作者: admin

  • Trump to Australian ambassador: ‘I don’t like you either’

    Trump to Australian ambassador: ‘I don’t like you either’

    A notable diplomatic exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Australia’s ambassador has come to light, highlighting strained relations during Trump’s tenure. In 2020, Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister and then-ambassador, publicly criticized Trump on social media, labeling him as the ‘most destructive’ president in U.S. history. This remark reportedly prompted a sharp retort from Trump, who allegedly responded with, ‘I don’t like you either.’ The incident underscores the often contentious nature of Trump’s interactions with foreign leaders and diplomats, reflecting broader challenges in U.S.-Australia relations during his administration. While such exchanges were not uncommon for Trump, this particular instance sheds light on the personal and political tensions that characterized his approach to international diplomacy.

  • Afrobeats superstar Davido brings 5IVE Alive Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena

    Afrobeats superstar Davido brings 5IVE Alive Tour to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena

    Grammy-nominated Afrobeats sensation Davido is set to captivate Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on November 8, 2025, with his highly anticipated 5IVE Alive Tour. The global superstar, renowned for his chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, will deliver an unforgettable night of music, rhythm, and culture. The event will feature a blend of his latest tracks from his fifth studio album, *5IVE*, released in April 2025, alongside fan-favorite anthems. The 17-track album, featuring collaborations with global artists like Omah Lay, Chris Brown, and Musa Keys, has dominated charts worldwide with singles such as “Awuke,” “Funds,” and “With You.” Davido expressed his excitement about returning to Dubai, stating, “The energy at Coca-Cola Arena was unforgettable, and I can’t wait to return this November with an even bigger show. This performance is all about celebrating Afrobeats on a global stage.” Known for hits like “Fall,” “If,” and “Unavailable,” Davido has cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation, earning accolades from MTV, BET, AFRIMA, and more. Fans can secure tickets starting at Dh175 via coca-cola-arena.com, with options ranging from Fan Pit to Bronze seating. Early booking is encouraged to ensure a spot at one of the year’s most anticipated events.

  • Morocco looks to build on first U20 World Cup title

    Morocco looks to build on first U20 World Cup title

    Morocco has etched its name in football history by becoming the first Arab nation to clinch the Under-20 World Cup title. The Atlas Cubs triumphed over six-time champions Argentina with a commanding 2-0 victory in the final held in Santiago, Chile. Striker Yassir Zabiri was the hero of the match, scoring both goals, including a stunning free-kick and a precise volley. This victory marks Morocco as only the second African nation to win the tournament, following Ghana’s success in 2009. The win has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans flooding the streets in jubilation. King Mohammed VI, a key figure in Morocco’s football development, praised the team for their exceptional performance and unity. The triumph is seen as a testament to Morocco’s decade-long investment in football infrastructure, including the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy and state-of-the-art training facilities. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has ambitious plans to continue this momentum, with eyes set on hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite recent protests questioning the allocation of resources to football, the royal palace has pledged increased funding for health and education. Morocco’s football success extends beyond the U20 team, with the senior men’s team reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the U23 team securing bronze at the 2024 Olympics. The FRMF is also focusing on developing women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, aiming to establish Morocco as a global football powerhouse.

  • Sichuan reports first case of HIV-2 infection

    Sichuan reports first case of HIV-2 infection

    Sichuan Province has reported its first-ever case of HIV-2, a rare strain of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that is uncommon in China. The case was identified in a 67-year-old woman from Meishan city, who initially tested positive for HIV in January 2025. Advanced confirmatory testing and genetic sequencing later revealed the infection to be caused by HIV-2, as detailed in a study published in the Chinese Journal of AIDS & STD. HIV is categorized into two types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. While HIV-1 is more globally prevalent and highly pathogenic, HIV-2 is less transmissible and progresses more slowly. This discovery underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and advanced diagnostic techniques in identifying rare viral strains. Health authorities are now focusing on understanding the transmission pathways and implementing targeted prevention measures to curb the spread of this less common variant.

