A humanitarian gesture by Scottish firefighters has sparked a diplomatic standoff, as a fire engine donated to their counterparts in the occupied West Bank remains impounded by Israeli authorities. The Guardian reported on Friday that the fire engine, equipped with essential medical supplies and firefighting gear, was sent to Nablus last summer but has been held at the Port of Ashdod since July 2024. Israeli officials have imposed $21,271 in fees on the Nablus governorate, citing the vehicle’s right-hand drive configuration as non-compliant with local regulations. Despite documented clearance, the fire engine has not been released, prompting Scottish firefighters to seek intervention from the UK government to repatriate the donation and avoid further financial burdens on Nablus. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has escalated efforts to resolve the issue, including presenting an early day motion in UK Parliament, lobbying the Israeli ambassador, and organizing protests outside the Israeli embassy in London. FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack emphasized the dire conditions faced by Palestinian firefighters, stating, ‘It is appalling that life-saving equipment donated by our members is being held by Israeli customs while Palestinian firefighters are in desperate need of resources.’ The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has also engaged with Israeli authorities, urging increased humanitarian aid access to the Palestinian territories. The donation, which includes fire helmets, protective equipment, and medical supplies, underscores a decades-long partnership between Dundee and Nablus, twinned since 1980. However, the impasse highlights ongoing challenges in delivering aid to the West Bank, where firefighters face chronic shortages of essential equipment.
作者： admin
-
‘Journey of ambition’: Sheikh Hamdan lauds Emirates on first flight anniversary
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commemorated the 40th anniversary of Emirates’ inaugural flight, praising the airline’s transformative journey and its role in shaping Dubai into a global hub. In a heartfelt message shared on October 25, 2025, Sheikh Hamdan reflected on the historic moment in 1985 when Emirates took its first flight from Dubai, marking the beginning of an ambitious venture that continues to soar. He lauded the airline’s team, led by Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for their unwavering dedication and vision, which have propelled Emirates to become a world leader in aviation. Earlier that day, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also celebrated the milestone, describing Emirates as a ‘national pride’ that has transported over 860 million passengers worldwide. Starting with a modest $10 million investment and two leased aircraft, Emirates has grown into a global powerhouse with a modern fleet of Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350 aircraft, and over 300 planes on order. To mark the occasion, Emirates released a video showcasing the evolution of its fleet since 1985, highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation.
-
Palestinian factions start ‘national dialogue’, US appoints diplomat to monitor ceasefire
In a significant development, Palestinian factions convened in Cairo on Friday to initiate a ‘national dialogue’ aimed at addressing the governance and future of Gaza as part of a broader Palestinian state. A joint statement issued after the meeting highlighted the factions’ commitment to unifying their visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause. The factions also called for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy and to reactivate the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. While Hamas was present at the meeting, the participation of other factions remains unclear. The statement emphasized the need for a unified national position, rejecting all forms of annexation and displacement in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. Additionally, the factions urged an end to torture and violations against prisoners in Israeli prisons and called for measures to ensure security and stability in Gaza. Notably, the factions agreed to form a temporary committee of independent Palestinian technocrats from Gaza to manage daily life and provide basic services, signaling a willingness to cede power to this group. However, the issue of disarmament, a contentious demand from the US and Israel, was not addressed. Instead, the factions proposed a UN force to monitor the ceasefire. The meeting comes as 157 out of 193 UN member states recognize Palestine, including most G7 nations. Interestingly, recent polling in the US shows that 41% of Republican voters and a majority of Democrats support Palestinian statehood, marking a shift in public opinion. The Trump administration, historically critical of the UN, has appointed Ambassador Steven Fagin to lead the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, tasked with monitoring the Gaza ceasefire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who toured the facility on Friday, expressed cautious optimism about the progress of the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
-
India: Police foil major terrorist plot in Delhi, accused planned Diwali blasts
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Delhi Police have successfully foiled a major terrorist plot aimed at disrupting Diwali festivities in the Indian capital. The police arrested two individuals, both named Adnan, who were allegedly planning to carry out explosions in crowded areas, including a prominent mall and a public park. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects were using multiple Instagram accounts to disseminate extremist content and maintain communication with foreign handlers, suspected to be based near the Syria-Turkey border. During the arrests, authorities seized incriminating evidence, including a laptop, pen drives, Daesh propaganda material, electronic components, and a wristwatch believed to be intended for constructing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). One of the suspects had previously been arrested in June 2024 by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad for issuing online threats. The second suspect, whose father is a government employee, was apprehended on October 16. The Special Cell, led by Inspector Sunil and Inspector Dhiraj, had been monitoring the suspects for months, with parallel investigations in Delhi and Bhopal. Interrogations are ongoing to uncover potential network members, and searches are being conducted at multiple locations linked to the duo. This operation highlights the persistent threat of terrorism during festive seasons and the vigilance of Indian security forces in safeguarding public safety.
