作者: admin

  • Dubai: 44,000 new homes to be ready in 2025; highest in 5 years

    Dubai: 44,000 new homes to be ready in 2025; highest in 5 years

    Dubai’s real estate market is poised for a significant milestone in 2025, with 44,000 new residential units expected to be completed—the highest number in five years. This surge in supply is a result of projects initiated during the post-pandemic period reaching their final stages, according to a recent analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Core. The consultancy highlighted that Dubai’s residential market is currently experiencing a robust supply cycle, with a substantial pipeline of projects nearing completion. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, over 7,800 units were delivered, with an additional 14,900 units anticipated in the fourth quarter. Prathyusha Gurrapu, Head of Research and Consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Core, noted that the market is transitioning into a more balanced phase, where factors such as location and quality will increasingly influence performance. Prime areas are expected to remain stable, while secondary locations may adjust to the influx of new supply. Looking ahead, completions are projected to rise further in 2026, with over 69,000 units anticipated. This near-term supply reflects the volume of projects launched in recent years, coupled with strong demand driven by record population growth. However, the increased stock is likely to moderate price and rental growth, contributing to a more tempered market. According to property portal Bayut, established areas with strong infrastructure and sustained luxury demand will continue to thrive, while mid-market apartment areas may face saturation. Haider Ali Khan of Bayut emphasized that Dubai’s real estate market is maturing, with overall price growth moderating due to increased supply and measured investor sentiment. Data from Cushman & Wakefield Core revealed that city-wide residential sales prices reached Dh1,871 per sqft in Q3 2025, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. However, growth is slowing, particularly in the apartment segment. Villa communities such as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills continue to outperform, supported by limited supply and resilient demand. As the market evolves, pricing will increasingly be driven by fundamentals such as location, quality, and developer profile.

  • Japan to arm riot police with rifles in fight against bear attacks

    Japan to arm riot police with rifles in fight against bear attacks

    In response to a surge in fatal bear attacks, Japan has revised its stringent gun laws to arm riot police with rifles. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes as the country grapples with a record number of bear-related fatalities, with 13 deaths reported since April 1—more than double the previous annual record. The National Police Agency (NPA) has identified northern regions such as Iwate and Akita as hotspots for these incidents and will deploy rifle-equipped riot police to these areas starting November 13. These officers will receive specialized training from local hunters’ associations to better understand bear behavior. The move follows criticism that standard police handguns are ineffective against bears. Meanwhile, Japan has also deployed soldiers to assist in bear management, though they will not carry firearms. Instead, troops will focus on transporting traps and using anti-bear sprays, protective gear, and net launchers. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is urgently drafting a policy package to address the crisis. Scientists attribute the rise in bear populations to climate change, which has increased food sources like acorns, deer, and boars. Additionally, rural depopulation has blurred the boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, prompting bears to venture closer to residential areas.

  • US to cancel flights as longest government shutdown drags on

    US to cancel flights as longest government shutdown drags on

    The United States is bracing for significant disruptions in air travel as the longest government shutdown in history continues to cripple federal operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 high-traffic air traffic areas, effective Friday. Major airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City are expected to bear the brunt of these cuts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the reductions, citing staffing shortages due to the ongoing shutdown. Over 60,000 air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are currently working without pay, raising concerns about increased absenteeism and potential chaos at check-in lines. The shutdown, which began after Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, has left 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without compensation. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that flight delays, initially at 5%, have now surged to over 50%, jeopardizing public safety. The impasse between Democrats and Republicans centers on healthcare spending, with Democrats demanding an extension of expiring insurance subsidies and Republicans insisting on immediate funding approval. Former President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Democrats by threatening mass layoffs and targeting progressive priorities. Amid the crisis, the White House clarified its commitment to partial payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), despite earlier threats to cut off aid.

  • US teacher shot by six-year-old student awarded $10m by jury

    US teacher shot by six-year-old student awarded $10m by jury

    A former Virginia schoolteacher, Abigail Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student two years ago, has been awarded $10 million in damages by a jury. The incident, which occurred in January 2023 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, left Zwerner seriously wounded, requiring multiple surgeries. During her trial, Zwerner testified, ‘I thought I had died,’ highlighting the traumatic experience she endured. Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, alleging that Parker failed to act despite being warned that the child might have brought a gun to school. The jury found Parker’s inaction to be gross negligence. The court heard that Parker had been informed about the gun approximately 45 minutes before the shooting. Additionally, Zwerner had reportedly warned Parker about the child’s violent mood and threats against another student, to which Parker allegedly responded indifferently. Parker’s defense argued that she could not have foreseen the incident and that Zwerner exaggerated her injuries. Following the civil trial, Parker faces eight counts of felony child neglect, each punishable by up to five years in prison. The student’s mother was sentenced to nearly four years for child neglect and federal weapons charges. The student, who was not charged, is now in the care of a relative and attending a different school. This case underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the critical need for effective school safety measures.

  • Veteran South Indian actor Harish Rai, star of ‘KGF’ and ‘Om’, dies

    Veteran South Indian actor Harish Rai, star of ‘KGF’ and ‘Om’, dies

    The South Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Harish Rai, celebrated for his iconic roles in the ‘KGF’ series and the film ‘Om’. Rai, who had been battling cancer, breathed his last on November 6, 2025. Known for his portrayal of Khasim chacha in the blockbuster ‘KGF’ franchise, Rai was a stalwart of Kannada cinema, with a career spanning decades and contributions to Tamil and Telugu films as well. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the news on his X account, expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to the actor’s legacy. Shivakumar described Rai’s death as a significant loss to the industry, highlighting his memorable performances in films like ‘Hello Yama’, ‘KGF’, and ‘KGF 2’. Rai’s versatility and talent earned him widespread acclaim, making him a beloved figure in South Indian cinema. Beyond his iconic roles, he appeared in numerous popular Kannada films, including ‘Samara’, ‘Bangalore Underworld’, ‘Jodihakki’, and ‘Sanju Weds Geetha’. The film fraternity and fans alike have expressed their condolences, remembering Rai for his remarkable contributions to the art of storytelling. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

  • Weekly quiz: Which supermodel turned her husband to stone for Halloween?

