Sri Lanka is making significant strides in its battle against corruption, targeting some of the nation’s most influential figures. The campaign, which gained momentum after the economic collapse of 2022, has seen former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, ex-ministers, and top officials from the police, prisons, and immigration departments face legal scrutiny. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), led by Ranga Dissanayake, has been granted extensive powers to recover stolen assets, even without criminal convictions. Although official data on state corruption losses is unavailable, activists estimate the figure to be in the billions of dollars over several decades. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized the urgency of anti-graft measures, urging accelerated recruitment to CIABOC. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made tackling corruption a cornerstone of his administration, addressing systemic delays in justice and the misuse of power. Public outrage over shortages of essential goods in 2022 led to widespread protests and the ousting of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Despite a $2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by his successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the latter was arrested in August for allegedly misusing state funds. Sri Lanka’s ranking of 121 out of 180 in Transparency International’s 2024 Global Corruption Index underscores the severity of the issue. The Rajapaksa family, once untouchable, is now under intense pressure, with several members facing legal consequences. The nation’s economic collapse, marked by inflation nearing 70% and a mass exodus of citizens, has been attributed to rampant corruption. As Sri Lanka seeks to rebuild, the anti-corruption drive represents a pivotal moment in its governance.
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Senior US official praises Mali’s military junta in fight against armed groups as pressure mounts
In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, a senior U.S. official has praised Mali’s military junta and hinted at potential cooperation, marking a departure from years of strained ties. Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, commended Mali’s armed forces for their efforts against Islamic extremist militants (JNIM) and expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration following discussions with Mali’s Foreign Minister. This development comes just days after American diplomats and nationals were advised to leave Mali due to security concerns. Mali’s Foreign Ministry has refrained from commenting on the matter. The U.S. government’s overture aligns with broader efforts under the Trump administration to mend relations with junta-led nations in West Africa, a region that has experienced significant diplomatic isolation following a series of military coups since 2020. These coups have strained ties between Sahelian countries and their former Western allies, including France and the U.S., with French forces expelled and American troops ordered out of Niger. Despite joint counterterrorism efforts by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States, attacks by armed groups have intensified. Experts warn that JNIM’s recent blockade on oil imports into Mali, causing severe economic disruptions, signals the group’s growing ambitions. Some analysts suggest JNIM may be pursuing a Taliban-style takeover, leveraging its control over rural areas and economic choke points. While the U.S. has expressed diplomatic engagement, there is no clear indication of imminent military involvement unless the security landscape in the region undergoes a radical shift.
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UAE: Housing pressures drove Mamdani’s New York win, NYUAD economist says
The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor underscores a growing public outcry over skyrocketing housing costs and widening inequality in global cities, according to Jean Imbs, Professor of Economics at New York University Abu Dhabi. Imbs attributes Mamdani’s victory to a combination of personal charisma and the city’s acute housing affordability crisis, which has left middle-class families struggling to secure affordable homes.
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India’s Modi readies bellwether poll in poorest state
As India’s poorest state, Bihar, prepares for its pivotal elections on November 6 and 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vying to secure a decisive victory that could reshape its political trajectory ahead of the 2026 national elections. Bihar, with a population comparable to Mexico, remains a bellwether state in the Hindi-speaking north, where the BJP has yet to govern independently. The party is leveraging economic incentives to appeal to voters, particularly in a region where poverty and unemployment dominate daily life. For Rajkumari Devi, a 28-year-old housewife from Muzaffarpur district, survival hinges on her husband’s irregular earnings as a daily wage laborer, highlighting the economic struggles faced by millions. Despite Bihar’s grim poverty indicators, the state has seen progress over the past decade, with multidimensional poverty rates dropping from over 50% in 2016 to about a third in 2021. Modi’s recent announcements of $8 billion in infrastructure projects and an $844 million initiative for women entrepreneurs aim to bolster the BJP’s appeal. However, the party faces stiff competition from the opposition alliance led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, which promises job creation and economic revival. Political analysts suggest that a BJP victory in Bihar could energize its campaign in other key states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a strong performance in the 2026 elections. The outcome of this election will ultimately hinge on which party voters believe can secure their economic future.
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Sandwich thrown by protester ‘exploded’ and left mustard stain on border agent, court hears
A Washington DC protester, Sean Dunn, has gone on trial for allegedly assaulting a Customs and Border Patrol agent with a sandwich during a heated confrontation in August. The incident, which occurred along the U Street corridor, has become a symbol of opposition to former President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in the city. Agent Gregory Lairmore testified that he could feel the impact of the sandwich through his ballistic vest, describing how it ‘exploded all over him’ and left mustard stains on his uniform. Despite the dramatic testimony, Dunn’s lawyer, Julia Gatto, argued that the act was a ‘harmless gesture’ that caused no injury. Prosecutors, however, insist that Dunn must be held accountable for his actions. The case has sparked debate over the politicization of law enforcement and the boundaries of protest in the nation’s capital.
