In a landmark development for Pakistan’s maritime industry, global energy trading giant Vitol and Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, Cnergyico, have successfully executed the country’s largest single delivery of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) for ship refuelling. This significant shipment, announced in a statement late Monday, marks a pivotal step in enhancing Pakistan’s role in the global shipping sector. The VLSFO, compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, was produced by Cnergyico following its import of U.S. crude oil cargoes in August and September. The fuel was delivered to a vessel owned by shipping major MSC at Port Qasim using the Singapore-flagged bunker barge Marine Ista, capable of supplying 6,800 metric tons of marine fuel in a single delivery. Notably, this delivery was the first to load fuel directly from the Karachi Port Trust’s Oil Pier, bypassing traditional truck deliveries. The initiative not only enables large vessels refuelling in Pakistan to undertake longer east-to-west routes without additional stops but also strengthens Pakistan’s local supply of environmentally compliant marine fuel. Vitol and Cnergyico plan to continue this collaboration, with Vitol expanding its bunker locations to include Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Karachi Anchorage. Aumar Abbassciy, director at Cnergyico Pk Limited, emphasized that this effort underscores Pakistan’s growing capacity to provide sustainable fuel solutions to the global shipping industry.
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UAE transfers National Day holiday to give residents a 4-day break for Eid Al Etihad
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a new holiday transfer system, granting residents an extended four-day break for Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day). Originally scheduled for December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday), the holiday has been shifted to December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday). This adjustment, introduced under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, allows public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the week if they fall mid-week, creating longer, uninterrupted weekends. For residents following the Saturday–Sunday weekend, the break now spans November 29 to December 2. Sharjah residents benefit even more, with a five-day break starting November 28, as Friday is part of the weekend in the emirate. The new system aims to enhance work-life balance, providing families and individuals more time for staycations, travel, and personal commitments. This marks the first application of the holiday-transfer policy for Eid Al Etihad, signaling a shift toward more flexible public-holiday planning. With additional public holidays anticipated in 2026 and beyond, residents can expect similar extended weekends in the future.
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UAE expat among 45 Indians killed in Saudi bus crash, brother confirms
A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian pilgrims, including an Indian expatriate who had been working in the UAE for 25 years. The incident occurred on November 16, when the bus, en route from Makkah to Madinah, collided with an oil tanker near Medina, causing a catastrophic explosion that engulfed the vehicle in flames. Among the victims was Abdul Ghani Shirhatti, a driver from Karnataka’s Hubbali, who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on November 9. His younger brother, Faruque Shirhatti, confirmed the tragic news, stating that his brother had been a driver in Abu Dhabi for the past 25 years. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar, reported that out of the 46 passengers on board, only one individual, Mohd Abdul Shoaib, survived and is currently in critical condition in a Saudi hospital ICU. The incident has prompted swift action from Indian authorities, with AIMIM leader Waris Pathan confirming that party president Asaduddin Owaisi has contacted the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate efforts for repatriating the victims’ bodies. A team has also been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to assist in the coordination and cooperation between the Indian and Saudi governments. The tragedy has left families in mourning and has highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures for pilgrims traveling in the region.
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Israeli settlers torch homes and fields in fresh West Bank attack
In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers launched a large-scale attack on the Palestinian town of Jab’a, southwest of Bethlehem, on Monday evening. The assault resulted in the torching of three homes, multiple vehicles, and farmland, leaving residents traumatized and suffering significant material losses. The targeted properties belonged to Raafat Hilal Mashaaleh, Muhammad Musa Musa, and Yusuf Ahmad Musa, who recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked by approximately 50 assailants. Mashaaleh, who sustained injuries during the attack, described the settlers’ brutality, emphasizing that even children were not spared. CCTV footage captured the settlers entering the village, with some seen setting objects alight. Videos shared online show vehicles and homes engulfed in flames as residents desperately tried to extinguish the fires. The fire spread rapidly after lithium batteries in the cars ignited, causing extensive damage. Mashaaleh, who managed to put out the blaze with the help of neighbors, expressed gratitude for their safety but lamented the financial devastation. This incident marks the third settler attack on Mashaaleh’s home and one of dozens in the town recently. The Israeli military confirmed the attack and stated that a search for those involved is underway, though no arrests have been made. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, labeling the perpetrators as ‘extremists’ and vowing to address the issue personally. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also criticized the settlers, emphasizing that their actions harm Israel’s reputation and the settlement project. The recent surge in settler violence has raised concerns within Israel, with fears that such attacks could provoke a Palestinian response. The security establishment has acknowledged its limited capacity to curb the violence, with one official warning of the potential for deadly consequences. The attack in Jab’a echoes the 2015 arson attack in Duma, which claimed the lives of three members of the Dawabsheh family. As settler violence continues to escalate, particularly since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, the occupied West Bank remains on edge, with residents facing daily threats to their safety and livelihoods.
