The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to install artificial reefs across three emirates—Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. This strategic move aims to bolster fish stocks, promote sustainable fisheries, and enhance national food security while addressing the adverse effects of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems. Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE, emphasized the importance of these efforts in safeguarding marine resources and supporting the fishing industry. The artificial reefs serve as accessible fishing grounds and provide safe habitats for marine species, thereby revitalizing biodiversity. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Artificial Caves Programme,’ launched in 2016, which focuses on creating artificial nurseries to foster fish breeding and growth. The UAE has also undertaken other significant projects, such as the ‘Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens,’ which aims to install 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals across 1,200 square kilometers of coastal and deep waters by 2030. A two-year study from 2021 to 2023 demonstrated promising results, with 17 invertebrate species and 15 fish species thriving in the newly established reef modules. These efforts underscore the UAE’s commitment to combating marine degradation and ensuring the sustainability of its marine environments.
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North Macedonia votes in second round of local election with ruling conservatives leading
In a decisive political showdown, North Macedonia held local election runoffs on Sunday, reinforcing the ruling conservative party’s overwhelming triumph from the first round. The VMRO-DPMNE party secured 33 out of 44 mayoral seats in the initial round on October 19, along with a majority of city council positions, leaving the opposition Social Democrats trailing significantly. This outcome has quashed any hopes of an early general election for the opposition. The runoffs, taking place in 37 of the country’s 81 municipalities, including the capital Skopje, saw conservative candidates leading in nearly all contests. While candidates had campaigned on promises addressing the economy, jobs, and education, the spotlight shifted to Skopje’s pressing garbage collection crisis. For weeks, trash had piled up due to operational and financial issues at the waste management company, leading to infestations of rats, flies, and stray animals. A recent incident involved a child being bitten by a rat, necessitating medical treatment. However, on election day, Skopje’s streets were unexpectedly clean, surprising residents. Over 1 million voters were eligible to participate in the runoffs, with the first round witnessing a turnout of 46.48%.
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UAE vs Iraq in Abu Dhabi: Iraqi Football Association buys all tickets for its fans
In a strategic move to ensure strong support for their national team, the Iraqi Football Association has purchased all tickets allocated to Iraqi fans for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff match against the UAE. The match, scheduled for November 13 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, will see Iraqi fans unable to purchase tickets directly from the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) website. This decision underscores the importance of the match as the first leg of the playoffs, with the second leg set to take place in Iraq on November 18. The aggregate winner of the two matches will advance to the intercontinental playoff, keeping alive the dreams of both teams to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE team, still reeling from a recent defeat to Qatar, views this playoff as a crucial opportunity to revive their World Cup aspirations. The UAEFA has extended a warm welcome to the Iraqi team and its fans, referring to the UAE as their ‘second home.’
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Mexico: 23 people killed after fire at discount store in northwestern city
A devastating fire erupted on Saturday in a discount store in Hermosillo, a city in northwestern Mexico, resulting in the tragic loss of 23 lives, including children. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her profound condolences to the bereaved families in a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sheinbaum also directed the interior minister to deploy support teams to aid the victims’ families and those injured in the blaze. Hermosillo Mayor Antonio Astiazaran confirmed the casualties in a separate post on the same platform. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, as stated by the city’s fire chief during a brief social media interview. This incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in public spaces.
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What to know about a stabbing attack aboard a train in Britain
A routine railway journey in eastern England turned into a scene of panic and violence on Saturday evening when multiple passengers were stabbed aboard a train bound for London. The incident, which left nearly a dozen people injured, occurred as the train departed Peterborough, midway through its two-hour journey from Doncaster to King’s Cross station. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with bloodied passengers rushing down the aisles to escape the violence. One passenger, Olly Foster, initially mistook the commotion for a Halloween prank until he noticed blood on his hand. “Everyone was really pushing behind us, really panicking,” Foster recounted. Emergency services responded swiftly, with British Transport Police receiving the first calls at 7:42 p.m. Within minutes, dozens of officers, including armed units, and paramedics arrived at Huntingdon station, where the train made an unscheduled stop. Two suspects, described as a 32-year-old Black man and a 35-year-old of Caribbean descent, were arrested within eight minutes of the initial emergency calls. Police used a Taser to subdue one suspect who was reportedly wielding a large knife. While ten victims were hospitalized, two remain in life-threatening condition. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, with the investigation led by British Transport Police. Senior politicians and royalty, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, expressed their shock and sympathy for the victims and their families. The train remained at Huntingdon station as forensic teams continued their investigation.
