Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his resignation from the board of OpenAI, following the release of a series of emails between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who also served as president of Harvard University, stated that he would be stepping back from public commitments due to his association with Epstein. The emails, disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, revealed that Summers maintained communication with Epstein until just before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for alleged sex trafficking of minors. In a statement to the BBC, Summers expressed gratitude for his tenure at OpenAI and optimism about the company’s future, while acknowledging his ‘misguided decision’ to continue communicating with Epstein. OpenAI respected Summers’ decision to resign, appreciating his contributions to the board. The controversy has also led to broader political implications, with Congress agreeing to pass a measure requiring the US Justice Department to release its files on Epstein, which will now head to President Donald Trump for approval. Summers, who held senior roles under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, will continue his teaching commitments at Harvard despite stepping back from public life. The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, confirmed that Summers is no longer affiliated with the organization. Summers joined OpenAI’s board in 2023 after a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman.
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Ferry carrying 267 people runs aground in South Korea
A South Korean passenger ferry, the Queen Jenuvia 2, carrying 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks near Jogdo Island off the country’s south-east coast on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred near Jangsan Island in Sinan County, according to the Coast Guard. Despite the grounding, the vessel remains stable with no immediate risk of sinking or capsizing. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to evacuate all passengers and crew to patrol boats, ensuring their safety. Five individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident, but no serious casualties were reported. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has directed all available resources to assist in the rescue operation. ‘We have confirmed that there is no flooding, and we are transferring passengers to patrol boats to move them to a safe location,’ a Coast Guard official stated. The Coast Guard plans to refloat the ferry during high tide. The Queen Jenuvia 2 was en route to Mokpo from Jeju Island when the accident occurred. The area is notably close to the site of the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, which claimed over 300 lives, predominantly schoolchildren on a field trip. This incident has reignited concerns about maritime safety in South Korea, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enhanced emergency preparedness.
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Dubai: Gold recovers some losses as 22K trades above Dh450 per gram
Gold prices in Dubai showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, with 22K gold trading above Dh450 per gram, according to the latest market data. The Dubai Jewellery Group reported that 24K gold was priced at Dh491 per gram, up from Dh489.75 the previous day. Other variants, including 21K and 18K, were also trading higher at Dh436 and Dh373.75 per gram, respectively. Globally, spot gold saw a modest increase of 0.28%, reaching $4,077.38 per ounce. Dat Tong, a senior financial markets strategist at Exness, highlighted that gold could face continued pressure due to declining expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December and easing trade tensions, which have reduced safe-haven demand. Tong noted that market sentiment has shifted, with only a 43% probability of a 25-basis-point rate reduction in December, down from 62% a week earlier. Investors are now focusing on upcoming US economic data, including the delayed September non-farm payrolls report, which could influence market volatility and gold’s trajectory. On the geopolitical front, US President Donald Trump’s executive order to exclude certain food products from recent tariff hikes has temporarily eased market concerns. However, rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to support demand for safe-haven assets like gold.
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Mainland spokesperson rebukes Japanese PM’s provocative Taiwan-related remarks
In a strong rebuke, a spokesperson for the Chinese mainland has condemned recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, labeling them as a blatant violation of international justice and a threat to the post-war global order. The comments, made during a regular press conference by Zhu Fenglian of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Takaichi of attempting to meddle in the Taiwan Strait situation, undermining the historical outcomes of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and reviving militaristic tendencies. Zhu emphasized that such statements severely damage the already fragile relations between China and Japan. The spokesperson reiterated China’s unwavering stance on Taiwan, asserting that any foreign interference in the region is unacceptable and will be met with resolute opposition. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with China consistently advocating for peaceful reunification while maintaining a firm position against any form of separatist activities.
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Irish government approves plans to ban disposable vapes
The Irish government has taken a decisive step to curb nicotine addiction among young people by approving a comprehensive ban on disposable vapes and introducing stringent regulations on other nicotine products. This move follows Northern Ireland’s earlier prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in April 2025. Under the new legislation, retailers in the Republic of Ireland found selling disposable e-cigarettes could face severe penalties, including up to two years in prison and fines of up to £5,000. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasized that the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025 aims to shield children from the allure of nicotine products. The government also plans to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under 18 and ban advertising for such products in retail outlets. These measures will be integrated into the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, which will regulate packaging, flavors, and product displays. Both Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor pledged to expedite the implementation of these laws, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations.
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5 reportedly injured after South Korean ferry with about 270 people runs aground
A South Korean ferry carrying 267 individuals, including 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks off the country’s southwest coast on Wednesday, according to the coast guard. The vessel was en route from Jeju Island to Mokpo when the incident occurred. Initial reports from the Yonhap news agency indicated that five people sustained minor injuries, but no fatalities or serious casualties have been confirmed. The coast guard swiftly mobilized all available resources to ensure the safety and rescue of those aboard. The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing the situation promptly and ensuring the well-being of all passengers and crew members.
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UAE weather: 9.2°C recorded in Al Ain; lowest temperature on November 19
The city of Al Ain in the UAE has once again made headlines for its extreme weather conditions, recording the nation’s lowest temperature of 9.2°C on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that the temperature was recorded in Raknah at 6:45 AM local time. This marks the second time in ten days that Raknah has experienced the coldest temperature in the country, following a previous low of 9.8°C on November 9. Interestingly, Al Ain also claimed the highest temperature in the UAE on Tuesday, November 18, with Sweihan reaching 34.7°C at 2:15 PM. As the UAE transitions into winter, residents are welcoming the cooler weather, which offers a refreshing break from the intense summer heat and encourages outdoor activities and travel.
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Lithuania to reopen border crossings with Russia-allied Belarus after tensions over balloons
In a significant diplomatic move, the Lithuanian government announced on Wednesday the reopening of its two border crossings with Belarus, weeks after their closure due to disruptions caused by cigarette-smuggling balloons. The crossings at Medininkai and Šalčininkai will resume operations on Thursday, marking a potential thaw in the strained relations between the neighboring countries. The decision follows a month-long closure initiated in late October, which Lithuanian officials attributed to deliberate provocations by Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The reopening is expected to alleviate the plight of Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus, as Minsk had refused to create an exclusive evacuation corridor without a full border reopening. Technical negotiations between customs officials from both nations took place on Tuesday, paving the way for this resolution. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had previously threatened to seize over 1,200 stranded vehicles if Lithuania did not reopen the border, labeling the closure as part of a ‘hybrid war’ against his country. Lithuania, a NATO and EU member on the alliance’s eastern flank, has cautioned that the border could be shut again if airspace violations involving balloons or drones recur. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė emphasized that the decision was made after several weeks of relative calm, but the government retains the right to close the borders if the situation deteriorates.
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Indonesia raises alert for Mount Semeru volcano to the highest level after a series of eruptions
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities escalated the alert status for Mount Semeru, the tallest volcano on Java Island, to its highest level on Wednesday following a series of intense eruptions. The volcanic activity, which began midday and continued into the evening, produced avalanches of scorching ash clouds, molten rock, and gas, traveling up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) down its slopes. A towering column of hot ash rose 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) into the atmosphere, according to a statement from Indonesia’s Geology Agency. The eruptions blanketed nearby villages with ash, prompting authorities to raise the alert level twice within a single day. No casualties have been reported so far. Over 300 residents from three high-risk villages in Lumajang district were evacuated to government shelters, as confirmed by Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has a history of eruptions spanning over two centuries. Despite the risks, tens of thousands of people continue to inhabit its fertile slopes, a common scenario across Indonesia’s 129 active volcanoes. The nation, home to more than 270 million people, lies along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ a seismically active region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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UAE to establish ‘K-City’ as regional hub for Korean food, culture
In a landmark announcement on November 18, 2025, the UAE and South Korea unveiled plans to establish ‘K-City,’ a comprehensive hub dedicated to Korean culture, cuisine, and business in the UAE. This initiative, born from a high-level meeting between the two nations’ presidents, aims to solidify the UAE’s position as the Middle Eastern epicenter for Korean cultural exchange. The project builds on the success of the recent K-content expo in Dubai, which saw significant participation from both government and private sectors. The UAE has long been a hotspot for Korean culture, with the Hallyu wave captivating the younger generation. K-pop concerts, K-drama events, and Korean restaurants consistently draw large crowds, while K-beauty products have become staples in the local market. ‘K-City’ will further enhance these cultural ties by fostering active people-to-people exchanges. This ambitious project is expected to deepen bilateral relations and create exciting opportunities for Korean culture enthusiasts in the Emirates.