A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province experienced a partial collapse, raising concerns about infrastructure safety. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that no casualties were reported. The collapse occurred shortly after the bridge’s opening, prompting immediate investigations into the structural integrity and construction standards. Officials emphasized that emergency protocols were effectively implemented to ensure public safety. This incident has sparked widespread discussions on the quality control measures in China’s rapidly expanding infrastructure projects. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety assessments in public construction endeavors.
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Dominican Republic suffers nationwide power cut after ‘cascade of failures’
The Dominican Republic faced a nationwide power outage on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and critical services across the country. The blackout, which occurred at 13:23 local time (17:23 GMT), was attributed to a failure in the electricity transmission system, according to the state-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company. Energy Minister Joel Santos Echeverría confirmed that the issue originated at a substation, triggering a cascade of failures across the grid. Echeverría assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the root cause, while efforts were already underway to restore power swiftly. This incident follows a series of smaller blackouts reported in recent weeks, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s power infrastructure. The outage impacted essential services, including the metro and cable car systems in the capital, Santo Domingo, where passengers had to be evacuated. Reports of traffic chaos and disruptions to internet services further compounded the situation. Social media users highlighted widespread outages, though some areas retained electricity and internet connectivity. The Caribbean nation, home to approximately 11 million people, is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last month. The Category 5 storm claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, exacerbating existing challenges. As a major tourist destination, the Dominican Republic’s infrastructure struggles could have broader economic implications. The country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, continues to grapple with the dual pressures of natural disasters and aging energy systems.
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Sudanese women describe sexual violence and beatings while escaping el-Fasher
Women who escaped the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) brutal takeover of Sudan’s el-Fasher have recounted harrowing tales of sexual violence, beatings, and killings as they fled to nearby towns. These survivors shared their testimonies with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) after reaching Tawila, 50 kilometers away, with some walking as far as al-Dabbah, a staggering 1,500 kilometers from el-Fasher—a journey that took nine days. Amina, one of the survivors, described the horrors she witnessed: ‘There were many bodies on the roads, dead people everywhere, and many children in the streets who had lost their families. Rape happened before our eyes, and killings too.’ Fatima, another survivor, recounted being beaten in front of her daughter, whom she had been carrying on her back. ‘They ordered me to put her down and started whipping me. They hit me on the chest with my mobile phone, and my children began screaming and crying,’ she said. Soraya, who was sexually assaulted during her escape, lamented the inhumane treatment: ‘They searched us in an inhumane way. A man searching a woman like that, she is not your wife, you cannot touch her in such a way.’ The RSF’s violence extended to mass killings, with survivors reporting that women were beaten and killed in the streets. ‘We left so many corpses behind us. If you cannot hide well, they will kill you,’ one woman said. According to the UNFPA, nearly 82,000 of the 260,000 civilians in el-Fasher have fled since the RSF seized the city, while others remain trapped. Satellite images confirm that a critical exit route was recently closed by the RSF. The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab corroborated reports of civilians being killed near a makeshift wall constructed around the city. Video footage reviewed by Middle East Eye showed dead bodies and executions near the wall. Survivors also reported that young men were forcibly accused of being soldiers, leading to their imprisonment or execution. Amira, whose husband is missing, said, ‘From our group that left el-Fasher, they took 60 young men. My husband is still missing. We don’t know where he is or where he went.’ Soraya, who lost her 16-year-old twin sons, added, ‘I don’t know whether they are alive or dead.’ The RSF’s atrocities included looting and burning homes, seizing livestock, and destroying crops. Nadia, whose son was killed, said, ‘Nothing they took from me hurt as much as his death. He was a teacher at the school. He had gone to university. He was responsible for the whole household. They killed him.’ The RSF’s actions in el-Fasher, documented by its own fighters and satellite imagery, are part of a broader conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF over plans to integrate the RSF into the regular army. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced 13 million people. Middle East Eye has reported that the United Arab Emirates is supplying the RSF with weapons through a complex network of supply lines across Libya, Chad, Uganda, and Somalia. Both the RSF and SAF have been accused of war crimes, with the RSF facing allegations of genocide in Darfur.
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Turkish prosecutors seek 2,000-year sentence for Ekrem Imamoglu
Turkish prosecutors have filed a nearly 4,000-page indictment against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seeking a staggering prison sentence of over 2,000 years. The charges, revealed in court documents on Tuesday, include allegations of running a criminal organization, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, extortion, and tender rigging. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested on March 19 and is described in the indictment as manipulating a widespread criminal network ‘like an octopus.’ The CHP has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of targeting Imamoglu following the opposition’s success in the 2024 local elections. Since his arrest, several other CHP mayors, officials, and politicians have also been detained, sparking widespread protests and accusations of politically motivated actions. Authorities have responded by detaining nearly 2,000 people, most of whom were later released. In a separate case last month, a court in Ankara dismissed a corruption case against CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, calling it ‘moot.’ Ozel reaffirmed that Imamoglu remains the party’s candidate for the next presidential election, denouncing the charges as baseless and politically driven. ‘His only crime is running for the presidency of this country!’ Ozel declared in a passionate address to parliament.
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Airport to home in minutes: Abu Dhabi unveils flying taxi network with over 10 vertiports
Abu Dhabi is set to revolutionize urban transportation with the introduction of a cutting-edge flying taxi network. Abu Dhabi Airports announced on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the development of over 10 vertiports across strategic urban and transit locations, forming the foundation of an innovative air taxi ecosystem. These vertiports will serve as hubs for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional helicopters. The battery-powered eVTOLs, capable of carrying up to four passengers, are designed to be significantly quieter and environmentally friendly, with a noise footprint 100 times lower than conventional helicopters. The initial phase of the project will focus on Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), establishing point-to-point routes to enhance airport-city connectivity. While current battery technology limits the range of these flights, future advancements are expected to enable inter-emirate travel, including routes to Al Ain. The first flights are anticipated to launch in 2026, with Abu Dhabi Airports overseeing infrastructure, operations, and commercial readiness. The initiative is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi Airports, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Integrated Transport Centre, and the General Civil Aviation Authority. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Skyports Infrastructure for the design, construction, and operation of the vertiports. This ambitious project aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable, low-emission transport innovation and marks a significant step toward redefining urban mobility.
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AP Interview: Newsom says Trump climate-fighting absence is ‘doubling down on stupid’
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized the United States’ absence from the United Nations climate negotiations in Belem, Brazil, labeling it as a misguided move that could jeopardize the nation’s economic standing. Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, is among several U.S. governors and mayors attending the talks to emphasize that many American states remain committed to combating climate change despite federal policies under the Trump administration that favor fossil fuels and roll back environmental regulations.
Newsom highlighted the stark contrast between California’s progressive climate policies and the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise. He accused President Trump of sending a damaging message to the world by skipping the talks, stating, ‘You don’t matter, we don’t care.’ Newsom warned that the U.S. risks falling behind economically as other nations, including China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, aggressively transition to green energy and low-carbon technologies.
The Trump administration has sought to undermine California’s authority to implement ambitious climate measures, such as banning the sale of new gas-powered cars. Newsom criticized these efforts, calling them ‘doubling down on stupid’ and arguing that they cede economic power to other countries. Meanwhile, the White House defended Trump’s energy policies, accusing Newsom of promoting a ‘Green New Scam’ that has led to high energy prices in California.
Newsom also emphasized the undeniable impacts of climate change, citing California’s record-breaking wildfires, droughts, and floods as evidence. Despite the challenges, California continues to pursue its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, investing in renewable energy, nuclear power, and advanced technologies like AI and nuclear fusion.
Analysts, including Alden Meyer of the European think tank E3G, praised the presence of U.S. state leaders at the talks but lamented the absence of federal representation. The ongoing climate negotiations underscore the global urgency to address environmental challenges and the economic opportunities tied to sustainable development.
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Watch: Trump and Obama honour US troops for Veterans Day
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama came together to honor American veterans on Veterans Day. The event, held in Washington D.C., saw Trump making a surprise appearance by landing on a special flight carrying nearly 80 veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, transcending political divides to pay tribute to their service. Both leaders expressed their gratitude and commitment to supporting veterans, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions to the nation. The ceremony highlighted the enduring significance of Veterans Day as a time for reflection and national unity.
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Exhibition highlights historical and cultural roots of Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao
A groundbreaking exhibition at the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is shedding light on the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Titled ‘Love and Memory of the Greater Bay Area – Historical and Cultural Relics of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Since the 19th Century,’ the event opened on November 11 and will continue until March 8. Featuring over 350 cultural artifacts, the exhibition chronicles the social, economic, and cultural evolution of the Greater Bay Area over the past century. These relics illustrate how the three regions, despite geographical separation, have preserved a shared ancestry, traditions, and cultural bonds. The exhibition emphasizes that ‘Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao’ is not just a geographical term but a symbol of identity and a vital link that connects Hong Kong and Macao to mainland China through a shared heritage.
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UN rights chief calls for a probe into killings in Tanzania and allegations of concealing evidence
The United Nations has issued a call for a thorough investigation into the reported deaths of hundreds of individuals during protests against the disputed Tanzanian presidential election. The election, held on October 29, saw the exclusion of candidates from the two main opposition parties, sparking widespread unrest. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concerns over what he described as ‘an apparent attempt to conceal evidence,’ citing reports that police removed bodies from mortuaries to undisclosed locations. Türk urged Tanzanian authorities to release the bodies to families for proper burial. The primary opposition party, Chadema, claims that approximately 2,000 people were killed over three days of protests, though the government has not provided an official death toll. The UN statement referenced ‘hundreds’ of fatalities but noted the difficulty in verifying exact numbers due to Tanzania’s volatile security situation and a six-day internet blackout following the election. Videos purportedly showing security forces shooting protesters circulated online once internet access was restored, prompting the government to warn citizens against sharing such content, threatening arrests and treason charges. Additionally, hundreds of individuals have been charged with treason in connection with the protests. The UN has called for the unconditional release of all detained opposition officials, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, whose treason trial was postponed due to security concerns. Meanwhile, newly elected members of parliament were sworn in on Tuesday, with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party maintaining its dominant majority. Mussa Zungu, a member of the ruling party, was elected as the new speaker of parliament. Tensions remain high in Tanzania as the ruling party continues to suppress opposition voices and consolidate its long-standing grip on power.
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Israel’s occupation and bombing of south Lebanon makes return home impossible
Residents of southern Lebanon face an unrelenting crisis as Israeli military strikes continue to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, has issued urgent warnings on social media platform X, signaling imminent attacks. These messages have become a grim routine for families in border villages, who live in constant fear of displacement.