In a strategic move that underscores escalating tensions in the Caribbean, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, arrived in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Sunday. This deployment aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified military pressure on Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro. The USS Gravely’s presence complements the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which is also positioning closer to Venezuelan waters. Maduro has condemned these maneuvers, accusing the U.S. of orchestrating a ‘new eternal war’ against his nation. U.S. President Donald Trump has further heightened tensions by alleging, without evidence, that Maduro leads the organized crime group Tren de Aragua. The warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday, facilitating joint training exercises between the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago. These exercises aim to address shared threats such as transnational crime and enhance regional security. However, the deployment has sparked controversy locally. David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice, criticized the decision, labeling the warship’s presence an ‘abomination’ given the proximity to Venezuela and the looming threat of conflict. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has voiced support for the U.S. military presence, citing regional security concerns. The visit follows a recent U.S. Embassy warning to Americans in Trinidad and Tobago to avoid government facilities due to reported threats. Despite calls for dialogue from regional trade bloc Caricom, Persad-Bissessar has emphasized that the Caribbean is not a ‘zone of peace,’ pointing to high rates of violent crime.
作者： admin
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Look: Jacob Elordi’s first look character poster from ‘Frankenstein’
The highly anticipated Netflix film ‘Frankenstein,’ directed by Guillermo del Toro, has unveiled the first look at Jacob Elordi in his transformative role as ‘The Creature.’ The Australian actor, known for his role in ‘Euphoria,’ undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis to portray Mary Shelley’s iconic monster. The official character poster, released by Netflix, showcases Elordi with pale, cadaverous skin, lacerations, and long, stringy hair, rendering him nearly unrecognizable. The film, set for a global release on November 7, also features a star-studded cast including Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, and Christoph Waltz. Elordi revealed that the extensive makeup process, which took up to 10 hours per day, profoundly impacted his approach to acting. Director del Toro expressed confidence in Elordi’s ability to embody the complex character, despite the actor’s conventionally attractive appearance. Fans eagerly await the film’s debut, which promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally gripping adaptation of the classic tale.
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China, US reach initial consensus on key trade issues
In a significant development, China and the United States have achieved preliminary agreements on several pivotal trade issues, as announced by a senior Chinese official on Sunday. The discussions, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, addressed key areas such as export controls, the extension of the 90-day tariff truce, fentanyl-related tariffs, the expansion of bilateral trade, and US port fees. Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative at the Ministry of Commerce, described the talks as ‘constructive’ following the conclusion of the fifth round of China–US economic and trade negotiations since May. The negotiations took place at Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building, and commenced on Saturday. This round of talks was particularly crucial as the already-extended 90-day tariff truce is nearing its expiration on November 10. The agreements mark a positive step towards resolving longstanding trade disputes between the two economic giants, potentially paving the way for more stable and cooperative economic relations in the future.
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China ready to work with ASEAN members to build successful FTA 3.0, says Chinese premier
During his official visit to Singapore on October 26, 2025, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized China’s commitment to advancing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0. Speaking at a meeting with Singapore’s Acting President Eddie Teo at the Istana presidential palace, Premier Li highlighted the importance of fostering closer cooperation between China and ASEAN member states to achieve shared prosperity. He underscored China’s willingness to maintain robust communication and coordination with Singapore within multilateral frameworks, advocating for the principles of multilateralism, free trade, and an inclusive global economic order. Premier Li noted that the world is currently navigating a period of significant transformation, marked by intertwined global challenges. In this context, he stressed the need for China and Singapore, as strategic partners, to enhance unity and collaboration. Looking ahead, Premier Li expressed China’s readiness to deepen high-level exchanges, support each other’s core interests, and expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green development, and artificial intelligence. He also welcomed Singaporean enterprises to explore opportunities in China’s vast market, fostering mutual growth. Acting President Eddie Teo reciprocated these sentiments, acknowledging the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and expressing optimism about the potential of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan to benefit the region and beyond. Teo reiterated Singapore’s commitment to aligning development strategies with China and strengthening the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
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Selena Gomez releases new song ‘In The Dark’ from ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack
Selena Gomez has once again captivated her fans with the release of her latest single, ‘In The Dark,’ which is part of the soundtrack for the second season of ‘Nobody Wants This.’ The song, accompanied by its official music video, was directed by Luke Orlando and features Gomez in an all-black ensemble, traversing expansive, open spaces while delivering a heartfelt message about love and resilience during challenging times. The soundtrack also includes contributions from renowned artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Finneas, making it a diverse and compelling musical collection. Following the release, Gomez took to Instagram to share a snippet of the video, expressing her hope that the song would evoke a sense of nostalgia among her listeners. This release follows her collaborative album ‘I Said I Loved You First’ with her husband, Benny Blanco, which earlier this year chronicled their romantic journey. The ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack comprises 19 tracks and is currently available for streaming alongside the show’s second season.
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China, US teams have in-depth, candid discussion, says China int’l trade representative
In a significant development for global trade relations, Chinese and US trade teams recently held in-depth and candid discussions, as reported by China’s international trade representative. The talks, which took place against a backdrop of ongoing economic tensions, aimed to address key issues affecting bilateral trade and explore avenues for mutual cooperation. The Chinese representative emphasized the importance of open dialogue in fostering a stable and predictable trade environment. While specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting is seen as a positive step toward resolving longstanding disputes and enhancing economic ties between the two nations. This engagement comes at a critical juncture, as both countries navigate the complexities of global supply chains, technological competition, and geopolitical dynamics. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for international trade policies and market stability.
