Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that has left widespread devastation across the island. With power outages, communication breakdowns, and treacherous conditions hampering relief efforts, authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive damage assessment. However, satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify is beginning to reveal the storm’s catastrophic impact on communities. The southwestern coastal port of Black River, described by Prime Minister Andrew Holness as ‘ground zero,’ has suffered severe destruction. Key structures, including a market building, a café, and a warehouse, have been obliterated or heavily damaged. The fishing village of White House, home to thousands, bore the brunt of the hurricane’s 185 mph winds, with nearly every structure either damaged or destroyed. Montego Bay, a major tourist hub, now resembles a brown swamp, with floodwaters inundating the port, industrial park, and nearby facilities. Mayor Richard Vernon described the area as ‘devastated,’ praising locals for their resilience and mutual support. As Jamaica begins the long road to recovery, the full scale of the disaster remains to be seen.
作者： admin
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Saudi Arabia removed as host of inaugural Esports Olympics in 2027
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer, Burjeel Cancer Institute has unveiled a mobile screening initiative aimed at making diagnostic services more accessible to all. The program, aptly named ‘Early Detection on Wheels,’ deploys state-of-the-art mobile units equipped with advanced screening technologies to reach underserved communities. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly for women in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, where early detection can significantly improve survival rates. The mobile units will offer mammograms, consultations, and educational resources, all free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder essential healthcare services. By bringing these critical services directly to communities, Burjeel Cancer Institute aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to combat breast cancer effectively. This innovative approach underscores the institute’s commitment to public health and its mission to reduce the burden of cancer through proactive measures.
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Trump caps refugee admissions at 7,500 – mostly white South Africans
The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the number of refugees admitted to the United States, capping the figure at 7,500 for the upcoming fiscal year. This marks a sharp decline from the previous limit of 125,000 set by former President Joe Biden. The new policy, detailed in a notice published on Thursday, prioritizes white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, and other individuals facing ‘illegal or unjust discrimination’ in their home countries. No specific rationale was provided for the drastic cut, though the notice cited ‘humanitarian concerns’ and ‘national interest’ as justifications. In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP), asserting that the move would enable authorities to focus on national security and public safety. The decision has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups, who argue that it unfairly excludes other persecuted groups and undermines the US’s moral standing. During a tense Oval Office meeting in May, Trump criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, claiming that white farmers in South Africa were being ‘persecuted’ and killed. The White House also presented a video purportedly showing burial sites for murdered white farmers, though it later emerged that the footage was from a 2020 protest. The US policy has sparked accusations of bias and raised concerns about the exclusion of other vulnerable populations, including former allies who assisted US forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Global Refuge CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah condemned the decision, stating that it ‘lowers our moral standing’ and undermines the credibility of the refugee program. The South African government has yet to respond to the announcement.
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Shenzhou XXI astronauts to embark on journey to space
China is poised to take another significant step in its space exploration endeavors with the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou XXI mission. The China Manned Space Agency has announced that astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang will embark on this historic journey. The mission is scheduled to lift off at 11:44 pm on Friday, Beijing Time, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. This mission underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The Shenzhou XXI mission is expected to contribute valuable data and experience to China’s broader space exploration goals, including potential future missions to the Moon and beyond.
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Merz in Turkey: Germany seeks to rebuild strategic defence ties
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s inaugural official visit to Ankara on Thursday signifies a pivotal shift in Berlin’s approach toward Turkey, emphasizing a security-oriented and transactional partnership. This visit underscores Germany’s growing reliance on Ankara’s role in bolstering European security and marks an effort to reset bilateral relations on a new foundation of cooperation. Historically, Germany’s concerns regarding Turkey revolved around domestic issues, human rights, and migration, particularly concerning Syrian refugees. However, Merz’s agenda now encompasses broader collaboration, including joint efforts to address the war in Ukraine and potential defense sector initiatives. A notable development is Germany’s approval of a €10.7 billion Eurofighter jet deal with Turkey, featuring advanced Meteor missiles and cutting-edge weaponry. Sources in Ankara suggest that Berlin has also urged Greece and Cyprus not to obstruct Turkey’s participation in the EU’s Safe initiative, which allocates €170 billion for defense industry investments. Merz emphasized the multifaceted nature of German-Turkish relations, spanning foreign policy, security, migration, energy, and trade, during his arrival in Ankara. He expressed his commitment to strengthening this partnership through discussions with President Erdogan. Turkey’s mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, including hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine, have been welcomed by Berlin. However, achieving a lasting peace would require significant strategic adjustments, potentially involving territorial compromises for Ukraine. Beyond Ukraine, Turkey has raised bilateral concerns, including a request for price reductions on Siemens high-speed trains for its expanding rail network. Ankara also seeks updates to the customs union, visa facilitation, and cooperation in Africa to counter Chinese influence. Additionally, Turkey aims for Germany’s continued support for the Gaza ceasefire plan brokered by Donald Trump, which envisions Hamas’s disarmament and political transformation. Merz is expected to address the issue of Turkish asylum seekers, pressing Ankara to accept more rejected applicants as Germany intensifies deportation efforts. Official data reveals that 22,560 Turkish nationals await deportation, with Germany also exploring the resumption of deportations to Syria, contingent on Turkey’s cooperation. This visit highlights the evolving dynamics of German-Turkish relations amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
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Sidharth Malhotra reveals his morning routine and the ‘desi nuskha’ behind his glow
Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra recently offered an intimate glimpse into his daily wellness practices during an exclusive interview in Dubai. The actor, known for his roles in blockbuster films, discussed his morning routine, the emotional connection he shares with fragrances, and the traditional Indian remedies that keep his skin glowing. Malhotra was in the city to launch Rayhaan’s new perfume variants, Aquatica and Obsidian, at Beautyworld Middle East 2025. He emphasized the profound impact scents have on his mood and memories, revealing his preference for darker, woody notes like Oud for evening wear and fresher, vibrant fragrances for daytime. Malhotra also shared his go-to morning ritual: starting the day with hot water and a shot of ghee, a traditional remedy he swears by for its health and skincare benefits. Beyond fragrances, the actor highlighted the importance of hydration and family time in maintaining his overall wellness. He described how returning home to his daughter after a long day of shooting is his ultimate stress reliever. When asked to encapsulate a city’s essence in a scent, Malhotra chose Dubai, likening its luxurious and dynamic vibe to a deep, woody, and leathery fragrance.
