team’s previous dominance. Verstappen, however, has managed to stay competitive, securing seven consecutive podiums and three wins in the last six races. Yet, with three races remaining, he trails Norris by 49 points and Piastri by 25. Verstappen remains pragmatic, stating that a title win would require significant luck and a dramatic turnaround. His focus now is on maximizing his car’s potential and finishing the season strong. Meanwhile, Norris’s consistent performance suggests that Verstappen’s prediction last year—that Norris’s time would come—might soon be fulfilled. As the season nears its end, Verstappen’s legacy as one of F1’s greats remains intact, even if his reign as champion appears to be winding down.
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‘Too little, too late:’ Former UK government slammed for its initial COVID-19 response
A damning public inquiry report released on Thursday has sharply criticized the UK’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, labeling it as ‘too little, too late.’ The inquiry, led by former judge Heather Hallett, revealed that the delayed implementation of lockdown measures in early 2020 resulted in an ‘unacceptable loss of life,’ potentially costing 23,000 lives in England alone during the first wave of the pandemic. The report highlighted chaos within the Conservative government at the time, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused of fostering a ‘toxic’ culture in Downing Street and frequently changing his stance on critical decisions. Key cabinet members and scientists also failed to act with the necessary urgency to combat the virus. The UK-wide lockdown, announced on March 23, 2020, came weeks after most European nations had already imposed restrictions. Hallett emphasized that an earlier lockdown could have reduced deaths by 48%, saving thousands of lives. The report also criticized Johnson’s overly optimistic outlook and the behavior of his special adviser, Dominic Cummings, who was accused of using ‘offensive, sexualized, and misogynistic’ language, further exacerbating the government’s dysfunction. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group welcomed the findings, placing much of the blame on Johnson for prioritizing his political reputation over public safety. Hallett’s inquiry, which began two years ago and is expected to continue until 2027, is now focusing on the impact of the pandemic on children.
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US congresswoman charged with stealing $5m in federal disaster funds
A Florida congresswoman, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, has been indicted on charges of embezzling $5 million in federal disaster funds. The 46-year-old Democrat, elected to Congress in 2022, is accused of laundering a portion of the misappropriated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds into her 2021 election campaign. The alleged fraud was orchestrated through Trinity Healthcare Services, a company she co-owned with her brother, Edwin Chefilus, who is also implicated in the scheme. The company had secured a FEMA contract to register individuals for COVID-19 vaccines but reportedly received an overpayment of $5 million in July 2021. Prosecutors claim the siblings attempted to conceal the money’s origin by funneling it through multiple accounts, with a significant portion allegedly used to finance her congressional bid. Additionally, funds were reportedly diverted to friends and relatives, who then contributed to her campaign as personal donations. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the act as a ‘particularly selfish, cynical crime,’ emphasizing that no one is above the law. If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. She has vehemently denied the charges, calling the indictment ‘unjust and baseless,’ and vowed to clear her name. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating her conduct, and Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube has proposed a resolution to expel her from Congress, citing the severity of the allegations.
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Belarus frees 2 imprisoned Catholic priests after talks with Vatican
In a significant development, two Roman Catholic priests imprisoned in Belarus on charges widely regarded as politically motivated were released on Thursday. The release followed diplomatic discussions involving the Vatican, as confirmed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Belarus. This move has sparked speculation about a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and Western nations, particularly after a recent phone conversation between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and former U.S. President Donald Trump led to the release of several political prisoners earlier this year. Among the freed clergymen was Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich, a 65-year-old priest sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2023 on treason charges. Akalatovich, who had criticized the government in his sermons, denied accusations of espionage for Poland and the Vatican, calling them baseless. His arrest marked the first politically driven case against Catholic clergy in Belarus since the country’s independence in 1991. Also released was Rev. Andrzej Yukhnevich, who was serving a 13-year sentence for child molestation charges that he and human rights activists claimed were politically motivated. Yukhnevich had previously been detained multiple times, including for displaying a Ukrainian flag on social media. The releases followed a visit to Belarus by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, a papal envoy and former Vatican ambassador to Belarus, in October. The Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed optimism about renewed dialogue between Belarus, the U.S., and the Vatican. However, the whereabouts of the released priests remain unknown, with many political prisoners previously relocated to Lithuania without proper documentation. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya praised the Vatican’s intervention, emphasizing the need to end repression against believers. The case highlights the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Belarus, where over 1,200 political prisoners, including 29 clergy members, remain incarcerated. Despite Orthodox Christianity dominating Belarus’ religious landscape, Catholics and Protestants continue to face persecution for their opposition to Lukashenko’s regime.
