Italy has reaffirmed its status as a global leader in the jewellery and gemstone industry, securing its position as the third-largest exporter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the first seven months of 2025, Italian jewellery exports to the UAE surged to €836.9 million, marking a 13.72% year-on-year increase and capturing a 7.9% market share. This growth underscores the sustained demand for Italian craftsmanship and the robust trade relationship between the two nations.
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Nepal’s war victims watch political changes with fragile hope
In Nepal, the families of victims from the decade-long civil war are watching the country’s recent political upheaval with a fragile sense of hope. The conflict, which ended in 2006, left over 16,000 dead and 1,400 missing, with abuses committed by both Maoist rebels and state forces. Despite a peace agreement, justice has been painfully slow. Transitional justice commissions established in 2015 have yet to resolve any of the 65,000 complaints of rape, murder, and enforced disappearances. Sunamati Chaudhari, whose husband was taken by security forces 22 years ago, exemplifies the struggle for closure. ‘We left no stone unturned,’ she said, recounting her efforts to seek justice through courts, organizations, and even the United Nations. ‘But nothing happened.’ The recent youth-led protests against economic woes, corruption, and a social media ban, which led to the government’s collapse in September, have added to the uncertainty. Former chief justice Sushila Karki, now interim prime minister, has been a rare advocate for war victims, but the political situation remains volatile. Families like Chaudhari’s, who recently performed her husband’s death rites, feel time has run out. ‘Many prime ministers have come and gone,’ she lamented, ‘but nobody addressed our problem.’
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Wuhan University opens technology transfer center in Sanya
Wuhan University has inaugurated a new branch of its Technology Transfer Center in Sanya, Hainan province, marking a significant step in fostering regional innovation and industrial collaboration. The launch ceremony, held in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, was attended by Sanya Vice-Mayor Fan Mu, who emphasized the center’s role in bridging academic research with industrial applications. The center will focus on key sectors such as marine technology, life sciences, advanced materials, intelligent manufacturing, and digital information, leveraging Wuhan University’s expertise in space information, artificial intelligence, robotics, and new materials. Supported by funding, policy incentives, and talent services from Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, the center aims to become a comprehensive platform for technology transfer, innovation cultivation, and business incubation. Zhou Wei, vice-president of Wuhan University, highlighted the strategic alignment of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s policies with the university’s resources, positioning the center as a hub for international cooperation and entrepreneurship. The initiative underscores Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City’s broader vision to establish itself as a regional innovation powerhouse.
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Teen rescued days after migrant shipwreck off Malaysia that killed 26
In a tragic maritime incident off the coast of Malaysia, an 18-year-old Rohingya migrant, Iman Shorif, was rescued after enduring days stranded on Langkawi Island. The boat he was on, carrying approximately 70 undocumented migrants from Myanmar, capsized near the Thai-Malaysian maritime border, claiming at least 26 lives. Iman, visibly weak and shaken, recounted witnessing the drowning of a child during the disaster. The journey had begun in Buthidaung, a township in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, and lasted five to six days before the vessel sank. Iman was spotted by Malaysian rescuers waving a polystyrene board and was found near a waterfall, which provided him with fresh water. The migrants were part of a larger group of around 300 people who had left Myanmar two weeks prior, split between at least two boats. The second vessel remains missing, and its fate is unknown. Malaysian authorities have recovered 20 bodies, while Thai officials reported finding six, including two with UNHCR identification cards. Fourteen survivors, mainly Rohingya and Bangladeshi citizens, have been rescued since search operations began on Sunday. The Rohingya, persecuted in Myanmar for decades, often risk their lives on perilous sea journeys facilitated by human trafficking syndicates. In 2024, 657 Rohingya died in the region’s waters, according to UNHCR. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the urgent humanitarian concerns raised by the latest shipwreck, emphasizing that such dangerous journeys are undertaken out of fear for their lives.
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Feisty and fearless: Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja on standing up for herself and self-care
In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially launched commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of smart transportation. This initiative, spearheaded by the emirate’s advanced technology sector, underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art AI and sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban mobility by enhancing safety, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing carbon emissions. The deployment of these vehicles aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart city development. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Luanzinho’s heroic performance secured a hard-fought draw for the UAE in their World Cup playoff against Iraq. The match, characterized by intense competition and strategic gameplay, highlighted the resilience and determination of the UAE team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
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Look: Rare photos and artefacts trace the 70-year journey of Dubai Police
Dubai Police has unveiled a captivating exhibition at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) conference, tracing its remarkable 70-year journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognized institution. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 17, the showcase features rare artefacts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, many of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The exhibition, part of the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, marks ICOM’s first general conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The display opens with a striking juxtaposition of the original 1956 khaki uniform and the modern ceremonial attire, symbolizing decades of evolution in service and discipline. Among the highlights is a Sony-made video-call phone from 2000, a testament to the force’s early embrace of technology. Visitors can also explore the origins of the Dubai Police anthem, composed in 1963, and examine historical correspondence detailing the meticulous planning behind symbols of authority. Restored photographs and audio commentary chronicle milestones, from the introduction of aerial surveillance to the pioneering inclusion of female officers. The exhibit’s design, blending traditional wind-tower architecture with digital interfaces, mirrors the institution’s fusion of heritage and innovation. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, expressed pride in the showcase, which underscores Dubai Police’s commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing progress.
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Sotheby’s says a diamond brooch lost by Napoleon as his forces fled Waterloo sells for $4.4 million
A historic diamond brooch once owned by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, lost during his retreat from the Battle of Waterloo in the early 19th century, was sold for over 3.5 million Swiss francs (approximately $4.4 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva on Wednesday. The exquisite piece, which doubles as a pendant, features a 13-carat oval diamond encircled by smaller cut diamonds. The final sale price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of 200,000 francs, with the hammer price alone reaching 2.85 million francs, excluding additional fees. The brooch was discovered among Napoleon’s personal belongings in carriages delayed by muddy roads during his escape from British and Prussian forces. For over two centuries, the jewel remained part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern’s heirlooms. Sotheby’s did not reveal the seller’s identity but confirmed the buyer as a private collector. The auction also featured other notable items, including a 132-carat green beryl reportedly worn by Napoleon at his 1804 coronation, which sold for 838,000 francs. The sale gained added significance following the recent theft of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre in Paris. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, noted the brooch’s historical allure and its timing amidst renewed global interest in Napoleonic artifacts. Later that day, Sotheby’s hosted a high jewelry auction featuring a 10-carat pink diamond, the ‘Glowing Rose,’ expected to fetch around $20 million.
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Year’s largest wave of migratory birds reaches Wuhan wetland
The Fuhe Wetland in Wuhan, Hubei province, has become a bustling haven for migratory birds as this year’s largest wave of avian visitors arrived in early November. This annual phenomenon marks the peak season for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering a spectacular display of biodiversity. The wetland’s expansive waters are now teeming with a variety of species, including bean geese, gray geese, gadwalls, green-winged teals, and wigeons. Among the reeds, Eurasian spoonbills elegantly forage with their distinctive shovel-shaped beaks, while pied avocets stride purposefully along the banks. This natural spectacle not only highlights the ecological importance of the Fuhe Wetland but also underscores the region’s role as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds. The arrival of these birds is a testament to the wetland’s health and its ability to support diverse wildlife, drawing attention from conservationists and nature lovers alike.
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China’s moment: When Washington and Moscow both bow to Beijing
The recent Xi–Trump summit in South Korea has underscored China’s unprecedented rise on the global stage. Once a nation caught between the Cold War superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union, China has now emerged as a pivotal player, wielding significant influence over both Washington and Moscow. This shift marks a dramatic transformation from the past, where China relied heavily on Soviet support and later on Russian military imports. Today, with Russia’s economy faltering under Western sanctions and its military weakened by the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing. Bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a record $237 billion in 2024, with China serving as Russia’s largest trading partner and a critical supplier of dual-use goods essential for its defense industry. Meanwhile, China’s strategic leverage over the United States has also grown, particularly through its dominance in rare earth materials and global supply chains. During the recent trade turbulence, Beijing’s targeted countermeasures forced Washington back to the negotiating table, highlighting a shift from unilateral U.S. sanctions to a more balanced power dynamic. The Xi–Trump summit further revealed China’s ability to assert its interests on the global stage, with both Russia and the United States increasingly constrained by Beijing’s influence. As economic and security frictions intensify, China’s strategic use of its rare earth monopoly and its growing role in global politics signal a new era of power dynamics, where Beijing stands at the forefront of international affairs.
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Vatican bank rehires couple fired for violating workplace marriage rule
In a significant turn of events, a married couple previously dismissed from the Vatican bank for violating an internal rule prohibiting workplace marriages has been reinstated following a negotiated settlement. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the union representing Vatican lay employees. Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani, who had filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in January, were married on August 31, 2024, and faced dismissal shortly thereafter. The union hailed the settlement as ‘a victory of common sense,’ though details regarding their return to work and specific roles remain undisclosed. The couple, who share three children from previous relationships, refused to cancel their wedding despite the bank’s suggestion that one of them resign. Financial obligations, including child support, alimony, and a new mortgage, made this option unfeasible. The union emphasized that while the settlement marks a positive outcome, it is incomplete as Vatican procedures do not provide for the reimbursement of legal fees for the prevailing party. The union also highlighted the lack of social support during the couple’s legal battle and criticized the regulation that led to their dismissal, noting it would be deemed unconstitutional in Italy. The couple has not publicly commented on the settlement but had previously expressed hope for intervention from the late Pope Francis, given his strong emphasis on family values.