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China’s amphibious AG600 completes first open water scoop-drop drill
China’s domestically developed AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft has successfully completed its first scoop-and-drop drill in open water, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced the achievement on Thursday, highlighting the aircraft’s performance in natural conditions over Songhua Lake in Jilin province. This drill, which involved scooping and dropping water, tested the AG600’s systems comprehensively, a step forward from previous trials confined to the Jingmen test flight base in Hubei province. The AG600, capable of carrying a 12-tonne water load and skimming additional fills from lakes, can drop a total of 120 tonnes of water, sufficient to cover over 4 hectares with heavy-rain intensity during fire-fighting missions. Following its production certification in June, the AG600 has entered mass production, with the first three units set for delivery by the end of 2025.
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Russian activity increasing around key Ukrainian town, army chief says
The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has issued a stark warning about escalating Russian military activity around the strategic town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Describing the situation as ‘difficult,’ Syrskyi confirmed that Russian infantry is massing in the area, though he dismissed claims of a Ukrainian blockade as ‘untrue’ propaganda. Pokrovsk, a critical transport and supply hub, has become a focal point in Russia’s efforts to advance further into eastern Ukraine, potentially paving the way for the capture of key cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. General Syrskyi emphasized the importance of identifying and neutralizing Russian forces while maintaining a balance between military objectives and capabilities. He stressed that preserving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers remains the top priority. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed these concerns, stating that Russian forces outnumber Ukrainians in Pokrovsk by eight to one and that Moscow aims to use the town as a propaganda tool to convince the United States of Ukraine’s retreat. Defense intelligence firm Sybelline and Ukrainian monitoring group Deepstate both reported that the battle for Pokrovsk has intensified, with Russian forces making significant advances and disrupting Ukrainian supply routes. Deepstate warned that the situation is nearing a crisis point, with little time left to reverse the deterioration. The conflict in Pokrovsk underscores the broader struggle for control in eastern Ukraine, as Russia continues its full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
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International youth talent alliance launches in Beijing’s Chaoyang district
In a significant move to foster global collaboration in vocational training, the International Youth Talent Development Alliance was officially launched in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. The initiative was unveiled during the Fourth Chaoyang District Vocational Training Development Conference, which commenced on October 25. This groundbreaking alliance aims to unite domestic and international vocational training institutions and universities, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development. The conference, held in Beijing, highlighted the district’s commitment to nurturing young talent and addressing the evolving demands of the global workforce. The alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vocational education, offering innovative solutions and fostering international partnerships. This initiative underscores Beijing’s strategic vision to position itself as a hub for talent development and innovation on the global stage.
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William and Kate win privacy case against French magazine over family holiday photos
The Prince and Princess of Wales have successfully won a legal battle against the French magazine Paris Match, which published intrusive photographs of the royal family during a private skiing holiday. The images, captured in April, depicted William, Kate, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—enjoying a break in the French Alps. The photos showed the family on the slopes and relaxing on a chalet balcony, prompting the royals to take legal action. The Nanterre Judicial Court ruled that the publication of these images and an accompanying article violated the family’s right to privacy and their control over their personal images. Kensington Palace, the couple’s office, condemned the magazine’s actions, describing the article and long-lens paparazzi photos as a gross intrusion into their private family time. In a statement, the palace emphasized the couple’s commitment to safeguarding their children’s upbringing from undue public scrutiny and interference, vowing to take necessary steps to enforce these boundaries. This case echoes a previous legal victory in 2012, when William and Kate sued the French magazine Closer for publishing topless photos of Kate during a private holiday. The British media has largely respected an informal agreement to protect the privacy of the royal children, but international outlets have occasionally disregarded such norms.