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  • Danilo da Silva header secures Flamengo Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras

    Danilo da Silva header secures Flamengo Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras

    In a tightly contested all-Brazilian final, Flamengo secured their fourth Copa Libertadores championship with a 1-0 victory against Palmeiras on Saturday. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when veteran defender Danilo da Silva, leveraging his European experience from stints at Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, powered a clinical header into the net.

    This triumph marks Flamengo’s second title in four years, having previously lifted the prestigious trophy in 2019 and 1981. The victory not only earned the Rio de Janeiro-based club a grand prize of $24 million but also secured their qualification for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. As the runner-up, Palmeiras will receive a consolation prize of $7 million.

    The win further cements Brazil’s dominance in South American club football. This seventh consecutive victory for a Brazilian team in the tournament ties the nation with Argentina for the most Copa Libertadores titles overall, with both footballing powerhouses now boasting 25 crowns each. The last non-Brazilian team to win the competition was Argentina’s River Plate back in 2018.

    Flamengo’s calendar remains packed with high-stakes matches. The club is now set to face Lanús, the recent Copa Sudamericana champion, in the Recopa Sudamericana, a contest between the champions of CONMEBOL’s two premier club competitions.

  • Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    MANILA – Philippine aviation authorities have confirmed that mandatory software upgrades for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be fully completed by noon on Sunday, November 30, following global safety recommendations that caused significant flight disruptions across the archipelago.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) announced that carriers have been working around the clock to implement the critical updates after receiving an urgent advisory from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The precautionary measure, while essential for passenger safety, resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays throughout Saturday.

    Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that the Department of Transportation prioritized safety above operational convenience. “We deemed it imperative to implement these precautionary measures to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew,” Lopez stated. “We sincerely apologize for the travel inconveniences caused by the necessary flight cancellations.”

    The emergency directive reached Philippine authorities at 1:00 AM local time on Saturday (9:00 PM Friday UAE time), affecting 75 aircraft operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Each aircraft required approximately two hours to complete the software installation process.

    ACAP Executive Director Josen Perez de Tagle assured the public that airline operators have implemented comprehensive passenger notification systems to minimize disruption impacts. “Airlines are exerting maximum effort to notify all affected passengers and mitigate the consequences of this mandatory system upgrade,” de Tagle commented.

    In response to the travel disruptions, carriers have offered affected passengers multiple compensation options including full refunds, flexible rebooking arrangements, and electronic travel vouchers. Stranded passengers at various airports received complimentary meals, beverages, and essential medications during the operational pause.

    The software update initiative represents a localized response to a global aviation directive affecting approximately 6,000 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft worldwide, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern aviation safety protocols.

  • Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisian authorities have escalated their suppression of political dissent with the arrest of prominent human rights activist Chaima Issa, who now faces a 20-year prison sentence. The detention occurred Saturday afternoon during a protest in the capital, according to legal representatives.

    This development follows Friday’s appellate court decision that confirmed lengthy prison terms for dozens of government critics, in a case that has drawn international condemnation. The 37 defendants, primarily opposition figures arrested in spring 2023, faced charges of “conspiracy against state security” and alleged membership in terrorist organizations.

    The judicial proceedings have been criticized by human rights organizations as fundamentally flawed. The initial trial in April concluded after merely three hearings without permitting closing arguments, resulting in sentences reaching 66 years imprisonment. While appellate judges reduced some penalties, they simultaneously increased others.

    Businessman Kamel Ltaief received the most severe sentence at 45 years, reduced from his original 66-year term. Opposition politician Khayam Turki’s sentence was adjusted to 35 years from 48. Notably, several prominent figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi saw their sentences increased from 18 to 20 years. Ben Mbarek has undertaken a month-long hunger strike protesting what he terms “arbitrary and unjust” detention.

    The court acquitted two defendants: Noureddine Boutar, director of private radio station Mosaique FM, and lawyer Lazhar Akremi. Feminist activist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, both tried in absentia, had their 33-year sentences upheld.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has denounced the proceedings, citing numerous legal violations and expressing serious concerns about political motivations behind the prosecutions.

  • Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways has successfully restored its Airbus A320 fleet to full operational capacity following the completion of a mandatory software upgrade. The airline confirmed on Saturday that all scheduled operations have returned to normal after implementing the required Airbus technical update across its entire A320 aircraft family.

    The technical deployment was executed during one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport, coinciding with the extended Eid Al Etihad holiday weekend. Despite the challenging timing, the airline’s engineering and operational teams completed the software installation with remarkable efficiency, minimizing disruptions to passenger travel schedules.

    In an official statement released November 29, 2025, Etihad management praised the exceptional performance of their technical personnel and ground operations staff. “Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed rapidly with minimal service impact,” the statement read.

    The airline extended gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the brief implementation period. Company officials emphasized that safety protocols remain the carrier’s utmost priority, noting that the swift resolution demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to maintaining the highest aviation standards while ensuring passenger convenience.

    This successful technical deployment reinforces Etihad Airways’ reputation for operational excellence and technical proficiency in aircraft maintenance and software management. The seamless implementation during peak travel season highlights the airline’s robust contingency planning and crisis management capabilities within the competitive aviation industry.

  • Ukraine hits tankers in Black Sea in escalation against Russia

    Ukraine hits tankers in Black Sea in escalation against Russia

    In a significant escalation of its maritime campaign, Ukrainian security forces have successfully targeted two Russian-affiliated oil tankers traversing the Black Sea using advanced naval drones. Verified footage reveals the precise moment Ukrainian Sea Baby drones—specially engineered unmanned surface vessels—slammed into the vessels before detonating in massive fireballs that engulfed the ships in black smoke.

    The targeted vessels, identified by Turkish authorities as the Kairos and Virat (both registered under Gambian flags), were struck in separate operations. The Kairos was hit southwest of the Black Sea while the Virat was attacked further east near the Turkish coast. Reports indicate the Virat sustained additional drone strikes on Saturday following the initial Friday attacks. Remarkably, no casualties were reported from either incident.

    These sophisticated strikes represent a strategic shift in Ukraine’s efforts to cripple Russia’s war-funding capabilities. The targeted tankers belong to Moscow’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’—an armada of aging, often poorly documented vessels deployed to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion. According to London Stock Exchange data, both vessels were already subject to international sanctions.

    The attacks have triggered immediate regional consequences. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium—a major oil transportation group co-owned by Russia, Kazakhstan, and several Western energy giants including Exxon Mobil and Chevron—announced suspension of loading operations at Russia’s Novorossiysk port following unrelated drone attacks that damaged critical infrastructure.

    Turkish coast guard units responded to assist the stricken vessels, releasing footage showing firefighting efforts aboard the burning Kairos. Meanwhile, diplomatic developments unfolded as Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a security delegation led by Rustem Umerov was en route to the United States for continued peace negotiations, following the resignation of previous lead negotiator Andriy Yermak after corruption probes.

  • The Wiggles issue statement after appearing in Ecstasy music video

    The Wiggles issue statement after appearing in Ecstasy music video

    Australian children’s entertainment institution The Wiggles has found itself embroiled in controversy after two of its performers appeared in an unauthorized music video that appears to reference recreational drug use. The incident involves founding member Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle) and his nephew Dominic Field (portraying the Tree of Wisdom), who were captured dancing in the background of musician Keli Holiday’s since-deleted ‘Ecstasy’ music video.

    The children’s group moved swiftly to address growing concerns among parents and educators, issuing an official statement clarifying their position. ‘The Wiggles do not support or condone the use of drugs in any form,’ declared a spokesperson. ‘The content being shared was not created or approved by us, and we have asked for it to be removed.’

    According to Australian media reports, the controversial TikTok video had amassed over 92,000 views before being taken down. The footage originated from this month’s TikTok Awards ceremony, where Wiggles members had participated in a family-friendly stage performance with Holiday (real name Adam Hyde) during his song ‘Dancing2.’

    The situation developed when Holiday independently edited and repurposed this footage to promote his new single ‘Ecstasy’—a track whose chorus contains the lyrics: ‘Hey girl, come on dance with me. You and your pocket full of ecstasy.’ His TikTok post carried the caption ‘The Wiggles get it,’ suggesting an endorsement that the children’s group vehemently denies.

    Despite acknowledging Holiday as a friend of the organization, The Wiggles emphasized that the video was ‘edited together separately and without our awareness.’ The group, which began as a university project in 1991 and has since evolved into a global preschool phenomenon, maintains stringent standards regarding its family-friendly image. Anthony Field remains the only original member still performing with the ensemble.

    Keli Holiday represents the solo endeavor of Hyde, who previously gained recognition as one-half of the electronic dance act Peking Duk. The BBC has reached out to Holiday’s management team for additional commentary on the situation.

  • Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    HONG KONG — A devastating high-rise fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left thirteen Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the Philippine Consulate. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, continues to prompt intensive search and verification efforts by authorities.

    Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Romulo Victor Israel Jr., in a recent radio interview, disclosed that official records indicated 83 Filipinos registered as residents at the affected estate. While seventy individuals have been successfully located and confirmed safe, the whereabouts of thirteen remain unknown. Many of those accounted for had either returned to the Philippines or relocated prior to the tragic incident.

    A particular focus of concern is one missing Filipina who is suspected to have been inside the building during the fire. Authorities are actively investigating the possibility that she may be among the fatalities, with verification processes ongoing. Her family members and employer are assisting in the identification process of the yet-unrecognized victims.

    The Hong Kong government has provided temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire. Consul General Israel indicated that plans are also underway to support rehoming efforts and assist affected workers in seeking new employment opportunities, should their current employers be unable to retain them. In a positive development, one Filipina previously reported to be in intensive care is now confirmed to be in a stable condition.

  • UAE: Du announces free 54 GB data ahead of Eid Al Etihad

    UAE: Du announces free 54 GB data ahead of Eid Al Etihad

    In celebration of the UAE’s 54th National Day, telecommunications provider Du has unveiled an extensive package of promotional offerings for its customer base. The initiative, timed to coincide with the Eid Al Etihad festivities, represents one of the company’s most substantial customer appreciation efforts to date.

    The comprehensive promotion package includes multiple tiered benefits for both postpaid and prepaid subscribers. Beginning December 1, 2025, all postpaid customers will automatically receive 54GB of complimentary national 5G data without requiring any activation procedures. Prepaid users opting for the Flexi Yearly plan will similarly benefit from 54GB of free national data, coupled with a 50% discount on the plan’s standard subscription fee when enrolling under this limited-time National Day promotion.

    For Emirati families, Du introduces a specialized Emirati Family Plan featuring a 54% discount applicable across three billing cycles during the promotional window, typically spanning December 1-3, 2025. International travelers will benefit from specially configured roaming bundles containing 54GB of roaming data, while customers purchasing select devices through Du during the promotion period may receive complimentary accessories.

    The company’s strategic decision to align the data amount (54GB) with the nation’s 54th anniversary demonstrates a symbolic connection to the national celebration. This telecommunications initiative coincides with other Eid Al Etihad announcements across the UAE, including free parking in Sharjah and various celebratory activities throughout Dubai.

  • BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host the inaugural BRIDGE Summit 2025 from December 8-10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, assembling over 430 prominent media figures to confront the industry’s most pressing challenges. The landmark event will feature industry titans including Jeff Zucker (RedBird IMI), broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Jane Ferguson, and political commentator Chuck Todd addressing critical themes of trust reconstruction, narrative influence, and information governance amid rapid technological disruption.

    The summit’s comprehensive program will examine multiple dimensions of media transformation. Zucker will lead ‘The Comfort Crisis in Media’, analyzing how consolidation and emerging business models are reshaping editorial leadership. Maitlis will explore narrative framing in ‘Stories with an Agenda’, addressing misinformation concerns and trust restoration mechanisms.

