The olive harvest in the occupied West Bank, a centuries-old tradition and economic cornerstone for Palestinians, has been marred by escalating violence from Israeli settlers and military forces. According to the UN Rights Office, 757 assaults by settlers were recorded in the first half of 2025, resulting in injuries, property damage, and the destruction of olive groves. These attacks have drawn global condemnation and criticism from UN human rights officials. In Gaza, once a thriving hub for olive cultivation, nearly all agricultural land has been devastated by Israel’s two-year military campaign, which has claimed over 68,000 Palestinian lives. The olive tree, deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and history, symbolizes resilience and peace. However, its survival is under threat as settler violence intensifies, often with the complicity of Israeli security forces. The destruction of olive groves, uprooting of trees, and restrictions on access to farmland have severely impacted the livelihoods of 100,000 families in the West Bank, many of whom rely on olive cultivation for income. In Gaza, the olive industry has been decimated, with 98.5% of agricultural land damaged or inaccessible, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The ongoing assault on Palestinian agriculture is part of a broader strategy to displace communities and annex land, exacerbating humanitarian crises and threatening the cultural and economic fabric of Palestinian society.
作者： admin
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China revises Cybersecurity Law to bolster AI development
In a significant move to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance, China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) has passed revisions to the Cybersecurity Law. The amendments, approved on October 28, 2025, during the 18th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, will take effect on January 1, 2026. The revised law emphasizes national support for foundational AI research, algorithm development, and the construction of critical infrastructure such as training data resources and computing power. A newly added provision underscores the importance of advancing AI ethics, enhancing risk monitoring, and ensuring safety oversight to promote the responsible application and growth of AI technologies. Additionally, the amendments encourage innovative cybersecurity management practices, including the integration of AI and other emerging technologies to elevate protection standards. The revisions also refine legal liabilities for activities that compromise network security, increase penalties for violations, and expand extraterritorial application where necessary. Furthermore, the updated law enhances coordination with the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law to ensure precision, effectiveness, and consistency in legal frameworks. Since its initial enactment in 2016, the Cybersecurity Law has played a pivotal role in curbing harmful cyber activities and fostering a safer digital environment. However, persistent challenges such as network intrusions, cyberattacks, and the spread of illegal content highlight the ongoing complexities of maintaining cybersecurity. The latest amendments aim to address these issues while aligning with China’s broader strategic goals in AI and digital governance.
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Man deported to Laos despite court ordering blocking his removal, attorneys say
In a controversial move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Chanthila “Shawn” Souvannarath, a 44-year-old Alabama resident, to Laos despite a federal court order halting his removal. Souvannarath, who claims U.S. citizenship, was born in a Thai refugee camp but has lived in the U.S. since infancy, holding lawful permanent resident status. U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick had issued a temporary restraining order last week, citing Souvannarath’s “substantial claim of U.S. citizenship” and the irreparable harm deportation would cause. However, ICE proceeded with the deportation, leaving his family devastated. Souvannarath’s wife, Beatrice, confirmed his arrival in Laos via a WhatsApp message. The ACLU of Louisiana, representing Souvannarath, condemned the action as a blatant violation of the court order, accusing the administration of prioritizing mass deportation over legal and constitutional obligations. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over immigration enforcement, including previous cases of U.S. citizens being wrongfully deported.
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Ex-Bank of Communications VP Investigated
Hou Weidong, the former vice-president of the Bank of Communications, is currently under investigation for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws. The announcement was made on Tuesday by China’s top anti-corruption authorities, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. The investigation was disclosed online, though no additional details were provided. Hou, a 65-year-old native of Shandong province, joined the Communist Party in 1986 and is a graduate of Peking University. With decades of experience in China’s banking sector, he assumed the role of vice-president at the Bank of Communications in late 2010. This investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to combat corruption within the financial sector and maintain the integrity of its institutions.
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PayPal strikes payments wallet deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, shares surge
In a groundbreaking move, PayPal has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI, enabling ChatGPT users to make purchases directly through PayPal’s payment wallet. This collaboration has sent PayPal’s shares surging by 13% in premarket trading, reflecting investor optimism about the deal’s potential. The partnership aims to integrate PayPal’s vast global merchant network with ChatGPT, transforming the generative AI tool into a powerful platform for seamless e-commerce transactions. PayPal CEO Alex Chriss emphasized the significance of the deal, stating that it will allow users to transition from chat to checkout with just a few taps, leveraging the Agentic Commerce Protocol. In addition to the partnership, PayPal raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) forecast to between $5.35 and $5.39, up from the previous range of $5.15 to $5.30. The company also declared its first-ever quarterly dividend of 14 cents per share, marking a pivotal moment in its 27-year history. This dividend represents a targeted payout ratio of 10% of adjusted profit, underscoring PayPal’s confidence in its cash generation and long-term profitability. The announcement comes as PayPal shifts its focus from aggressive revenue growth to prioritizing profitability under Chriss’s leadership. Despite challenges in the post-pandemic retail landscape, PayPal has demonstrated resilience, with total payment volume growing by 7% on a foreign exchange-neutral basis to $458.1 billion. The partnership with OpenAI signals a broader trend in the retail sector, where AI-powered shopping tools are emerging as the next frontier in online commerce. These tools, which autonomously research, compare, and purchase products, are poised to redefine the consumer shopping experience by acting as intelligent digital assistants.
