Pakistan continued their cricketing dominance over Sri Lanka with a commanding 3-0 victory in the ODI series, marking their fourth consecutive series win against the island nation since 2015. The final match, held at Rawalpindi Stadium, saw Pakistan chase down a modest target of 212 with ease, finishing at 215-4 in 44.4 overs. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 61 and Fakhar Zaman’s 55 were pivotal in the chase, supported by a solid 42 not out from Hussain Talat. Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Wasim (3-47), Haris Rauf, and Faisal Akram, restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total. Despite a brief resurgence from Sri Lanka’s leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who claimed three wickets, Pakistan’s batting depth proved insurmountable. The series, however, was marred by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, which led to a one-day delay in the second ODI. Enhanced security measures ensured the completion of the series, with both teams now set to compete in a T20 tri-series alongside Zimbabwe starting November 18.
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Japan tourism and retail stocks slide after row with China over Taiwan
Japanese tourism and retail sectors faced significant setbacks on Monday as China issued a stark warning to its citizens against traveling to Japan. This advisory comes amidst escalating tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan, a contentious issue that has strained bilateral relations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her critical stance on China’s military maneuvers in the region, recently hinted at potential military intervention should Beijing attempt to seize Taiwan. Her remarks, made in parliament on November 7, referenced Japan’s 2015 security law, which permits military action in ‘survival-threatening situations’—scenarios where an armed attack on allies poses an existential threat to Japan. The fallout was immediate: shares in Shiseido, a leading cosmetics firm, plummeted nearly 10%, while Takashimaya, a prominent department store chain, and Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, saw declines exceeding 5%. China, a top contributor to Japan’s tourism industry, further intensified the rift by summoning Japan’s ambassador last week, urging its citizens to avoid travel to the country. Taiwan, located approximately 100 kilometers south of Japan’s nearest island, remains a flashpoint. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province destined for reunification, even if by force, while many Taiwanese favor maintaining the current status quo—neither declaring independence nor unifying with China. The ongoing dispute underscores the fragile geopolitical balance in the region, with economic and political ramifications reverberating across markets.
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UAE condemns Israeli violations in West Bank, Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a stern condemnation of Israel’s ongoing violations in the occupied West Bank and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa), the UAE expressed deep concern over the repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, provocations against worshippers, and attacks on a mosque in the Palestinian village of Kifl Hares. These actions, the UAE warned, risk escalating regional tensions and undermining stability. The Ministry emphasized the critical need to halt such dangerous and provocative practices, particularly in Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and called on Israeli authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation. The UAE also reaffirmed its support for Jordan’s custodial role in safeguarding Jerusalem’s holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Additionally, Mofa urged the international community to intensify efforts toward achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to an independent and sovereign state in line with international law.
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US to designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as terrorists
The United States has announced its intention to designate Cartel de los Soles, a group allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The decision, revealed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, will take effect from November 24. This designation effectively labels Maduro as a terrorist, a claim he vehemently denies. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Maduro, amid ongoing speculation about potential US military intervention in Venezuela. The FTO designation empowers the US government to aggressively target the group and its associates, making it illegal to provide them with support. While the US Treasury Department has previously imposed sanctions on Cartel de los Soles, the new classification escalates the response, unlocking more robust enforcement mechanisms. The US alleges that the group, which includes members of Maduro’s inner circle and the military, is involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. However, no public evidence has been presented to substantiate Maduro’s direct involvement in these activities. The Trump administration’s characterization of Maduro as a drug trafficker is widely viewed as a potential justification for targeting him or his associates in a military campaign. Tensions have escalated since October, when Maduro accused the US of ‘fabricating a new war’ following the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean. President Trump has hinted at potential discussions with Maduro but has yet to provide details. The US has also criticized Venezuela for its alleged failure to address cartel activity, which Trump claims contributes to the fentanyl crisis in the US, despite evidence pointing to Mexico and Asia as primary sources. Since September, the US has conducted airstrikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia, resulting in at least 83 deaths. This marks the largest US military deployment to the Caribbean in decades.
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Ahead of Hasina court verdict, son warns of Bangladesh violence if party ban stays
Bangladesh is on the brink of significant political unrest as a Dhaka court prepares to deliver a verdict on ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity. The verdict, expected to be televised, could result in a death sentence for Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since August 2024. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned that if the ban on her Awami League party is not lifted, supporters will disrupt the upcoming national election in February, potentially escalating into widespread violence. Wazed emphasized that Hasina is safe in India, where she is being treated ‘like a head of state,’ and that the verdict is a ‘foregone conclusion’ due to what he describes as a politically motivated trial. The charges stem from a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024, which a UN report estimated resulted in up to 1,400 deaths and thousands injured. The political climate in Bangladesh has already turned volatile, with multiple crude bomb explosions reported in Dhaka and heightened security measures in place. Wazed has vowed that the Awami League will not allow elections to proceed without their participation, warning of increased protests and potential confrontations. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has yet to comment on the situation. Hasina, who has been credited with transforming Bangladesh’s economy but also accused of rights abuses, remains determined to fight back against what she views as an unjust verdict.
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US House speaker says ‘nothing to hide’ in Epstein files
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized that the upcoming vote on releasing Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein will dispel any allegations linking former President Donald Trump to the late financier’s crimes. Speaking on ‘Fox News Sunday,’ Johnson, a Republican leader, stated, ‘They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not.’ Johnson accused Democrats of using Epstein as a political weapon and urged transparency, declaring, ‘Let’s just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide.’
Recent emails released by a House committee suggested Epstein believed Trump ‘knew about the girls,’ though the context remains unclear. Trump has since directed the Department of Justice to investigate prominent Democrats’ connections to Epstein. This move has intensified political tensions, particularly with some of Trump’s congressional allies. Notably, Trump withdrew his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia after she criticized Republicans’ handling of the Epstein files.
Greene, appearing on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ reiterated her call for transparency, stating, ‘I don’t believe that rich, powerful people should be protected if they have done anything wrong.’ The debate over the Epstein documents, a focal point of Trump’s campaign, continues to expose divisions within the Republican Party and underscores the broader political implications of the case.
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Dubai delivers a thriller as Fitzpatrick edges McIlroy in DP World Championship playoff
Dubai once again proved its mettle as a premier destination for sporting drama, hosting the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The tournament culminated in a nail-biting playoff between Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, delivering a spectacle that will be etched in golfing history. Fitzpatrick emerged victorious after McIlroy’s errant tee shot found the water, allowing Fitzpatrick to chip to three feet and secure the win with a par putt. This victory marked Fitzpatrick’s third DP World Tour Championship title, adding to his triumphs in 2016 and 2020. McIlroy, despite the heartbreak, secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, solidifying his status as Europe’s top player of the year. The event showcased the resilience and precision of both competitors, with McIlroy forcing the playoff with a stunning eagle on the 18th hole. Fitzpatrick’s victory was a testament to his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus, while McIlroy’s achievements throughout the year, including victories at the Masters and The Players Championship, underscored his dominance in the sport. The DP World Tour Championship continues to be a proving ground for golf’s elite, with Dubai’s world-class facilities and dramatic finishes cementing its reputation as a global hub for the sport.
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Brazil’s Amazon rainforest at risk as key protection under threat
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ is at risk of a renewed wave of deforestation as efforts intensify to overturn a long-standing ban that has protected it. Known as the Amazon Soy Moratorium, this agreement prohibits the sale of soya grown on land cleared after 2008 and has been hailed as a global environmental success story. However, powerful farming interests in Brazil, supported by a faction of politicians, are pushing to lift these restrictions, particularly as the COP30 UN climate conference progresses. Critics argue that the ban unfairly favors a small group of companies, creating a ‘cartel’ in the soya trade. Environmental groups, however, warn that revoking the moratorium would be catastrophic, potentially leading to widespread land grabbing and further deforestation. Scientists have already cautioned that the Amazon is nearing a ‘tipping point,’ where the rainforest could irreversibly transform into a savannah, releasing vast amounts of carbon and disrupting global weather patterns. Brazil, the world’s largest producer of soya beans, plays a pivotal role in this debate. Much of the soya imported into the UK, a key component of animal feed, originates from the Brazilian Amazon. Major UK food companies, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and McDonald’s, have joined the UK Soy Manifesto, advocating for the continuation of the moratorium to ensure deforestation-free supply chains. Public opinion in the UK also strongly supports protecting the Amazon, with 70% of respondents in a recent World Wildlife Fund survey backing government action to eliminate illegal deforestation from supply chains. Despite this, Brazilian opponents of the moratorium argue that it stifles economic growth and have called for the Supreme Court to investigate whether the agreement constitutes anti-competitive behavior. The debate has even divided the Brazilian government, with the Justice Ministry questioning the ban while the Ministry of the Environment and the Federal Public Prosecutors Office defend it. The moratorium, initially signed nearly two decades ago by farmers, environmental organizations, and global food companies, has significantly reduced deforestation rates in the past. However, the pressure to lift the ban comes as Brazil prepares to open a major new railway that could further incentivize land clearing. Scientists monitoring the Amazon warn that deforestation is already reshaping the rainforest, with potentially devastating consequences for global climate stability and biodiversity.
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Communist and far-right candidates head to Chile presidential run-off
Chile’s presidential election is set for a decisive run-off in December between Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast, following an inconclusive first round. The campaign has been heavily influenced by issues of crime and immigration, with both candidates vowing to address the surge in foreign gang activities, particularly from Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Jara, representing the governing coalition, narrowly edged Kast in the initial vote, but the fragmented right-wing electorate is expected to consolidate behind Kast in the run-off. This could potentially mark a significant political shift to the right in Chile, mirroring trends in other Latin American nations. Kast, a conservative lawyer and former congressman, has advocated for stringent immigration controls, including a Trump-style border wall, and opposes abortion even in cases of rape. He has also criticized environmental and indigenous activism and aims to reduce the size of the state. Jara, perceived as more centrist in practice despite her Communist Party affiliation, has pledged to boost lithium production, raise the minimum wage, and enhance border security. Both candidates have emphasized their commitment to tackling crime and immigration, with Kast proposing mass deportations and new maximum-security prisons, while Jara has promised to expel foreign drug traffickers. This election also marked the first instance of automatic voter registration and compulsory voting in Chile.
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Japan’s economy contracts as exports get hit by US tariffs
Japan’s economy experienced a notable downturn in the July-September quarter, contracting at an annualized rate of 1.8%, according to government data released on Monday. This marks the first economic contraction in six quarters, with the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) declining by 0.4% on a quarterly basis. The downturn was primarily driven by a sharp decline in exports, which fell by 1.2% from the previous quarter and by 4.5% on an annualized basis. The slump in exports is largely attributed to the impact of U.S. tariffs, which have posed significant challenges for Japan’s export-reliant economy, particularly for major automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. Despite the contraction, the decline was less severe than the 0.6% drop anticipated by market analysts. Imports for the quarter saw a marginal decrease of 0.1%, while private consumption edged up by 0.1%. The U.S. currently imposes a 15% tariff on nearly all Japanese imports, a reduction from the earlier 25% rate. Japan’s recent political landscape also saw a shift with Sanae Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister in October, adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s economic outlook.