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‘I made mistakes on TV, he made his on a field’
As the highly anticipated Ashes series approaches, tensions between former England spinner Monty Panesar and Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith have escalated, with both cricketers trading pointed remarks. The verbal sparring began when Smith, during a pre-match press conference in Perth, mocked Panesar’s 2019 appearance on the BBC quiz show ‘Celebrity Mastermind,’ where the Englishman famously struggled with general knowledge questions. Smith quipped, ‘Anyone who believes Athens is in Germany or Oliver Twist is a season shouldn’t be taken seriously.’ Panesar, however, fired back by referencing Smith’s involvement in the 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal, which led to his temporary removal as Australia’s captain. ‘I made my mistakes on a quiz show; he made his on a cricket field,’ Panesar remarked in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. The former England bowler also suggested that Smith’s focus on his quiz show performance might indicate that England is already ‘in his head.’ Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, expressed surprise at Smith’s decision to bring up the Mastermind episode, expecting a more measured response. He speculated that the Australian’s reaction could open the door for England to exploit psychological vulnerabilities during the series. The first Ashes Test begins on Friday at Perth Stadium, with Smith leading Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is sidelined with a back injury. The exchange has added an extra layer of intrigue to the storied rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
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‘A brother before a friend’: UAE mourns Osama Al Shaafar, ex FNC member, sporting icon
The United Arab Emirates is in mourning following the tragic passing of Osama Al Shaafar, a revered figure in both the political and sporting arenas. Al Shaafar, a former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and a prominent leader in cycling and bodybuilding, died on Wednesday due to an accident abroad. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with tributes flooding social media platforms and official statements from various organizations. Friends, colleagues, and admirers remembered Al Shaafar as a man of exceptional kindness, humility, and warmth, often describing him as ‘a brother before a friend.’ His genuine smile and unwavering support for others left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Al Shaafar’s contributions to the UAE and Asian sporting communities were immense. He served as president of the UAE Cycling Federation for eight years, during which the sport achieved significant milestones in talent development and international recognition. He also held leadership roles in the Asian Cycling Confederation and the International Cycling Union (UCI), among others. His legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award and the Gold Medal of Honor from the International Federation of Bodybuilding. The UAE community continues to honor his memory, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both sports and society.
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Sheikh Mohammed announces programme to attract 1,000 international companies
In a significant move to bolster its economic landscape, the UAE has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at attracting 1,000 of the world’s most successful international trade companies. Spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the programme was announced on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This strategic effort is designed to enhance the UAE’s position as a global trade hub and stimulate foreign direct investment (FDI).
On the preceding day, Sheikh Mohammed introduced the National Investment Fund, which boasts an initial capital of Dh36.7 billion. This fund is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the UAE’s ambitious economic targets by increasing annual FDI from Dh115 billion to Dh240 billion by 2031. The fund will offer attractive financial incentives to lure international businesses, thereby fostering economic growth and diversification.
In addition to the investment fund, Sheikh Mohammed revealed plans for a cutting-edge digital platform. This platform will serve as a bridge connecting thousands of UAE-based export companies with overseas markets, providing them with expanded opportunities to showcase their products and access new markets. “This initiative will further cement the UAE’s status as a vital node in global trade networks,” Sheikh Mohammed stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The UAE’s foreign trade has already demonstrated impressive growth, surging to Dh5.23 trillion in 2024—a 49% increase from Dh3.5 trillion in 2021. Service exports, particularly in the digital sector, have been a key driver of this success, contributing Dh650 billion in 2024, with digital services alone accounting for Dh191 billion.
This dual-pronged approach—combining financial incentives with digital innovation—underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the global economy. The programme is expected to create new opportunities for both local and international businesses, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking economic powerhouse.
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Spain rallies past Czech Republic to reach Davis Cup semifinals. Germany defeats Argentina
In a dramatic showdown at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, Italy, Spain and Germany secured their spots in the semifinals after hard-fought quarterfinal victories. Spain, led by Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez, overcame the Czech Republic with a 2-1 win in the deciding doubles match. The Spanish duo triumphed 7-6 (8), 7-6 (8) at the SuperTennis Arena, showcasing resilience in the absence of their star player, Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew due to a hamstring injury. Earlier, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik gave the Czech team an initial lead by defeating Pablo Carreño Busta, but Jaume Munar leveled the score for Spain with a decisive win over Jiri Lehecka. Spain, aiming for its seventh Davis Cup title, will now face Germany in the semifinals. Germany, the No. 2 seed, edged past Argentina in another nail-biting encounter. Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz clinched the decisive doubles match 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10), despite both teams squandering match points. Argentina, seeking its 100th Davis Cup tie victory, fell short of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2016. Meanwhile, top-seeded Italy, vying for a third consecutive title, will face Belgium in the other semifinal. The Davis Cup Finals, now in its sixth edition, continues to captivate tennis fans with its high-stakes drama and global competition.
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Coordinated operation across Europe dismantles antiquities smuggling ring
In a groundbreaking international effort, law enforcement agencies from seven countries, in collaboration with Eurojust and Europol, have successfully dismantled a sprawling criminal network involved in the trafficking of stolen cultural artifacts across Europe. Bulgarian authorities announced the operation on Thursday, revealing that 35 suspects have been arrested in connection with the smuggling ring. Among them, 20 individuals are facing charges of antiquities trafficking and money laundering. Bulgarian Prosecutor Angel Kanev disclosed that the group has been active for over 16 years, operating across Western Europe, the Balkans, the United States, and other regions. The investigation has uncovered illicit funds exceeding $1 billion. Coordinated actions were carried out in Albania, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom, resulting in 131 searches of properties, vehicles, and bank safes. Authorities seized over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient golden and silver coins, artworks, weapons, and investment gold, with an estimated total value surpassing €100 million ($116 million). Paolo Befera, deputy head of Italy’s Carabinieri cultural heritage protection directorate, described the operation as the largest of its kind, with 300 historical artifacts recovered in Italy alone. The Balkan region and Italy, rich in Greek and Roman archaeological treasures, have long been targeted by criminal networks despite stringent national laws. The international black market continues to fuel demand for such stolen artifacts.