In a dramatic turn of events at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, suffered a distressing fall from the main stage during the evening gown round. The incident, which occurred on November 19, has since captured global attention after a video of the accident went viral. The footage shows Henry gracefully walking in her shimmering gown, only to suddenly plummet off the stage, leaving the audience in shock and concern. Emergency responders swiftly brought a stretcher onto the stage, and Henry was carried out for immediate medical attention. Despite the alarming incident, the pageant continued, with the next contestant stepping onto the stage shortly after. Raul Rocha, President of the Miss Universe organization, later provided an update via Instagram, confirming that Henry had been taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital. He assured the public that there were no broken bones or life-threatening injuries, though further tests were being conducted to ensure her full recovery. The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization urged supporters to remain positive and keep Henry in their prayers as she undergoes medical care. This year’s Miss Universe pageant has been marked by controversy, including a scandal involving a pageant official and the withdrawal of three judges, adding to the event’s tumultuous atmosphere.
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ADB approves $330m loan to upgrade Pakistan power grid
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $330 million loan to Pakistan aimed at upgrading its outdated power grid. This initiative is expected to enhance the transmission of hydropower from northern regions to major urban centers, addressing chronic energy shortages and inefficiencies. Pakistan, home to 250 million people, has been grappling with frequent power outages, escalating electricity costs, and a burgeoning circular debt in the power sector, which has reached 1.7 trillion rupees ($5.9 billion). The ADB stated that the investment will facilitate the transfer of up to 3,200 megawatts of clean energy from hydropower plants in the north, thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels and improving energy security. Emma Fan, ADB’s Pakistan director, emphasized the project’s role in accelerating the country’s transition to a more affordable and sustainable energy mix. This loan follows a $250 million disbursement in November 2023 for expanding the high-voltage transmission network in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Additionally, the ADB approved a $410 million package in August for the development of Pakistan’s Reko Diq copper and gold mine. Pakistan’s heavy dependence on external borrowing was evident in 2023 when it narrowly avoided default, thanks to a $7 billion IMF bailout that unlocked further loans from friendly nations.
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US clears $93 million sale of Javelin anti-tank system, Excalibur projectiles to India
The United States has greenlit a significant defense deal with India, approving the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems and Excalibur guided artillery munitions worth $93 million. This decision, announced by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday, marks India’s first acquisition under the US foreign military sales program since bilateral relations faced strain in August. The friction arose when former President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff hike on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s procurement of Russian oil. The latest sale underscores Washington’s commitment to fortifying its strategic alliance with India, a key player in maintaining regional stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. India has requested 216 Excalibur projectiles and 100 Javelin systems, with RTX Corp and its joint venture with Lockheed Martin serving as the principal contractors. This deal follows India’s recent reorder of General Electric fighter jet engines for its domestically produced Tejas combat aircraft.
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Pakistan army kills 23 militants near Afghan border
In a decisive response to escalating violence, Pakistan’s security forces have neutralized 23 militants in targeted operations near the Afghan border. The raids, conducted in the volatile Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, come just a week after a devastating suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad claimed 12 lives and left dozens injured. The Pakistani military has identified the militants as members of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) or its affiliated groups, further accusing India of providing support to these insurgents. The statement from the army emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism, which it claims is orchestrated from neighboring Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of harboring militant groups, particularly the TTP, which has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan. The recent surge in cross-border violence has exacerbated tensions between the two nations, with last month’s clashes marking the most severe conflict in years. Despite a fragile ceasefire agreement, negotiations to finalize its terms have stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock. The border remains closed, and the region continues to grapple with instability as both nations trade accusations and brace for further unrest.
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Bush lauds Dick Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ at funeral
In a rare display of unity, prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away in early November at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. His funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral, drew a diverse crowd of political leaders, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Bush, in his heartfelt eulogy, praised Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ in a profession often dominated by talkers, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty and competence as a second-in-command. Cheney, a pivotal figure in shaping Bush’s ‘war on terror’ post-9/11 and a staunch advocate for the Iraq invasion, was remembered as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. However, his later years saw him fall out of favor within the Republican Party after he publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. This rift extended to his daughter, former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, who also clashed with Trump. Notably, both Cheneys endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 White House election. Harris, along with former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Al Gore, attended the funeral, while Trump and Vice President JD Vance were absent. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Cheney’s enduring impact on American politics, despite the controversies that marked his career.
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Fire prompts evacuations at UN climate talks in Brazil, but officials say no one hurt
A sudden fire erupted at the venue of the U.N. climate talks in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, leading to swift evacuations on the penultimate day of the conference. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to officials. The blaze, which originated near the China pavilion, rapidly spread to adjacent structures, including several Africa pavilions and a youth-focused pavilion. Organizers confirmed that the fire was quickly brought under control, with firefighters and security teams responding promptly and maintaining vigilance at the site. Samuel Rubin, an organizer of an entertainment and culture pavilion, recounted witnessing flames a few pavilions away, prompting his team and others to use fire extinguishers as smoke filled the area. The fire also affected a health and sciences pavilion, as reported by technical personnel Victoria Martins and Júlia Aguiar. Journalists, including those from the Associated Press, were evacuated from the media center as a precaution. The incident, while disruptive, did not derail the conference’s proceedings, which are set to conclude on Friday.
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Philippines: Woman who faked nationality to become mayor jailed for trafficking
In a landmark ruling, Alice Guo, a Chinese national who fraudulently assumed Philippine citizenship to become a town mayor, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for her involvement in human trafficking and overseeing a transnational scam operation. The Manila Regional Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, marking a significant victory in the fight against corruption and organized crime in the Philippines. Guo, 35, was found guilty of managing a sprawling Chinese-operated online gambling center in Bamban town, where hundreds of individuals from various countries were coerced into running scams under the threat of torture. The complex, which included office buildings, luxury villas, and a swimming pool, was raided in March 2024 after a Vietnamese worker escaped and alerted authorities. Over 700 victims from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Rwanda were rescued during the operation. Documents seized at the site confirmed Guo’s role as the president of the company owning the compound. Despite her election as mayor, a court ruling in June 2024 declared her ineligible for the position, citing her undisputed Chinese citizenship. Guo, who fled to Indonesia in September 2024, was arrested and extradited to face trial. She and seven co-defendants, including Jaimielyn Santos Cruz and Walter Wong Rong, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. State prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas hailed the verdict as a triumph against human trafficking, cybercrime, and corruption. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who spearheaded the Senate investigation into Guo, praised the decision and vowed to continue probing Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines. The case has shed light on the rampant transnational scam industry in Southeast Asia, which reportedly defrauded victims of up to $37 billion in 2023. The Philippines, under former President Rodrigo Duterte, became a hub for such operations due to lax licensing regulations. However, in 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos imposed a nationwide ban on offshore gambling in response to public outrage over the Guo case, expelling foreign nationals involved in the industry.
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Spain’s attorney general convicted in controversial leak case
Spain’s Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been compelled to resign following a Supreme Court ruling that found him guilty of unlawfully disclosing confidential information. The case, which has deepened the nation’s political divide, centered on García Ortiz’s revelation of the tax status of Alberto González Amador, a businessman and partner of a prominent conservative politician. The court imposed a two-year ban from public office and a €7,200 fine on García Ortiz, who must also pay €10,000 in compensation to González Amador. The trial has exacerbated tensions between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s left-wing government and the right-wing opposition. Conservative People’s Party spokeswoman Ester Muñoz called for Sánchez’s resignation and immediate elections, while the government stated it respected the ruling despite disagreeing with it. Left-wing politicians, including Health Minister Mónica García, criticized the verdict as politically motivated and damaging to the presumption of innocence. The case originated in March 2024 when the attorney general’s office corrected erroneous press reports about González Amador’s tax evasion plea bargain. González Amador filed a complaint, alleging a breach of privacy, and García Ortiz was accused of leaking information to the media. Despite the lack of direct evidence linking him to the leak, the court ruled against him. García Ortiz retains the right to appeal. This ruling adds to the judicial pressures facing Prime Minister Sánchez, whose family and party members are embroiled in various legal controversies.
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Communities of slave descendants in Brazil demand recognition of territories
In the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Zaqueu Belém Araújo demonstrates a centuries-old technique of harvesting acai berries, a practice deeply rooted in the traditions of quilombos—communities descended from runaway slaves. With minimal impact on the environment, this method ensures the survival of both the forest and the people who depend on it. “We understand that keeping the forest alive also keeps us alive,” says Erica Monteiro, a resident of Itacoa-Miri, a quilombo near Belem, where the UN climate conference is currently underway.
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Zimbabwe earns biggest win over Sri Lanka in T20 tri-series
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe claimed its largest-ever Twenty20 victory over Sri Lanka, triumphing by 67 runs in the opening match of the tri-series held in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Captain Sikandar Raza and fast bowler Brad Evans spearheaded the team’s dominant performance, with Evans delivering an exceptional spell of 3-9, supported by a collective effort from all six bowlers who contributed wickets.