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UAE: Sheikh Mohammed calls on all residents to raise flag on November 3
In a call to foster national pride and unity, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged all citizens, residents, and institutions to raise the UAE flag at precisely 11 am on November 3, marking the country’s annual Flag Day. The day symbolizes a renewed commitment to the values of the union, emphasizing a sense of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and its leadership. Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as the Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted the importance of this gesture in strengthening national identity. The celebration coincides with the ‘National Month,’ an emirate-wide initiative in Dubai that runs from Flag Day until Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025. This year marks the second consecutive observance of the extended celebration. As flags adorn homes, shops, and streets across the UAE, residents are reminded to handle the national symbol with respect. Guidelines include inspecting the flag for damage before raising it and ensuring proper placement when displayed vertically in public spaces, with the red stripe positioned at the top. The initiative underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to cultivate patriotism and unity among its diverse population.
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UK’s Starmer visit to Turkey set to finalise multibillion-dollar Eurofighter deal
Turkey and the United Kingdom are poised to finalize a multibillion-dollar agreement for Eurofighter Typhoon jets during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inaugural official visit to Ankara on Monday, according to multiple sources. The deal, which has been in negotiation since 2023, marks a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations. Ankara overcame a major obstacle earlier this year by securing Germany’s approval, which had previously vetoed the sale. A provisional agreement for 40 jets was signed in July, with ongoing discussions focusing on technical specifications and pricing. Reports indicate that Turkey found the initial pricing relatively high. Under the proposed terms, 20 jets will be operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to expedite delivery, while the remaining 20 will be customized to meet Turkish requirements and delivered later. In a symbolic gesture, Starmer dispatched two Eurofighter jets to Ankara ahead of his visit, underscoring the deal’s strategic importance to the UK. The visit also led Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to postpone a cabinet meeting, highlighting the significance of the occasion. The Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4, featuring advanced avionics and radar systems, will provide a critical stopgap solution for the Turkish Air Force, which currently relies on aging US-made F-16s. Turkey is also pursuing additional agreements to purchase used Eurofighter jets from Qatar and Oman, with separate maintenance and modernization deals expected to accompany these acquisitions. The UK has reportedly prioritized Ankara’s order by reallocating aircraft originally intended for the RAF. This landmark deal underscores Turkey’s urgent need to modernize its air force ahead of the anticipated deployment of its domestically produced Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet in 2028.
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Motorists in Dubai cover 10km in less than 14 minutes, says traffic study
Dubai has emerged as a global leader in traffic efficiency, with motorists covering 10 kilometers in under 14 minutes, according to a recent study. This remarkable achievement places the emirate ahead of major cities like Sydney, Montreal, Berlin, Rome, and Milan in the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed that Dubai’s Travel Time Index (TTI), a measure of congestion, stands at 1.23, outperforming the global average of 1.3. Over the past decade, the TTI has decreased by 4%, reflecting significant improvements in urban traffic flow.
A McKinsey & Company study commissioned by the RTA highlighted Dubai’s long-term investments in smart traffic systems, bridges, and road design as key drivers of this transformation. These efforts have not only enhanced traffic efficiency but also significantly improved safety standards. The fatality rate per 100,000 inhabitants plummeted from 21.9 in 2006 to 1.8 in 2024, marking one of the sharpest declines worldwide.
Beyond traffic and safety, Dubai’s transport initiatives have positively impacted residents’ quality of life. Reduced harmful emissions and the promotion of active mobility through public transport, walking, and cycling have contributed to increased life expectancy. Additionally, shorter commutes and smoother traffic flow have alleviated daily stress, fostering mental well-being.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, emphasized the broader societal benefits of these advancements, stating, ‘Every minute saved, every accident prevented, and every tonne of emissions reduced has enhanced people’s quality of life.’ Looking ahead, the RTA plans to introduce innovative projects such as trackless trams, suspended transport systems, and high-frequency buses. The ‘Dubai Walk’ initiative aims to transform the city into a pedestrian-friendly destination, while strategic road projects will further enhance connectivity across the emirate.
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Abu Dhabi: Doctor wins Dh318,690 over unpaid wages, gratuity in labour dispute
In a landmark labor dispute case, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has upheld a ruling in favor of a medical professional against her former employer, a medical center in Abu Dhabi. The court confirmed that the employee is entitled to a net payment of Dh168,690 after offsetting amounts owed to the employer. The case, which began with the employee filing for unpaid wages, vacation allowance, and end-of-service gratuity, has seen multiple legal proceedings since its inception. The employee, who joined the medical center on a fixed-term contract in October 2022, resigned in December 2024, citing breach of contract by the employer. The medical center filed a counterclaim seeking Dh150,000 as notice allowance and Dh300,000 for alleged damages caused by the employee’s professional shortcomings. The Court of First Instance initially ruled in favor of the employee, ordering the medical center to pay Dh392,708. However, the Court of Appeal later amended this ruling, reducing the amount to Dh318,690 while upholding the counterclaim. The Court of Cassation dismissed the employee’s final appeal, stating that the appellate court had correctly applied the law and assessed the evidence. This ruling brings the protracted legal battle to a close, setting a precedent for labor disputes in the UAE.