分类： world

Indian authorities have announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a deadly car explosion in New Delhi, labeling the incident as a ‘suicide bombing’ and arresting an accomplice linked to the attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier counter-terrorism body, revealed that the suspect, Amir Rashid Ali, facilitated the purchase of the vehicle used in the blast. The driver, identified as Umar Un Nabi, an assistant professor from Kashmir, allegedly carried out the attack using a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The explosion occurred near a bustling metro station in Old Delhi, close to the historic Red Fort, claiming 10 lives and injuring 32 others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a ‘conspiracy’ and vowed to bring all perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors to justice. This incident marks the most severe security breach since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The Kashmir region, divided between the two nations since 1947, remains a flashpoint in their ongoing conflict.

In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, Omani authorities have apprehended three individuals of Asian nationality for allegedly luring a woman into a hotel under the guise of a fake job offer. The suspects, who were promoting fraudulent job vacancies, coerced the victim into engaging in activities contrary to public morals, according to the Sultanate’s police. The arrests were announced on Sunday, November 16, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat human exploitation in the region. Legal proceedings are currently underway against the accused, with the Royal Police ensuring that all necessary procedures are meticulously followed. Oman’s Anti-Trafficking Law imposes stringent penalties for such crimes, including a minimum of three years imprisonment and a fine of OMR 5,000, escalating to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment and a fine of OMR 100,000 in aggravated cases. Aggravated circumstances include crimes involving minors, organized criminal gangs, or transnational operations. The law explicitly defines exploitation to encompass illegal practices such as prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ removal. Additionally, the legislation mandates special care protocols for victims during investigations, underscoring Oman’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and combating trafficking.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant deal to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 stealth fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The potential agreement is set to be discussed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official working visit to the White House on November 18, where the two leaders are expected to sign economic and defense agreements. Trump hinted at the deal during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, stating, ‘They wanna buy a lot of jets,’ and added that Saudi Arabia is interested in purchasing more than just the F-35s. The visit is seen as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral ties, with Trump emphasizing that it is ‘more than a meeting, we’re honouring’ Saudi Arabia. However, the potential sale has raised concerns among US defense officials, with a Pentagon intelligence report warning that China could gain access to the F-35’s advanced technology if the deal proceeds. Additionally, Trump expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority nations, though Riyadh has been hesitant without a clear roadmap for Palestinian statehood.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), a cornerstone of the UK’s media landscape, finds itself embroiled in a heated debate over its role in an increasingly polarized political and social environment. Accusations of bias and challenges to its impartiality have placed the BBC under unprecedented scrutiny, particularly following a controversial documentary that allegedly misrepresented a speech by former US President Donald Trump. The broadcaster, funded by the public, is often used as a political football, criticized for its coverage of contentious issues ranging from climate change to Brexit. Despite these challenges, the BBC remains the most popular news source in the UK, according to media watchdog Ofcom. However, a recent YouGov poll reveals a divided public opinion, with 31% perceiving the BBC as too left-wing and 19% as too right-wing. BBC Chairman Samir Shah has defended the organization’s commitment to impartiality, emphasizing its ‘sacred job’ of upholding the truth. Yet, the BBC continues to face criticism from both ends of the political spectrum, with Conservative lawmakers accusing it of focusing excessively on liberal and urban issues, while others praise its role in countering misinformation. The BBC’s international World Service, which reaches over 318 million people weekly, remains a beacon of reliable journalism globally. However, growing distrust in traditional media and the rise of sensationalist platforms like GB News pose significant challenges to the BBC’s influence, particularly among younger audiences. As the broadcaster navigates these turbulent waters, its ability to maintain public trust and adapt to evolving media consumption habits will be critical to its future.

