The United States has officially entered its 36th day of a federal government shutdown, marking the longest such closure in the nation’s history. The shutdown surpassed the previous record of 35 days set during the 2018-2019 impasse. Despite repeated attempts by the Senate to pass a short-term funding bill, partisan gridlock persists, with both Republicans and Democrats refusing to compromise. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans for their stance on Affordable Care Act tax credits, while House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of prioritizing political retribution over governance. The prolonged shutdown has had widespread consequences, affecting aviation safety, food assistance programs, and federal employees’ livelihoods. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential flight cancellations and airspace closures if air traffic controllers remain unpaid. Meanwhile, millions relying on food assistance face uncertainty as emergency funds are only partially distributed. Over 1 million federal employees have gone without pay, and the lack of key economic data has heightened uncertainty. The Congressional Budget Office estimates significant economic losses, with public approval of Congress plummeting to 15%. Polls indicate widespread dissatisfaction with both parties, as Americans increasingly feel disconnected from their leaders.
作者： admin
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A decade after Brazil’s deadly dam collapse, Indigenous peoples demand justice on the eve of COP30
In November 2015, the Indigenous Krenak people of Minas Gerais, Brazil, witnessed what they now refer to as “the death of the river.” A week before the catastrophic event, they sensed an ominous change—birds ceased their songs, the air grew heavy, and an eerie silence enveloped their village. On November 5, the Samarco mining dam, a joint venture between Brazilian company Vale and Anglo-Australian BHP Billiton, collapsed near Mariana, unleashing a torrent of toxic iron ore waste. The disaster buried the nearby community of Bento Rodrigues, claimed 19 lives, and contaminated the Doce River for nearly 600 kilometers before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. For the Krenak, whose lives revolved around the river for food, rituals, and daily sustenance, the tragedy was not just environmental but deeply spiritual. Shirley Djukurnã Krenak, an Indigenous leader, described it as “the saddest day for my people.” A decade later, the river remains polluted, and reconstruction efforts have been mired in legal disputes. Despite Brazil’s ambition to lead global climate policy, hosting the UN’s COP30 summit in 2025, the unresolved legacy of Mariana casts doubt on its credibility. Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá emphasized that the Doce River is still “sick,” with contaminated fish and ill communities. Critics argue that Brazil’s environmental governance remains flawed, citing weakened laws and inadequate funding for environmental agencies. The 2015 disaster exposed systemic vulnerabilities, yet subsequent deregulation and policies like the “devastation bill” threaten to undermine Brazil’s climate goals. As COP30 approaches, Indigenous leaders like Krenak remain skeptical of its impact, calling for genuine action to protect rivers, forests, and Indigenous territories. Despite the challenges, they hold onto hope for a future where their children can drink water without fear.
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Fit-again Rishabh Pant returns for India-South Africa test series
Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant has made a triumphant return to the field, set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming two-test series against South Africa, commencing on November 14 in Kolkata. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has been sidelined since sustaining a foot injury during the five-test series in England earlier this year, is back in action and will serve as vice-captain under Shubman Gill, a role he previously held during the England tour. Pant’s comeback follows a successful stint with India A, where he led the team to a three-wicket victory against South Africa A in Bengaluru, scoring an impressive 90 runs in the second innings. He will continue to captain India A in the second unofficial test starting this Thursday. The senior test squad also includes promising talents like KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, and Mohammed Siraj, who are set to bolster India’s lineup. Notably, wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20 tour to Australia to focus on the South Africa series. However, Mohammed Shami and Karun Nair remain absent from the squad despite their strong performances in domestic cricket. South Africa, the reigning world test champion, recently drew 1-1 in Pakistan, setting the stage for an intense showdown with India.
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Two Gurus, One Message: Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai celebrates faith, freedom, and humanity
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, the first official Sikh temple in the Gulf region, is set to celebrate the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, with grandeur and devotion. The festivities, spanning November 5 and 9, 2025, will include continuous kirtan (devotional singing), paath (scriptural readings), and Guru Ka Langar (community meals), welcoming devotees and visitors of all faiths and nationalities. This spiritual and architectural landmark in the UAE embodies the timeless message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Recognise all of humanity as one.”
