Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the White House on November 18, 2025, marked a significant moment in US-Saudi relations. The meeting with US President Donald Trump was characterized by a grand ceremonial welcome, substantive discussions, and several viral moments that captured global attention. The Crown Prince was greeted with a red carpet reception, complete with cannon fire and a horse parade, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations. During their interaction, the Crown Prince announced plans to increase Saudi investments from $600 billion to $1 trillion, a statement that Trump enthusiastically endorsed, saying, ‘I like that very much.’ However, the meeting was not without controversy. Trump defended the Crown Prince against allegations related to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, asserting that the Prince had no prior knowledge of the incident. The press conference also saw Trump clash with a reporter who questioned potential conflicts of interest involving his family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia. The evening concluded with a high-profile dinner attended by notable figures such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and tech mogul Elon Musk, hinting at a possible reconciliation between Musk and Trump following their public feud.
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Trial opens into North Macedonia nightclub fire that killed 63
A landmark trial has commenced in North Macedonia, involving 35 individuals and three institutions, following a catastrophic fire at Club Pulse in Kocani that claimed 63 lives, predominantly young people, in March. The tragedy, which unfolded during a concert by a popular hip-hop duo, was ignited by pyrotechnic sparks that set the club’s flammable ceiling ablaze. The courtroom, packed with defendants and grieving relatives, heard Judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska vow to conduct the proceedings transparently and with discipline. Among the accused are three former mayors of Kocani, the nightclub’s owner, and public licensing officials, all charged with endangering public safety by permitting the operation of an unsafe venue. Prosecutors highlighted years of systemic failures, including unlawful licensing, neglected inspections, and unchecked overcrowding, which transformed the club into a death trap. The trial, which could span months or even years, saw defense lawyers attempt to delay proceedings, a move swiftly rejected by the judge. The fire, exacerbated by blocked exits, left 59 dead on the scene and injured around 200, with four later succumbing to their injuries. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests in Skopje and Kocani, where victims’ families demanded accountability. A poignant ‘March of the Angels’ protest, organized under the social media campaign ‘Who’s Next?’, preceded the trial. Prosecutor Borche Janev emphasized that the disaster stemmed from a series of institutional failures and a pervasive lack of responsibility, urging society to seek truth and healing.
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Future Dubai buildings to have rooftop access for air taxis, RTA reveals
Dubai is taking a bold step toward integrating air mobility into its urban landscape by mandating rooftop access for air taxis in future buildings. This initiative, unveiled by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the Dubai Airshow 2025, is part of a broader strategy to make air taxis a practical and accessible mode of transportation for residents. Developers are now collaborating with the RTA during the early design stages of new projects to ensure seamless integration of vertiports into residential and commercial districts. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Dubai’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the importance of embedding air mobility into the fabric of future communities, stating that most developers are eager to participate in this transformative phase. The first vertiport, located near Dubai International Airport, is already 60% complete and on track for completion by early 2026. By the time commercial services launch later that year, four vertiports are expected to be operational. Dubai recently conducted its first successful point-to-point air taxi test flight, marking a significant milestone in the city’s air mobility journey. Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt envisions a future where vertiports are within walking distance of homes and workplaces, fundamentally reshaping urban design. Skyports CEO Duncan Walker highlighted Dubai’s role as a global model, noting that success in this dense and expensive real estate market could set a precedent for other cities worldwide. Community readiness and safety remain top priorities, with ongoing efforts to address public concerns about noise and safety through rigorous testing and awareness campaigns. Dubai aims to launch its first commercial air taxi operations by the end of 2026, gradually expanding into a citywide network. Bahrozyan reiterated the goal of making the service safe, quiet, and eventually affordable, underscoring the importance of early collaboration with developers to ensure accessibility.
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Tennis Australia and playersâ association near deal
In a significant development for the world of tennis, Tennis Australia (TA) and the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) are reportedly close to reaching a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit filed earlier this year. The PTPA, co-founded by Novak Djokovic in 2020 to advocate for player rights, initiated legal action against the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, and the four Grand Slam tournaments, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and neglecting player welfare. The lawsuit, lodged in March 2025, seeks to dismantle what the PTPA describes as ‘monopolistic control’ over the sport, particularly concerning prize money caps and tournament scheduling. In September, the case expanded to include the French Tennis Federation, the All England Club, and the US Tennis Association, which oversee the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, respectively. A recent letter to the United States Southern District Court in New York revealed that TA and the PTPA are engaged in ‘substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions,’ prompting a request to pause proceedings against TA while negotiations continue. However, the lawsuit remains active against the other defendants. The PTPA has emphasized its preference for an out-of-court settlement, aiming to reform the sport rather than prolong litigation. The ATP and WTA have dismissed the lawsuit as ‘baseless’ and ‘without merit,’ arguing that it distracts from their mission to support players and grow the sport. With the Australian Open set to begin on January 12, 2026, the potential settlement could mark a turning point in the ongoing battle for player rights and governance in professional tennis.
