The UK has pledged £2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Jamaica in the wake of the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced the aid package, which includes essential supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. Additionally, UK relief teams and technical experts have been deployed to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over the ‘truly shocking’ scenes of destruction emerging from Jamaica. The UK has also pre-positioned the naval vessel HMS Trent in the region to provide further support. With an estimated 8,000 British nationals in Jamaica, the FCDO has urged them to register their presence for updates and assistance. A specialist consular team has been dispatched to Miami to aid affected British citizens. Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 3 storm, initially struck Jamaica’s southern coast with winds reaching 295 km/h (185 mph), surpassing the intensity of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm has left three-quarters of the island without power, flooded vast areas, and caused significant damage to homes, hospitals, and businesses. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area,’ warning of ongoing severe impacts. Families in the UK have struggled to contact loved ones in Jamaica, with many reporting failed communication attempts. The National Hurricane Center has warned of continued heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, which could persist into Wednesday night.
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British man accused of spying for Russia arrested in Ukraine
A British national has been arrested by Ukrainian security forces on allegations of espionage for Russia, according to the Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office. The unnamed individual, who entered Ukraine in January 2024, initially served as a military instructor in Mykolaiv, a city close to the southern front lines. Later, he was employed by Ukrainian border units. Prosecutors claim that the man ceased his instructional duties in September 2024 and relocated to Odesa, where he allegedly established contact with a Russian intelligence operative, agreeing to exchange military intelligence for financial compensation. Evidence presented by Ukrainian authorities indicates that in May 2025, the Briton transmitted sensitive information, including the locations of Ukrainian military units, photographs of training facilities, and personal data of military personnel. Additionally, he is accused of attempting to access military units, gathering intelligence on Odesa’s infrastructure, and discussing the potential use of explosive devices. For one of these tasks, he reportedly received $6,000. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) further alleges that the man was preparing to carry out terrorist attacks and had advertised his espionage services in pro-Kremlin online groups. He was detained at his temporary residence in Kyiv and is currently held without bail as the pre-trial investigation continues. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison. The British Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
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African officials visit Ningxia e-commerce poverty relief workshop
A delegation of African grassroots officials recently embarked on a visit to the Hemei e-commerce poverty alleviation workshop in Minning township, Yinchuan city, as part of a poverty reduction exchange program in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The workshop, established in 2019, stands as the region’s pioneering e-commerce-based poverty alleviation center and has garnered international recognition as a model for poverty reduction. During their visit, the officials explored the workshop’s innovative approach to leveraging e-commerce to create job opportunities, particularly for local women, and its broader impact on community development. The initiative highlights the potential of digital platforms in addressing poverty and fostering economic empowerment, offering valuable insights for similar efforts in Africa. The exchange program underscores the growing collaboration between China and African nations in sharing best practices for sustainable development.
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American University of Sharjah Open Day 2025: Spend a day exploring an elite American university experience
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is set to host its annual Open Day on November 23, 2025, offering high school students and their families a unique opportunity to explore one of the UAE’s premier educational institutions. From 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, attendees will engage in guided campus tours, visit state-of-the-art facilities, and interact with faculty, students, and admissions staff. The event aims to provide an authentic glimpse into academic life, campus culture, and the myriad opportunities available at AUS.
AUS, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, offers 33 undergraduate majors and 48 minors across four colleges: Architecture, Art and Design; Arts and Sciences; Engineering; and Business Administration. Recent additions to its curriculum, such as data science and digital construction engineering, reflect the university’s responsiveness to global industry demands. AUS also stands at the forefront of innovation, with faculty and students contributing to groundbreaking research in areas like breast cancer therapies, drone radar systems, and blockchain-powered carbon trading platforms.
The university’s integration of artificial intelligence into its curriculum, with 58 AI-related courses, further underscores its dedication to preparing students for future challenges. Its AI Hub and six specialized research centers provide cutting-edge resources for both faculty and students. AUS’s reputation for producing job-ready graduates is well-established, with alumni securing positions at global giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, as well as regional government entities. Many have also pursued advanced degrees at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Stanford.
Ranked among the top universities in the UAE, the Arab world, and globally, AUS offers a vibrant multicultural environment with over 100 nationalities represented. Its 124 student clubs and 34 sports teams foster creativity, leadership, and community engagement. Financial support is also available through scholarships and grants, including merit awards, full-tuition scholarships, and family tuition grants.
Participation in the Open Day is free and open to all high school students, parents, and counselors. For registration and more information, visit openday.aus.edu or contact the Office of Enrollment Management at infodesk.aus.edu.
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Beijing issues fog alert with visibility dropping below 500 meters
On the morning of October 29, 2025, the Beijing Meteorological Service issued a yellow fog alert for several districts, including Daxing, Tongzhou, Chaoyang, Shunyi, Fangshan, and Fengtai. Visibility in some areas dropped below 500 meters, significantly impacting transportation and public safety. The National Meteorological Center also renewed the yellow fog warning at 6 a.m., indicating that foggy conditions would persist across Beijing and other parts of the country until noon. In southern Beijing, visibility was reported to be as low as 200 meters. Authorities advised the public to stay updated on traffic conditions, use public transportation, and exercise caution on the roads. Outdoor activities, particularly high-altitude work, were suspended for safety. Meteorologists predict that visibility will improve from late night into Thursday morning due to northerly winds. China’s four-tier weather warning system categorizes yellow as the third most severe level, following red and orange.