The celebrations will commence at dawn with Nitnem (daily prayers), followed by Asa ki Vaar and Sukhmani Sahib Paath, setting a serene tone for the day. Later in the month, on November 25 and 30, the Gurudwara will observe the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, revered as the “Protector of India” and “The Universal Protector.” Special prayers and kirtans will honor his legacy, with Guru Ka Langar served continuously.
Adding a significant dimension to this year’s celebrations, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City, and the Apostolic Nunciature of the UAE extended heartfelt greetings and blessings to the Sikh community on Guru Nanak Prakash Diwas. Their message, titled “Christians and Sikhs: Promoting Fraternity Together in the Spirit of Nostra Aetate,” emphasized shared values of peace, love, and fraternity. This gesture symbolizes a growing bridge of friendship between the Sikh and Christian communities, rooted in mutual respect and humanitarian ideals.
The Vatican’s message holds special significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a landmark declaration by the Second Vatican Council that transformed interreligious relations. Dr Surender Singh Kandhari and Dr Bubbles Kandhari, representing Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, participated in the anniversary celebrations in Rome, highlighting the Gurudwara’s global role in promoting dialogue, compassion, and mutual respect.
Dr Surender Singh Kandhari remarked, “These sacred occasions remind us that true faith lies in service, sacrifice, and compassion for all.” Dr Bubbles Kandhari added, “The essence of faith is compassion in action. At Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, we strive to live these teachings daily through seva (selfless service), humility, and love for all humanity.”
As divine hymns echo through its halls this November, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai continues to exemplify the vision of the Sikh Gurus—unity, harmony, and service to humanity.
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US government shutdown becomes longest in history
The US government shutdown has officially become the longest in history, surpassing the 35-day record set during Donald Trump’s first term. The impasse, now in its sixth week, stems from a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over health care spending. Federal agencies have been largely non-operational since Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, leaving 1.4 million federal workers either on unpaid leave or working without pay. Welfare programs, including those aiding millions of Americans in affording groceries, remain in limbo. The Trump administration has warned of potential chaos in air travel, particularly during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the risk of mass flight delays, cancellations, and even airspace closures due to staff shortages. Democrats are demanding an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies as a condition for ending the shutdown, while Republicans insist on reopening the government before addressing health care. Despite the deadlock, moderate lawmakers from both parties have begun exploring potential compromises. Meanwhile, President Trump has doubled down on his refusal to negotiate, threatening to cut off a vital food assistance program, though courts have blocked such actions. The White House has since clarified its commitment to fulfilling legal obligations and expediting partial SNAP payments.
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Munich’s famous river wave has vanished after a cleanup. Surfers hope it will return soon
The iconic Eisbach wave in Munich, Germany, a renowned man-made river-surfing spot, has mysteriously disappeared following the city’s annual river cleaning operation. This unexpected event has left the local surfing community in dismay, marking the first time in decades that the wave has failed to return. The Eisbach wave, created in 1972 by strategically placed concrete blocks in the Isar River canal, has been a magnet for surfers worldwide, earning the title of ‘the mother of all river waves’ from SurferToday.com. Known for its formidable height of up to 4 feet (1.22 meters), the wave offers thrilling but brief rides, typically lasting less than a minute. Surfers and spectators alike have long cherished the site, with enthusiasts taking turns to brave the frigid waters while onlookers gather on a nearby bridge. The wave’s sudden disappearance has sparked confusion and concern. Munich’s mayor’s office has confirmed that surfers are collaborating with the building department to investigate the cause and explore potential solutions for its restoration. In the interim, surfers have turned to a secondary wave within the same park, though it lacks the power and prestige of the Eisbach. Munich, globally celebrated for its Oktoberfest festivities, only legalized surfing at the Eisbach in 2010. The sport has faced challenges, including a tragic fatality in April when an experienced surfer’s leash became entangled in the riverbed, leading to her drowning. This incident prompted stricter safety measures, including a ban on nighttime surfing. River surfing remains popular in other regions, such as the United Kingdom and Hawaii, but the loss of the Eisbach wave is a significant blow to Munich’s unique surfing culture. Local resident Lena Stillner, a seven-year veteran of the Eisbach wave, expressed her disappointment and hope for a swift resolution to restore this cherished landmark.