-
Trump’s Asia return and East Timor’s entry take spotlight in landmark ASEAN summit
The 2023 ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has commenced with significant developments on multiple fronts. The event marks the formal inclusion of East Timor as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the first expansion in 26 years. This milestone underscores ASEAN’s commitment to regional inclusivity, offering East Timor access to free trade agreements, investment opportunities, and a broader market to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
The summit also highlights the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to Asia for the first time since his re-election. Trump’s presence signals renewed U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, with expectations of new trade deals and his involvement in brokering an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. However, his visit has sparked protests in Kuala Lumpur, particularly over his administration’s stance on the Palestinian issue, despite Malaysia’s acknowledgment of his role in facilitating a Gaza ceasefire.
Regional security and economic resilience dominate the agenda, with discussions on the South China Sea disputes, Myanmar’s civil war, and the proliferation of cross-border scam networks. ASEAN is set to sign an upgraded free trade pact with China and continue negotiations on a code of conduct for the contested waterway. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military government, barred from summits since the 2021 coup, faces scrutiny over its planned elections in December, which critics deem neither free nor fair.
The summit also features the revival of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade bloc, as regional economies seek stability amid U.S. tariff measures and shifting global trade patterns. Leaders from China, Japan, India, Australia, and other key partners are attending, alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, reflecting ASEAN’s efforts to deepen ties with Africa and Latin America.
-
Three-way tie at the top as Skaik leads UAE bid at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) at Emirates Golf Club is heating up with a thrilling three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Japan’s Rintaro Nakano, Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le, and Australia’s Harry Takis are all tied at 11-under-par, setting the stage for a competitive final weekend. Meanwhile, UAE’s Ahmad Skaik has emerged as a local hero, showcasing resilience and skill to remain in contention. Despite a challenging round on Friday, Skaik fought back to finish level-par, leaving him tied for 10th at four-under 140, just seven shots behind the leaders. Skaik’s performance has ignited local enthusiasm, with compatriots Sam Mullane and Rayan Ahmed also advancing past the cut, ensuring a strong Emirati presence in the tournament. Lebanon’s Geoffrey Laklak made history by becoming the first player from his country to make the AAC cut, adding another layer of excitement to the event. Nakano, Le, and Takis each delivered standout performances, with Nakano matching the day’s best score of 66. The tournament’s depth is evident, with 62 players progressing to the weekend rounds and 22 breaking par after two days. As the competition intensifies, all eyes are on the final 36 holes, where the winner will secure a coveted spot at The Masters. Round three begins on Saturday, with the leaders teeing off at 10:06 a.m. For live updates and scores, visit www.aacgolf.com.
-
Beijing looking to exert tighter control over Chinese Christians
In a significant move, Chinese authorities detained Ezra Jin, the leader of the Zion Church, along with over 30 church staff, including pastors, on October 10. This marks one of the largest crackdowns on Christian churches in recent years, shedding light on Beijing’s ongoing efforts to regulate religious activities. The Zion Church, a prominent unregistered Christian congregation with widespread presence across China, has long been under government scrutiny. The timing of this crackdown is particularly notable, as it coincides with escalating tensions between China and the United States, suggesting that both domestic religious policies and international relations are influencing Beijing’s actions. China officially recognizes five religions—Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism—with Buddhism and Daoism considered indigenous and central to Han Chinese culture. Christianity, introduced to China centuries ago, has faced periods of tolerance and persecution. The 19th century saw significant growth in Chinese Christianity, fueled by Western missionaries, but this also led to xenophobic movements that contributed to the fall of the empire. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, foreign Christians were expelled, and state-controlled religious bodies were created. Dissatisfaction with these bodies led to the rise of unregistered churches, which have operated outside state control ever since. The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) brought severe persecution of all religious practices, but Christianity persisted and experienced a resurgence in the more liberal 1980s. However, under President Xi Jinping’s leadership since 2013, China has adopted a stricter stance on religion, emphasizing the ‘Sinicization’ of faiths to align them with state ideology. Recent regulations have tightened control over religious sites, finances, and charitable activities, while the forcible removal of crosses and the imprisonment of prominent church leaders like Wang Yi underscore the severity of the crackdown. The close ties between some unregistered churches and U.S.-based evangelical groups have further complicated the situation, with repressive measures often intensifying during periods of strained U.S.-China relations. The recent crackdown on the Zion Church, whose founder’s daughter is a U.S. Senate staffer, appears to be a strategic signal to Washington. Unless bilateral relations improve, Chinese Christians may face continued repression.
