In a landmark ruling, a Madrid-based court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay €481 million ($554 million) in damages to 81 Spanish media outlets. The court found that Meta had exploited an unfair market advantage by unlawfully extracting personal data from internet users, violating European Union regulations. This data was allegedly used to enhance its advertising capabilities, significantly harming the advertising revenues of Spanish digital media. The court emphasized that Meta’s actions, which spanned five years until 2023, breached the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates strict user privacy protections. Meta has announced its intention to appeal the ruling, labeling it as ‘baseless’ and asserting compliance with all applicable laws. This case could set a precedent for similar legal challenges across Europe, including an ongoing case in France. The ruling underscores the ongoing tension between tech giants and European regulators over data privacy and market fairness.
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A night bus from Cambodia’s top tourist destination plunges off a bridge, killing 13 passengers
A devastating bus accident occurred in Cambodia early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 passengers and injuring 24 others. The incident took place in Kampong Thom province when the bus, en route from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, veered off a bridge and plunged into a river. Deputy Police Chief Siv Sovanna confirmed that all passengers were Cambodian nationals. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver may have fallen asleep during the journey, which typically lasts around five and a half hours. It remains unclear whether the driver was among the fatalities. Approximately 40 passengers were believed to be on board, and rescue efforts continued throughout the day to locate any additional victims. The deceased were transported to a nearby hospital to await identification and collection by their families. This tragedy adds to Cambodia’s alarming traffic fatality statistics, with 1,509 deaths recorded in 2024 and 1,062 in the first nine months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
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As reports of a US-Russia peace plan circulate, Europeans say they and Ukraine must be involved
European diplomats have emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be integral to any discussions aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This declaration comes amid reports of a U.S.-Russian peace proposal that reportedly demands significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial cessions. The proposal, first reported by Axios, has added pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is already grappling with a major corruption scandal and rallying international support for Ukraine’s defense. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed that any viable peace plan must have the backing of Ukrainians and Europeans, a sentiment echoed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who asserted that negotiations must involve Ukraine and Europe. The alleged peace plan, drafted by U.S. and Russian envoys, reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to relinquish control of the Donbas region and scale back certain military capabilities. However, such concessions would be deeply unpopular in Ukraine and unconstitutional. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at ongoing efforts to develop a lasting peace agreement, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied active consultations with the U.S. European leaders have expressed skepticism about Russia’s sincerity in seeking peace, accusing Moscow of sustaining its war of attrition. Meanwhile, European nations have stepped up military aid to Ukraine, giving them leverage in peace talks. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reiterated that Europe, as Ukraine’s primary supporter, expects to be consulted in any peace efforts.
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‘Greenhushing’: Are businesses staying silent about climate pledges?
The landscape of corporate climate commitments has become increasingly intricate, influenced by shifting political tides and regulatory complexities. While former U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-oil drilling rhetoric and environmental policy rollbacks have been cited as catalysts for companies scaling back their public climate pledges, the reality is far more nuanced. The phenomenon of ‘greenhushing’—deliberately downplaying environmental commitments—has gained traction, but its roots predate the recent political changes.
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Trump to meet New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on November 21
In a significant political development, US President Donald Trump is set to meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on November 21, 2025. This meeting marks the first interaction between the Republican leader and the democratic socialist who recently secured the mayoral election. The encounter comes amidst a backdrop of mutual criticism, with Trump having supported Mamdani’s opponent, Andrew Cuomo, during the campaign. Mamdani has been vocal in his opposition to several of Trump’s policies, particularly those concerning immigration and US support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. Trump announced the meeting via social media, stating, ‘We have agreed that this meeting will take place at the Oval Office on Friday, November 21st.’ Mamdani, who will be sworn in as mayor on January 1, 2026, emphasized that the meeting fulfills a campaign commitment to New Yorkers. His transition team has yet to comment on Trump’s announcement. During the mayoral race, Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City if Mamdani were elected, a move that Mamdani countered by making opposition to Trump’s policies a central theme of his campaign.
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China accelerates cultivation of elite talents in AI, integrated circuits
In a strategic move to bolster its position as a global leader in education and technology, China is ramping up efforts to cultivate elite talents in critical fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated circuits. This initiative is part of the country’s broader vision to build a robust education system that aligns with national strategic demands and industrial development.
