The Sultanate of Oman has officially declared a two-day holiday for both public and private sector employees in celebration of its 55th National Day. The holiday, announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, will be observed on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27. This decision was communicated by Oman’s official news agency, citing a directive from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The National Day itself is celebrated on November 20 and 21, with various events and festivities, including the illumination of landmarks with the Omani flag, particularly in the UAE. Under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s leadership, Oman has been advancing its ‘Oman Vision 2040’, a strategic roadmap aimed at modernization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. The holiday serves as a moment for citizens and residents alike to reflect on the nation’s progress and achievements.
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British man dies after being shot during robbery in Ghana
A tragic incident unfolded in the industrial city of Tema, near Accra, Ghana, where a British national lost his life during a robbery. Ashraf Qarmar Parvez, 68, was fatally shot on Friday after attempting to thwart the theft of his phone at a local drinking spot. According to police reports, Parvez succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Authorities are actively pursuing the shooter, who is among a group of six suspects believed to have fled the scene on motorbikes. A 9mm bullet shell was recovered from the site, and witnesses have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. The incident has sparked security concerns in Tema, although local police have described it as an isolated event. Efforts are underway to notify the British Embassy of Parvez’s death. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for further comments.
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India mega-zoo in spotlight again over animal acquisitions
The Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a sprawling facility in Gujarat, India, has once again come under intense scrutiny. Operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual, the zoo has been accused of importing endangered species in potential violation of international conservation laws. The facility, which claims to house 150,000 animals, was recently cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court. However, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has raised alarms about its practices. The report, published ahead of CITES discussions this month, highlights inconsistencies in the zoo’s import records, particularly concerning Appendix I species—the most critically endangered animals globally. Experts warn that Vantara, as the zoo is informally known, may be inadvertently driving illegal wildlife trade. The report calls for significant reforms to ensure compliance with international regulations. Among the allegations is the acquisition of a Tapanuli orangutan, the world’s most endangered great ape, from the United Arab Emirates. Despite CITES’ prohibition on trading such species, Vantara classified the orangutan as ‘captive-bred,’ a claim disputed by Indonesian experts who assert no such breeding programs exist. Similar concerns have been raised regarding cheetahs from Syria, a gorilla from Haiti, and bonobos from Iraq. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, has been advocating for the return of several orangutans to Indonesia, including one intercepted in India and handed to Vantara. The CITES report underscores the need for India to overhaul its import procedures and enhance oversight. Independent wildlife trade expert Daniel Stiles described the report as a ‘true examination’ of Vantara’s operations. The findings have sparked concerns about India’s conservation credibility, with experts urging immediate action to address the irregularities.
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UAE offers condolences to Brazil after hurricane kills dozens
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed profound condolences to Brazil in the wake of a catastrophic hurricane that ravaged the state of Paraná, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive material destruction. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Brazilian government, and its citizens, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. In a gesture of solidarity, UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent formal messages of condolence to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UAE’s response underscores its commitment to fostering international goodwill and supporting nations during times of crisis. This tragic event highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters, prompting global calls for enhanced climate action and disaster preparedness.
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Investing in people: a worthwhile investment
As China’s modernization drive reaches a pivotal stage, Chi Fulin, President of the China Institute for Reform and Development and the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies, has released a groundbreaking book titled ‘A Great Nation Prioritizing People’s Livelihoods: The Grand Strategy of Chinese Modernization.’ Launched in Beijing on November 9, 2025, the book underscores the necessity of shifting from an investment-led model to a people-centered approach in China’s modernization efforts. Published by CITIC Press, the work draws on over four decades of research and reform experience, emphasizing the importance of improving human capital, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, and fostering inclusive urbanization. Chi, a veteran reform advisor since the 1980s, argues that investing in people is not merely a social expenditure but a productive investment that drives innovation, consumption, and job creation. The book aligns with the Communist Party of China’s vision of shared prosperity and offers a practical roadmap for achieving these goals. Chi highlights that redirecting resources from infrastructure to human development can unlock the vast potential of China’s 1.4 billion population, boosting productivity and consumption. He also stresses the unique advantages of China’s socialist system in implementing equitable and sustainable policies. As China progresses toward its 2035 long-term goals, Chi’s insights provide both strategic direction and inspiration for building a modern, inclusive society.
