The inaugural Group of 20 (G20) summit held in Africa concluded on Sunday, marking a historic shift by placing the concerns of developing nations at the forefront of the bloc’s agenda. Hosted by South Africa, the summit culminated in a declaration signed by some of the world’s wealthiest and emerging economies, committing to address critical issues affecting poorer countries. These include the disproportionate impact of climate change, escalating debt burdens, and the urgent need for equitable access to green energy transitions. However, the United States, a founding G20 member and the world’s largest economy, notably boycotted the event, refusing to endorse the declaration. The Trump administration has openly criticized South Africa’s agenda, particularly its focus on climate change. With the U.S. assuming the G20 presidency immediately after the summit, the long-term implications of the Johannesburg declaration remain uncertain. The 122-point declaration, while non-binding, signals a consensus among participating nations to mobilize public and private financing to aid developing countries in recovering from climate-related disasters. Africa, which contributes only 2-3% of global emissions, faces some of the most severe consequences of climate change, as evidenced by recent devastating cyclones in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Leaders from developing nations, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, highlighted the unfair borrowing conditions they face, with interest rates up to eight times higher than those for wealthier countries. Despite the summit’s achievements, questions linger about the G20’s effectiveness in addressing global crises, such as the war in Ukraine and the Sudanese civil war, which received minimal attention in the declaration. The summit concluded with an awkward moment as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over the symbolic G20 gavel to Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as no U.S. representative was present due to the boycott. The U.S. had proposed sending a junior embassy official, which South Africa deemed disrespectful. Looking ahead, the G20’s trajectory under U.S. leadership appears starkly different, with the Trump administration criticizing South Africa’s inclusive approach and suggesting a return to a more streamlined G20 framework. The summit’s outcomes underscore the growing divide between developed and developing nations, as well as the challenges of fostering global cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.
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Morgan Geyser, ‘Slender Man’ stabber, captured after fleeing group home
Morgan Geyser, the woman convicted in the infamous 2014 Slender Man stabbing case, was apprehended by Illinois police after escaping from a group home in Madison, Wisconsin. Geyser, now 23, removed her monitoring bracelet and fled the facility on Saturday night, remaining at large until her capture at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, on Sunday. When confronted by officers, Geyser reportedly told them to ‘just Google’ her name, acknowledging she had ‘done something really bad.’
Geyser was just 12 years old when she and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park and stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to appease Slender Man, a fictional online character. The victim survived the attack, which shocked the nation and drew widespread media attention. In 2018, Geyser was sentenced to 40 years in a mental hospital but was granted conditional release in July 2023.
At the time of her capture, Geyser was found with a 42-year-old man, who was charged with trespassing and obstructing identification before being released. Police reported that the pair were discovered sleeping on the sidewalk near the truck stop, approximately 170 miles south of Madison. Geyser initially provided a false name but eventually revealed her identity, leading to her detention.
The Slender Man case, which involved Geyser and Weier’s belief that the character would harm their families if they did not commit the attack, has become a haunting example of the influence of online folklore on vulnerable minds. Weier, who was also 12 at the time, was sentenced to 25 years in a psychiatric hospital but was released in 2021. Slender Man, a shadowy figure created in 2009 as part of an online contest, has since been the subject of numerous cautionary tales and warnings.
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Messi magic as Miami thrash Cincinnati, face NYCFC next
Lionel Messi delivered a sensational performance as Inter Miami secured a dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, advancing to the Eastern Conference championship. The Argentine maestro scored once and provided assists for all three of Miami’s other goals, showcasing his unparalleled influence on the pitch. Tadeo Allende netted a brace, while Mateo Silvetti added another, ensuring Miami’s emphatic triumph. The match, held at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, drew a sold-out crowd of over 26,000, but the home side failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, heading home Silvetti’s precise cross. Miami’s relentless attack continued, with Messi orchestrating plays that led to Silvetti’s curling strike in the 57th minute and Allende’s two goals in the 62nd and 74th minutes. Miami coach Javier Mascherano hailed the team’s near-perfect performance, particularly praising Messi’s off-the-ball contributions. Inter Miami will now face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final, with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup championship on December 6. Meanwhile, Vancouver awaits the victor of the Western Conference final between San Diego and Minnesota United.
