A devastating extreme wind storm wreaked havoc in Portugal’s Algarve region, resulting in the death of an 85-year-old British woman and leaving dozens injured. The incident occurred at the Albufeira Camping Park, where two individuals sustained serious injuries and three others were slightly hurt, according to Faro’s district commander for rescue operations. The storm also struck a nearby hotel in Albufeira, causing 23 minor injuries and necessitating the hospitalization of four individuals. Portugal’s National Medical Emergency Institute reported that among the 28 injured across both locations, six were children aged between two months and seven years, all of whom suffered light injuries, alongside 23 adults aged 24 to 70. The National Meteorological Office (IPMA) is investigating whether the event was a tornado, with radar images suggesting a high likelihood. Tornadoes are notoriously difficult to predict, the IPMA noted. The storm began around 11:00 GMT on Saturday and persisted until 15:00 GMT. Meanwhile, southern Portugal, including Faro, Setúbal, and Beja, remains under an orange warning for persistent rain, heavy at times, and accompanied by thunderstorms. The region had already experienced intense and localized wind gusts on Friday, which caused trees to fall.
分类: world
-

Watch: Prophet’s mosque in Madinah soaked in rain; Saudi NCM issues red alert
The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, experienced heavy rainfall on November 14, creating a serene atmosphere for worshippers performing the weekly Friday prayer. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red alert for Madinah on Saturday, warning of severe weather conditions. Similar alerts were issued for Makkah, where high-speed winds, reduced visibility, hail, and flash floods were reported. The Saudi General Directorate of Traffic urged motorists to exercise caution during the adverse weather. Earlier, mosques across Saudi Arabia conducted special rain-seeking prayers following a directive from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. Similar prayers were held in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, reflecting a regional tradition of seeking divine intervention for rain.
-

Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels sign framework for peace deal, but tensions remain
In a significant development aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo, the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 signed a framework agreement for a peace deal on Saturday. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and signed in Doha, outlines protocols and a timeline for future negotiations but does not yet constitute a final peace accord. Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, emphasized that the framework includes eight protocols addressing the root causes of the conflict, though specific details remain undisclosed. Mbonimpa stated that no changes or activities would occur on the ground until each protocol is thoroughly debated and a final agreement is reached. A key objective of the framework is the joint management of rebel-held areas by the Congolese government and M23, according to Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the rebels. M23, supported by Rwanda, is the most prominent among over 100 armed groups vying for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east, which has displaced 7 million people and been labeled by the U.N. as one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. Earlier this year, the conflict escalated when M23 seized Goma and Bukavu, two strategic cities in eastern Congo. Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April to establish preconditions for peace and confidence-building measures, though both sides continue to accuse each other of prolonging the conflict. In July, Congo and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, committing to a comprehensive peace agreement that would restore state authority in rebel-controlled areas and facilitate prisoner exchanges. Despite agreeing to finalize a deal by August 18, the deadline was missed due to mutual accusations of violating peace terms. In October, the two sides agreed to establish an oversight body for a potential permanent ceasefire. Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, attended the signing ceremony in Doha and described the framework as a “starting point” and a “historic” opportunity. The Trump administration has played a key role in mediating between Rwanda and Congo, leading to a peace deal between the two nations in June.
-

Trump says will sue BBC for up to $5 billion over video edit
Former US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to sue the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for up to $5 billion following a controversial edit of one of his speeches. Trump made the declaration on Friday, accusing the BBC of defamation and admitting to misleading edits. He revealed plans to discuss the matter with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has consistently supported the BBC’s independence while refraining from taking sides against Trump. The BBC had previously apologized for a documentary that implied Trump directly incited violence before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Despite the apology, the broadcaster denied any legal basis for a defamation claim. The controversy has already led to the resignation of the BBC’s director-general and top news executive. Trump’s legal team sent a formal letter to the BBC earlier in the week, demanding an apology and compensation by Friday. The BBC chairman, Samir Shah, issued a personal apology to Trump, but the corporation remains firm in its stance against the defamation allegations. Trump emphasized his determination to pursue legal action, stating, ‘I think I have to do it. They’ve even admitted that they cheated.’
-

India: At least 9 killed, 29 injured in explosion at police station in Kashmir, NDTV reports
A devastating explosion at a police station in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir has resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left 29 others injured. The incident occurred late on Friday at the Nowgam police station, where a stockpile of confiscated explosives detonated unexpectedly. Among the deceased were several police officers and forensic team members who were in the process of examining the stored materials. The blast’s intensity was so severe that body parts were reportedly found in nearby homes, situated approximately 100 to 200 meters away from the site. Emergency services, including fire tenders, were promptly dispatched to the scene to manage the aftermath. This tragic event follows closely on the heels of a car explosion in New Delhi, which claimed eight lives and was labeled a terrorist act by the Indian government. The ongoing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, a region both nations claim in its entirety, continues to be a source of tension and conflict. The police chief of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to hold a press conference to provide further details on the incident.
-

Arson attacks on mosque denounced
The international community, spearheaded by the United Nations, has vehemently condemned the recent arson attack on the Hajjah Hamidah mosque in the West Bank. This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, marks the latest in a series of escalating violent acts in the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, expressed profound dismay at the actions of Israeli settlers responsible for the attack, labeling such assaults on places of worship as utterly unacceptable. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has accused the Israeli government of fostering a climate of impunity that encourages settler violence, aimed at displacing Palestinians and solidifying colonial occupation. Jordan has called for the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations to address these transgressions. Meanwhile, European nations, including Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, have urged Israel to halt the violence and ensure justice for the perpetrators. The intensifying unrest in the West Bank is increasingly seen as a threat to the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States, with fears that such incidents could derail peace efforts in Gaza. Experts warn that the situation in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is interconnected, with violence in one area inevitably spilling over into others. The UN has also highlighted the challenges in scaling up humanitarian responses in Gaza as winter approaches, despite some progress in healthcare improvements.
-

Heat deaths rise as world emissions hit record high
As global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach an unprecedented 38.1 billion tonnes in 2025, the world faces a dire climate crisis. This alarming forecast, presented at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, underscores the widening gap between energy demand and renewable energy expansion. The Global Carbon Budget 2025, compiled by the Global Carbon Project, reveals a 1.1% increase in emissions compared to 2024, further jeopardizing the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Professor Pierre Friedlingstein of the University of Exeter emphasized that the remaining carbon budget for this target will be exhausted before 2030 if current emission rates persist. Climate change is also weakening natural carbon sinks, such as oceans and forests, amplifying the urgency for drastic emission reductions. Despite progress in reducing emissions across 35 countries, global efforts remain insufficient to achieve sustained decreases. The Lancet’s October report estimates nearly 550,000 annual deaths from heat-related causes exacerbated by climate change. In response, Brazil unveiled its first global climate adaptation plan at COP30, focusing on strengthening healthcare systems to protect vulnerable populations from climate impacts. The Belem Health Action Plan, developed by Brazil’s Health Ministry, outlines concrete measures to mitigate these challenges. As the world grapples with escalating emissions and their devastating consequences, the call for immediate and decisive action grows louder.
-

Experts laud Beijing’s vision of development
Experts and officials have lauded China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) for its significant role in fostering equitable and inclusive growth, particularly in the Global South. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2021, the GDI emphasizes key areas such as poverty reduction, food security, and green development, aligning closely with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. James Shikwati, director of the Inter Region Economic Network in Nairobi, highlighted the initiative’s focus on balanced development, ensuring no region is left behind. He noted that the GDI addresses global financing gaps exacerbated by economic slowdowns in the US and Europe, providing crucial support for international organizations. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, praised the GDI for leveraging China’s own development experience to aid countries like Kenya in their green transition. The Group of Friends of the GDI, a UN-backed platform, now includes over 100 countries, with China supporting projects ranging from agricultural cooperation in Africa to solar energy systems in Asia. Dennis Munene Mwaniki of the China-Africa Center emphasized the GDI’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it not only supplied vaccines but also advanced the Sustainable Development Goals. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan stressed the need for global consensus and cooperation to achieve fairer and more sustainable development. China remains committed to working with all nations to accelerate the implementation of the GDI and other major initiatives, aiming to meet the UN’s 2030 targets.
-

At least 8 killed in huge blast at a police station in Indian-controlled Kashmir
A devastating explosion at a police station in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir, has resulted in at least eight fatalities and 27 injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred late Friday in the Nowgam area when forensic experts and police officers were examining a cache of confiscated explosives. The powerful blast destroyed the police station, ignited fires across the compound, and damaged multiple vehicles. Rescue efforts were hampered by subsequent smaller explosions, delaying the bomb disposal squad’s response. Most of the victims were police and forensic personnel, with several injured individuals reported to be in critical condition. This tragedy follows a car explosion in New Delhi earlier in the week, which claimed eight lives and was labeled a terror attack by Indian officials. The Srinagar explosion is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation into a suspected militant cell operating from Kashmir to the outskirts of New Delhi. Recent raids in Kashmir have led to arrests and the seizure of weapons and bomb-making materials. The explosive material involved in the police station blast was reportedly part of the evidence collected during these operations. The Kashmir region remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan, with both nations claiming sovereignty over the territory. Militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir have been resisting New Delhi’s rule since 1989, with India accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, a claim Pakistan denies. Many Kashmiris view the conflict as a legitimate struggle for freedom.
-

Report unveils Gen Z’s faith in growth led by China, US
A groundbreaking report titled ‘The World Through the Eyes of Gen Z’ reveals that Generation Z worldwide views China and the United States as the two most influential nations in shaping global affairs and economic performance. Conducted by China Daily’s Generation Z Research Center, Social Media Research Institute, and Xi’an Jiaotong University’s School of Journalism and New Media, the survey polled 12,400 young people across 31 countries from July to August 2025. The findings highlight that nearly half of respondents (49.07%) believe China will be the primary driver of the global economy in the next decade, followed by the US (29.27%). Gen Z also anticipates that the two nations will lead scientific and technological advancements, with China dominating sectors like new energy, AI, 6G, and electric vehicles, while the US maintains its edge in aerospace. The report underscores a shift in perceptions, as traditional powers like the EU, Japan, and the UK face declining influence in the eyes of Gen Z. Experts note that this generation, raised in the digital age, values inclusivity and self-expression, shaping their balanced perspective on global dynamics. The survey also reveals that China’s foreign policy garners more positive assessments for promoting global peace and stability compared to the US. Additionally, China’s modern pop culture, tourism, and visa-free transit policies are significant draws for global youth, positioning the country as a hub for development and exchange. As Gen Z assumes leadership roles, their views may foster positive changes in international relations, particularly between China and the US.
