In a significant move to bolster educational and innovative synergies, China and Italy have pledged to enhance their cooperation in higher education. This commitment was formalized during the 2025 China-Italy University Presidents Forum held in Beijing, where over 60 universities and institutions from both nations convened. The event saw the signing of 16 memorandums and agreements, underscoring a mutual dedication to fostering talent and driving innovation. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and Italian Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini inked a joint statement, marking a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between the two countries. Minister Huai highlighted the evolution of this partnership from individual exchanges to a structured framework emphasizing talent development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. He urged universities to adapt to the latest technological and industrial transformations, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia integration. Minister Bernini emphasized the integration of science with humanities and arts, expressing Italy’s eagerness to deepen cultural and artistic exchanges with China. This forum not only strengthens the educational ties but also sets a foundation for future collaborative ventures in various fields.
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Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas recharges, eyes Korn Ferry Tour comeback in the US
Dubai-born golfer Rayhan Thomas, 26, is set to return to the United States with renewed vigor as he prepares for Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School. After a brief hiatus in Dubai following an Asian Tour event in the Philippines, Thomas is focused on reclaiming his spot on golf’s developmental circuit. His recent performance at Stage One of Q-School, where he tied for fourth with a 15-under-par total of 269, has bolstered his confidence for the upcoming challenges. Stage Two will take place from December 2–5 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, a familiar venue for Thomas. Success here could propel him to the Final Qualifying stage, where the top five players earn PGA Tour cards, and the next 40 secure Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Thomas, who finished 88th on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour points table, narrowly missed retaining his card but remains determined. He plans to balance his schedule with the Asian Tour Final Qualifying School and potential DP World Tour events in Dubai. Reflecting on his journey, Thomas emphasized the importance of small margins and a positive mindset, inspired by his friend Zach Bauchou’s recent PGA Tour success. With a confirmed caddie for next year, Thomas is ready to focus on his game and let the results follow.
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Happy birthday, Sheikh Hamdan! How Dubai’s Crown Prince embraces life at 43
Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated his 43rd birthday on November 14, 2025, by continuing to inspire the emirate’s residents with his dynamic and active lifestyle. Known for his leadership as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamdan defies the stereotype of slowing down in mid-life, instead embracing physical fitness and encouraging others to do the same. Through his social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he boasts over 17 million followers, he shares glimpses of his daily gym routines and promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle. His passion for sports has also led to Dubai hosting the World Sports Summit from December 29 to 30, 2025, which is expected to attract global sports stars, industry leaders, and policymakers. Beyond his personal fitness, Sheikh Hamdan actively participates in community events such as the Dubai Marathon and Mallathon, further engaging with residents and fostering a culture of health and vitality. From skydiving over The Palm to climbing the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Hamdan’s adventurous spirit and commitment to wellness serve as a powerful example for Dubai and beyond.
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Dubai hosts high-stakes duel as Wilde and Waugh eye T100 glory ahead of Qatar finale
The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour reaches its penultimate stage in Dubai this weekend, with elite athletes Hayden Wilde and Kate Waugh aiming to solidify their championship leads ahead of the Qatar finale. The event, set against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, promises high-stakes competition and thrilling performances. Wilde, a dual Olympic medallist, enters the race with an unbroken streak of five victories this season. However, formidable challengers like Belgium’s Jelle Geens and Germany’s Mika Noodt stand ready to disrupt his quest for a sixth consecutive win. Wilde, who made a remarkable recovery from a severe bike crash earlier this year, remains focused on the tactical demands of the course, which winds through Jumeirah and Meydan. On the women’s side, Britain’s Kate Waugh seeks to extend her nine-point lead over compatriot Lucy Charles-Barclay, who is absent from this race. Waugh, who has consistently podiumed this season, faces fierce competition from athletes like Switzerland’s Julie Derron and USA’s Taylor Knibb. The Dubai T100 also marks a historic milestone for Ghani Souleymane, a Dubai-based endurance athlete attempting his 100th consecutive T100 distance triathlon, a feat expected to earn a Guinness World Record. The event, which includes amateur races and a festival atmosphere, showcases Dubai’s vibrant sports culture. With the Qatar finale looming, every point gained in Dubai could prove decisive in the championship standings.
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All Shenzhou-XX astronauts out of return capsule
In a historic moment for China’s space program, the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-XX mission—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—successfully exited their return capsule on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 5:21 pm Beijing Time. The crew had completed a remarkable 204-day mission in orbit, marking another milestone in China’s manned space exploration efforts. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that all three astronauts are in excellent health following their return to Earth. Chen Dong, the mission commander, was the first to emerge from the capsule, solidifying his status as the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over 400 days in space. This achievement underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The successful return of the Shenzhou-XX crew highlights the nation’s progress in long-duration space missions and paves the way for future endeavors, including the planned construction of a permanent space station.
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Watch: How much do Americans care about the Epstein story?
Amid ongoing discussions among US lawmakers regarding the broader disclosure of the Epstein files, the BBC conducted a street survey in Washington DC to gauge public interest in the case. The Epstein saga, which involves allegations of sex trafficking and high-profile connections, continues to captivate media attention. However, the responses from locals revealed a mixed spectrum of concern and indifference. While some individuals expressed deep interest in the case, emphasizing its potential implications for justice and accountability, others appeared disengaged, citing fatigue from the prolonged media coverage. This divergence in public sentiment highlights the complex interplay between high-profile scandals and everyday concerns, raising questions about the broader societal impact of such cases.