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From one tower to a skyline: My journey through the UAE’s construction story
When Dr. Neelivethil Rajeev first arrived in Dubai three decades ago, the city’s skyline was dominated by a single structure — the World Trade Centre. Standing alone in the desert, it symbolized ambition and possibility. Today, that solitary tower has been joined by hundreds of others, creating one of the world’s most iconic skylines. This transformation is a testament to the UAE’s visionary approach to construction and urban development. In the early years, construction was more than just steel and concrete; it was about daring to dream beyond borders. The 1990s focused on infrastructure and civic projects, while the 2000s introduced architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina. The 2010s brought master-planned communities and sustainability initiatives, and the 2020s are ushering in an era of smart mobility, clean energy, and digital innovation. Dr. Rajeev has played a pivotal role in this journey through ESPA’s contributions to water systems across various developments. Dubai’s present achievements are staggering: in 2024, real estate transactions reached Dh761 billion ($207 billion), and tourism welcomed 18.72 million visitors, a 9% increase from 2023. The UAE is now among the top seven countries for international tourist spending, contributing Dh257.3 billion ($70.1 billion) to GDP. Looking ahead, the UAE is accelerating into a future defined by innovation and sustainability. Projects like the Burj Azizi skyscraper, Dubai Loop, Expo City Dubai, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park are redefining urban landscapes. ESPA continues to support this growth with advanced hydropneumatic and booster systems, ensuring future-ready infrastructure. From a lone tower to a skyline of hyper-towers, Dubai’s journey is a story of resilience, ambition, and boundless innovation.
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Netanyahu diary reveals close contact with Tony Blair and US senators
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 2024 diary, recently disclosed by the non-profit organization Hatzlaha, has shed light on his extensive interactions with prominent international figures, including US Republican Senator Lindsay Graham and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The diary, partially redacted for national security reasons, reveals seven in-person meetings and nine phone calls with Senator Graham, alongside seven meetings with Blair. Notably, on October 29, 2024, Netanyahu engaged in an unreported conversation with UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed. These interactions occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Israel and the Biden administration over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been widely condemned as genocide. According to Haaretz, Graham actively sought to secure additional weaponry for Israel and undermine an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu. In May 2024, following a phone call with Netanyahu, Graham criticized the US government’s decision to delay arms sales to Israel, labeling it “obscene” and urging unconditional support. He also advocated for sanctions against the ICC, accusing it of bias against Israel. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2803, approved in late 2024, granted former US President Donald Trump supreme control over Gaza, with Blair playing a key role in its implementation. International law expert Ralph Wilde criticized the resolution as a colonial-style trusteeship that violates Palestinian self-determination rights.
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470 new residents, only 150 homes a day: Dubai’s population outpaces supply
Dubai is grappling with a significant housing crisis as its population growth continues to outstrip the supply of new residential units. According to the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, the emirate’s population surged by 17,660 in just one month, reaching 4.04 million by mid-November 2025. This influx of expatriates, professionals, and investors has created a demand for approximately 150 new homes daily, yet only 7,800 units were delivered in the third quarter of 2025, with another 14,900 expected in the fourth quarter. This annual total of 44,000 units falls short of the housing needs generated by the city’s rapid population growth.
Experts warn that this imbalance is likely to persist for the next three to four years, driving up property prices and rentals. Ghassan Saliba, CEO of Stage Properties, emphasized that even the units currently being sold or released are insufficient to meet demand. He noted that the city’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is also under strain due to the growing population.
To address the housing shortage, Dubai announced in March 2025 the allocation of land to develop over 17,000 affordable units across the emirate. Additionally, the government introduced initiatives such as the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, which offers eligible residents priority on new launches, preferential pricing, and easier mortgage pathways for homes valued up to Dh5 million.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of Dubai’s housing market. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to increase the city’s population to 5.8 million by 2040, requiring an estimated 128,000 new residents annually. However, with current housing delivery rates at only half of what is needed, there is a risk that new residents and potential buyers may be priced out of the market, potentially limiting population growth in the future.
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Rising from the ashes of war: Mogadishu’s building boom
Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is experiencing a remarkable transformation as it emerges from decades of conflict and instability. For the first time in years, the city’s three million residents are witnessing a construction boom, with new buildings rising amidst the remnants of war-torn streets. Pavements still bear the scars of bullet holes, and ruined structures remain, but the dominant sound is now the clatter of construction rather than the echoes of destruction. This resurgence is a testament to the resilience of a city that has endured civil war in the 1990s and a militant insurgency that continues to threaten parts of the country. Despite these challenges, Mogadishu is making strides toward recovery, driven by improved security measures and investment from the Somali diaspora. The government attributes the decline in insurgent attacks—down 86% from 2023 to mid-2025—to a new system of checkpoints and enhanced professionalism among security forces. However, the city still faces significant hurdles, including the resurgence of Al-Shabaab in surrounding areas and growing inequality. While wealthy officials and foreigners benefit from improved living standards, many residents grapple with forced evictions and limited access to essential services. The construction boom, though a sign of progress, raises questions about who truly benefits from Mogadishu’s rise.
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Syrian Kurdish commander wants to visit Turkey and meet Ocalan
Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has expressed his desire to visit Turkey and meet Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). In an interview with a Turkish news agency, Abdi emphasized the SDF’s support for ongoing peace talks between Turkey and the PKK, which announced its dissolution earlier this year to facilitate peace efforts. Turkey, however, views the US-backed SDF as a Syrian branch of the PKK and has designated Abdi and other SDF leaders as terrorists. Despite this, Turkey has been engaging in talks with Ocalan since last year, aiming to resolve the decades-long conflict through political amnesty and reforms to strengthen Kurdish cultural rights. Abdi stated that a meeting with Ocalan would positively contribute to resolving issues in northeastern Syria and advancing the peace process. He also acknowledged the direct impact of Turkey’s peace efforts on northeastern Syria, where Kurdish authorities have maintained control for the past decade. Abdi highlighted the current ceasefire with the Turkish army, attributing it to the ongoing peace process. He revealed that he received a message from Ocalan last year and stressed that certain issues, such as the presence of PKK fighters within the SDF, require Ocalan’s personal involvement. Abdi also discussed his meetings with the Syrian government and US officials, noting tentative agreements on military matters but emphasizing that Kurdish rights and governance structures must be clearly defined in Syria’s new constitution for a comprehensive agreement to be achieved. He reiterated the SDF’s preference for a federal system in Syria, focusing on realistic and acceptable solutions for both Damascus and the international community.
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Oman issues advisory after Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts in 10,000 years
The Oman Environment Authority has issued a public advisory following the unprecedented eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had remained dormant for 10,000 years. The eruption, which began on November 23, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM UTC, sent towering ash plumes soaring up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere. These ash clouds drifted across the Red Sea, impacting regions in Yemen and Oman. Despite the significant scale of the eruption, Oman’s monitoring stations have not yet detected any rise in pollutant levels or deterioration in air quality. The authority has assured the public that continuous monitoring is underway through 68 stations across the country, including key locations in Dhofar and Al Wusta. Real-time air quality updates are accessible via the ‘Naqi’ platform. Aviation authorities have also been alerted due to the extensive ash cloud, which reached altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet. Scientists have described the event as one of the most remarkable volcanic awakenings in the region’s recorded history. The Oman Environment Authority has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments.
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Dubai Airshow crash ‘isolated occurrence’; Tejas maker HAL issues statement
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas light combat aircraft, has described the recent crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow as an ‘isolated occurrence’ caused by exceptional circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. HAL emphasized that the crash would not affect its business operations, financial performance, or future deliveries. In a statement filed with the stock exchange, the state-owned company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and committed to keeping stakeholders informed of any significant developments. Despite the assurances, HAL’s stock experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% in early trading on Monday, reflecting investor concerns. The Tejas, an indigenously developed multi-role combat aircraft, is designed for air defence, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Indian Air Force has expressed deep regret over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Wing Commander Syal’s last rites were performed in his native village of Patialkar, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday.