In a dramatic display of resistance, thousands of Serbian protesters formed a human shield around a bombed-out military complex in Belgrade on Tuesday, vowing to protect it from a controversial $500-million redevelopment project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The site, partially destroyed during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign, is slated for demolition to make way for a luxury compound featuring a high-rise hotel, offices, and shops. The project, backed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s populist government, has faced fierce opposition from architectural experts, the public, and international critics. Despite legal challenges, Serbian lawmakers recently passed a special law to expedite the construction. Protesters, led by youth groups, encircled the complex, drawing a symbolic red line to emphasize their determination to preserve the site, which they view as a monument of resistance and a prime example of mid-20th century Yugoslav architecture. Critics argue that the redevelopment disregards the site’s historical significance and cultural heritage, while Vucic’s administration claims it will boost economic ties with the U.S. and stimulate the local economy. The controversy has intensified amid allegations of document forgery in the removal of the complex’s protected status and broader public discontent over government corruption. The protests mark the latest chapter in a yearlong wave of demonstrations challenging Vucic’s leadership, fueled by anger over state mismanagement and a recent tragedy in Novi Sad that claimed 16 lives. The issue remains highly sensitive in Serbia, where anti-NATO sentiment persists, and the U.S. involvement in the project has sparked further outrage.
作者: admin
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Gold prices in Dubai: Dh13.5 jump pushes 24K closer to Dh500 per gram
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a significant uptick on Tuesday, with 24K gold inching closer to the Dh500 per gram mark. According to data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold was trading at Dh499.25 per gram at market opening, reflecting a Dh13.5 increase over the past 24 hours. Similarly, 22K, 21K, and 18K gold were priced at Dh462.75, Dh443.25, and Dh379.75 per gram, respectively. This surge follows a period of easing after a strong rally in global precious metals, driven by softer economic data that has reinforced expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Spot gold also saw a rise, trading at $4,138.23 per ounce, up 0.59%, with a notable 3% jump late on Monday. Dilin Wu, a research strategist at Pepperstone, highlighted that central bank purchases, particularly by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), have provided steady support for gold. However, shifting market expectations around a potential December Fed rate cut are limiting further gains. Wu noted that gold has been trading in a range-bound pattern, with bulls maintaining a modest edge. He added that a sustained push above $4,100 could open the door to further gains, while a drop below $4,000 might see support at $3,880–$3,900. Safe haven buying has been a key driver of recent gold support, as concerns over valuations have led to significant pullbacks in global tech stocks and AI-related equities. This has prompted a shift into defensive assets like gold. Additionally, central bank purchases, including those by the PBoC, Poland, Turkey, and other emerging markets, have provided structural support, complementing safe-haven flows and bolstering gold’s position.
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China’s clean energy dominance is COP30’s real story
As COP30 commences in Belem, Brazil, the global climate discourse remains centered on pledges and targets. However, the tangible shift in the clean energy transition is already evident in global markets, with China emerging as the epicenter of this transformation. China has seamlessly integrated its climate ambitions into a robust industrial strategy, leading the charge in solar, wind, battery, electric vehicle, and grid technology sectors. Its influence now extends to global cost structures, supply chains, and market expectations. By the end of 2024, China had exceeded its 2030 target for installed wind and solar capacity, reaching approximately 1,400 gigawatts, according to the National Energy Administration. This year marked a historic milestone as renewable capacity surpassed fossil fuel power for the first time. The International Energy Agency projects that China will account for nearly 60% of all new global renewable power capacity installed through 2030. This expansion has fundamentally altered energy economics, with industrial scale driving down the costs of solar modules, wind turbines, and batteries to levels that make clean power competitive without subsidies in most regions. China now controls over 80% of the global solar manufacturing supply chain and dominates electric vehicle and storage battery production. These developments are reshaping the global cost base, influencing corporate margins, trade balances, and valuations across continents. Equity markets are adjusting to this new energy reality, with overcapacity in solar manufacturing leading to fierce price competition within China. The ripple effect outside China is supporting suppliers of critical materials like copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earths, as well as grid operators and logistics companies serving new energy infrastructure. Credit markets are evolving in parallel, with green and