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UAE weather: Red alert issued for fog as visibility drops
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been gripped by severe fog conditions, prompting authorities to issue red and yellow alerts across the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported significantly reduced visibility, particularly in western areas over the sea and islands, leading to disruptions in daily activities. School buses were delayed, and motorists were advised to exercise extreme caution while driving. Sharjah Police emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between vehicles and reducing speed. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Police activated speed reduction systems on key roads, including Sweihan Road and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain route, to ensure safety. The weather forecast predicts fair to partly cloudy conditions, with humidity expected to increase by night and into Friday morning. Light to moderate winds, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/hr, may cause blowing dust in some areas. Temperatures are expected to drop to lows of 23ºC in Dubai, 21ºC in Abu Dhabi, and 18ºC in Sharjah. The Arabian Gulf will experience slight to moderate sea conditions, while the Oman Sea remains calm. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay updated on weather advisories.
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East China conference pools Maritime Silk Road development wisdom
The 2025 Maritime Silk Road Urban Cooperation & Development Conference, alongside the International Travel Agents Conference, commenced on November 19 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China. The event, themed ‘Integration and Innovation for Win-win Cooperation,’ brought together nearly 400 participants from countries including China, Italy, and Indonesia to explore collaborative growth opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized at the opening ceremony that China has paved the way for cooperation, opportunities, and shared prosperity with Maritime Silk Road partner nations. He pledged Xinhua’s commitment to fostering exchanges and supporting multi-field collaboration among these cities, aiming to enhance the high-quality development of the BRI.
Lian Yimin, Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, underscored Zhejiang’s dedication to innovation-driven cooperation and sharing development achievements with Maritime Silk Road cities. The conference, running until November 21, is co-organized by Xinhua News Agency’s Zhejiang branch, the Wenzhou Municipal People’s Government, and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.
This gathering highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen international ties and promote sustainable development through the Maritime Silk Road, reinforcing China’s role as a global leader in fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
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Mainland warns DPP against sacrificing Taiwan interests for US favor
In a stern statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Mainland China cautioned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) against prioritizing U.S. favor over the welfare of Taiwan’s people and economy. Zhu Fenglian, representing the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that such actions would only serve U.S. interests under the ‘America First’ policy, ultimately harming Taiwan. The warning came in response to reports suggesting the U.S. had requested Taiwan to invest between $350 billion and $550 billion during tariff negotiations—a staggering sum equivalent to 44-69% of Taiwan’s 2024 GDP and 58-92% of its foreign exchange reserves as of October. Zhu criticized the DPP for allegedly sacrificing Taiwan’s resources and business interests to gain external support for its separatist agenda. She warned that such moves could lead to the outflow of capital, technology, and talent, severely undermining Taiwan’s industrial development. Additionally, Zhu expressed firm opposition to reports of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te planning a U.S. transit before year-end, urging the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid emboldening ‘Taiwan independence’ forces. Zhu reiterated that any attempts to seek independence through external support are doomed to fail.
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Brussels hosts talks on Gaza reconstruction, security and governance
In a significant diplomatic gathering, over 60 delegations convened in Brussels on Thursday to address the pressing issues of reconstruction, governance, and security in the war-torn Gaza Strip, alongside the reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The meeting, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia under the auspices of the Palestine Donors Group, follows the recent approval of a U.S.-backed peace plan by the United Nations Security Council. The PA, which currently governs semi-autonomous areas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is seeking to expand its influence into postwar Gaza. However, its role remains contentious, with Israel outright rejecting any PA involvement in Gaza and the U.S. insisting on substantial reforms before financial support is extended. The European Union, the PA’s largest financial backer, is advocating for its effective governance of Gaza post-reform. Meanwhile, the EU is increasingly asserting its role in shaping Gaza’s future, including plans to train 3,000 Palestinian policemen, with France contributing 100 officers to this initiative. The U.S. peace plan envisions a gradual handover of Gaza’s territory to a mix of these policemen and an International Stabilization Force. The EU is also pushing for the formation of a technocratic, apolitical committee to manage Gaza’s civil services, largely drawn from the PA. However, these proposals face skepticism within Palestinian society, with Hamas denouncing the U.N. resolution as serving Israeli interests. The meeting in Brussels did not seek financial pledges for Gaza’s reconstruction, with a separate event in Egypt planned for this purpose. The reforms demanded by the U.S. and EU include the abolition of the PA’s controversial ‘martyrs’ fund’ and the revision of its educational materials. Despite these efforts, the PA, led by the increasingly marginalized 90-year-old President Mahmoud Abbas, struggles to gain legitimacy and influence in postwar Gaza.