  • Hainan suspends transport as Typhoon Fengshen approaches

    Hainan suspends transport as Typhoon Fengshen approaches

    As Typhoon Fengshen barrels through the South China Sea, Hainan Province has taken decisive action to ensure public safety by suspending all transport services. The typhoon, characterized by its strong winds and heavy rainfall, has prompted Hainan Railway Co. to halt all train operations to and from the island on Tuesday. Additionally, key ports including Haikou Xinhai Port, Xiuying Port, and South Railway Port ceased operations from 2 pm on Monday, with services anticipated to resume by Thursday morning.

    Maritime authorities have also implemented precautionary measures, suspending cruise services between Hainan and the Xisha Islands, as well as the Xisha supply route, starting Monday morning. Night tour routes in Haikou and Sanya have been halted, and tourist trips to Sanya’s Wuzhizhou and Xidao islands will be suspended from Tuesday.

    The Hainan Maritime Safety Administration has activated a Level IV emergency response for typhoon prevention, implementing safety protocols for over 1,900 vessels across local ports. As of Monday morning, Typhoon Fengshen’s maximum sustained winds reached force 9 on the Beaufort scale, according to China’s national observatory.

    Meteorologists predict the storm will continue to intensify as it moves west-northwest at approximately 25 kilometers per hour. It is expected to peak as a severe tropical storm or typhoon, with winds potentially reaching force 12 on the Beaufort scale. By Tuesday, Fengshen is forecast to turn southwest over the central and northern waters of the South China Sea, passing northwest of the Xisha Islands before heading toward Vietnam’s central coast, where it will gradually weaken.

    Residents and travelers in Hainan are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, which are expected to persist from Monday through Thursday morning across the central and northern South China Sea and most waters off Hainan. The eastern half of Hainan is particularly at risk of facing severe storm conditions between Tuesday and Thursday.

  • Global experts gather in Shanghai to address urban resilience

    Global experts gather in Shanghai to address urban resilience

    The inaugural RISE Week 2025 commenced in Shanghai on October 17, uniting over 100 global experts, policymakers, and practitioners from 15 countries. Hosted by the UNDP—Tongji SDG Innovation Lab on Climate and Disaster Resilience (RISE Lab) and co-organized by UNDP and Tongji University, the event aimed to foster innovative solutions for creating low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient cities. The week-long program featured technical workshops, peer-learning sessions, policy dialogues, leadership training, and field visits, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, policy, and governance to enhance urban resilience. Xu Haoliang, UNDP associate administrator, highlighted the urgency of addressing urban vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, natural disasters, and social inequalities. Lyu Peiming, executive vice-president of Tongji University, underscored the event’s role in bridging research, policymaking, and practice. International participants, including Paula Coelho da Nobrega from Brazil and Gordon Otieno Muga from Kenya, shared their challenges and praised the technical insights offered. Zhou Ying, dean of Tongji University’s college of civil engineering, emphasized the importance of international cooperation, education, and engineering-driven innovation in building resilient cities. RISE Lab will continue to serve as a global platform for collaborative resilience-building efforts.

  • Nebojsa Pavkovic, Serbian general convicted by UN of war crimes in Kosovo, dies at 79

    Nebojsa Pavkovic, Serbian general convicted by UN of war crimes in Kosovo, dies at 79

    Nebojsa Pavkovic, the former chief of the Serb-led Yugoslav army, who was convicted of war crimes during the Kosovo conflict, has passed away at the age of 79. Serbian officials and media confirmed his death on Monday in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital. Pavkovic had been released from a Finnish prison less than a month prior, where he was serving a 22-year sentence for atrocities committed against ethnic Albanians in the 1998-99 war.

