US President Donald Trump has once again lashed out at Ukraine, accusing its leadership of showing ‘zero gratitude’ for Washington’s support in its conflict with Russia. This criticism came as top US and Ukrainian officials convened in Geneva to discuss a potential peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war. Trump voiced his frustrations on his Truth Social platform, labeling the conflict a ‘human catastrophe’ and taking aim at his predecessor, Joe Biden, while notably refraining from directly condemning Moscow. Trump’s remarks underscore his longstanding dissatisfaction with the war, which erupted in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in significant territorial losses and widespread destruction. During his presidential campaign last year, Trump had promised to broker peace within 24 hours, but his sporadic diplomatic efforts have yielded little progress. He now faces criticism from within his own party over a 28-point plan being discussed in Geneva, which some argue could favor Russia’s war objectives. While Trump has expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has rarely criticized him directly, instead focusing his ire on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his recent social media post, Trump also criticized European nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil and derided Biden as ‘crooked Joe’ for providing Ukraine with military aid. Zelensky, however, has consistently expressed gratitude for the substantial US military support, which has been crucial in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian forces.
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Outcomes of COP30 show multilateralism is alive despite headwinds
The 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belem, Brazil, concluded with significant outcomes, underscoring the enduring strength of multilateralism despite global challenges. The conference adopted a comprehensive package of decisions, including a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, emphasizing the need for developed nations to enhance climate finance for developing countries. A set of 59 voluntary indicators was finalized to track progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, covering sectors such as water, food, health, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Additionally, COP30 introduced a just transition mechanism to foster international cooperation and equitable transitions. A historic framework titled ‘Global Mutirao: Uniting Humanity in a Global Mobilization Against Climate Change’ was also adopted, featuring the Global Implementation Accelerator to support countries in meeting their climate commitments. Chinese officials, including Wang Yi and Li Gao, highlighted the importance of these outcomes, particularly the inclusion of mechanisms to counter unilateral measures. UN officials, including Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, praised the conference for its unprecedented political signals and called for continued global efforts to address the climate crisis. The event marked a pivotal moment in global climate governance, reaffirming the collective resolve to combat climate change despite political and economic headwinds.
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G20 called on to firmly uphold free trade
At the 20th G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global solidarity and cooperation to address pressing economic challenges. The summit, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ focused on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, building resilience, and ensuring a fair future for all. Premier Li highlighted the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, which have exacerbated trade restrictions and confrontations, hindering international cooperation. He urged G20 members to confront these issues head-on, advocating for multilateralism and the reform of global institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. Li also underscored the importance of supporting developing countries, announcing China’s initiatives to reduce debts and promote industrialization in Africa. The summit concluded with a leaders’ declaration addressing climate change and other global challenges, signaling a strong commitment to multilateralism. Additionally, Premier Li engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders from Italy, France, South Korea, Angola, Spain, and the WTO, reinforcing China’s dedication to fostering international partnerships and fair trade practices.
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Japan’s high-stakes gamble to turn island of flowers into global chip hub
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has long been celebrated for its agricultural prowess and tourism appeal. However, the region is now poised to become a global epicenter for advanced semiconductor production, thanks to a multi-billion-dollar investment by the Japanese government and key industry players. Spearheading this ambitious transformation is Rapidus, a government-backed company supported by corporate giants like Toyota, Softbank, and Sony. Rapidus aims to establish Japan’s first cutting-edge chip foundry in decades, with a $12 billion semiconductor factory under construction in Chitose, Hokkaido. The company has already achieved a significant milestone by successfully producing prototype 2-nanometer (2nm) transistors, a feat matched only by industry leaders TSMC and Samsung. This breakthrough positions Rapidus as a potential contender in the $600 billion global semiconductor market. The selection of Chitose was strategic, leveraging its robust infrastructure, natural beauty, and lower earthquake risk. Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike emphasized the importance of partnerships, particularly with IBM, in achieving this technological leap. The company is on track to mass-produce 2nm chips by 2027, though challenges remain in achieving the necessary yield and quality to compete with established players. Japan’s broader economic challenges, including a shrinking population and a shortage of semiconductor engineers, add complexity to this endeavor. However, the government’s commitment to revitalizing the semiconductor industry is evident, with $27 billion invested between 2020 and early 2024, and a $65 billion package unveiled in late 2024 to support AI and semiconductor development. This initiative is part of Japan’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and regain its former dominance in the global semiconductor market. The success of Rapidus could not only transform Hokkaido’s economy but also position Japan as a formidable player in the high-stakes semiconductor race.
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Donald Glover reveals on stage he had a stroke last year
In a heartfelt revelation during his performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles, multi-talented artist Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, disclosed that he suffered a stroke last year. The 42-year-old actor and rapper shared the harrowing experience with the audience, explaining that the stroke occurred shortly after he began his New World tour in August 2024. Glover recounted feeling severe head pain during a show in Louisiana, which he initially ignored. However, after experiencing vision problems in Houston, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a stroke. The health scare forced him to postpone and eventually cancel the remainder of his tour. Glover also revealed that doctors discovered a hole in his heart, necessitating two surgeries. During his emotional on-stage confession, Glover reflected on the fragility of life, stating, ‘They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realize you have one.’ He expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of health and resilience. Glover’s candid disclosure has sparked widespread concern and admiration, highlighting the challenges faced by performers in balancing their careers and well-being.
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UAE women leaders back AI as key to gender equality amid regional push for inclusion
Women leaders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly viewing artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal force in advancing gender equality within the technology sector. Despite persistent structural challenges, a recent survey by Cloudera reveals that 91% of female IT leaders in the UAE anticipate achieving gender parity in AI leadership within the next five years. This optimism underscores the transformative potential of AI in fostering a more inclusive tech landscape. The survey highlights that 88% of respondents believe AI will play a crucial role in promoting gender balance, while an equal percentage are confident that women will significantly influence future AI strategies and governance. However, concerns remain. Nearly half (46%) of the respondents expressed worries about the scarcity of women in senior AI roles, and 44% fear that underrepresentation could lead to biases being embedded into AI systems. Additionally, 52% identified limited opportunities at the top as a major hurdle, and 84% emphasized the need for organizations to provide targeted AI training for women. Eman Gammoh, Head of AI at Arab Bank, remarked, ‘Women are not only participating; we are key drivers, fundamentally shaping the future of AI strategy and governance.’ Manasi Vartek, Chief AI Architect at Cloudera, stressed the importance of a unified data foundation and targeted training for women to ensure trustworthy AI. The UAE’s efforts align with broader regional initiatives. The UAE Gender Balance Council has achieved significant milestones, with women constituting 70% of university graduates and 56% of STEM graduates at public universities. Saudi Arabia has also surpassed its Vision 2030 target for female labor force participation, reaching 36.3% in early 2025. Corporate strategies are evolving, with 78% of Middle Eastern women business leaders expressing confidence in growth, though nearly half seek clearer AI and ESG strategies. Programs like She Leads 2025 are equipping women entrepreneurs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with AI skills and leadership training, fostering a regional network for inclusive innovation. Despite these advancements, two-thirds of respondents believe gender equality is often treated as a ‘tick-box exercise,’ and 64% cite limited access to upskilling as a critical bottleneck. The Middle East’s tech ambitions are clear, with women increasingly at the forefront of this transformation. However, as AI reshapes industries, the question remains whether structural reforms will keep pace with technological advancements.
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Dubai’s Secure.com secures $4.5m to launch AI agents amid soaring cyber threats
Dubai-based cybersecurity startup Secure.com has secured $4.5 million in funding from Disrupt.com to accelerate the deployment of its AI-driven Digital Security Teammate (DST) platform. This innovative solution aims to address the critical talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry, which has reached a crisis level with 4.8 million unfilled roles globally. The funding comes at a time when global cybercrime damages have surged to $10.5 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and the Middle East faces an average breach cost of $7.29 million per incident. Despite these alarming figures, only half of affected companies in the region plan to increase their security budgets. Secure.com’s DST platform is designed to alleviate the operational pressures on security teams by acting as virtual colleagues embedded within existing security systems. These AI agents investigate alerts, triage incidents, and handle compliance tasks, reducing noise by 60% and saving thousands of analyst hours annually. Early deployments in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors have demonstrated significant improvements, including 70% faster threat detection and 50% quicker resolution times. The platform’s affordability, starting at $2,500 per month, makes enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to mid-market organizations with limited resources. Secure.com’s initiative aligns with the Middle East’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for next-generation technologies and global cybersecurity standards. Uzair Gadit, CEO of Secure.com, emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to combat the escalating cyber threat landscape, stating, ‘You cannot hire your way out of a $10.5 trillion threat. You need leverage. Digital Security Teammates deliver that leverage—today.’