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Wife of abducted Malaysian pastor wins landmark lawsuit against state
In a groundbreaking verdict, the Malaysian High Court has ruled that the government and police are responsible for the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh, who has been missing for eight years. The court also awarded his family a record-breaking compensation of over 31 million ringgit (£5.7 million; $7.4 million), marking the largest damages payout in Malaysian legal history. The case has drawn national attention and raised significant questions about enforced disappearances in the country. Raymond Koh was forcibly taken from his car by masked men in a Kuala Lumpur suburb in 2017, an incident captured on CCTV and witnessed by passers-by. His family has long maintained that he was abducted by the police, a claim the authorities consistently denied. The court’s ruling on Wednesday declared that Koh had been forcibly disappeared, holding the government and police accountable. The judge also ordered the state to reopen the investigation to determine Koh’s whereabouts and imposed a daily compensation of 10,000 ringgit (£1,830; $2,385) from the day of his abduction until his location is disclosed. In an emotional statement, Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, expressed gratitude for the verdict but emphasized that it does not bring her husband back. She dedicated the legal victory to Koh and all victims of enforced disappearances. The case is closely linked to the abduction of activist Amri Che Mat, whose wife, Norhayati, was awarded three million ringgit in a separate lawsuit. Both men’s disappearances occurred within months of each other in 2016 and 2017, sparking widespread public speculation. Investigations by Malaysia’s human rights commission and the government concluded that the abductions were likely carried out by the police’s elite Special Branch, targeting the men for their perceived threats to mainstream Islam. The government report, previously classified as secret, revealed that “rogue cops” with extreme views against Christians and Shia Muslims were responsible. Koh, a Christian pastor, was suspected of proselytizing to Muslims, while Che Mat, a Shia Muslim, was targeted for his religious affiliation. The court’s ruling has been hailed as a significant step toward accountability, though the families of the missing men continue to seek answers about their loved ones’ fates.
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Morocco sweat as PSG star Hakimi ruled out for ‘several weeks’
Paris St-Germain and Morocco’s star right-back, Achraf Hakimi, has been sidelined for “several weeks” due to a severe left ankle sprain. The injury, sustained during PSG’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, has raised significant concerns for Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches. The tournament, set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, marks the first time the nation has hosted the event since 1988. Hakimi’s absence could be a major blow to the Atlas Lions’ aspirations. The 27-year-old was forced off the pitch in tears during first-half stoppage time following a reckless challenge from Bayern’s Luis Diaz, who was subsequently sent off after a VAR review. Hakimi, a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and their flawless qualification for the 2026 World Cup, is also among the top contenders for the 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award. His recent inclusion in the Fifpro World XI further underscores his global stature. PSG confirmed the injury on their official website, with manager Luis Enrique lamenting the “bad luck” of the incident. Bayern’s Vincent Kompany echoed the sentiment, wishing Hakimi a swift recovery. The injury not only impacts PSG’s campaign but also casts a shadow over Morocco’s AFCON preparations, as they aim to capitalize on home advantage to secure continental glory.
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Natl fire safety month promotes public safety awareness, risk prevention
China has officially launched its National Fire Safety Month 2025, a nationwide initiative designed to elevate public awareness about fire safety and enhance risk prevention measures. The campaign, inaugurated on November 4, 2025, is spearheaded by the Office of the State Council Work Safety Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Management, and the National Fire and Rescue Administration.
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Zohran Mamdani: From immigrant roots to mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and staunch democratic socialist, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his political career by being elected as the mayor of New York City. His journey began in Uganda, where he was born into an immigrant family, and has now culminated in one of the most prestigious political positions in the United States. Mamdani’s rise to prominence is a testament to his dedication to progressive policies and his ability to connect with diverse communities. His election marks a significant shift in the political landscape of New York City, reflecting a growing appetite for socialist ideals in urban governance. As mayor-elect, Mamdani faces the challenge of addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and social inequality, all while navigating the complexities of leading one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
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Suspected debris strike delays Chinese spaceship’s return
The return of China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft and its three astronauts, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed due to a suspected collision with tiny space debris. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the delay, emphasizing that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of the crew. Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie were expected to land at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia, but a new return date has yet to be confirmed. The CMSA is currently conducting an impact analysis and risk assessment to evaluate the situation. Meanwhile, a relief crew arrived at the Tiangong space station last week aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. Tiangong, a cornerstone of China’s ambitious space program, hosts rotating crews of three astronauts every six months. The station represents China’s significant investment in space exploration, aiming to rival the achievements of the United States and Russia. Chinese state media recently shared a video of astronauts from both crews enjoying ‘barbecued’ chicken wings aboard the station. China’s space ambitions extend beyond Tiangong, with plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and establish a lunar base in the future.