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Drones to help Dubai authorities investigate fire incidents, improve safety
Dubai authorities are set to revolutionize fire incident management and safety protocols through the integration of cutting-edge drone technology. In a strategic move, Dubai Police and the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance coordination and expertise in drone applications. This collaboration will link the Civil Defence reporting system with the Dubai Police Drone Systems Center, enabling detailed incident reconstruction, scenario development, and knowledge exchange. The initiative aims to improve emergency response times, integrate drones into security infrastructure, and ensure community safety. Lt Gen Harib Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, emphasized that the MoU aligns with Dubai’s leadership vision to establish a comprehensive security system adaptable to modern challenges. He highlighted the importance of institutional integration in achieving strategic goals for safety and well-being. Lt Gen Jamal Al Muhairi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, underscored the role of smart technologies in enhancing rapid response mechanisms and incident management. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a leader in security innovation and future readiness.
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‘The Night Manager 2’ teaser: Tom Hiddleston returns to unearth an arms conspiracy
The highly anticipated teaser for the second season of *The Night Manager* has been released, marking the return of Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine. The new season, filmed across the UK, Spain, Colombia, and France, promises a gripping narrative of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action. Hiddleston’s character, now living under the alias Alex Goodwin, is drawn back into the world of international intrigue when he encounters a former mercenary linked to his past. This chance meeting propels Pine into a dangerous mission to expose a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing a nation. Along the way, he crosses paths with Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva), a Colombian businessman, and Roxana Bolanos (Camila Morrone), a reluctant ally who aids Pine in infiltrating a deadly arms operation. The series delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths one must go to uncover the truth. The first three episodes will premiere on January 11, 2026, on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing weekly until the season finale on February 1. The show will also be available on BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Returning cast members include Olivia Colman as Angela Burr, alongside new additions Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, Indira Varma, Paul Chahidi, and Hayley Squires. The series is created and executive produced by David Farr and directed by BAFTA winner Georgi Banks-Davies.
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US grounds MD-11 cargo planes for inspections after deadly crash
In the wake of a catastrophic crash involving a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane in Kentucky, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency directive grounding all MD-11 and MD-11F models for immediate inspections. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and narrowly avoided a major Ford vehicle assembly plant employing approximately 3,000 workers. The plane, operated by UPS and laden with 144,000 liters of fuel, exploded upon impact, leaving a trail of debris and billowing smoke. The FAA’s directive, announced on Saturday, mandates that all MD-11 aircraft remain grounded until thorough inspections and necessary corrective actions are completed. The agency cited the detachment of the left-hand engine and pylon during takeoff as the primary concern, indicating that similar issues could arise in other aircraft of the same design. UPS and FedEx, both major operators of the MD-11, have voluntarily grounded their fleets, with UPS stating that the model constitutes about nine percent of its total fleet. Boeing, the current owner of McDonnell Douglas, has recommended suspending all MD-11 operations pending further engineering analysis. The crash, described as the deadliest in UPS history, has prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for prayers for the victims’ families and the Louisville community, emphasizing the tragic impact of the event. The incident has also raised concerns about air safety amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, though the NTSB has confirmed no staff shortages at Louisville’s airport at the time of the crash.
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Trump administration tells states to stop paying full food aid benefits
The Trump administration has mandated that U.S. states cease providing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to low-income families, labeling such payments as ‘unauthorized.’ This directive, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, follows a Supreme Court decision permitting the administration to withhold a portion of funding pending further legal proceedings. As a result, states are now required to distribute only 65% of the usual benefits. This development affects over 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, and comes amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Previously, some states had utilized emergency funds to supplement recipient benefits, but the USDA’s recent memo insists that states immediately reverse any actions taken to issue full benefits for November 2025. The legal dispute arose after the USDA announced that SNAP benefits would be suspended in November due to funding shortages caused by the shutdown. The White House sought intervention from the Supreme Court after a lower court ruled that full benefits should be disbursed. On Friday, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order, temporarily allowing the administration to withhold $4 billion in SNAP funding. SNAP, which supports approximately one in eight Americans, costs nearly $9 billion monthly.
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BBC director resigns after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech
In a significant development, the BBC’s top executives, Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness, stepped down on Sunday following widespread criticism over the broadcaster’s handling of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy stems from the BBC’s editing of Trump’s address on January 6, 2021, which preceded the storming of the U.S. Capitol by protesters. The public broadcaster faced backlash for its editorial decisions, which were perceived as altering the context of the speech. The resignations mark a pivotal moment for the BBC, raising questions about journalistic integrity and accountability in the face of public scrutiny. The organization has yet to announce replacements for the departing leaders, leaving a leadership vacuum at a critical time.