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Hurricane Melissa death toll rises to 28 in Jamaica
The death toll in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa has surged to 28, as confirmed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The catastrophic storm, a category five hurricane—the most severe classification—has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, with additional fatalities reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Holness revealed on Saturday that nine more deaths were confirmed, with potential casualties still under investigation, indicating the toll may rise further. Emergency responders and aid agencies face significant challenges in reaching affected areas due to blocked roads, debris, and widespread flooding. The hurricane, which made landfall on Tuesday, knocked out communication systems and power across much of Jamaica, leaving 72% of the population without electricity and forcing around 6,000 people into emergency shelters. The western regions of the island, including Black River and Montego Bay, have borne the brunt of the destruction, with images showing flattened buildings, streets littered with debris, and entire neighborhoods submerged. Aid distribution has been hampered by landslides, downed power lines, and impassable roads, despite the reopening of Jamaica’s airports. Reports of desperate individuals looting supermarkets and pharmacies for essential supplies underscore the dire situation. Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 185mph (295 km/h), is now the most powerful storm on record to hit Jamaica and one of the strongest in Caribbean history. The broader impact of climate change on storm intensity remains uncertain, but rising sea surface temperatures are believed to fuel more powerful hurricanes. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, a forecast tragically validated by Melissa’s devastation.
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‘Costly spectacle’: India’s cloud seeding trials in New Delhi fall flat
India’s ambitious attempt to combat Delhi’s severe air pollution through cloud seeding has been met with skepticism and disappointment. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, involved spraying particles like silver iodide and salt into clouds from a Cessna aircraft to induce rainfall, which could potentially wash away pollutants. However, the first trials last week yielded minimal rainfall due to insufficient cloud cover, casting doubt on the method’s effectiveness. Environmental activists and scientists have criticized the approach, labeling it a ‘costly spectacle’ that fails to address the root causes of pollution. Delhi, home to 30 million residents, faces a recurring winter smog crisis, with emissions from farm fires, factories, and vehicles trapped by cold air. Despite interventions like vehicle restrictions and smog towers, the city’s air quality remains among the worst globally. A day after the trial, PM2.5 levels soared to 323, 20 times the World Health Organization’s daily limit. Critics argue that cloud seeding, even if successful, offers only temporary relief, as pollution levels rebound quickly. Long-term solutions, such as cleaner fuels, better waste management, and stricter emission controls, are deemed essential. The debate continues as authorities defend the trials as part of a broader research process, while experts call for a focus on sustainable measures.
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UAE welcomes UN resolution on Western Sahara autonomy based on Morocco plan
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for a recent United Nations resolution advocating for genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. This resolution, drafted by the United States and adopted by the UN Security Council, aims to address the decades-long territorial dispute between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a vast desert region comparable in size to Britain, has been a contentious issue since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Morocco claims the territory as its own, while the Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent Sahrawi Republic. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) hailed the resolution as a significant step toward achieving a lasting political solution, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter. Mofa also commended US diplomatic efforts in advancing the resolution and reaffirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of peaceful negotiations and Morocco’s legitimate rights over the territory. The UAE’s support underscores its commitment to regional stability, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity.
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Trump orders military to prepare plans for ‘action’ in Nigeria
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to potentially deploy military forces to Nigeria, citing concerns over the alleged persecution of Christians by Islamist militant groups. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to address the violence adequately and declared that all U.S. aid to the country would be severed. He described Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” and warned of a swift and forceful military intervention if necessary. Trump also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the U.S. State Department’s framework for severe violations of religious freedom, though he provided no concrete evidence to support his claims of widespread Christian killings. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu countered these allegations, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and collaboration with international partners to address security challenges. Monitoring groups, such as Acled, have noted that the violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims, with no evidence suggesting disproportionate targeting of Christians. The situation has sparked debate in U.S. political circles, with some right-wing voices urging action. However, critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric risks escalating tensions without addressing the complex root causes of the conflict.
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Hegseth in Vietnam to strengthen defense ties and reassure a cautious partner
HANOI, Vietnam — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived in Vietnam on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of healing the wounds of the Vietnam War as a cornerstone of the bilateral defense relationship. This visit, marking 30 years of diplomatic ties and two years since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscores Washington’s efforts to strengthen ties with a historically cautious ally. Hegseth highlighted that addressing the war’s legacy, which concluded 50 years ago, remains a top priority for the U.S. administration and the Department of Defense. His trip follows a meeting with counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since the normalization of relations in 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam have collaborated on clearing unexploded ordnance, recovering missing service members’ remains, and cleaning up dioxin contamination from former U.S. air bases. These efforts, though temporarily disrupted by funding cuts, have resumed and are seen as vital to stabilizing bilateral relations. Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, noted that war legacy cooperation provides essential political cover for Vietnam to deepen ties with the U.S. while maintaining its strategic autonomy. Hegseth’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Vietnam’s Communist Party chief recently visited North Korea, and reports suggest Hanoi may purchase Russian fighter jets. These moves reflect Vietnam’s hedging strategy amid uncertainties about U.S. reliability in the Indo-Pacific. Despite challenges, Hegseth’s visit signals Vietnam’s deliberate, albeit cautious, deepening of defense ties with the U.S.