transition bonds linked to Chinese exports multiplying. Emerging market issuers are financing renewable projects built with Chinese technology, creating a new layer of investable debt and strengthening balance sheets tied to the energy transition. Private equity and infrastructure funds are positioning accordingly, with Belt and Road energy projects shifting focus from coal to solar and wind. Regional developers are securing Chinese components to meet domestic decarbonization targets, transforming clean power from a cost to a growth engine across multiple regions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. China’s grid struggles to absorb the rapid expansion in renewable generation, some provinces face curtailment, and local debt constraints slow new approvals. Coal remains an important stabilizer of power sources, yet the percentage of clean power generation continues to rise, with policy direction remaining consistent and focused. The investment implications are clear: China’s dominance has made clean energy the world’s most powerful source of cost deflation in real assets, driving new cycles of industrial demand, commodity use, and infrastructure spending. Exposure to this transformation can take many forms, including listed renewables, metals critical to electrification, utilities integrating advanced storage, and the financing structures that link these sectors. While many governments view China’s rise through a political lens, markets perceive it through a structural one. Industrial ecosystems of this scale cannot be duplicated quickly, representing decades of accumulated capital and experience. Energy security, competitiveness, and productivity will increasingly depend on access to China’s clean energy ecosystem. Economies that hesitate to match this approach risk losing growth and influence in the decades ahead. The clean energy transition is no longer an aspiration but a functioning global market with China at its core. The combination of technology, capital, and industrial discipline emerging from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen is setting the direction of economic opportunity across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Ignoring this shift won’t shield capital from its consequences but would mean missing one of the defining sources of sustainable return in the contemporary global economy.
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From host to influencer: How the UAE is steering the next chapter of global climate action
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transitioned from hosting COP28 in Dubai to becoming a pivotal influencer in global climate diplomacy. Building on the legacy of COP28, which marked the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement and introduced the UAE Consensus on transitioning away from fossil fuels, the UAE is now steering international dialogue on climate finance, innovation, and sustainable development. As part of the COP Troika alongside Brazil and Azerbaijan, the UAE is ensuring policy continuity and pushing for tangible progress ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The UAE’s $30 billion climate investment fund, aimed at mobilizing $250 billion in global climate solutions by 2030, underscores its commitment to action. Domestically, the UAE is advancing renewable energy projects, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and leading initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge. Its inclusive approach bridges developed and developing economies, emphasizing equitable climate progress. The UAE’s efforts in mangrove restoration, water efficiency, and urban sustainability further solidify its role as a model for adaptation and resilience. As the world prepares for COP30, the UAE’s diplomatic consistency and pragmatic vision position it as a trusted partner in shaping the future of global climate action.
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Former CPC chief of Pudong New Area in Shanghai prosecuted for bribery
Zhu Zhisong, the former secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Pudong New Area District Committee in Shanghai, has been formally prosecuted on charges of bribery. The case, filed by the Nanchang Municipal People’s Procuratorate in Jiangxi province, has been transferred to the Intermediate People’s Court of Nanchang for further proceedings. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) disclosed that Zhu allegedly exploited his influential positions in Shanghai to benefit others in exchange for substantial sums of money and valuable assets. This legal action follows a comprehensive investigation conducted by the National Commission of Supervision, underscoring China’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its political ranks. The case highlights the stringent anti-corruption measures being enforced by the CPC, aiming to maintain integrity and public trust in governance.
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‘This animal spared my life’: Biologist bitten in head by shark hopes to meet it again
Marine biologist Mauricio Hoyos, a seasoned shark researcher with over three decades of experience, recently survived a harrowing encounter with a 3-meter-long female Galapagos shark off the coast of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. The incident occurred during a research trip in September, where Hoyos was tagging sharks to study their mating and spawning behaviors. Despite the attack, Hoyos describes his recovery as ‘incredible’ and remains undeterred in his mission to advocate for shark conservation.
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Four potential obstacles in House vote to end US shutdown
Following the US Senate’s approval of a spending bill to end the longest government shutdown in history, the focus now shifts to the House of Representatives, where a critical vote is expected this week. Unlike the Senate, House Republicans can pass the budget without Democratic support if they remain united, though the margin for error is exceptionally narrow. Key issues remain unresolved, particularly the Democrats’ push to renew tax credits that make health insurance more affordable for 24 million Americans. Senate Republicans have only agreed to a December vote on extending these subsidies, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to allowing a vote on the matter. This stance carries significant political risk for Republicans, as failing to extend the subsidies could lead to skyrocketing health insurance premiums, providing Democrats with a potent campaign issue for the upcoming midterm elections. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a conservative Republican from Georgia, has broken ranks with former President Donald Trump to warn against such a scenario. Meanwhile, Democrats, emboldened by recent election victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, face internal tensions between pragmatic and progressive factions. Progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Greg Casar have criticized the budget deal, with Casar calling it a ‘betrayal’ of millions of Americans. Centrist Democrats, however, may cross party lines to support the bill. House Republicans, holding a slim majority, can only afford to lose two votes, with fiscal conservatives like Thomas Massie likely to oppose the package. The proposed deal would add $1.8 trillion annually to the national debt, a point of contention for fiscal hawks. As the House prepares to vote, logistical challenges, including flight delays and severe weather, further complicate the process.
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Gulf Medical University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Programme receives CAA approval
Thumbay Group has taken a significant leap forward in its mission to integrate human, animal, and environmental health by launching a comprehensive veterinary ecosystem under its One Health philosophy. This initiative, anchored by the newly approved Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme at Gulf Medical University (GMU), marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s healthcare and education landscape. The programme, which has received initial accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), UAE, aims to address the region’s growing demand for veterinary expertise amid rising pet ownership, livestock health concerns, and food security challenges. The DVM programme will admit 60 students annually, offering a globally aligned curriculum supported by over 30 academic and industry partnerships. These collaborations include prestigious institutions such as the Royal Veterinary College in London and Don State Technical University in Russia, ensuring students gain access to advanced diagnostics, clinical rotations, and research opportunities. Thumbay Group’s broader veterinary ecosystem includes the Thumbay Veterinary Clinic in Sharjah, a forthcoming veterinary hospital in Thumbay Medicity, and additional clinics and labs across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Professor Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, emphasized the programme’s alignment with the One Health approach, which is increasingly recognized as a global necessity. The initiative not only prepares graduates for clinical practice but also supports the UAE’s development goals in public health, food security, and scientific innovation. With applications now open, the programme invites aspiring veterinarians to join this transformative journey towards a healthier, more interconnected world.
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A timeline of the Trump speech controversy roiling the BBC and other recent scandals
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is embroiled in its most severe crisis in years, following a series of controversies that have culminated in the resignation of its Director-General, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness. The turmoil was sparked by accusations of biased editing in a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021. Trump has threatened legal action, demanding $1 billion in damages for what he termed “false, defamatory, and inflammatory statements.” The BBC’s chair, Samir Shah, has issued an apology for an “error of judgment” in the editing process. This incident is the latest in a string of scandals that have plagued the BBC under Davie’s leadership. These include the Martin Bashir scandal, where a journalist used fake documents to secure an interview with Princess Diana, and the suspension of high-profile presenter Huw Edwards over allegations of inappropriate conduct. The BBC has also faced criticism for its coverage of sensitive topics, including the Gaza conflict and transgender issues. The institution’s credibility is now under intense scrutiny, with concerns raised about institutional bias and editorial standards.
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Russia contributes to building the global AI architecture
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global economy and society, Russia is emerging as a key player in fostering international collaboration and regulation in the field. Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman of the executive board, highlights Russia’s leadership in the BRICS AI Alliance Network and its efforts to expand AI cooperation globally. Established in 2024, the AI Alliance Network unites 17 industry-specific associations from 14 countries, including BRICS+ members and nations like Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. In 2025, Russia chairs the Secretariat, spearheading the Global AI Horizons foresight research project, which involves over 200 scientists from 25 countries. The Alliance focuses on joint educational initiatives, AI regulation, and ethical frameworks, aiming to create a human-centered foundation for AI development. Efforts are underway to include Arab nations such as Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE, whose cultural and linguistic diversity is crucial for AI’s global evolution. The BRICS+ AI Success Hub, in partnership with UNIDO, will serve as a platform for sharing AI implementation case studies. Russia also emphasizes the need for a unified global AI regulatory framework, advocating for safety, ethics, and innovation. The annual AI Journey conference, held in Moscow, further promotes AI research and dialogue, attracting global experts and young researchers. Russian AI solutions, such as GigaChat, are gaining traction in BRICS markets, supported by localization efforts and partnerships. The Russian AI Casebook, featuring over 600 implementation cases, showcases the country’s advancements in AI applications across industries. Harmonizing AI standards among BRICS members remains a priority to ensure seamless technology exchange and integration.