    Weekly quiz: Which supermodel turned her husband to stone for Halloween?

    This week witnessed a series of notable events across the globe. In Georgia, Bella Culley, a pregnant British teenager, was released from prison, marking a significant moment in her life. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Miss Universe competition experienced an unexpected walkout, adding drama to the prestigious event. On a more celebratory note, David Beckham was knighted by King Charles, a recognition of his contributions to sports and philanthropy. These events, though diverse, highlight the dynamic nature of global news. As we reflect on the past seven days, it’s essential to stay informed about the broader happenings that shape our world. For those keen on testing their knowledge, quizzes curated by Ben Fell offer an engaging way to recall and learn about recent events.

  • Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez freed from prison after Supreme Court ruling

    Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez freed from prison after Supreme Court ruling

    LA PAZ, Bolivia — In a landmark decision, Bolivia’s Supreme Court of Justice annulled the 10-year prison sentence of former interim president Jeanine Áñez, leading to her release from Miraflores women’s prison on Thursday. Áñez, who had been incarcerated for over four years, expressed profound relief as she emerged, waving a Bolivian flag and greeted by jubilant supporters chanting, “Yes, we could.”

    Áñez’s imprisonment stemmed from her controversial assumption of the presidency in 2019, following the resignation of then-president Evo Morales amid widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. The 2019 crisis, which resulted in 37 deaths, was marked by accusations that Morales had secured an unconstitutional fourth term, as denounced by the Organization of American States.

    The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized that Áñez’s actions were driven by a “state of constitutional necessity” aimed at preserving Bolivia’s institutional stability. This decision effectively closed the debate over whether her ascension constituted a coup, as claimed by Morales’ supporters.

    The timing of the ruling is significant, coming just three days before the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Paz, whose historic victory on October 19 ended nearly two decades of political dominance by Morales’ leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. Paz extended an invitation to Áñez to attend his inauguration, with her daughter indicating she might accept.

    Áñez, who has faced multiple accusations but no pending cases in ordinary courts, has seen two other convictions annulled in August related to the deaths of 20 protesters during the 2019 crisis. Following the latest presidential elections, the court also reviewed the pretrial detention of Áñez and two other opposition leaders, releasing them from prison and placing them under house arrest.

    “The monster had to go for it to be acknowledged that there was not a coup in this country, but rather an electoral fraud,” Áñez declared, reaffirming her commitment to serving Bolivia during its time of need.

  • Uproar in France over Shein platform, calls for EU to sanction the e-commerce giant

    Uproar in France over Shein platform, calls for EU to sanction the e-commerce giant

    France has escalated its concerns regarding the Chinese-founded e-commerce giant Shein, calling on the European Union to impose sanctions following a scandal involving the sale of childlike sex dolls on its French platform. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘The European Commission must take action. It can no longer wait.’ He highlighted that the Commission has already conducted investigations and must now enforce appropriate measures.

  • UAE shifts from traditional to smart manufacturing with AI, semiconductors focus

    UAE shifts from traditional to smart manufacturing with AI, semiconductors focus

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undergoing a transformative industrial shift, transitioning from traditional manufacturing to cutting-edge, technology-driven sectors. This strategic pivot, unveiled at the seventh UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, underscores the nation’s commitment to renewable energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) components, and electric vehicles. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, articulated this vision, emphasizing the integration of the UAE’s existing strengths in petrochemicals, aluminum, and steel with emerging high-tech industries. Since the establishment of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in 2020, the industrial sector has seen a 62% surge in GDP contribution, reaching $120 billion, and a 68% increase in industrial exports, totaling $197 billion. A cornerstone of this success is the National In-Country Value (ICV) program, which redirected Dh210 billion into the national economy in 2024, fostering Emiratisation and supporting key sectors like energy, healthcare, and aviation. The ‘Made in the UAE’ initiative has further galvanized local manufacturing, identifying 4,800 products worth Dh168 billion for domestic production. The UAE’s global competitiveness has also been bolstered, with significant advancements in the Competitive Industrial Performance Index and the Quality Infrastructure Index. Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the shift towards smart manufacturing, leveraging AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enhance production efficiency and global competitiveness.

  • Philippines declares state of emergency, prepares for potential super typhoon

    Philippines declares state of emergency, prepares for potential super typhoon

    The Philippines has declared a state of emergency as the nation braces for the potential impact of a super typhoon, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the emergency measures on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after Kalmaegi claimed at least 114 lives and left hundreds missing in central provinces. The majority of fatalities resulted from flash floods, with Cebu province being the hardest hit. The typhoon, which exited the archipelago into the South China Sea on Wednesday, displaced over 560,000 people, with nearly 450,000 seeking refuge in emergency shelters. Meanwhile, another storm, Fung-wong, currently classified as a tropical storm, is forecasted to intensify into a super typhoon by Saturday, November 9. This comes less than two months after Super Typhoon Ragasa wreaked havoc across the region. Authorities are on high alert, urging residents to prepare for the impending disaster.