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First charges in Philippine flood control scandal target ex-lawmaker, officials
In a significant development in the Philippine flood control corruption scandal, prosecutors have filed the first criminal charges against a former congressman, public works officials, and construction firm members. The charges, which include falsification of documents, misuse of public funds, and graft law violations, stem from a substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro province. The scandal, which has sparked public outrage and protests, involves allegations that billions of taxpayer dollars were siphoned off for ghost infrastructure projects. Ombudsman spokesman Mico Clavano emphasized that public funds were intended to protect communities from flooding, not to enrich officials or private contractors. The charges mark the beginning of what is expected to be a series of indictments, with more cases currently under preliminary investigation. The scandal has already led to the resignation of several high-profile figures, including two cabinet members and the House speaker. The controversy has also deepened political tensions, with President Ferdinand Marcos’s sister accusing him of drug use, a claim vehemently denied by his son. The scandal has become a focal point of public anger, with the Iglesia ni Cristo church holding massive rallies to demand accountability.
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Tanzania’s leader says election violence could hurt access to international funding
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed concerns on Tuesday that her government might lose access to crucial international funding, which has been a lifeline for the nation. This warning comes in the wake of the most severe election violence in the country’s history. The October 29 elections were marred by three days of protests, with the opposition claiming over 2,000 fatalities and hundreds arrested on treason charges. Although some detainees were later released, the unrest has cast a shadow over Tanzania’s political stability. President Hassan, who secured over 97% of the vote after the exclusion of major opposition candidates, emphasized the need to seek internal funding. “We must utilize our God-given resources to sustain our development projects,” she stated. The violence saw youth vandalizing polling stations, police stations, and bus terminals, with the military deployed to quell the chaos. Despite a return to calm following Hassan’s inauguration and her pledge to restore peace, the political climate remains tense. A Commonwealth delegation, led by Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, is set to engage with Tanzanian officials, political representatives, and civil society to address the situation. Tanzania, long considered peaceful despite allegations of repression, now faces a critical juncture in its political and economic trajectory.
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Bodies of missing mum and child found in freezers in Austria
In a chilling discovery, the bodies of a 34-year-old Syrian woman and her 10-year-old daughter were found concealed inside freezers in an apartment in Innsbruck, western Austria. The remains, hidden behind a drywall partition, were uncovered on Friday, months after the pair had been reported missing. The case has led to the arrest of two brothers, aged 55 and 53, who are now under investigation for murder. The older brother, a colleague of the victim, initially claimed an accident had occurred but denied any involvement in the killings. Authorities, however, have expressed strong suspicions of premeditated murder. The victims’ disappearance was first flagged by the woman’s cousin in Germany in July 2024. Initial investigations revealed that the woman’s bank card had been used abroad, and her mobile phone was found at her residence. Witnesses reported hearing distressing noises from the apartment on the day of their disappearance. Further scrutiny uncovered messages sent from the woman’s phone, including a resignation letter and communications with the older brother. A significant sum of money was also transferred to him. Police revealed that a storage unit had been rented before the disappearance, and a freezer was later removed and replaced, suggesting a calculated effort to conceal the crime. The brothers, currently in pre-trial detention, have made partial admissions but deny intent to kill. Austrian officials have condemned the act as a brutal femicide, highlighting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in society.
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Surfing in Guangdong’s Shantou
Qing’ao Bay in Shantou, Guangdong province, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surfing destination. The bay, which recently hosted the 15th National Games surfing competition, has attracted surfing enthusiasts from around the globe. The event showcased the area’s exceptional wave conditions, leading to widespread acclaim. ‘China has great waves!’ has become a rallying cry among the international surfing community, highlighting the potential of Qing’ao Bay as a world-class surfing hotspot. The competition not only brought attention to the sport but also boosted local tourism and economic activity. With its pristine beaches and consistent waves, Qing’ao Bay is poised to become a key player in the global surfing scene, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting excellence.
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Macao SAR to speed up reform, diversification in 2026: chief executive
In a significant policy address delivered on Tuesday, Sam Hou-fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), outlined the government’s strategic priorities for 2026. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive administrative reform and economic diversification, Sam highlighted the SAR’s commitment to enhancing livelihoods and deepening integration into national development frameworks. The address, presented at the Legislative Assembly, underscored the challenges posed by shifting global and domestic economic landscapes, urging a balanced approach that aligns short-term needs with long-term planning. Sam stressed the importance of revitalizing existing resources while fostering new growth areas, ensuring that economic development and livelihood improvements reinforce each other. The policy blueprint also aims to bolster Macao’s economic recovery, with a focus on positive GDP growth and an improved business environment. Key initiatives include leveraging the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and enhancing governance capacity through legal and administrative reforms. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to national security, ensuring robust safeguards to support high-quality and sustainable development.
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China’s primary school population peaks, middle school to follow
China’s education system is undergoing significant demographic changes, with the primary school student population reaching its peak in 2023, according to Education Minister Huai Jinpeng. Middle schools are expected to follow suit in 2024, while high schools and higher education institutions are projected to peak in 2029 and 2032, respectively. These shifts reflect broader population trends and have prompted the Ministry of Education to reallocate resources to address regional disparities in school placement and resource distribution. Minister Huai emphasized the need to prioritize areas experiencing rapid population growth and urban centers with high concentrations of school-age children. The ministry also plans to expand educational facilities to accommodate these changes, ensuring equitable access to quality education across the country. This strategic response aims to mitigate the challenges posed by fluctuating student numbers and to maintain the stability of China’s education system in the coming decade.