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‘Predicting death’ to fitness guru: Biohacker to help Dubai residents be ‘ultimate humans’
Dubai is poised to become a global leader in longevity and wellness, thanks to the efforts of American biohacker and longevity expert Gary Brecka. Known as ‘The Ultimate Human,’ Brecka is spearheading a movement to help Dubai residents optimize their health and extend their lifespans. His initiatives include the upcoming Ultimate Human Wellness Clinic, set to open in early 2026, and an at-home gene testing system designed to identify nutrient deficiencies and provide personalized health solutions. Brecka’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues by analyzing methylation pathways, which reveal how the body processes nutrients and manages ageing. His methods aim to combat common ailments like brain fog, poor sleep, and hormone imbalances by replenishing essential nutrients. Brecka’s vision aligns with Dubai’s broader wellness ambitions, as the city integrates longevity clinics into its real estate developments and lifestyle offerings. With a background in mortality research, Brecka has shifted his focus from predicting death to empowering individuals to live healthier, happier, and longer lives. His Ultimate Human programme, which includes high-intensity workouts, breath work, and whole-food nutrition, is already making waves in the UAE. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global wellness destination, Brecka’s innovative strategies could redefine the future of health and longevity in the region.
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Brazilian revelers at Rio’s Pride march rejoice after Bolsonaro’s preemptive jailing
Thousands of LGBTQ+ activists and supporters flooded the Copacabana boardwalk in Rio de Janeiro for the city’s annual Pride parade on Sunday. The event took on a particularly celebratory tone following the preemptive jailing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his homophobic rhetoric. Demonstrators, addressing the crowd from decorated trucks, chanted, “He’s in prison!” and “Out with Bolsonaro!” to roaring applause from rainbow-clad attendees. Bolsonaro, who once described himself as a “proud homophobe,” was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. His recent imprisonment, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was cited as a necessary measure due to his flight risk. Revelers, including Emy Mateus Santos, a 25-year-old arts professor, expressed joy at the development, viewing it as a victory against hate. Santos, wearing the colors of the Brazilian flag, stated, “It shows that fighting hate is worth it and that the future is possible for people like us.” The parade also highlighted ongoing struggles, with participants carrying banners advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and denouncing violence. Organizers reflected on the march’s 30-year history, noting progress but emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. Cláudio Nascimento, a longtime organizer, recalled the early days when participants wore masks to avoid recognition, contrasting it with today’s celebrations of visibility. Despite advancements, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remains a pressing issue, with 291 reported violent deaths in 2024 alone. Activists like Flávio Salgueiro stressed the importance of unity in the face of societal challenges, while Dani Balbi, Rio’s first trans woman elected to the state assembly, hailed Bolsonaro’s imprisonment as a hopeful step toward a more inclusive future.
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Indian billionaire Netra Mantena’s wedding: From JLo to Trump Jr, guest list revealed
The city of Udaipur has been transformed into a hub of glitz and glamour as the wedding festivities of Indian billionaire Netra Mantena and AI entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju unfolded over the past few days. The event, a grand celebration of love and opulence, attracted a constellation of celebrities from across the globe, including global music icon Jennifer Lopez, Bollywood heavyweights like Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, and Sophie Choudry, and even international figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. Jennifer Lopez, who arrived in Udaipur on Saturday, was greeted by the Indian paparazzi, with her warm interactions captured and widely shared on social media. The wedding, a blend of traditional Indian customs and modern extravagance, featured electrifying performances, with Ranveer Singh stealing the show. The Bollywood star delivered a high-energy rap of ‘Apna Time Ayega’ from the film ‘Gully Boy’ and even managed to get Trump Jr. and Anderson to groove to his hit track ‘What Jhumka’ from ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.’ Netra Mantena, the daughter of Orlando-based billionaires Padmaja and Rama Raju Mantena, and Vamsi Gadiraju, co-founder of AI company Superorder, tied the knot in a ceremony that has set social media abuzz with clips and images of the lavish celebrations. The event not only highlighted the couple’s prominence but also underscored Udaipur’s status as a preferred destination for high-profile weddings.