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  • Brigitte Macron defends ‘clumsy’ sexist slur against feminist protesters

    Brigitte Macron defends ‘clumsy’ sexist slur against feminist protesters

    PARIS — In a remarkable public address, France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron has broken her silence regarding the controversial use of derogatory language against feminist protesters, characterizing her remarks as “clumsy” but insisting they were made during a private moment without awareness of being recorded.

    During an extensive interview with digital media outlet Brut published Monday evening, Macron acknowledged her choice of words was “very direct” while maintaining context for the exchange. The incident occurred backstage at Paris’ historic Folies Bergère theatre earlier this month, where she was conversing with French actor and comedian Ary Abittan prior to his performance.

    Addressing Abittan’s apparent distress following previous night’s protest disruption by feminist activists who shouted “Abittan, rapist!” during his show, Macron attempted to reassure the performer. When Abittan expressed fear about the ongoing situation, the First Lady employed a sexist slur to describe the demonstrators, adding “We’ll toss them out.”

    The revelation sparked immediate condemnation from multiple sectors, including organizations combating sexual and sexist violence, alongside political opponents of President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.

    In her defense, Brigitte Macron emphasized the private nature of the conversation, stating: “I am not always the wife of the president of the Republic. I also have a private life and this was a private moment. I am sorry if I hurt women victims. It’s them and just them that I am thinking of.”

    While expressing understanding for those offended, Macron simultaneously criticized protest tactics that disrupt artistic performances, questioning: “How does he carry on afterward? What is the meaning of this censorship being placed on artists?”

    The context involves Abittan’s previous legal challenges, as magistrates terminated a 2021 rape investigation due to insufficient evidence in 2024, a decision upheld on appeal this January. Feminist collective “Nous Toutes” (All of Us) organized the protests to highlight what they characterize as “the culture of impunity” surrounding sexual violence in France.

    When pressed about regret, Macron responded: “I cannot regret speaking. I don’t want to regret. It is true that I am the wife of the president of the Republic, but I am also myself above anything.”

  • Ningxia students recreate masterpiece with paper-cutting

    Ningxia students recreate masterpiece with paper-cutting

    In an extraordinary fusion of cultural education and artistic dedication, students from China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region have completed a monumental two-year project: recreating the entire classical masterpiece “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” through intricate paper-cutting artistry.

    The ambitious endeavor, initiated in summer 2023, involved meticulous craftsmanship as students transformed colored paper into the vibrant tapestry of daily life depicted in the original Song Dynasty (960-1279) painting. Using traditional scissors techniques, the young artists painstakingly reconstructed the bustling markets, flowing rivers, and animated figures that characterize this iconic artwork.

    This project served dual purposes: as both an artistic achievement and an immersive historical education. Throughout the creative process, participants engaged in comprehensive studies of Song Dynasty culture, gaining insights into the social structures, economic activities, and daily customs of the period. The hands-on approach allowed students to connect with historical narratives through tactile artistic expression, bridging centuries of cultural heritage with contemporary educational methods.

    The completed work stands as a testament to both the preservation of traditional Chinese paper-cutting techniques and innovative approaches to cultural education. By interpreting two-dimensional artwork through three-dimensional paper craft, the students have created a unique interpretive version of this national treasure while demonstrating remarkable patience, precision, and cultural appreciation.

    Educational experts note that such projects represent significant advancements in experiential learning, where students actively participate in cultural preservation rather than passively receiving historical information. The Ningxia students’ achievement highlights how traditional arts can serve as effective vehicles for historical education and cultural continuity in modern pedagogical approaches.

  • Hegseth and Rubio are expected back on Capitol Hill as questions mount over boat strikes

    Hegseth and Rubio are expected back on Capitol Hill as questions mount over boat strikes

    WASHINGTON — Senior U.S. national security officials returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday amid intensifying congressional investigations into deadly military operations in international waters near Venezuela. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced lawmakers demanding explanations for a series of controversial strikes that have resulted in numerous casualties.

    The congressional scrutiny follows a September 2nd incident where U.S. forces killed two survivors of an initial attack on a vessel allegedly transporting cocaine in the Caribbean. Just hours before the scheduled briefings, the military announced additional strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean that eliminated eight individuals on three boats suspected of drug smuggling.

    This military escalation occurs alongside a substantial buildup of U.S. naval assets in the region, including the deployment of thousands of troops and the nation’s largest aircraft carrier. The administration has simultaneously conducted fighter jet flights near Venezuelan airspace and seized an oil tanker as part of its campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

    Notably, the Trump administration has operated without seeking congressional authorization for these actions, prompting bipartisan concerns about the legal and strategic foundations of the operations. Lawmakers are advancing war powers resolutions that could reach votes this week in response to what many perceive as executive overreach.

    The September incident has become particularly contentious after revelations that the victims were survivors clinging to wreckage from the initial strike. Admiral Frank ‘Mitch’ Bradley, who ordered the fatal follow-up attack, reportedly acknowledged to lawmakers that although the two individuals attempted to overturn their damaged vessel, success was unlikely. According to briefings, the victims were waving from the overturned craft without attempting to call for reinforcement.

    Legal experts including John Yoo of Berkeley Law and Michael Schmitt, former Air Force lawyer and professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, have raised serious concerns about potential violations of the Pentagon’s manual on laws of war, which explicitly prohibits firing upon shipwrecked persons.

    The administration maintains that these operations are legally justified under U.S. and international law, with supporters like Senator Jim Risch claiming the drug interdictions have saved numerous American lives by preventing narcotics from reaching domestic shores.

    As congressional committees schedule additional classified briefings, lawmakers from both parties are seeking greater transparency, including the release of video footage from the September engagement and a clearer explanation of the strategic objectives behind the military buildup targeting Venezuela.

  • JetBlue flight avoids mid-air collision with US Air Force jet

    JetBlue flight avoids mid-air collision with US Air Force jet

    A potentially catastrophic mid-air collision was narrowly averted on Friday when a JetBlue Airways commercial flight took emergency evasive maneuvers to avoid a US Air Force tanker aircraft near Venezuelan airspace. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela as JetBlue Flight 1112, an Airbus A320 en route from Curaçao to New York, encountered the military aircraft flying at identical altitude without an activated transponder.

    According to air traffic control recordings obtained by liveatc.net, the JetBlue pilot expressed extreme concern regarding the proximity and lack of electronic identification from the Air Force tanker. ‘They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on. It’s outrageous,’ the pilot reported during the incident.

    The event has drawn immediate attention from US lawmakers, with Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz highlighting disturbing parallels to the January 29 collision between an Army helicopter and American Airlines flight near Reagan Washington National Airport that resulted in 67 fatalities. Senator Maria Cantwell, the committee’s top Democrat, emphasized the unacceptable nature of the incident, stating, ‘You don’t have corridors where military aircraft and commercial planes are flying and then not letting each other know that they are in that space.’

    Both senators are currently advocating for the removal of a provision from the annual defense bill that would permit military aircraft to operate in Washington, DC airspace without transmitting ADS-B information, an advanced tracking technology considered critical for collision avoidance.

    The incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened US military activity in the Caribbean region as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued warnings to airlines about potentially hazardous conditions when flying over Venezuela, with numerous carriers suspending operations as tensions escalate.

    JetBlue confirmed the incident through an official statement, noting that safety remains their top priority and that the matter has been reported to federal authorities for investigation. US Southern Command acknowledged awareness of the incident and stated they are reviewing the matter through appropriate channels.

  • Envoys try to narrow gaps on a loan plan for Ukraine ahead of Thursday’s crunch EU summit

    Envoys try to narrow gaps on a loan plan for Ukraine ahead of Thursday’s crunch EU summit

    BRUSSELS — European Union diplomats are engaged in intensive negotiations to finalize an unprecedented plan that would utilize frozen Russian assets as collateral for a massive loan package to support Ukraine’s economic and military requirements through 2026. This development comes as EU leaders prepare for a critical summit later this week aimed at securing Ukraine’s financial stability amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

    With Ukraine’s needs estimated by the International Monetary Fund at approximately €135 billion ($157 billion), the proposed mechanism represents a groundbreaking financial approach to wartime support. Swedish EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz emphasized the urgency, stating, “We do not have the luxury of time. The cost and risk of doing nothing is greater than acting decisively.”

    The complex proposal faces significant challenges, including concerns from the European Central Bank about potential impacts on euro confidence and fears of Russian retaliation. Belgium, where the majority of Russian assets are held through the Euroclear financial clearinghouse, remains the primary opponent due to these security and economic concerns.

    Two distinct approaches have emerged: Plan A involves creating a “reparations loan” using Russian assets until Moscow agrees to pay war damages, while Plan B would require the EU to borrow on financial markets—a challenging proposition given many member states’ existing debt burdens. The frozen assets, totaling approximately €210 billion ($247 billion), were indefinitely secured last Friday to prevent obstruction by Moscow-friendly governments like Hungary and Slovakia.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed the EU cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s needs through a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan, with international partners providing the remainder. The mechanism would transfer accumulated cash balances from sanctioned Russian assets to an EU debt instrument, with repayment contingencies tied to future sanctions lifting and Russian reparations agreements.

    Despite legal challenges from the Russian Central Bank and Belgium’s continued reservations, supporters argue the plan represents a vital financial security guarantee for Ukraine. German and Swedish commitments to share potential risks have strengthened the proposal’s viability as leaders work toward a qualified majority decision that would bypass potential vetoes from dissenting member states.

  • ‘Best of our country’: Australian PM visits Bondi hero in hospital

    ‘Best of our country’: Australian PM visits Bondi hero in hospital

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has personally visited Syrian-born fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds after confronting an armed assailant during Sydney’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration event, has been officially declared a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community, resulting in at least 15 fatalities.

    During his hospital visit, Prime Minister Albanese praised the 43-year-old father of two as embodying ‘the best of our country’ and ‘an inspiration for all Australians.’ Mr. Ahmed, who sustained serious shoulder injuries during his intervention, requires additional surgical treatment according to medical authorities.

    Eyewitness footage captured the moment Mr. Ahmed emerged from behind a parked vehicle to physically engage the alleged attacker, successfully seizing the firearm and momentarily turning it against the assailant before demonstrating to approaching police that he was not among the perpetrators. His father later explained to media outlets that his son’s actions were motivated by profound human empathy upon witnessing ‘victims, blood, women and children lying on the street.’

    The act of bravery has garnered international recognition, including commendation from former US President Donald Trump and a substantial financial contribution of nearly US$65,000 from an American billionaire who identified Mr. Ahmed as a ‘brave hero.’ Prime Minister Albanese characterized the intervention as ‘a shining example of human strength in the face of evil,’ emphasizing that Mr. Ahmed’s courage represents the resilience and compassion of the Australian spirit.

  • Suspected militants kill 2, including a police officer guarding polio team in northwestern Pakistan

    Suspected militants kill 2, including a police officer guarding polio team in northwestern Pakistan

    In a brazen assault on a public health initiative, unidentified gunmen targeted a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s volatile northwestern region on Tuesday. The attack resulted in the fatal shooting of a police officer assigned to protect the health workers and an innocent bystander, according to local law enforcement authorities.

    The incident unfolded in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a strategically sensitive area bordering Afghanistan. Local Police Chief Samad Khan confirmed that while the security personnel and civilian were killed, all members of the polio vaccination team emerged unharmed from the assault.

    Although no militant organization has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, authorities suspect involvement by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and other extremist factions. These groups have been repeatedly implicated in similar assaults targeting health initiatives in the region.

    This violence coincides with the launch of Pakistan’s ambitious week-long national immunization drive, which aims to vaccinate approximately 45 million children against the debilitating disease. The World Health Organization recognizes Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan as the final two countries where polio remains endemic, presenting a persistent global health challenge.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued an official statement condemning the attack and promising decisive action against the perpetrators. The government’s Polio Eradication Initiative reports notable progress, with documented cases dropping from 74 to 30 in year-over-year comparisons for the January period.

    This incident reflects a persistent pattern of violence against health workers in Pakistan, where militants propagate conspiracy theories alleging vaccination campaigns serve as Western plots to sterilize Muslim children. Health and security officials estimate that more than 200 polio workers and their security escorts have been killed in such attacks since the 1990s.

  • Abu Dhabi property boom: Foreign investors drive growth in prime real estate hubs

    Abu Dhabi property boom: Foreign investors drive growth in prime real estate hubs

    Abu Dhabi’s luxury property sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by substantial foreign investment flowing into its premier freehold zones and lifestyle-centered communities. According to comprehensive market analyses, destinations including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Reem Island have become magnets for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and international investors seeking both luxury living and robust returns.

    Market intelligence from Knight Frank reveals that $1.6 billion in private capital is currently targeting Abu Dhabi’s residential real estate, positioning it as the UAE’s second most popular investment hub after Dubai. While this figure trails Dubai’s $10.3 billion investment volume, Abu Dhabi offers significantly more attractive entry points with average prices approximately 30% lower than its neighboring emirate.

    The current growth trajectory shows remarkable momentum. Savills Middle East reports year-on-year sales rate increases of 16%, with average capital values climbing from Dh14,485 per square meter in Q3 2024 to Dh17,394 in Q3 2025. Apartments dominated transactions, accounting for 78% of total market activity, while over 5,700 new units entered the market in the third quarter alone.

    High-net-worth investor interest has surged dramatically, with 19% of global HNWIs planning Abu Dhabi purchases in 2025—a significant increase from 14% in 2024. Notably, 75% of individuals worth $30-50 million are actively considering Abu Dhabi investments, while 65% of those exceeding $50 million in wealth are evaluating opportunities in the capital.

    Multiple catalysts drive this expansion. The emirate’s economy, projected by the IMF to grow approximately 6% in 2025, outperforms most global economies including the United States and China. Infrastructure developments such as Etihad Rail, coupled with cultural attractions and lifestyle amenities, enhance Abu Dhabi’s global appeal. Government initiatives through vehicles like ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) continue to attract international business and investment.

    Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain. Supply constraints pose significant considerations, with only 10.3% of projected 2025 residential supply delivered by September. Limited inventory growth—projected below 5% annually through 2028—contrasts sharply with population growth exceeding 8% in 2024, creating sustained pressure on prices and availability.

    Industry leaders maintain cautiously optimistic perspectives. Anna Skigin of Frank Porter reports short-term rental occupancy rates exceeding 88%, while Ben Crompton of Crompton Partners notes unprecedented price appreciation resembling Dubai’s recent market performance. Regulatory frameworks for short-term rentals continue evolving, with expectations of streamlined processes by 2026.

    The market’s future appears fundamentally strong, supported by economic diversification, strategic government policies, and growing international recognition as a premium lifestyle destination. While external factors including regional stability and global economic conditions warrant monitoring, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to business-friendly environments suggests sustained real estate sector growth.

  • Pakistan hit by 4.8-magnitude earthquake, fifth tremor in less than a month

    Pakistan hit by 4.8-magnitude earthquake, fifth tremor in less than a month

    Pakistan’s seismic vulnerability was underscored once again in the early hours of Tuesday when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region, marking the fifth such tremor recorded within the country’s borders in less than thirty days. According to precise data released by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the latest event occurred at 1:21 AM IST with its epicenter positioned at coordinates 25.48 degrees North and 66.69 degrees East. A critically important detail noted by seismologists was the earthquake’s exceptionally shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, a characteristic that significantly amplifies ground shaking and elevates potential risks to infrastructure and populations.

    This recent seismic activity forms part of a concerning pattern of earth movements throughout November and December 2025. Preceding events include a 3.6-magnitude quake on December 5th at 40 kilometers depth, a 4.3-magnitude tremor on November 25th at 120 kilometers depth, and a more substantial 5.2-magnitude event on November 21st occurring 135 kilometers beneath the surface. Particularly noteworthy was a November 20th earthquake measuring 3.9 in magnitude that similarly featured a shallow 10-kilometer depth, raising concerns among geologists about potential aftershock sequences and continued instability.

    Pakistan’s heightened susceptibility to seismic events stems from its unique geological positioning astride the volatile convergence zone where the massive Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This tectonic boundary creates enormous pressure that regularly releases through earthquakes, with regions including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan experiencing particular vulnerability due to their proximity to major fault lines. Even the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, situated along the northwestern periphery of the Indian Plate, remain subject to significant seismic risk despite their distance from the primary collision zone.

    The National Centre for Seismology has actively disseminated information through its official social media channels and dedicated mobile applications, providing both real-time alerts and educational resources to help communities better understand and prepare for seismic hazards. This ongoing communication effort reflects growing regional recognition of the persistent earthquake threat facing the South Asian subcontinent.

  • French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

    In a landmark ruling demonstrating the reach of universal jurisdiction, a Paris court has convicted former Congolese rebel commander and politician Roger Lumbala to three decades imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity. The 67-year-old, apprehended in France nearly five years ago, was found culpable for atrocities perpetrated during the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

    Presiding judges determined Lumbala, who led the Uganda-backed Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCD-N), ordered or facilitated torture, summary executions, sexual slavery, systematic rape, forced labor, and widespread theft. These violations characterized the brutal ‘Erase the Slate’ campaign targeting Nande and Bambuti communities in northeastern DR Congo during 2002-2003, whom Lumbala’s forces accused of supporting rival militias.

    Despite his detention in France, Lumbala refused to recognize the court’s authority and abstained from the trial proceedings, though he was present for Monday’s verdict delivery. His political career included roles as a minister in Congo’s transitional government (2003-2005) and later as a parliamentarian before an arrest warrant alleging support for the active M23 rebel group prompted his flight to France.

    The case—prosecuted under France’s universal jurisdiction laws enabling trials for severe international crimes committed abroad—relied heavily on testimony from 65 survivors, witnesses, and experts. NGOs including Trial International and the Clooney Foundation for Justice provided critical support for victim testimony and expert analysis.

    Survivors David Karamay Kasereka and Pisco Sirikivuya Paluku, in a joint statement, expressed that ‘the truth matters’ despite their fear, noting they wished to have confronted Lumbala directly but viewed the verdict as reclaiming parts of themselves taken by violence. Their accounts detailed neighbors and relatives tortured and killed, personal injuries, and sexual violence against loved ones.

    While prosecutors sought life imprisonment, Lumbala’s defense decried the 30-year sentence as excessive and retains the right to appeal within ten days. Human rights advocates hailed the decision as a historic step toward accountability in a conflict that claimed millions of lives and has seen numerous militia leaders tried by the International Criminal Court.