  • Scores of Palestinians dead, regular arrests: Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza so far

    Scores of Palestinians dead, regular arrests: Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza so far

    As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the fragile US-mediated ceasefire in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. On Sunday, Israel launched a series of devastating airstrikes across the besieged territory, claiming retaliation for an alleged Hamas attack on its troops in southern Rafah. The Israeli military reported that the assault involved rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, though Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, denied any involvement and reaffirmed its commitment to the truce.

    Since the ceasefire took effect on October 11, Israeli forces have been accused of over 80 violations, including artillery fire, airstrikes, and the arrest of civilians. Palestinian authorities report that these breaches have resulted in the deaths of at least 97 people and injuries to over 230 others. The deadliest incident occurred on Sunday, with more than 100 airstrikes targeting areas such as Rafah, Khan Younis, Jabalia, and central Gaza. Among the casualties were civilians, journalists, and displaced families seeking refuge.

    Beyond the violence, Israel has also violated the ceasefire’s humanitarian provisions. Despite an ongoing prisoner exchange, Israeli forces have detained Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The Gaza media office reported that 14 individuals were arrested, with five released after enduring abuse. Additionally, Israel has restricted the entry of essential aid into Gaza, despite the agreement stipulating the daily delivery of 400 aid trucks, a figure far from being met.

    The situation has drawn widespread condemnation, with rights groups accusing Israel of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Government Media Office in Gaza described the aid entering the territory as a ‘drop in the ocean,’ insufficient for the 2.4 million residents. As the violence escalates and the ceasefire teeters, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and restore peace in the region.

  • US and Australia sign critical-minerals agreement as a way to counter China

    US and Australia sign critical-minerals agreement as a way to counter China

    In a significant move to reduce reliance on China’s rare-earth resources, President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an $8.5 billion critical-minerals agreement at the White House on Monday. The deal, negotiated over several months, aims to bolster the supply of rare-earth materials essential for advanced technologies, from fighter jets to electric vehicles. Trump confidently predicted that within a year, the U.S. would have an abundance of these resources, while Albanese emphasized that the agreement elevates the U.S.-Australia relationship to a new level. The partnership comes as China tightens export controls on rare-earth materials, a move the Trump administration views as an attempt to dominate the global tech supply chain. Kevin Hassett, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, praised Australia’s mining economy and its role in mitigating global economic risks posed by China’s rare-earth monopoly. The agreement includes plans for $3 billion in joint investments within six months, signaling the urgency of the initiative. However, experts caution that while Australia’s resources are valuable, the U.S. must also invest in mining and processing projects in other regions, such as Central Asia, to fully counter China’s decades-long head start. The deal underscores the broader geopolitical strategy of leveraging alliances to counter China’s influence, with discussions also touching on the AUKUS security pact. Albanese’s visit precedes Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the high-stakes nature of these negotiations.

  • Myanmar military raids major cybercrime center, detains over 2,000 people

    Myanmar military raids major cybercrime center, detains over 2,000 people

    In a significant move against transnational cybercrime, Myanmar’s military has dismantled a large-scale online scam operation near the Thai border, detaining over 2,000 individuals and confiscating numerous Starlink satellite internet terminals. The operation, reported by state media on Monday, targeted KK Park, a notorious hub for cyber fraud, illegal gambling, and cross-border criminal activities. Located in Myawaddy, Kayin State, the area is a hotspot for such illicit operations due to its proximity to Thailand and the limited control exerted by Myanmar’s military government. The raid, part of a broader crackdown initiated in early September, also uncovered 260 unregistered buildings and 30 Starlink terminals. Starlink, a satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is not officially licensed in Myanmar, yet hundreds of its devices have been smuggled into the country. The military accused the Karen National Union, an ethnic armed group, of involvement in the scam operations, though the group denies these allegations. This crackdown follows international pressure, including recent sanctions by the U.S. and U.K. against a Cambodian cyberscam gang. Earlier this year, Myanmar and Thailand collaborated to rescue thousands of trafficked individuals from similar scam compounds, highlighting the persistent issue of cybercrime in the region.