In a remarkable ascent within Japan’s revered sumo wrestling tradition, 21-year-old Ukrainian-born wrestler Aonishiki Arata has been promoted to the prestigious ozeki rank, just one step below the ultimate title of yokozuna. The Japan Sumo Association announced his elevation during an elaborate ceremony on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Born Danilo Yavhushyshyn in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Aonishiki moved to Japan following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, a decision influenced by his earlier friendship with a Japanese wrestler. His rapid rise to ozeki, achieved in just 14 tournaments, is the fastest since the current tournament system was established in 1958. Aonishiki’s promotion was cemented after his victory in a high-profile tournament in western Japan, where he triumphed over Mongolian-born yokozuna Hoshoryu in the decisive match. Despite his relatively smaller stature for a sumo wrestler—weighing between 125 to 135 kilograms—Aonishiki’s success is attributed to his low body position and impressive strength, including a bench press of 210 kilograms. Fluent in Japanese, which he learned after arriving in the country, Aonishiki has endeared himself to the Japanese public. He credits his parents, now living safely in Germany, for supporting his passion, even when he struggled academically. With his eyes set on the yokozuna rank, Aonishiki continues to inspire as a symbol of resilience and determination in the world of sumo.
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South Africa edges closer to first test series win in India since 2000-01
In a gripping display of cricketing prowess, South Africa is on the verge of securing its first Test series win in India since the 2000-01 season. The fifth day of the second Test match in Guwahati saw the Proteas tighten their grip on the game, claiming three crucial Indian wickets in the morning session. This has left the hosts in a precarious position, with a daunting target of 549 runs still looming large. By the first tea interval, India was struggling at 90-5, still trailing by 459 runs. Sai Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 14 runs off 138 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja was not out on 23 off 40 deliveries. India’s captain and wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, was among the casualties, dismissed for 13 by Simon Harmer, who has been instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup. Harmer’s relentless off-spin bowling wreaked havoc, starting with the dismissal of night watchman Kuldeep Yadav for 5 runs. The pressure continued to mount as Dhruv Jurel fell for just 2 runs, and Pant followed soon after. India’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed as they ended Day 4 at 27-2, having lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul early. South Africa’s dominance was evident earlier in the match when Marco Jansen’s impressive 6-48 helped the team secure a massive 314-run first innings lead. With India bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa’s 489, the visitors are now poised to clinch the series, having already won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs.
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Twenty-four Nigerian schoolgirls released over a week after abduction
In a significant development, 24 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Kebbi State on November 17 have been released, according to President Bola Tinubu. The armed assailants who stormed the school killed one staff member and initially took 25 students, one of whom managed to escape shortly after the incident. While the president lauded the security forces for their “swift response,” details surrounding the girls’ release remain undisclosed. This incident is part of a broader wave of kidnappings plaguing Nigeria, with over 250 children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State still missing as of last Friday. A presidential adviser confirmed that all the Kebbi State girls are now safe but warned that the incident has inspired copycat kidnappings in two other states. Tinubu has pledged to deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas and enhance surveillance efforts, including continuous Air Force monitoring of remote regions. Since the infamous Chibok mass abduction in 2014, more than 1,500 children have been kidnapped from Nigerian schools. The recent spate of abductions, including the St Mary’s School incident where 300 children and staff were taken, has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders and international figures. UN education envoy Gordon Brown urged the global community to support efforts to ensure Nigerian schools remain safe spaces for learning.
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UK’s Treasury chief set to raise taxes once again in her second budget
LONDON — Amid mounting economic pressures, Britain’s Labour government, led by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, is poised to unveil its second budget since its landslide election victory in July 2024. The announcement, scheduled for Wednesday, comes as the government grapples with a strained public finances and a faltering economy. Reeves, the first woman to hold the prestigious Treasury role, is expected to introduce additional tax-raising measures to address a significant fiscal shortfall. This marks a departure from her earlier assurance that her first budget would be the sole major tax-raising effort of the current parliamentary term, which extends to 2029. The British economy, the world’s sixth-largest, has struggled to meet expectations, with critics attributing the downturn to last year’s business tax hikes. Despite a brief recovery in the first half of 2024, when the UK led the Group of Seven in growth, the economy has since stumbled. Peter Arnold, chief economist at EY U.K., noted that Reeves must navigate a ‘delicate balancing act’ between ensuring fiscal stability and fostering economic growth. The UK’s financial woes are compounded by long-term challenges stemming from the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the lingering effects of Brexit. These factors have collectively eroded the nation’s economic resilience and tax revenue. Reeves also faces substantial spending commitments, including reversing planned welfare cuts and addressing the cost-of-living crisis amid persistent inflation. Economists estimate she will need to secure £20-30 billion ($26-39 billion) to meet these demands. While a straightforward income tax hike has been ruled out, Reeves is likely to implement smaller, more complex tax measures. Key expectations include freezing tax thresholds, which would push more earners into higher brackets as wages rise, and introducing a mansion tax on high-value properties. Changes to capital gains tax and private pension provisions are also under consideration.
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As Russia pummels Ukraine’s energy systems, Kyiv hopes US gas will fill the gap
The aftermath of a devastating Russian drone and missile assault on a Ukrainian gas facility has left the surrounding soil scorched and the infrastructure in ruins. The attack, which occurred on October 30, targeted a reservoir storing liquefied propane gas, leaving several tanks empty and destroyed. Victor, a long-time employee who has worked at the facility for 28 years, expressed his sorrow over the damage, stating, ‘It hurts to look at all this because I saw firsthand its establishment, construction, and development. But we must continue to work.’ The Associated Press was granted exclusive access to Naftogaz’s gas extraction fields in central Ukraine, marking the first time a news outlet has been allowed to document the war damage at these facilities. Due to security concerns, the exact location of the facility remains undisclosed. Russia’s strategic targeting of Ukraine’s gas infrastructure aims to cripple morale and force the country to import expensive gas, which it can scarcely afford. Without these attacks, Ukraine could have covered the majority of its gas consumption through domestic extraction. However, the March and October assaults have left Ukraine needing to import an additional 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas this winter, at an estimated cost of $2 billion. Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state gas company, is negotiating with U.S. government lenders to secure financing for purchasing American liquefied natural gas. The energy crisis has become a critical factor in ongoing peace negotiations, with a senior Ukrainian official emphasizing the urgency of the situation. ‘It is urgent because of Ukraine’s energy situation, urgent because of what Ukrainians need this winter, urgent in terms of the fight,’ the official stated. The destruction of gas infrastructure, which has no military significance, is seen as a deliberate attempt to terrorize Ukrainians by leaving them without heating and electricity during the harsh winter months. Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi condemned the attacks, describing them as ‘manic terror attacks.’ The damage has pushed Ukraine to increase its gas imports, with Naftogaz securing 70% of the required funds through European loans and grants. The remaining 30% is being sought from U.S. lenders, though the process is time-sensitive. ‘This money was needed the day before yesterday,’ Koretskyi remarked. The attacks have also left gas transport pipes in a tangled wreckage, with workers scrambling to salvage what they could. The repeated assaults on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure have forced the country to rely heavily on imports, with some repairs expected to take months or even years. The situation has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector, with experts suggesting that the government may need to raise gas prices to reduce reliance on loans. However, such a move risks public backlash, especially given the ongoing pressure on the government from a major corruption scandal in the energy sector. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains committed to rebuilding its gas infrastructure and ensuring energy security for its citizens.
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Pope Leo XIV visits Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, has embarked on his inaugural foreign journey, a significant pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon. This trip, initially planned by his predecessor Pope Francis, carries profound religious and geopolitical implications. Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and intense media scrutiny, Leo’s visit aims to strengthen ties with the Orthodox Church in Turkey and offer solace to Lebanon’s beleaguered Christian community, still reeling from the devastating 2020 Beirut port blast. The pope’s diplomatic acumen and linguistic versatility have been on full display as he navigates complex questions from reporters. The trip is being closely monitored by major U.S. networks and international media, highlighting its global significance. In Turkey, Leo will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in Christian history, while in Lebanon, he will pray at the site of the port explosion and meet with young Lebanese, offering hope amid ongoing crises. Security concerns remain high, but organizers assure the pope’s safety. Leo’s visit underscores the Vatican’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, addressing regional conflicts, and advocating for justice and peace.
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Maersk to resume shipping routes through Red Sea and Suez Canal
Global shipping leader Maersk has announced its intention to resume operations through the Red Sea and Suez Canal as soon as conditions permit, prioritizing crew safety above all else. CEO Vincent Clerc made the announcement during a press conference in Egypt alongside the Suez Canal Authority chief, expressing optimism following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This truce, Clerc noted, has created a more stable environment for navigating the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. However, Maersk has not yet set a definitive timeline for resuming the route, contradicting earlier claims by the Suez Canal Authority of a partial December reopening. The Red Sea has seen increased maritime traffic since the Gaza ceasefire on October 10, according to the canal authority. Maersk had previously diverted ships away from the region after repeated attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who targeted vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks, totaling over 100 incidents from 2023 to 2024, prompted many shipping companies to reroute via the southern tip of Africa, costing Egypt an estimated $7 billion in lost Suez Canal revenue. Maersk has also faced criticism for its ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, leading to its divestment from companies linked to these settlements in June. The company has been accused of transporting military equipment to Israel, including components for F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza. Despite denying these allegations, Maersk has faced protests and scrutiny from human rights groups globally.
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World stocks climb after Wall Street rallies on hopes for lower interest rates
Stock markets across Europe and Asia experienced notable gains on Wednesday, driven by optimism that the Federal Reserve may soon reduce interest rates. This sentiment followed a strong performance on Wall Street, where benchmarks surged in anticipation of potential rate cuts. In early European trading, Germany’s DAX climbed 0.2% to 23,500.98, while France’s CAC 40 also rose 0.2% to 9,623.22. The UK’s FTSE 100 saw a modest increase of 0.1%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 soared 1.9% to 49,559.07, supported by gains in major exporters and technology shares. However, Kioxia’s shares plummeted 14.9% amid reports that Bain Capital plans to sell $2.3 billion of its shares. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.7% to 3,960.87, buoyed by a 3.5% rise in Samsung Electronics, the market’s largest player. SK Hynix, a leading computer chip maker, also saw a 1% increase. Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 1.9%, while Chinese markets showed mixed results. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.1% to 25,928.08, but the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.2% to 3,864.18. Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce and technology giant, fell 1.9% after its U.S.-traded shares dropped 2.3% on Tuesday due to weaker-than-expected profits, despite stronger revenue. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.8% to 8,606.50, and New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 added 0.6% after the central bank cut its official cash rate to 2.25%. U.S. markets are set for a shortened trading week due to the Thanksgiving holiday, with closures on Thursday and reduced hours on Friday. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 gained 0.9%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. The Russell 2000 index, which tracks smaller U.S. companies, led the market with a 2.1% jump. Mixed economic data has left traders betting on an 83% probability of a Fed rate cut in December. Retail sales in September fell short of expectations, and consumer confidence worsened more than anticipated in November, signaling the economy could benefit from lower interest rates. While easier rates can stimulate borrowing and investment, they may also exacerbate inflation, a key concern for the Fed. U.S. benchmark crude oil rose 5 cents to $58.00 per barrel, while Brent crude increased 8 cents to $61.88. The U.S. dollar strengthened to 156.46 Japanese yen, and the euro rose to $1.1575.
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Trump administration plans to reinterview refugees admitted under Biden: Report
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to reinterview tens of thousands of refugees admitted to the United States during President Joe Biden’s tenure, according to a CNN report published on Monday. A leaked memo dated November 21 reveals that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will initiate a comprehensive “review and reinterview process” to assess whether these refugees pose any national security or public safety risks. Approximately 235,000 refugees were admitted between fiscal years 2021 and 2025 under Biden’s policies, though the memo does not specify which individuals or countries of origin will be targeted. Notably, the USCIS has the authority to revoke refugee status without providing an appeal mechanism if deemed necessary. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul the U.S. refugee system, which has historically been governed by the Refugee Act of 1980. Last month, the administration announced plans to drastically reduce the annual refugee admission cap to a historic low of 7,500 in fiscal year 2026, a stark contrast to the over 100,000 refugees admitted annually under Biden. The majority of these slots are reportedly reserved for white South Africans, a decision that has sparked controversy. While the Biden administration expanded refugee admissions, it fell short of its annual caps, admitting 25,465 in 2022, 60,014 in 2023, 100,034 in 2024, and 27,308 in 2025, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Trump’s earlier suspension of the refugee resettlement program left thousands in limbo, including 12,000 individuals with approved flights and nearly 90,000 others awaiting resettlement. The U.S. refugee vetting process typically takes 18 to 24 months, though white South African farmers have been an exception, with their cases expedited. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials have denied allegations of “white genocide,” calling them unfounded.
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Taiwan announces special budget of $40 billion for arms purchases to bolster defense
TAIPEI, Taiwan — In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te unveiled plans on Wednesday for a $40 billion special budget dedicated to arms purchases and the development of advanced defense systems. The budget, spanning eight years from 2026 to 2033, includes the creation of the Taiwan Dome, a cutting-edge air defense system designed to enhance detection and interception capabilities. This announcement follows Lai’s earlier commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of the island’s GDP, up from the current 3.3% allocation for 2026, which amounts to $949.5 billion New Taiwan Dollars ($31.18 billion).
In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Lai emphasized that the special budget would primarily fund arms procurement from the United States, reflecting Taiwan’s strategic alignment with its key ally. Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, clarified that the $40 billion figure represents the upper limit of the budget. The funds will be allocated toward acquiring precision-strike missiles and fostering joint development and procurement initiatives between Taiwan and the U.S. for advanced military equipment and systems.
This decision comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region and mounting pressure from the U.S. for Taiwan to strengthen its self-defense capabilities. The proposed budget underscores Taiwan’s proactive stance in addressing security challenges and safeguarding its sovereignty.