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Trump to order investigation into Epstein’s alleged ties with Clinton and banks
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to initiate an investigation into the alleged connections between convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, as well as major financial institutions. Trump, via social media, stated that he would direct Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to scrutinize Epstein’s ‘involvement and relationship’ with Clinton and others to uncover the extent of their associations. This move follows the recent release of over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate by US lawmakers, some of which mention Trump. Clinton has vehemently denied any awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities. Trump also called for the Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate JP Morgan and Chase, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, a notable Democratic donor. Trump emphasized, ‘Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!’ A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase expressed regret over any past association with Epstein but clarified that the bank did not facilitate his crimes. This investigation request precedes a crucial House of Representatives vote next week on whether the DoJ should release all files related to the Epstein probe. The vote was triggered by Democrat Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in and her immediate signing of a discharge petition, which garnered the necessary 218 signatures to proceed.
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Financial markets grow fretful after reports of UK government abandoning income tax hike
British financial markets experienced turbulence on Friday amid growing speculation that the Labour government has abandoned plans to raise income taxes in its upcoming budget. Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves had been considering increasing the basic rate of income tax, a move that would have marked the first such hike in 50 years. However, reports suggest she has decided against it, sparking investor unease over the government’s fiscal strategy. By late afternoon, the pound had fallen by 0.4% to $1.3137, while the yield on the UK’s benchmark 10-year bond rose by 0.13 percentage points to 4.57%. The bond yield increase reflects investor concerns about the UK’s public finances and the government’s ability to make bold fiscal decisions. Andrew Goodwin, Deutsche Bank’s chief UK economist, noted that the budget serves as a critical test of market confidence in the government’s fiscal approach. He added that political considerations, such as voter backlash against tax hikes, could reinforce perceptions that the government is unwilling to make tough decisions. The Labour government, elected in July 2024, faces significant challenges, including sluggish economic growth and stubbornly high inflation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration has struggled to deliver on its promise of economic revitalization, with public services strained and the cost of living crisis persisting. Reeves had previously indicated that breaking the manifesto pledge on taxes would necessitate deep cuts to public investment. However, updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility suggest stronger wage growth may reduce the need for such measures. Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed reports of the tax hike’s abandonment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust by honoring election promises.
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US to consider obesity, special-needs children as factors in refusing long-term visas
The United States is set to consider obesity and the presence of children with special needs as grounds for rejecting long-term immigrant visas. This move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aims to prevent individuals who might become a ‘public charge’ from entering the country. In a recent directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies to evaluate visa applicants based on factors such as obesity, which could necessitate costly long-term medical care. Additionally, embassies are to assess whether dependents have disabilities or chronic conditions that might limit the applicant’s ability to work. The policy, first reported by KFF Health News and confirmed by a source to AFP, underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers. The United States, already grappling with high obesity rates, particularly in states that supported Trump, will apply these criteria to immigration applicants but not to short-term visitors. This initiative aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to tighten immigration controls, including the deportation of undocumented migrants, even those without criminal records beyond immigration violations. Rubio has also targeted visa cancellations for individuals perceived as opposing US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
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UK court finds mining firm liable for Brazil’s worst environmental disaster
In a landmark ruling by London’s High Court, mining giant BHP has been found liable for the catastrophic 2015 collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil, an event widely regarded as the country’s most severe environmental disaster. The collapse unleashed tens of millions of cubic meters of toxic waste and mud, devastating communities, claiming 19 lives, and causing extensive environmental damage. The civil lawsuit, representing over 600,000 claimants including individuals, local governments, and businesses, was valued at up to £36 billion ($48 billion). BHP has announced its intention to appeal the ruling, arguing that many claimants have already received compensation in Brazil. The dam, located in Mariana, southeastern Brazil, was owned by Samarco, a joint venture between BHP and Brazilian mining company Vale. The claimants’ legal team successfully argued that the case should be heard in London due to BHP’s UK headquarters at the time of the incident. A separate lawsuit against Vale is ongoing in the Netherlands, involving more than 70,000 plaintiffs. Judge Finola O’Farrell ruled that the decision to continue raising the dam’s height despite safety concerns was the direct cause of the collapse, making BHP liable under Brazilian law. BHP’s Minerals Americas president, Brandon Craig, stated that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit have already been compensated in Brazil, which he believes will reduce the scale of UK claims. The case has been marked by disputes between BHP and the claimants’ UK law firm, Pogust Goodhead, which has faced accusations of exploiting vulnerable Brazilians. Pogust Goodhead has denied these allegations, claiming that BHP and Vale pressured claimants into settling for less than their claims’ true value. The Renova Foundation, established by BHP and Vale, has disbursed billions in compensation and repair efforts, including building a new city for displaced residents. However, Pogust Goodhead alleges that a $30.3 billion compensation agreement signed in 2024 prevents claimants from discussing the deal or paying legal fees. The firm claims to have incurred $1 billion in borrowing costs to finance the UK case. BHP has rejected all allegations, stating that Brazil remains the most appropriate jurisdiction for compensation. The case highlights the ongoing legal and ethical complexities surrounding one of the world’s worst mining disasters.