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India delays climate pledge, pressures rich nations on funding at UN climate talks
India’s failure to submit its updated climate pledge before the conclusion of the United Nations climate summit in Belem, Brazil, has sparked concerns about its role in global climate leadership. As the world’s most populous nation and a key player in combating climate change, India’s delay in presenting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) has been interpreted by experts as a sign of dissatisfaction with the slow progress in global climate funding. This hesitation could undermine its influence at the ongoing COP30 talks.
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India’s Bollywood battles paid reviews and fake sale claims
India’s $60-billion Bollywood industry is grappling with a severe credibility crisis, as insiders reveal that manipulated film reviews and inflated box office numbers are eroding public trust and damaging ticket sales. While streaming platforms have disrupted traditional cinema, industry veterans argue that Bollywood’s challenges are largely self-inflicted, including the growing trend of declaring films as ‘hits’ even before their release.
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Wuxi gathers global leaders to shape 15th Five-Year Plan vision
The 2025 Annual Session of the Wuxi National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone International Advisory Consultative Committee took place on November 18 in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. This high-profile event, themed ‘Connecting the World, Inspiring the Future,’ gathered approximately 50 global executives, institutional leaders, and representatives from Fortune Global 500 companies, international consulting firms, and major business associations. The primary objective was to integrate global expertise into the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for the region.
During the session, nine multinational corporations, including GE Healthcare, Panasonic, and LG Chem China Investment, were appointed as new consultants to the committee. Additionally, prominent firms such as Shinhan Bank, KPMG, and PwC were named Global Investment Promotion Partners, tasked with advancing international investment cooperation.
Discussions focused on aligning global insights with local practices, covering topics like industrial-chain innovation, future industry planning, and cross-border resource integration. Key participants included representatives from SK Hynix, AstraZeneca, and SEMI, whose recommendations are expected to drive new growth engines and foster an open, innovation-led economy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
The Wuxi National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone has demonstrated significant progress during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), attracting over $5 billion in foreign investment and maintaining annual foreign trade above 350 billion yuan ($49.23 billion). The zone is home to nearly 1,900 foreign-invested enterprises, including 128 Fortune Global 500 companies, which contribute significantly to the region’s industrial output and trade.
Established in 1998, the International Advisory Consultative Committee has been instrumental in the zone’s development, offering strategic advice and fostering international partnerships. This year’s session reinforced the region’s commitment to becoming a world-class, innovation-driven hub, further solidifying its global economic influence.
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Massive fire kills one, damages 170 buildings in Japan city
A catastrophic fire erupted in the Japanese city of Oita on Tuesday night, resulting in one fatality and extensive damage to 170 buildings. The blaze, which rapidly engulfed a densely populated residential area, also threatened nearby forested mountains, complicating firefighting efforts. According to local authorities, 188 residents were evacuated to a temporary shelter as firefighters battled the ferocious flames. Witnesses described the terrifying scene, with one resident recalling, ‘The flames rose high, turning the sky red. The wind was strong. I never thought it would spread so much.’ Another expressed his fear, stating, ‘I was shaking with fear. I’ve never seen a pillar of fire like that.’ The regional government confirmed the death of a 76-year-old man whose body was discovered in his home during a search operation. Mayor Shinya Adachi, who visited the site, expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the situation might be controlled by Wednesday, fully extinguishing the fire could take several more days. NHK reported that the fire’s rapid spread was likely fueled by dry weather conditions, minimal rainfall, and the prevalence of wooden structures in the area.
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French couple dedicated to sharing story of ‘Dunhuang Guardian’
The remarkable legacy of Chang Shuhong, the founding director of the Dunhuang Academy and revered as the ‘Guardian of Dunhuang,’ has transcended borders, inspiring a French couple to become ambassadors of this cultural treasure. Chang, who devoted his life to safeguarding the Mogao Grottoes and advancing research in Dunhuang arts, left an indelible mark on the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. His story has now found new advocates in Diana and Marco Landi, who are passionately committed to sharing the profound cultural heritage of Dunhuang with a global audience. The Landis believe that the intricate artistry and historical significance of the Mogao Grottoes are invaluable treasures that deserve universal recognition and protection. Their efforts aim to bridge cultural divides and foster a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form, ensuring that Chang Shuhong’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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Lebanon says 13 dead in Israeli strike on Palestinian camp
A deadly Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, targeted the Ain al-Helweh camp, the largest Palestinian refugee settlement in Lebanon, located near the coastal city of Sidon. Israel claimed it struck a Hamas training compound, but the militant group vehemently denied the allegations, calling them ‘lies’ and asserting that there are no military installations in the camps. An AFP correspondent reported scenes of chaos, with firefighters battling blazes and gunmen firing shots to clear the way for ambulances. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the casualties, stating that ambulances were still transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals. The Israeli military released a video of the strike, claiming it targeted terrorists operating in a Hamas training compound. However, Hamas countered that the site was an open sports field frequented by youths. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. Lebanon hosts approximately 222,000 Palestinian refugees, and by longstanding convention, the Lebanese army does not enter the camps, leaving security to Palestinian factions. The strike has further strained relations in the region, with Lebanon’s government under pressure to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas.