作者: admin

  • ‘I think he’s going to join’: Trump says Saudi Arabia will normalise with Israel without two-state solution

    ‘I think he’s going to join’: Trump says Saudi Arabia will normalise with Israel without two-state solution

    In a comprehensive interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel, even without the kingdom’s longstanding precondition of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This statement precedes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington on November 18, marking his first White House visit since 2018. When questioned about Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Abraham Accords, Trump dismissed concerns, asserting, ‘I think he’s going to join. I think we will have a solution.’ He emphasized the role of Israel and other stakeholders in determining the final outcome, while also highlighting the significance of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a prerequisite for regional stability. Trump referenced his administration’s efforts in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza and his controversial air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which Tehran denies had any lasting impact. The interview also touched on Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he praised as ‘very talented’ but acknowledged pushing on certain issues, including apologies to Qatar and the Gaza ceasefire. Trump’s remarks extended to domestic politics, criticizing New York City’s mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a ‘communist’ and threatening to withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins. The former president’s comments underscore his ongoing influence on US foreign and domestic policy, even after leaving office.

  • Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup

    Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup

    In a historic triumph at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, jockey Jamie Melham steered Half Yours to victory, becoming only the second female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race. The event, held on November 4, saw Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, secure second place, while Middle Earth claimed third. This victory marks a significant milestone for Melham, who last month rode Half Yours to win the Caulfield Cup, making her the first woman to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Overwhelmed by her success, Melham expressed her disbelief and passion for the sport in a post-race interview with the Nine Network, stating, ‘What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for, this is why we get out of bed every morning at 4am.’ Her achievement not only cements her place in horse racing history but also inspires a new generation of female jockeys.

  • Microsoft receives licence to export thousands of AI chips to UAE

    Microsoft receives licence to export thousands of AI chips to UAE

    Microsoft has announced a groundbreaking development in its collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), securing approval to export tens of thousands of advanced Nvidia AI chips to the Gulf state. This move paves the way for a significant $7.9 billion investment in data centers, cloud computing, and AI projects over the next four years. The export licenses, approved during both the Trump and Biden administrations, allow Microsoft to ship the equivalent of 60,400 Nvidia A100 chips, each costing upwards of $9,000, to the UAE. These chips, designed for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data center analytics, are manufactured primarily in Taiwan by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

    Microsoft’s investment strategy in the UAE includes a $1.5 billion equity stake in G42, an AI company managed by the UAE’s national security advisor, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Between 2023 and 2025, Microsoft plans to spend over $7.3 billion in the UAE, with an additional $7.9 billion allocated from 2026 to 2029. This includes $5.5 billion for expanding AI and cloud infrastructure and $2.4 billion for local operating expenses.

    The agreement aligns with a US model where American tech companies build and manage data centers in Gulf states, ensuring controlled access to advanced technology. While the original US-UAE agreement envisioned exporting 500,000 of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips annually starting in 2025, including 100,000 directly to G42, no such direct imports have been announced yet.

    Microsoft’s ability to secure these export licenses underscores its commitment to meeting stringent cybersecurity and national security requirements. The company has already accumulated the equivalent of 21,500 Nvidia A100 GPUs in the UAE during the Biden administration. This development highlights the UAE’s growing role as a hub for AI innovation, competing with Saudi Arabia for access to cutting-edge AI chips and leveraging its abundant, low-cost energy to attract global tech investments.