    Ferguson and Todd will jointly present ‘Building a New Backbone for Journalism’, discussing political reporting’s evolution amid algorithmic influence and audience fragmentation. Concurrent sessions will investigate viral storytelling’s impact on economic behavior and political outcomes, with political economist Dr. Vuk Vuković demonstrating how narratives function as forces of change.

    The program will also highlight regional perspectives, with Faisal Al Agel and Munera Al Shiraifi detailing how authentic, value-driven content is reshaping Arab media consumption. Digital communication evolution will be examined through ‘Memes as a Media Business’, exploring how internet culture influences identity formation and brand behavior.

    Global entertainment adaptation strategies will be addressed by Warner Bros. Discovery’s Grigory Lavrov, while Moira Forbes and Stephanie Mehta will analyze longform journalism’s renaissance across digital platforms. The summit will further confront governance challenges with ‘Blueprints for Governing Digital Speech’, examining the balance between safety protocols and free expression.

    Conflict reporting transformation will be highlighted by journalist Plestia Alaqad, discussing how encrypted messaging and citizen journalism are revolutionizing high-risk environment coverage. Future workforce preparation will be addressed through LinkedIn’s Najat Abdelhadi’s session on automation’s impact on media roles by 2035.

    Organized under the BRIDGE Alliance mandate, this non-profit initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to global media cooperation and innovation ecosystem development. The event expects to draw over 60,000 participants alongside 300 exhibitors, establishing itself as the world’s largest debut media convergence forum.

  • Experts call for year-round commitment as DFC ends

    Experts call for year-round commitment as DFC ends

    As Dubai’s annual fitness initiative concludes its 30-day campaign, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining physical activity and nutritional balance throughout the year. Viktor Ristic, a prominent Dubai-based nutritionist and fitness trainer, asserts that while the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) successfully generates widespread participation, lasting health benefits require ongoing commitment rather than temporary engagement.

    Ristic challenges the conventional mindset surrounding short-term fitness programs, stating: “The fundamental question transcends what participants accomplished during November. What truly matters is their sustained effort throughout the subsequent months. Physical movement represents a biological necessity rather than a monthly project.”

    The health expert detailed the scientific advantages of consistent exercise, noting its proven benefits for cardiovascular function, blood sugar regulation, and muscle preservation. These physiological improvements, he emphasized, result from steady behavioral patterns rather than sporadic high-intensity interventions.

    Addressing nutritional aspects, Ristic cautioned against extreme dietary restrictions that often follow challenge-based fitness programs. “Attempting complete lifestyle overhauls frequently leads to unsustainable practices. Individuals eliminate sugar, avoid oils, and abandon cultural foods, but such drastic measures typically prove counterproductive,” he explained. “Gradual, achievable modifications yield more lasting results than radical approaches.”

    Ristic provided specific guidance regarding fat consumption, highlighting the importance of selecting quality sources that deliver both energy and nutritional value. He cited palm oil as containing beneficial compounds like carotenoids and tocopherols, which demonstrate antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-managing properties.

    The nutritionist further debunked ingredient-focused health myths, stating: “No single food component singularly causes health deterioration. We must examine comprehensive dietary patterns, physical activity levels, and overall lifestyle factors. Focusing exclusively on ingredient elimination while neglecting sedentary behavior misses the complete health picture.”

    Ristic recommends incorporating daily walking routines, regular strength training, and balanced meal preparation as sustainable practices. These approaches enable individuals to enjoy diverse cuisines while maintaining physiological wellness.

    With the DFC’s conclusion, Ristic reframes the event as a motivational starting point rather than a finish line. “The genuine victory manifests not in November’s achievements, but in continued dedication during December, January, and all subsequent months—including holiday seasons and ordinary days alike,” he concluded. “Consistent practice represents both the fundamental challenge and ultimate solution for long-term wellness.”