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Israel kills 100, including 35 children, in night of heavy Gaza bombardment
In a devastating escalation of violence, Israeli military forces conducted a series of air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians, including 35 children. The attacks targeted key areas such as Gaza City, Khan Younis, and refugee camps in central Gaza, striking homes, tents, and even the courtyard of a hospital. The death toll is anticipated to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition, and others remain trapped under the rubble. The director of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City described the health situation as ‘catastrophic,’ citing a severe shortage of medical supplies and medicines to treat the injured. The Palestinian Civil Defence has urgently called for an ‘immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.’ After nearly 12 hours of intense bombing, the Israeli military announced the reimposition of the ceasefire at 10 am local time. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire, pointing to an alleged attack on troops in Rafah that resulted in the death of one soldier and delays in the return of dead captives. Hamas denied involvement in the Rafah incident, attributing the delay to logistical challenges known to both Israel and the United States. US President Donald Trump supported Israel’s actions, stating it had ‘the right to retaliate’ and warning that Hamas could be ‘eliminated’ if it fails to comply with the ceasefire. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned the strikes, holding the US administration ‘fully responsible’ for the massacre and criticizing Trump’s statements as political cover for Israel’s actions. According to the Gaza-based Government Media Office, Israel has committed at least 125 ceasefire violations since October 11, resulting in over 180 deaths and 300 injuries. Israel has also continued to restrict aid entry and keep the Rafah crossing closed, further violating the ceasefire agreement.
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New videos show executions after militia takes key Sudan city
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in Sudan’s protracted civil war, have been accused of executing unarmed civilians following their capture of the strategic city of el-Fasher. Newly analyzed videos by BBC Verify depict men in military attire, some bearing RSF insignia, carrying out acts of extreme violence. The UN’s Sudan coordinator, Denise Brown, confirmed receiving credible reports of summary executions in the city, labeling such acts as war crimes under the Geneva Convention. The RSF, however, denies targeting civilians, with adviser Imran Abdullah stating their focus remains on military objectives. The conflict, which erupted in 2023, has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced approximately 12 million people. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale University’s Human Rights Laboratory suggests mass killings in el-Fasher, with clusters consistent with human bodies visible in recent images. Despite these findings, BBC Verify cannot independently confirm the exact nature of the events due to the lack of on-the-ground footage. The RSF, which controls much of Darfur and Kordofan, has a history of ethnically motivated violence, with analysts attributing some actions to the group’s decentralized structure. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of key areas, including the capital Khartoum, but el-Fasher’s fall marks a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, with the US previously labeling RSF actions as genocide.
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Exclusive interview with the designer of the 15th National Games mascots after their viral social media debut
As the 15th National Games draw near, the mascots Xiyangyang and Lerongrong have captured the hearts of millions with their endearing, chicken-like designs. Contrary to their whimsical appearance, these mascots are inspired by the Chinese white dolphins inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, near the iconic Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. In an exclusive interview, Liu Pingyun, the lead designer, expressed his delight at the mascots’ viral success on social media. He encouraged the public to use accessible and popular language to describe the mascots, believing it would amplify their reach and message. Liu emphasized the importance of cultural representation in the design, aiming to bridge tradition with modernity. The mascots have not only become symbols of the upcoming games but also a testament to China’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Watch: Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa as Montego Bay devastated
Montego Bay, a once-thriving coastal city in Jamaica, now lies in ruins following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category Five storm, one of the most powerful to hit the region in recent history, has left widespread destruction in its wake. Large swathes of Jamaica are grappling with prolonged power outages, as critical infrastructure has been severely damaged. Emergency services are working tirelessly to restore electricity and provide aid to affected communities. The hurricane’s ferocious winds and torrential rains have uprooted trees, demolished homes, and flooded streets, leaving residents in a state of despair. Authorities have issued warnings about potential health risks due to contaminated water and limited access to medical facilities. The international community has begun mobilizing relief efforts, but the road to recovery appears long and arduous. This disaster underscores the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the Caribbean, attributed to climate change, and highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
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A simple guide to what is happening in Sudan
Sudan, a nation in northeast Africa, has been engulfed in a devastating civil war since April 2023, triggered by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people, creating what the United Nations has termed the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The war has exacerbated existing poverty, with state revenues plummeting by 80% in 2024, further crippling the nation’s economy. The roots of the conflict trace back to the 2019 ousting of long-time President Omar al-Bashir, followed by a series of coups and failed attempts at establishing a civilian-led government. The current war is fueled by disagreements between SAF leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, particularly over the integration of the RSF into the national army. The RSF, which originated from the notorious Janjaweed militia, has been accused of committing atrocities, including genocide and ethnic cleansing in Darfur. The conflict has seen the RSF gain control of key territories, including el-Fasher, while the SAF retains dominance in the north and east. International efforts to broker peace have failed, with both sides showing little willingness to compromise. The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 24 million people facing acute food insecurity and aid operations severely hampered. The international community’s response has been criticized as inadequate, with calls for urgent action to prevent further catastrophe.