In Belem, Brazil, the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) has become a platform for Indigenous communities to amplify their voices. On Friday, Indigenous protesters disrupted access to the main venue, demanding urgent action on climate change and greater respect for their rights. The peaceful demonstration, led by members of the Munduruku Indigenous group, blocked the entrance, forcing attendees to use a side door and causing significant delays. Cris Julião Pankararu, a representative of the Pankararu people, described the protest as ‘a scream’ against the violation of Indigenous rights and exclusion from decision-making processes. Brazilian military personnel prevented demonstrators from entering the site, while activists formed human chains around the venue. COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago engaged with the protesters, even holding a baby during discussions, before the entrance reopened at 9:37 a.m. The Munduruku group presented a list of demands to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including the cancellation of commercial river development projects, a grain railway initiative, and deforestation carbon credits. They emphasized their role as protectors of the Amazon and climate, rejecting the destruction of their lands for corporate gain. Conference CEO Ana Toni highlighted the inclusivity of COP30, with over 900 Indigenous participants, a record number. However, activists like Harjeet Singh expressed frustration over the lack of progress in past COPs, calling for tangible actions rather than mere discussions. Meanwhile, Indigenous leaders from the Ecuadorian Amazon warned of an irreversible tipping point due to oil drilling, mining, and agribusiness expansion. They urged for direct climate finance and stronger protections for Indigenous rights and nature. The protests underscore the growing urgency for global climate action and the need to center Indigenous voices in environmental decision-making.
作者： admin
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Second brother of French anti-drugs campaigner shot dead in Marseille
Amine Kessaci, a prominent French anti-drugs campaigner, has suffered another devastating loss as his second brother, Mehdi Kessaci, was shot dead in Marseille on Thursday. The 20-year-old was parking his car in the city center when a motorcycle pulled up, and the pillion passenger opened fire with a 9mm pistol. This tragic incident follows the 2020 murder of Amine’s elder brother, Brahim, whose charred body was found in a burned-out car—a grim hallmark of gang-related killings locally referred to as a ‘barbecue.’
Amine, who was just 17 when Brahim was killed, founded an association called Conscience to help young people in Marseille’s impoverished neighborhoods escape the grip of powerful drug gangs. Investigators believe Mehdi’s murder may have been a targeted warning to Amine, who has recently received death threats and is under police protection. Marseille’s chief prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, stated that this hypothesis is not being ruled out, adding that such acts evoke dark periods in France’s history when familial vendettas led to brutal killings.
Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has become infamous for its escalating drug wars, with rival gangs from high-immigration neighborhoods battling for control. This year alone, there have been 14 drug-related murders, often involving teenagers as young as 15. Amine’s association, Conscience, operates in several cities, offering support to families affected by drug violence and bridging connections between former delinquents and employers.
Amine, who ran unsuccessfully for the Green Party in European and legislative elections last year, recently published a book titled *Marseille Wipe your Tears – Life and Death in a Land of Drugs*. He has become a symbol of resilience, having met President Emmanuel Macron in 2021 to discuss initiatives to improve life in Marseille. Reflecting on his journey, Amine wrote in his book, ‘Politics never held out its hand to me, so I decided to grab it by the throat. Brahim – it was you who threw me into politics the day you burned in a car.’
The killings of his brothers have not only devastated Amine but also highlighted the pervasive violence plaguing Marseille. Christine Juste, a Green Party city councillor, expressed her sorrow and anger, stating, ‘No mother should go through that—losing two children. And I’m so angry that in France’s second city, people can be murdered so easily in plain daylight.’
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Humans teaching AI: How driverless cars racing in Abu Dhabi run on code, brainpower
The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is set to host the world’s largest autonomous car race, where 11 teams from across the globe will compete for a $2.25 million prize pool. This event, part of the Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), features six fully autonomous cars from Germany, Italy, and the UAE, alongside five others in the Silver Race. The competition highlights the intersection of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence, as engineers and mechanics work tirelessly to refine the algorithms and systems that power these driverless vehicles. Unlike traditional Formula One races, there are no pit-to-driver radios or tyre strategies. Instead, each car relies on sensors, algorithms, and the ‘personality’ coded into it by its creators. The event also includes a Human vs AI showdown, pitting reigning champions TUM against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Teams like Code 19, founded by ex-military personnel, bring a unique perspective, emphasizing speed, innovation, and precision. The race underscores the rapid advancements in autonomous technology, with cars now achieving speeds comparable to human-driven vehicles. As the machines grow faster, the human role shifts from driving to strategic oversight, marking a new era in motorsport.
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Takaful Emarat reports record growth in Q3 2025, marking a new era of transformation
Takaful Emarat – Insurance (P.S.C.), a prominent Shariah-compliant life and health insurance provider in the UAE, has unveiled its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, showcasing a remarkable transformation and a fortified market presence. The company reported a 22% year-on-year increase in Gross Written Contributions (GWC), amounting to Dh563 million, compared to the same period in the previous year. Takaful revenues soared by 51% to Dh444 million, while net profit for the quarter hit Dh13 million, the highest quarterly profit in recent years. The total profit for the year rose to Dh23 million by Q3 2025, highlighting the company’s robust financial health and sustainable growth trajectory. The financial success also led to significant balance sheet enhancements, with shareholders’ equity increasing by 22% to Dh200 million and total assets growing by 8% to Dh1.036 billion. Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, Chairman of the Board, attributed this success to the company’s strategic focus on financial stability, customer experience, and operational efficiency. He emphasized investments in digital innovation, customer-centric products, and automation to deliver seamless, Shariah-compliant insurance solutions. Adnan Sab’a El Aish, CEO of Takaful Emarat, highlighted the exceptional performance as a testament to the team’s dedication, customer trust, and board guidance, marking the start of a new chapter of sustainable growth and industry leadership. Moving forward, Takaful Emarat remains committed to delivering value to stakeholders while adhering to Shariah compliance, integrity, and innovation.
