The Israeli military has been disposing of construction waste and debris into the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the already dire environmental and humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. According to a report by Haaretz, trucks laden with rubble have been entering Gaza and unloading waste onto its streets. Footage obtained by the Israeli news outlet shows excavators dumping debris near the Kissufim crossing, a process that has been repeated multiple times. The waste includes significant amounts of construction materials and garbage left behind by the military during the prolonged conflict. Israeli army officers confirmed to Haaretz that field commanders authorized the dumping of waste materials inside Gaza, allowing private Israeli companies to dispose of their trash indiscriminately within the territory. One soldier questioned the logic of dumping waste just a few hundred meters from residential areas, expressing concerns over the long-term impact on local communities. Another officer highlighted the potential for Hamas to repurpose some of the discarded materials, such as iron, irrigation pipes, and concrete blocks. The report follows warnings from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that Gaza is buried under 61 million tonnes of debris, with 15% of it potentially contaminated with hazardous substances like asbestos, industrial waste, or heavy metals. UNEP’s latest assessment revealed that nearly two-thirds of the debris was generated in the first five months of the war, with destruction accelerating in the months leading up to the ceasefire. Inger Andersen, UNEP’s executive director, emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental and humanitarian crisis, warning that continued neglect could leave a legacy of environmental destruction affecting the health and wellbeing of Gaza’s residents for generations.
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Dubai’s visionary drive: Building infrastructure for global impact
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has transformed the emirate into a global leader in urban infrastructure and sustainable mobility, marking two decades of visionary development. Under the guidance of Dubai’s leadership, the RTA has invested Dh175 billion in creating an integrated transport network that includes the Dubai Metro, tram systems, and a world-class road network spanning over 25,000 lane-kilometres. These initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also positioned Dubai as one of the most liveable cities in the world.
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Dubai teen’s AI project becomes a hub of learning in rural Bihar
Seventeen-year-old Sumair Kandhari, a Dubai resident and student at Sevenoaks School in the UK, is making waves with his innovative project, Pathways Plus, which is revolutionizing education in Bihar, one of India’s most underserved regions. Launched in collaboration with KCS Foundation India, the initiative has established a fully equipped 20-desk digital lab, serving as a hub for structured, hands-on learning for rural students. Sumair’s project, initially funded through his own efforts, now offers a comprehensive 2.5-month training program that teaches basic computing, Python programming, and practical AI applications. This initiative is empowering students with digital fluency, creative confidence, and access to opportunities previously beyond their reach. Sumair’s vision has already impacted thousands of students, with plans to expand across multiple schools, setting a precedent for grassroots tech education. Beyond Bihar, Sumair is also developing a mobile app for Gurduwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, aiming to modernize community engagement and integrate spiritual connection into the digital age.
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RAK Police conducts 52 missions in 3 months; issues winter hiking safety alert
As winter approaches and mountain hiking becomes increasingly popular among residents, visitors, and citizens of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the RAK Police have issued a critical safety alert to ensure the well-being of outdoor enthusiasts. Over the past three months, the Air Wing Department of RAK Police has successfully conducted 52 aerial missions, including rescue operations, security patrols, and community service initiatives. These efforts underscore the department’s unwavering commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Abdullah Ali Al Shehhi, Head of the Air Wing Department, emphasized the importance of planning and preparedness for hikers. He urged adventurers to inform the Operations Room of their intended routes before embarking on their journeys. Additionally, hikers are advised to carry sufficient food and water, ensure their mobile phones are fully charged, and avoid hazardous terrains. ‘Our priority is to save lives and ensure public safety,’ Al Shehhi stated, highlighting the critical role of community cooperation in preventing accidents and enabling swift responses during emergencies. The Air Wing Department remains on 24/7 standby, ready to address any incidents promptly. Al Shehhi also stressed the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly as more people explore the mountains during the winter season. ‘Being prepared can save lives,’ he concluded, reinforcing the message of caution and responsibility.
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Israel lifts state of emergency for communities neighbouring Gaza
Israel has officially lifted the state of emergency for communities bordering Gaza, marking the first such decision since the October 2023 Hamas attack. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the move on Monday, stating it reflects the “new security reality in the south of the country.” The decision follows the Israeli military’s recommendation and comes as a ceasefire, initiated on October 10, remains largely intact. Katz’s office emphasized that this is the first time the special state of emergency has been revoked since the October 7 attack. The ceasefire’s continued stability has allowed for this significant shift in security measures, signaling a cautious but hopeful step toward normalcy in the region.