  • South Korean president calls for aggressive AI spending in budget speech

    South Korean president calls for aggressive AI spending in budget speech

    In a landmark budget speech delivered at the National Assembly, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung outlined an ambitious vision to propel the nation into the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and bolster its defense capabilities. Lee called for a tripling of government spending on AI infrastructure and technology, proposing a budget of 728 trillion won ($506 billion), the highest in the country’s history. He emphasized the need for South Korea to construct the “highway for the AI era,” drawing parallels to past transformative initiatives under former presidents Park Chung-hee and Kim Dae-jung. The proposed 10.1 trillion won ($6.9 billion) allocation for AI-related projects aims to enhance computing and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and robotics. Lee also highlighted a recent agreement with Nvidia to supply 260,000 GPUs for AI infrastructure projects, though uncertainties remain regarding the delivery timeline due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks restricting access to Nvidia’s latest AI chips. On the defense front, Lee proposed an 8.2% increase in military spending to 66.3 trillion won ($46 billion), focusing on modernizing weapons systems and reducing reliance on the United States. He also reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, a move supported by Trump during their bilateral meeting. The speech coincided with annual security talks between U.S. and South Korean defense officials, addressing key alliance issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control to a South Korean-led command. However, Lee’s address was boycotted by most conservative opposition lawmakers amid ongoing tensions over a criminal investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in December.

  • Peru cuts diplomatic ties with Mexico over ex-PM’s asylum claim

    Peru cuts diplomatic ties with Mexico over ex-PM’s asylum claim

    In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Peru has announced the severance of its diplomatic relations with Mexico. The decision comes after Mexico granted asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela expressed profound disappointment, labeling Mexico’s action as an “unfriendly act.” Chávez, who was imprisoned in June 2023 for her alleged role in ousted President Pedro Castillo’s plan to dissolve Congress, was released on bail in September and has consistently denied the charges. Peru has accused Mexico of repeatedly interfering in its internal affairs, particularly by portraying coup leaders as victims. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence for Chávez and a 34-year term for Castillo, who was arrested in December 2022 after his failed attempt to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government. This latest development exacerbates the strained relations between the two nations, which began when Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family in 2022 and intensified with former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s vocal support for Castillo. Castillo, a former teacher and union activist, was Peru’s first president from a humble background but was ousted after his unconstitutional power grab. His successor, Dina Boluarte, was recently removed by Congress amid widespread protests, leading to the appointment of interim President José Jeri.

  • Shein bans all sex dolls after outrage over childlike products

    Shein bans all sex dolls after outrage over childlike products

    Global online retail giant Shein has announced a worldwide ban on the sale of sex dolls, particularly those with ‘a childlike appearance,’ following accusations of hosting such products on its platform. The decision comes after France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control flagged concerns over the weekend, describing the listings as having ‘little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content.’ Shein responded swiftly, permanently banning all seller accounts linked to such products and temporarily removing its adult products category as a precaution. The company has also initiated a thorough review of its platform, vowing to implement stricter controls on sellers and enhance its keyword blacklist to prevent circumvention of restrictions. Executive Chairman Donald Tang emphasized Shein’s unwavering stance against child exploitation, stating, ‘The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein. We are tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible.’ The controversy erupted just days before Shein’s planned opening of its first permanent outlet in Paris, where protesters gathered outside the BHV department store. France’s finance minister threatened to ban the Singapore-based retailer from the country if it continued to sell the offending products. This incident adds to Shein’s existing scrutiny over its fast-fashion environmental impact and labor practices.

  • North Korea’s former ceremonial head of state dies

    North Korea’s former ceremonial head of state dies

    Kim Yong Nam, a prominent figure in North Korea’s political landscape and a lifelong supporter of the ruling Kim dynasty, has passed away at the age of 97, as reported by state media. Serving as the ceremonial head of state and president of the Supreme People’s Assembly from 1998 to 2019, Kim Yong Nam was a key diplomat under the regimes of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un. Although not related to the Kim family, he played a significant role in representing North Korea on the international stage. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), he died of multiple organ failure on November 3. KCNA praised him as an “old-generation revolutionary” who contributed immensely to the nation’s development. A state funeral was held in his honor. Born during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean peninsula, Kim Yong Nam hailed from a family of “anti-Japanese patriots.” He studied at Kim Il Sung University and later in Moscow, beginning his political career in the 1950s. Rising from a low-ranking official to foreign minister and eventually chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly, he maintained a clean reputation, avoiding the purges that befell many other high-ranking officials. In 2018, he led a North Korean delegation to South Korea during the Winter Olympics, meeting then-President Moon Jae-in. He also participated in inter-Korean summits in 2000 and 2007. South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed condolences, recalling meaningful discussions about peace on the Korean peninsula. Former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong Ho described Kim Yong Nam as a model of survival in North Korea’s political system, emphasizing his ability to avoid controversy and maintain loyalty to the regime. Unlike many officials who faced demotion or execution, Kim Yong Nam retired peacefully in 2019, marking a rare end to a long and stable career in North Korea’s volatile political environment.