China’s largest and most advanced amphibious assault ship, the CNS Sichuan, has successfully concluded its maiden sea trial, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s naval capabilities. The vessel, which set sail on Friday morning from the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard in Shanghai, returned to its home port on Sunday afternoon after a three-day voyage. During the trial, engineers meticulously tested and verified the reliability and performance of the ship’s electric, propulsion, and other critical systems, achieving the desired results. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) confirmed that follow-up tests will be conducted in accordance with the ship’s construction plan. The Sichuan, the first in the Type 076 class, boasts a displacement of over 40,000 metric tons and is equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, making it the first Chinese amphibious assault ship capable of deploying fixed-wing drones. This technology was previously seen only on the CNS Fujian aircraft carrier. Once commissioned, the Sichuan will be capable of supporting a wide range of military operations, including amphibious landings, airstrikes, and airborne missions. The PLAN currently operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, each with a full displacement of nearly 40,000 tons, capable of carrying multiple helicopters, landing craft, and armored vehicles.

A group of 153 Palestinians from Gaza unexpectedly arrived in South Africa, sparking inquiries from President Cyril Ramaphosa. Israeli authorities confirmed that the individuals had received entry approval from an unnamed third country, allowing their departure from Gaza. Shimi Zuaretz, a spokesperson for COGAT, the Israeli body overseeing civil affairs in Palestinian territories, stated that the group was permitted to leave only after receiving third-country approval. Upon landing in Johannesburg, the passengers were detained on their plane for 12 hours due to the absence of Israeli departure stamps in their passports. South African border police reported that the home affairs ministry eventually allowed the group to disembark after an NGO, Gift of the Givers, offered to provide accommodation. The NGO clarified that it was unaware of who had chartered the flight or a previous one that brought 176 Gazans to South Africa on October 28. An unidentified Israeli official revealed that the organization coordinating the transfer had submitted third-country visas to COGAT for all evacuees. President Ramaphosa expressed concern, suggesting it appeared as though the individuals were being ‘flushed out.’ South Africa’s home affairs ministry confirmed that 130 of the group entered the country, while 23 continued to other destinations. Zuaretz emphasized that COGAT facilitates the departure of Gaza residents for medical treatment, dual citizens, and those with third-country visas, based solely on foreign country requests. Since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, over 40,000 Gaza residents have been assisted in leaving. South Africa, home to sub-Saharan Africa’s largest Jewish community, has historically supported the Palestinian cause, even filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2023.

Lebanon has announced its intention to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing Israel of constructing a concrete wall that encroaches on Lebanese territory. The Lebanese presidency revealed this decision on Saturday, following a report by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that the wall crosses the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border between the two nations. According to UNIFIL, the structure, identified as a concrete T-wall, has rendered over 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land inaccessible to its citizens. The Israeli military, however, has denied the allegations, asserting that the wall does not cross the Blue Line. President Joseph Aoun has directed officials to submit the complaint alongside UN reports refuting Israel’s denial. UNIFIL’s investigations in October and November confirmed that sections of the wall near Yaroun violate Lebanon’s sovereignty. The force has urged the Israeli army to relocate the wall. This dispute arises amidst ongoing tensions following a November 2024 ceasefire intended to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel maintains that the wall is part of a broader military strategy initiated in 2022, aimed at reinforcing its northern border. Despite the truce, Israel continues to conduct strikes in Lebanon, primarily targeting Hezbollah.

Iran has commenced cloud seeding operations in response to an unprecedented drought, marking a critical step in its battle against water scarcity. The country, which has long endured chronic dry spells and heat waves exacerbated by climate change, is now facing its most severe drought in decades. The first cloud seeding flight of the current water year, which began in September, was conducted over the Urmia Lake basin, as reported by the official IRNA news agency. Urmia, once Iran’s largest lake, has largely dried up, transforming into a vast salt bed. Further operations are planned for the provinces of East and West Azerbaijan. Cloud seeding involves dispersing particles like silver iodide and salt into clouds to induce rainfall. Iran has developed its own technology for this practice, which has also been employed by neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates. Recent reports indicate rainfall in several western and northwestern provinces, though overall precipitation has decreased by 89% compared to the long-term average. Tehran, the capital, is experiencing its lowest rainfall in a century, with half of Iran’s provinces remaining rainless for months. President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned of potential evacuations in Tehran if rain does not arrive before winter. The situation underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the escalating water crisis in the region.