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Shanghai’s cross-border e-commerce pilot zone gains from CIIE’s spillover effect
Leveraging the spillover effect of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Baihe Town in Shanghai’s Qingpu District has successfully launched the Hongqiao Cross-Border E-Commerce and Industrial Belt Pilot Zone. This innovative zone integrates streamlined business services with a cutting-edge digital warehouse-port-distribution system, significantly enhancing logistics efficiency. While the primary focus remains on export activities, the zone is also actively collaborating with international exhibitors to explore import opportunities. This dual approach aims to support businesses in achieving global expansion and fostering international trade partnerships. The initiative underscores Shanghai’s commitment to advancing its e-commerce infrastructure and strengthening its position as a global trade hub.
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AU renews calls for lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe
The African Union (AU) has once again called for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, emphasizing the detrimental impact these measures have had on the nation’s socio-economic development. Speaking during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day on Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the prolonged suffering of Zimbabwe’s people and economy due to these ‘coercive measures.’ Youssouf underscored that the sanctions have severely restricted Zimbabwe’s access to international finance, deterred foreign direct investment, and increased the cost of doing business, thereby hindering regional progress. While the statement did not specify the countries imposing the sanctions, the United States has been a key enforcer since 2001 under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, addressing the nation during Anti-Sanctions Day events in Harare, reiterated the country’s resilience in pursuing economic growth despite these ‘illegal sanctions.’ He argued that the sanctions were imposed as punishment for Zimbabwe’s assertion of sovereignty and its pursuit of equitable development. Mnangagwa pointed to progress in food security and agricultural self-sufficiency through climate-resilient programs but lamented the continued barriers to accessing global credit and financial markets. The AU has pledged unwavering support for Zimbabwe, vowing to mobilize international backing until the sanctions are fully lifted. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean civil society groups, such as Citizens Against Economic Sanctions, have echoed the call for the unconditional removal of these measures, emphasizing their ongoing negative impact on economic growth and social development.
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HSBC to take $1.1 billion hit after Luxembourg court ruling in Madoff case
HSBC Holdings announced on Monday that it will record a $1.1 billion provision in its third-quarter financial results following a partial loss in a Luxembourg court appeal related to Bernard Madoff’s infamous Ponzi scheme. The bank, which served as a service provider to several funds invested in Madoff’s fraudulent operations, faced a lawsuit from Herald Fund SPC in 2009 seeking restitution for assets lost in the scheme. Last Friday, the Luxembourg Court of Cassation rejected HSBC’s appeal regarding securities restitution but accepted its appeal on a separate cash restitution claim. HSBC plans to file a second appeal with the Luxembourg Court of Appeal and, if unsuccessful, will contest the amount to be paid. The bank cautioned that the final financial impact could differ significantly from its current estimate. HSBC, Europe’s largest bank by assets, disclosed in July that Herald Fund, now in liquidation, sought restitution of securities and cash worth $2.5 billion plus interest or damages of $5.6 billion plus interest. The provision is expected to impact HSBC’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio by approximately 15 basis points, adding to the 125 basis points impact from its $13.6 billion acquisition of Hang Seng Bank. Analysts suggest the charge may slightly dampen investor sentiment but note the impact is limited due to HSBC’s suspension of dividend payments for the next three quarters. HSBC’s Hong Kong-listed shares remained flat in morning trading, underperforming the 1% rise in the Hang Seng Index. Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, one of the largest financial frauds in history, was estimated at $64.8 billion and remained undetected for years until his confession in December 2008. Madoff died in April 2021 while serving a 150-year prison sentence. HSBC previously settled with Kalix Fund in 2012 for an undisclosed amount over losses tied to Madoff’s collapse.
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Ras Al Khaimah’s Innovation City becomes world’s first AI-powered free zone
Ras Al Khaimah’s Innovation City has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the world’s first free zone entirely powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This transformative initiative aims to revolutionize business operations and licensing processes, replacing traditional manual procedures with advanced AI-driven automation. The move is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate business setup for companies, particularly those from China, Russia, and India.
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Watch: Satellite video shows Hurricane Melissa intensifying near Jamaica
A striking satellite video has captured the dramatic intensification of Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica. The footage reveals the storm’s formidable structure, with swirling cloud formations and frequent lightning illuminating its eye. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the hurricane’s trajectory, which poses a significant threat to the Caribbean island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, urging residents to prepare for potential severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding. This development underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms in the region, attributed to climate change. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness to mitigate the storm’s impact.