  • Zubeen Garg death being probed as murder, says Assam CM

    Zubeen Garg death being probed as murder, says Assam CM

    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government is treating the death of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg as a murder case, with plans to file a chargesheet by December 8. Speaking on Monday, November 3, Sarma emphasized that the investigation is progressing with the aim of submitting the chargesheet before December 17. The case has garnered significant public attention, with protests demanding justice for the late singer, who passed away on September 19 in Singapore at the age of 52. Garg’s death, initially attributed to breathing issues during scuba diving, remains shrouded in mystery, prompting a thorough probe. Sarma also revealed that the investigation involves aspects linked to a foreign country, requiring approval from the Union Home Ministry. He confirmed discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the matter. Additionally, Sarma addressed controversies surrounding the proposed ‘Zubeen Khetra’ memorial, clarifying that the government has allocated land for the project. He dismissed concerns about private land ownership adjacent to the memorial, stating that his focus is solely on the government-allotted land. The remarks come amid political debates and social media discussions about alleged links between Minister Ashok Singhal and land near the project, raising questions about ownership in a protected tribal belt.

  • DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025: Can anyone stop Rory’s Race to Dubai charge?

    DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025: Can anyone stop Rory’s Race to Dubai charge?

    The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs have arrived, bringing with them a high-stakes battle for the coveted Race to Dubai title. Rory McIlroy, the current leader, is on the verge of securing his seventh championship, but the competition is fierce. Emerging star Marco Penge, just 500 points behind McIlroy, is poised to challenge the golfing legend in the season-ending Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship. These events, hosted in the UAE, promise to deliver drama and potentially historic performances. McIlroy’s dominance in the UAE is well-documented, with victories in the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2024. However, Penge’s meteoric rise, from the HotelPlanner Tour to the 29th spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, makes him a formidable contender. With 9,000 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi and 12,000 in Dubai, every shot and putt will be crucial. Beyond the Race to Dubai title, the top 10 players not already holding a PGA Tour card will earn dual cardholder status for 2026, adding another layer of excitement. The $6 million Race to Dubai Bonus Pool further intensifies the competition, with the winner taking home $2 million. As the season concludes, the DP World Tour Play-Offs are set to provide a thrilling finale to an already remarkable year.

  • Anti-Muslim posts on X about Zohran Mamdani have increased by more than 450 percent

    Anti-Muslim posts on X about Zohran Mamdani have increased by more than 450 percent

    A recent report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) has unveiled a concerning surge in Islamophobic and xenophobic discourse targeting New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. The study, spanning from Mamdani’s Democratic primary victory in June to the end of October, revealed that such content reached an estimated 1.5 billion users on X (formerly Twitter). This spike in hateful rhetoric coincided with the narrowing gap between Mamdani and his chief opponent, Andrew Cuomo, in the mayoral race. The analysis identified 35,522 original posts from 17,752 unique accounts, with 45% authored by verified users, raising questions about the platform’s moderation practices. The report highlights four dominant Islamophobic narratives: terrorist labeling (72% of posts), calls for deportation and citizenship revocation (11%), questioning loyalty to the country (9%), and conspiracy theories about Sharia law and Muslim takeover (8%). CSOH warns that such online hate could escalate into offline violence, citing recent acts of political violence in the U.S. The organization has urged X to enforce stricter moderation, enhance transparency for verified users, and amplify corrective counterarguments in its algorithm to combat misinformation and hate speech.