-
Tighter border control rules in the US starting December 26; what to expect
Starting December 26, the United States will enforce stricter border control measures, significantly expanding the use of facial recognition technology to monitor non-citizens entering and exiting the country. This initiative, detailed in a government document released on Friday, aims to address visa overstays and passport fraud. Under the new regulation, border authorities will have the authority to photograph non-citizens at airports, seaports, land crossings, and other departure points, building upon an earlier pilot program. Additionally, the regulation permits the collection of other biometric data, such as fingerprints or DNA, and extends facial recognition requirements to children under 14 and elderly individuals over 79, groups previously exempted. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to curb illegal immigration, which includes increased resources for securing the US-Mexico border and efforts to reduce visa overstays. However, the growing reliance on facial recognition has sparked privacy concerns, particularly regarding potential overreach and inaccuracies. A 2024 report by the US Commission on Civil Rights highlighted that facial recognition technology is more prone to misidentifying Black people and other minority groups. The Congressional Research Service estimated in 2023 that approximately 42% of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US had overstayed their visas. While the US Congress mandated the creation of an automated entry-exit system in 1996, it has yet to be fully implemented. Currently, US Customs and Border Protection uses facial recognition for all commercial air entries but only records exits at select locations. The agency anticipates that a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system could be operational at all commercial airports and seaports within the next three to five years.
-
6 unforgettable ads Piyush Pandey created that changed Indian advertising
Piyush Pandey, the legendary figure in Indian advertising, passed away on Thursday after a severe infection. Though not a household name himself, Pandey’s creative genius left an indelible mark on the Indian advertising landscape. His campaigns, spanning over two decades, have become cultural touchstones, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. From iconic jingles to powerful political slogans, Pandey’s work transcended mere marketing, embedding itself into the fabric of Indian society. Here’s a look at six of his most unforgettable campaigns that reshaped Indian advertising: 1. **’Do boond zindagi ke’ — Polio Campaign**: This early ’90s initiative, featuring Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, played a pivotal role in promoting polio vaccination nationwide. 2. **’Fevicol ka jod’ — Fevicol**: Known for its humorous and memorable ads, this campaign turned Fevicol into a household name, with one ad showcasing a sofa passed down through generations. 3. **’Vicks ki goli lo, khich khich door karo’ — Vicks**: This enduring campaign for Vicks cough drops remains a staple in Indian advertising, thanks to Pandey’s creative vision. 4. **’Har ghar kuch kehta hai’ — Asian Paints**: This campaign celebrated the stories behind every home, making Asian Paints synonymous with emotional connections. 5. **’Wherever you go, our network follows’ — Hutch/Vodafone**: Featuring a loyal pug following a boy, this ad symbolized the reliability of the network in a heartwarming way. 6. **’Ab ki baar, Modi sarkaar’ — BJP Election Campaign**: This slogan, which became a rallying cry during the 2014 elections, even caught the attention of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Pandey’s legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling in advertising, proving that creativity can leave a lasting impact far beyond its commercial intent.
-
‘Nothing has changed’: Gaza health workers report almost no medical aid entering the strip
The healthcare crisis in Gaza remains dire despite a fragile ceasefire, as Israeli restrictions continue to block the entry of essential medical supplies and equipment, aid groups have warned. Lena Dajani, a volunteer coordinating medical aid in Gaza, reported that healthcare conditions have seen no improvement since the ceasefire began on October 10. While health workers are no longer overwhelmed by casualties from bombardments, they face severe shortages of basic medical supplies and equipment. The World Health Organization revealed that only 10% of requested medical supplies have entered Gaza since the ceasefire. Dajani highlighted the prevalence of sepsis due to a lack of disinfectants, describing hospitals as breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. Overcrowding persists, with patients forced to sleep on floors or in makeshift tents. Cases like Saab, a child evacuated from northern Gaza who lost half his skull, underscore the dire conditions. Medications for genetic disorders, such as Keppra syrup for epilepsy, are unavailable, and refrigeration-dependent drugs like insulin cannot be stored due to infrastructure and electricity shortages. Bahaa Zaqout, director of external relations at PARC, a Palestinian NGO, stated that almost no medical equipment or medicine has entered Gaza since the ceasefire. Items classified as ‘dual-use,’ including most medical equipment, are barred. Zaqout noted that the list of restricted items has expanded from 1,400 to around 4,000 since Israel’s military assault began. Only 90 trucks enter Gaza daily, far fewer than promised, with aid trucks comprising just 15% of deliveries. Zaqout emphasized the unavailability of even basic medications like paracetamol and assistive devices such as wheelchairs. A report by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children found that 58,000 people in Gaza are living with disabilities, with 22,500 requiring rehabilitation services. The NGO estimated that 35,000 people are at risk of temporary or permanent hearing loss. Medical delegations, including British plastic surgeon Victoria Rose, continue to face entry denials. Rose, part of a delegation denied entry on October 9, noted that medical workers are limited to five seats per month on convoys entering Gaza. Since October 2023, 17,000 Palestinian medical workers have been killed, with 95 still detained by Israel. The healthcare system remains critically understaffed, with urgent needs in orthopaedic and plastic surgery.