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‘The future will take care of itself’ – Nketiah on Ghana rumours
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has addressed growing speculation about a potential switch in his international allegiance from England to Ghana as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 26-year-old, who holds the record for most goals scored for England’s Under-21 team with 16 goals, has only made one senior appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players can switch nationalities if they have played no more than three competitive matches at the senior level before turning 21 or have not participated in a major tournament like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, has expressed pride in his Ghanaian heritage but remains focused on his club career. ‘At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace—that’s been my main focus,’ he told BBC Sport Africa. ‘I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.’ The debate over diaspora players like Nketiah and Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi joining the Ghanaian national team has intensified since Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup. While some fans and officials argue against including players who did not contribute to the qualification campaign, others see their potential as a boost for the Black Stars. Nketiah has not ruled out a switch but denied recent contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). ‘I haven’t had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies,’ he said. Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of commitment and unity, stating that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, Nketiah’s charitable work in Ghana, recognized at last month’s Best of Africa Awards, highlights his deep connection to the country. ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed by God with this ability and opportunities,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to use that really well and try to give back to as many people as we can.’ Despite the ongoing debate, Nketiah remains focused on his career and avoids social media distractions. ‘There’s a lot of negative and a lot of positive, so I just try to stay level-headed,’ he concluded.
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Hungary to mount court challenge to EU’s planned phase-out of Russian energy, Orbán says
Hungary has declared its intention to legally contest the European Union’s strategy to eliminate Russian energy imports by 2027, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announcing plans to bring the case before the European Court of Justice. In a Friday broadcast on state radio, Orbán criticized the EU for allegedly bypassing Hungary’s veto power on sanctions by leveraging trade regulations. He described the move as a blatant violation of European law and cooperation, warning that the bloc would face significant consequences for its actions.
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China’s Shenzhou XX spacecraft found unfit for crewed return
China’s Shenzhou XX spacecraft has been declared unfit for the safe return of astronauts due to structural issues, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Friday, November 14, 2025. The decision comes after the discovery of tiny cracks in the return capsule’s viewport window, likely caused by an external impact from space debris. As a result, the spacecraft will remain in orbit to continue conducting scientific experiments. This development highlights the challenges of maintaining spacecraft integrity in the harsh environment of space, where collisions with debris pose significant risks. The CMSA emphasized that the safety of astronauts remains its top priority and assured that alternative plans are being developed to ensure their secure return. This incident underscores the importance of ongoing advancements in space technology and debris mitigation strategies to safeguard future missions.
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China’s Shenzhou XXI spaceship undocks from space station combination
In a significant milestone for China’s space exploration program, the Shenzhou XXI crewed spaceship successfully undocked from the space station combination on Friday, November 14, 2025. The operation marks the beginning of the return mission to bring the Shenzhou XX astronauts safely back to Earth. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed the successful undocking, highlighting the precision and coordination involved in the maneuver. This event underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The Shenzhou XXI mission is part of China’s broader strategy to establish a permanent presence in space, with the space station serving as a hub for scientific research and international collaboration. The return of the astronauts is expected to provide valuable data and insights for future missions, further solidifying China’s position as a key player in the global space race.
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BBC apologises to Trump, but rejects defamation claim
The BBC has issued an apology to former US President Donald Trump for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but has firmly rejected any grounds for a defamation lawsuit. The controversy stems from a documentary aired in October 2024, which suggested Trump had directly incited ‘violent action’ before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The broadcaster acknowledged the error, with BBC Chair Samir Shah sending a personal letter to Trump expressing regret. However, the BBC emphasized that it does not believe the incident justifies a defamation claim, as stated in a response to Trump’s legal team. The editing row has escalated, leading to the resignation of the BBC’s director-general and top news executive. The broadcaster is also investigating another instance of a misleading edit from June 2022, where phrases from Trump’s speech were spliced together to imply he urged supporters to ‘fight like hell.’ This controversy arises during a politically sensitive period for the BBC, as it prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, set to expire in 2027. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government have been cautious, supporting the BBC’s independence while avoiding direct confrontation with Trump.
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Trump’s Venezuela war threat a gift to China
Former US President Donald Trump, who once vowed to end America’s ‘endless wars,’ is now contemplating military intervention in Venezuela. Proposed justifications include combating ‘narco-terrorism,’ promoting democracy, and countering China’s growing influence in Latin America. However, such actions could inadvertently strengthen China’s foothold in the region. A 2024 Economist survey highlighted the dramatic expansion of China-Latin America trade, which surged from $18 billion in 2002 to $450 billion in 2022. Chinese diplomats have also deepened ties, with ambassadors proficient in Spanish and Portuguese and expanded diplomatic missions. Marco Rubio, now serving as both secretary of state and national security adviser, has expressed concerns about China’s influence, yet regional leaders have largely remained indifferent. Recent developments, such as Latin American leaders gathering in Beijing and the inauguration of a Chinese-built ‘smart port’ in Peru, underscore China’s growing economic and diplomatic clout. Chinese officials have openly supported Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, condemning US pressure as ‘bullying.’ Meanwhile, Chinese analysts argue that US military action in Venezuela could backfire, fueling anti-American sentiment and benefiting Chinese enterprises. Some even speculate about China adopting a security role in Latin America, though this remains unlikely. The US must carefully weigh the risks of another prolonged conflict and the potential for China to further capitalize on regional discontent.