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United Arab Bank net profit up by 49% for the nine months ended September 2025
United Arab Bank (UAB) has announced a remarkable 49% year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching Dh316 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, compared to Dh212 million during the same period in 2024. The bank’s total income also saw a significant rise of 28%, climbing to Dh580 million from Dh452 million in the previous year. This financial growth is attributed to substantial increases in total assets, including loans, advances, Islamic financing, and investments, alongside a disciplined approach to risk management.
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UAE fans can now watch Shah Rukh Khan’s classics on the big screen again
In a grand celebration of Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled cinematic legacy, Yash Raj Films (YRF) International has unveiled the Shah Rukh Khan Film Festival, set to captivate audiences across the Middle East, North America, the UK, Europe, and Australasia. The festival, commencing on October 31, will span two weeks, offering fans a chance to revisit some of SRK’s most iconic films on the big screen. The curated lineup includes timeless classics such as the romantic tragedy ‘Devdas,’ the poetic masterpiece ‘Dil Se,’ the adrenaline-packed ‘Chennai Express,’ and the modern action thriller ‘Jawan,’ among others. Each film represents a distinct era and emotion from SRK’s illustrious 33-year career, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘Cinema has always been my home, and seeing these films return to the big screen feels like a beautiful reunion.’ Nelson D’Souza, Vice President of International Distribution at YRF, emphasized SRK’s global influence, calling him ‘a global icon and an enduring emotion.’ The festival coincides with SRK’s birthday on November 2, allowing UAE fans to celebrate by immersing themselves in his cinematic magic. Show timings are available at local cinemas.
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Tabby announces completion of secondary share sale
Tabby, the Riyadh-based financial technology company, has successfully concluded a secondary share sale, solidifying its valuation at an impressive $4.5 billion. The transaction, announced on Tuesday, involved the acquisition of shares by HSG, Boyu Capital, and other investors from existing shareholders. Notably, no new shares were issued, and the company did not receive any proceeds from the sale. This strategic move underscores the confidence of investors in Tabby’s growth trajectory and market potential. Tabby, renowned for its innovative financial services, empowers millions across the Middle East to manage their finances effectively. With over 40,000 global brands, including giants like Amazon, Adidas, and IKEA, leveraging its technology, Tabby has become a pivotal player in the region’s fintech landscape. The company’s CEO, Hosam Arab, expressed pride in welcoming new shareholders who align with Tabby’s vision. Rock Wang of HSG and Joey Chen of Boyu Capital lauded Tabby’s market acumen and product innovation, highlighting its leadership in the burgeoning fintech sector.
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Strong winds and flying debris as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall
Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, unleashing powerful winds and dangerous storm surges. The hurricane is expected to bring waves reaching up to 13 feet (3.9 meters) above ground level, posing significant threats to coastal areas. The National Hurricane Center has warned of widespread destruction caused by flying debris and severe flooding. Emergency services are on high alert, urging residents to seek shelter and avoid unnecessary travel. This marks one of the most intense storms to hit the region this year, with experts emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the face of such extreme weather events. The impact of Hurricane Melissa is likely to disrupt daily life, damage infrastructure, and affect local economies for weeks to come.
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Educational exchanges to play a key role in strengthening China-US ties
Educational exchanges between China and the United States are set to play a crucial role in fostering stronger bilateral ties, according to officials and experts. This sentiment was highlighted during a sub-forum at the 7th China-US Sister Cities Conference held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on October 27, 2025. Natalie Mihalek, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of such exchanges in bridging cultural and ideological divides. ‘In a world that feels increasingly divided, a conference like this reminds us that knowledge knows no borders,’ she stated. Mihalek further noted that when students and teachers from different countries share classrooms, ideas, and experiences, they cultivate empathy, communication, and understanding. For decades, educational collaborations have enabled students from both nations to gain new skills and perspectives on each other’s history and culture, enriching local communities. Brigham Young University (BYU) serves as a prime example, having collaborated with China for over 40 years. In 1979, a group of BYU student performers visited China, marking one of the first Western performing arts groups to do so in years and establishing a foundation for regular exchanges. Since then, thousands of BYU students and faculty have studied, lived, and performed in China, according to Jeff Ringer, the university’s associate international vice-president. In 1989, BYU initiated the China Teachers Program, which has seen over 2,000 BYU teachers educate hundreds of thousands of Chinese students, fostering lifelong friendships and deepening cultural understanding. Another notable example is Wenzhou-Kean University, a joint project between Zhejiang province and the state of New Jersey, which offers an immersive Chinese cultural experience for international, particularly American, students. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Susan Thornton, vice-chair of the US Heartland China Association, pointed out that fewer American students are studying in China today, and communities across the US Midwest have limited opportunities to engage with Chinese culture. ‘If we are to sustain the foundation of trust and cooperation between our people, that has to change,’ she asserted. Additionally, Chinese students face obstacles such as visa processing when traveling to study in the US. Mihalek stressed the importance of keeping education at the center of the China-US partnership, stating, ‘The more we learn together, the more we grow together, and the more peaceful and prosperous the shared world will be.’