LONDON — British political analyst Sami Hamdi announced on Thursday that he is contemplating legal action against U.S. authorities following his detention in an immigration center, which he attributes to his outspoken views on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Hamdi, who recently returned to the U.K., described his detention as a “botched” operation by “extremists” within the U.S. government, though he praised federal judges for ultimately exonerating him. Speaking to reporters and supporters near London’s Heathrow Airport, Hamdi emphasized that his ordeal was not just a personal attack but a broader assault on global freedoms. Hamdi, a Muslim commentator, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 26 during a speaking tour in the U.S., shortly after addressing a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that his visa had been revoked, and he was placed in immigration proceedings, with accusations of supporting Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamdi denied these claims, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted and aimed at highlighting the consequences of Palestinian oppression. He maintained that his actions were legal and within the scope of his visa, which he believes was revoked due to his advocacy for Palestine. Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader U.S. effort to address foreign nationals accused of supporting protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a policy criticized by civil rights groups as infringing on free speech protections. While Hamdi is considering legal action, he expressed gratitude for the “cooler minds” in the U.S. State Department and judiciary that ultimately supported his case. He confirmed that his voluntary departure from the U.S. carries no restrictions, leaving the door open for future visa applications.
作者： admin
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The illusion of access: 94% of stocks are missing from your app
The promise of global investing often falls short in reality, as most investment apps provide access to less than 10% of the world’s stock market. Despite the appearance of openness, investors are confined to a narrow selection of stocks. With over 50,000 listed companies across 78 stock exchanges, the average platform offers fewer than 5,000, leaving the majority of the global market inaccessible. Apps create an illusion of completeness by showcasing popular tickers and trending brands, even when many are ‘ghost listings’—visible but untradeable. This psychological trick fosters a sense of connection to the global economy, while actual ownership remains limited. The root of the issue lies in regulatory complexities. Platforms are typically licensed in a few jurisdictions, making cross-border investing slow, expensive, and legally challenging. Compliance with varying rules on KYC, taxation, and settlement further restricts access. As a result, trading is often limited to major markets like the U.S., the U.K., and select Asian exchanges, while regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia remain out of reach for retail investors. Geographic restrictions also play a role, with users often unaware of why certain stocks or exchanges are unavailable. The UK Financial Conduct Authority has warned that this lack of transparency risks misleading investors. For users, this lack of clarity erodes trust, as they assume stocks in search results are purchasable. Simple disclosures about live and restricted exchanges could restore honesty without requiring new features. As Tajinder Virk, co-founder of Finvasia, notes, true global investing is about discovering undervalued companies shaping the future, not just owning what’s already popular. Until platforms align their promises with actual access, global investing will remain an illusion—appearing limitless but feeling confined. The next generation of platforms must not only display the world but truly open it.
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Starbucks union workers go on strike over pay and staffing
Starbucks employees at 65 unionized stores across the United States have initiated a strike, intensifying their campaign for improved wages and staffing levels. The action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, comes after prolonged negotiations with the coffee giant reached an impasse. The union is also demanding the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges. Talks for a contract agreement collapsed earlier this year, leaving both parties at odds over critical economic issues. Starbucks has downplayed the impact of the strike, stating that fewer than 1% of its stores will be affected, with the majority continuing normal operations. The union, established four years ago, has successfully organized elections at over 600 stores, representing approximately 5% of Starbucks’ company-owned U.S. locations. More than 1,000 baristas in over 40 cities are participating in the strike, strategically timed to coincide with Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, a major sales event. The union has warned that the strike could expand if negotiations remain unresolved. Baristas like Dachi Spoltore from Pittsburgh emphasized the personal stakes involved, stating, ‘Jobs, our livelihoods, our economic security—this might be a game to Starbucks, but this isn’t a game for us.’ The strike, though limited in scope, could draw unwanted attention to Starbucks during a challenging period marked by consumer boycotts, rising competition, and leadership turmoil. New CEO Brian Niccol, who joined last year, has implemented a ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy, including stricter policies and a $500 million investment in staffing and training. However, baristas argue that these changes have increased their workload without addressing staffing shortages. Union leaders acknowledge some progress in relations but highlight persistent disagreements over pay and unresolved labor charges. Starbucks has criticized the union for stalling talks, claiming that its demands would disrupt store operations. Despite the company’s assertions of offering competitive wages and benefits, baristas remain steadfast in their fight for fair treatment and livable wages.
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Bangladesh to hold referendum on reform charter proposals, Yunus says
Bangladesh is set to hold a national referendum on the implementation of the ‘July Charter,’ a comprehensive reform proposal aimed at reshaping the country’s political and institutional landscape. Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing that the referendum will address the charter’s proposals, which include constitutional recognition of the 2024 student-led uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. Yunus also confirmed that parliamentary elections will proceed in February, promising they will be conducted freely and fairly. The July Charter, drafted in response to last year’s uprising, has garnered support from a majority of political parties, though the National Citizens Party (NCP) and four left-leaning parties boycotted the agreement, citing the absence of a legal framework or binding guarantees for its implementation. While proponents view the charter as a cornerstone for institutional reform, skeptics argue its impact may remain largely symbolic without broader parliamentary consensus or enforceable mechanisms.
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Chinese scientists weave tiny polymer capable of towing car
A groundbreaking development in material science has emerged from China, where researchers at Zhejiang University have created a polymer so powerful that a minuscule amount can tow a car. Inspired by traditional weaving methods, the team engineered a material by intertwining flexible and rigid polymer chains at the molecular level. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Materials, reveal a material with unparalleled strength and durability. The scientists used flexible polyurethane chains as the ‘warp’ and rigid epoxy resin chains as the ‘weft,’ mimicking the structure of textiles. This innovative approach resulted in a material with a lap shear strength more than double that of conventional adhesives. In a striking demonstration, a small adhesive patch measuring just 2.5 by 1.3 centimeters successfully towed a 2.1-tonne vehicle. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for designing advanced materials tailored for industrial applications, potentially revolutionizing fields such as construction, automotive, and aerospace.
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Hebei to expand transportation projects during 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30)
Hebei province has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance its transportation infrastructure during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), aiming to bolster connectivity within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Key projects include the construction of the Tanglang (Tangshan-Langfang) Expressway, set to begin in 2026, which will divert traffic from Beijing’s ring expressways, thereby reducing congestion in the capital. Additionally, the Langzhuo (Langfang-Zhuozhou) Expressway is being expanded from four to eight lanes, with completion expected by 2027, which will significantly improve the capacity and efficiency of the region’s transportation network. Another major initiative is the Jingwu (Beijing-Wuhan) Expressway, which will create a 314-kilometer high-speed corridor through Hebei, with construction slated to start in 2027. The G335 highway upgrade, currently underway, will enhance links between Zhangjiakou and Beijing upon its completion in 2027. These projects build on the progress made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), which saw the addition of 18 expressway segments connecting Hebei with Beijing and Tianjin, bringing the total number of inter-provincial or city trunk roads to 54 segments with 80 interfaces. These developments are expected to further regional coordination and provide more efficient travel options for residents across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
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‘Thought it was a prank’: Indian expat wins $1 million at Dubai Duty Free after 10 years
An Indian expatriate based in Dubai has struck gold by winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, a life-changing moment that came after a decade of unwavering participation. Atul Rao, a banker originally from Mumbai, purchased his winning ticket—number 2242 in Series 522—on his birthday while transiting through Dubai International Airport. The draw took place approximately two and a half weeks later, turning Rao’s life upside down in the best possible way. Rao, who has been shuttling between the UAE and Oman since 1998, initially dismissed the news as a prank. ‘With so many spam calls and messages these days, it was hard to believe,’ he admitted. It wasn’t until he verified the win on the Dubai Duty Free website that the reality sank in. Rao’s journey to this moment began in 2012 when he first started purchasing tickets during his travels. ‘Every time I travel, I buy at least three tickets—one each for the bike, car, and millionaire draws,’ he shared. Over the years, he estimates spending nearly Dh50,000 on tickets, always holding onto hope. Rao’s persistence finally paid off, and he plans to use his winnings wisely. Part of the money will go toward charity and investments, and he is considering reinvesting in Dubai’s property market, having previously owned and sold a property in the city. His family, including his wife, a special educator, and his daughter, who works in Dubai, are overjoyed. His son, studying in Canada, is also part of the celebrations, with the family planning a holiday soon. Despite his newfound wealth, Rao has no plans to stop participating in the draws. ‘I’ll definitely keep buying tickets,’ he said, adding with a laugh, ‘Who knows, maybe I’ll win the bike draw next.’ Rao’s story is a testament to the power of patience and perseverance, proving that dreams can come true when you least expect them.
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Nankai University scholar publishes long-lost Latin translation of Tao Te Ching
A long-lost Latin translation of the Tao Te Ching, hidden in the British Library for over three centuries, has been brought to light by Misha Tadd, a scholar at Nankai University in Tianjin. This remarkable discovery offers a unique glimpse into the early dissemination of Chinese philosophy in the West and the cross-cultural interpretations of Laozi’s teachings. The manuscript, translated by missionaries in the early 18th century, was recently published, marking a significant milestone in the study of East-West intellectual exchange. Tadd’s efforts have not only resurrected a forgotten piece of history but also provided scholars with valuable insights into how ancient Chinese wisdom was perceived and adapted in Europe during a pivotal period of cultural interaction. The publication of this rare manuscript underscores the enduring relevance of the Tao Te Ching and its profound impact on global philosophical thought.
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Aurora seen in Heilongjiang, NE China
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‘Another major win any time’: UAE Lottery says every ticket has a shot after Dh100-million win
The UAE Lottery has marked a historic milestone with its largest-ever payout of Dh100 million, awarded to a 29-year-old Abu Dhabi resident, Anilkumar Bolla. The IT professional defied odds of 1 in 8.8 million to match all seven numbers in the exact winning combination. This monumental win has not only transformed Bolla’s life but also reignited public interest in the lottery, with participation surging across the country. Scott Burton, UAE Lottery’s Commercial Gaming Director, emphasized that every draw is independent, and the odds remain unchanged regardless of previous wins. ‘We could see another major win at any time,’ he stated, highlighting the lottery’s commitment to fairness and excitement. The Dh100 million prize is a testament to the lottery’s rapid growth since its launch less than a year ago. Bolla, who plans to continue working and invest wisely, dreams of bringing his family to the UAE to share in his newfound fortune. The win has also spurred a wave of new registrations and reengaged former players, further solidifying the lottery’s popularity. With another Dh1 million winner announced in the latest draw, the UAE Lottery continues to captivate the nation with its promise of life-changing rewards.