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Exercise may have more significant heart-protecting effect on women: research
A groundbreaking study published in the international journal *Nature Cardiovascular Research* highlights that women may experience significantly greater cardiovascular benefits from exercise compared to men. Conducted by a collaborative team led by Professor Wang Yan and Associate Researcher Chen Jiajin from Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University and Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the research analyzed wearable device data from 85,000 participants. The findings reveal that women need only 250 minutes of weekly exercise to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by 30%, whereas men require 530 minutes to achieve the same level of protection. For individuals already diagnosed with coronary heart disease, women exercising 51 minutes weekly can lower their mortality risk by 30%, while men need 85 minutes for similar results. Coronary heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, with organizations like the World Health Organization recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity weekly activity for adults. The study challenges the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to exercise guidelines, advocating for gender-specific recommendations to optimize heart disease prevention and treatment.
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Shenzhou XX crew’s return trip delayed due to space debris risk
The scheduled return of the Shenzhou XX crew from the Tiangong space station has been postponed due to potential risks posed by space debris, as announced by the China Manned Space Agency. Originally planned for Wednesday, the decision to delay the return was made after assessments revealed that the Shenzhou XX spacecraft, responsible for transporting the three astronauts back to Earth, faced a heightened risk of collision with small debris particles. The agency emphasized that the safety of the crew and the success of the mission remain the top priorities, though a new return date has yet to be disclosed. The Shenzhou XX team, consisting of mission commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong and crew members Colonel Chen Zhongrui and Colonel Wang Jie, has been stationed at the Tiangong space station since April 25, marking over six months in orbit. This mission represents China’s 15th manned spaceflight and the ninth group of residents aboard the Tiangong, which stands as the only independently operated space station globally. Meanwhile, the Shenzhou XXI mission, which arrived at the station on Saturday, has assumed control of operations, ensuring a seamless transition. The delay underscores the growing challenges posed by space debris, a critical issue for space agencies worldwide.
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Migrant who returned to UK after removal sent back to France
The year 2025 has witnessed a significant surge in asylum seekers attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, marking an increase compared to the previous year. A recent case highlights the complexities of the UK-France migration agreement, as an Iranian migrant who was removed to France under the ‘one-in, one out’ scheme returned to the UK less than a month later, only to be removed again. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed to be a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smuggling gangs in France. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the government is committed to expediting removals and securing borders, stating, ‘Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed is wasting their time and money.’ The migrant recounted harrowing experiences of abuse and threats by smugglers, explaining his fear for his life in France. So far, 94 migrants have been removed from the UK under the treaty, while 57 have been admitted from France. The government faces mounting pressure to address illegal migration, particularly with 36,734 arrivals by small boat as of October 21, 2025—a figure 8,530 higher than in 2024 but 869 lower than the record high in 2022. Additionally, the government has pledged to end the use of costly asylum hotels, which have sparked anti-migrant protests. The previous Conservative government’s Rwanda asylum plan, which faced legal challenges, was halted by the current Labour administration after only four individuals were sent there.
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Wuxi partners with iFlytek to launch AI industrial park
Wuxi, a prominent industrial hub in Jiangsu Province, has taken a significant leap into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) by partnering with iFlytek to launch the Wuxi Artificial Intelligence Industrial Park. The inauguration ceremony, held on October 31 at the Wuxi Software Park, marked the official opening of the iFlytek Wuxi Industrial Acceleration Center and the AI industrial park, signaling a transformative step in AI-driven manufacturing support. Spanning an impressive 390,000 square meters, the park is strategically located within the Wuxi National Hi-Tech District and is the city’s first facility dedicated to advancing AI technologies. The park will focus on cutting-edge fields such as multimodal large language models, generative AI, and humanoid robotics. The Corona Borealis Building B, designated as the first phase of the ‘AI Industry Ecological Agglomeration Zone,’ will serve as a hub for top-tier manufacturing enterprises. It will offer comprehensive support, including demand matching and computing resources, to streamline the entire AI workflow—from solution development to collaboration. Additionally, the ‘Xishu Factory’ AI industry service platform has been established within the building, functioning as a one-stop solution provider to empower the manufacturing sector with advanced AI technologies. This initiative underscores Wuxi’s commitment to fostering innovation and solidifying its position as a leader in industrial transformation.