In response to growing public dissatisfaction with his economic policies, US President Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 payment to most Americans, funded by tariff revenues. This idea, which Trump describes as a ‘subsidy,’ aims to address consumer concerns following the Republican Party’s poor performance in recent state elections. However, economists argue that the tariff revenue is insufficient to cover the cost of such payments, potentially requiring deficit financing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has downplayed the likelihood of these payments, suggesting that tariff gains would instead lower tax rates under Trump’s 2025 spending package. Trump has also floated other ideas, including 50-year mortgages and redirecting expiring health insurance subsidies into direct cash payments. These proposals face significant challenges in Congress, where Republicans hold narrow majorities. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues to face criticism for its handling of rising costs in key sectors like beef and electricity. Despite these challenges, Trump’s political instincts remain sharp, as he seeks to recalibrate his policies to reflect public sentiment. His ability to connect with voters, however, is constrained by his position in the Oval Office, prompting discussions about potential nationwide speeches on the economy.
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Watch: Timelapse video shows rare northern lights display in Iowa
A breathtaking celestial phenomenon graced the skies of Iowa this week as a powerful geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to regions far beyond their typical Arctic confines. Captured in a stunning timelapse video, the aurora borealis painted the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink, captivating residents and stargazers alike. This rare occurrence was triggered by heightened solar activity, which propelled charged particles toward Earth, interacting with the planet’s magnetic field to create the dazzling light show. While the northern lights are typically confined to higher latitudes, this event allowed even midwestern states like Iowa to witness the spectacle. Experts suggest that such displays may become more frequent as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. The event has sparked widespread excitement and renewed interest in space weather phenomena.
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Dubai launches new film and gaming committees to develop media sectors
Dubai has taken a significant step toward solidifying its status as a global leader in media production with the establishment of two new specialized committees: the Dubai Film Development Committee and the Dubai Gaming Committee. These initiatives, formed under resolutions issued by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), aim to drive innovation and growth in the film and gaming sectors. The committees are part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai’s media ecosystem, attract international talent, and create new opportunities for investors and content creators. The Dubai Film Development Committee, chaired by Issam Kazim, will focus on supporting local and international production studios, facilitating training programs for young filmmakers, and fostering emerging talent. Meanwhile, the Dubai Gaming Committee, led by Khalfan Belhoul, will prioritize partnerships, specialized training, and the expansion of startups to accelerate the digital economy and reinforce Dubai’s leadership in the gaming industry. Both committees will benefit from Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, agile regulatory frameworks, and strategic geographical location. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the DMC, emphasized that these initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and position the creative economy at the heart of Dubai’s economic ecosystem. The resolutions mandate full cooperation from government entities and relevant organizations to ensure the committees’ success in achieving their objectives.
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Ramaphosa says ‘boycott politics doesn’t work’ over Trump’s decision to skip G20 summit
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, labeling it as a significant loss for the US. The decision, announced by US President Donald Trump, stems from unsubstantiated claims of white persecution in South Africa. Ramaphosa, speaking outside parliament, emphasized that the US’s absence would not hinder the summit’s proceedings, stating, ‘Boycott politics doesn’t work.’ He further highlighted that the US is relinquishing its crucial role as the world’s largest economy by opting out of the event. The G20 summit, scheduled for November 22-23, has been marred by controversy following Trump’s social media post calling South Africa’s hosting a ‘total disgrace.’ Trump initially planned to send Vice-President JD Vance in his stead but later retracted, reiterating his unfounded allegations of human rights abuses against Afrikaners. South Africa has firmly denied these claims, asserting that there is no evidence supporting the notion of white genocide or land confiscation without compensation. The government has labeled these accusations as baseless and lacking credible support. As the summit approaches, Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring its success, despite the US’s withdrawal.
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Regions across China offer financial incentives to boost marriage rates
In response to a significant decline in marriage rates, various regions across China have introduced financial incentives aimed at encouraging couples to marry and start families. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of first marriages in China dropped sharply to 9.17 million in 2024, a staggering 60 percent decrease from the peak of 23.86 million in 2013. Marriage registrations have also seen a dramatic fall, from 13.47 million couples in 2013 to just 6.11 million in 2023. To counteract this trend, local governments have launched a series of initiatives designed to create a more marriage and birth-friendly environment. In Zhejiang Province, for instance, newlyweds in Ningbo are offered 1,000 yuan ($140) in consumption vouchers for wedding-related expenses, such as banquets, photography, and travel. Similar programs are available in Hangzhou, Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, and Jinhua’s Pujiang county. In Guangzhou’s Baiyun district, Nanling village has taken a more generous approach, offering up to 80,000 yuan for first marriages and up to 120,000 yuan for childbirth, provided couples remain married for at least one year. Shanxi Province has adopted a more straightforward strategy, providing eligible newlyweds in Lyuliang with a 1,500 yuan cash bonus upon registration. Beyond these financial incentives, many regions are developing comprehensive support systems that cover marriage, childbirth, daycare, and education. Despite these efforts, experts warn that the structural decrease in the number of women of childbearing age poses a significant challenge. From 2010 to 2020, the number of women aged 15 to 49 decreased by 57.49 million, with those in their prime childbearing years (20 to 29) dropping by 34.63 million. This demographic shift is a key factor driving the decline in marriage registrations, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and systemic measures to address these challenges.
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Food-snatching seagulls are more likely to leave you alone if you shout at them, researchers say
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter’s Center for Ecology and Conservation has uncovered an effective strategy to deter seagulls from stealing food: shouting. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biology Letters, explored whether a human voice could discourage European herring gulls from snatching snacks in seaside towns. The findings revealed that while speaking can momentarily halt the birds, shouting is far more effective in making them flee. The study involved placing fries in a Tupperware box across southwest England and testing the reactions of 61 gulls to recordings of a robin’s song, a male voice speaking calmly, and a male voice shouting. The results showed that the gulls were more vigilant and less likely to approach the food when exposed to human voices, particularly when the tone was urgent. The birds tended to walk away from a speaking voice but flew away from shouting, indicating their ability to differentiate between vocalizations. Neeltje Boogert, a researcher involved in the study, noted that the gulls seemed to pay attention to the manner of speech, a behavior not previously observed in wild species. The study also highlighted that the experiment was designed to demonstrate non-aggressive methods of deterring gulls, a species of conservation concern in the U.K. Further research could explore whether gulls react differently to female voices.
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UAE’s first female ship master, Captain Sahar Rasti, honoured with Maritime Industry Excellence Award
In a landmark moment for the maritime industry, Captain Sahar Rasti, the UAE’s first female ship master, was awarded the Benchmark for Maritime Industry Excellence Award at The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented on October 29, 2025, at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, recognizes her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment in the maritime sector. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, drew over 1,000 senior executives and industry leaders from across the Middle East, India, and beyond. Captain Rasti’s achievement is a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation within its maritime industry. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that the award symbolizes the potential of Emirati women to excel in leadership roles and encouraged young women to pursue their passions in maritime careers. The TMS Awards 2025 celebrated excellence across 25 categories, including shipping, logistics, and marine technology, while highlighting the UAE’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices. Trevor Pereira, Managing Director of The Maritime Standard, underscored the event’s role in promoting innovation and excellence, reinforcing the region’s position as a global maritime leader. Captain Rasti’s groundbreaking accomplishment not only marks a milestone for women in the industry but also reflects the UAE’s vision of nurturing local talent and driving global maritime innovation.
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Danish man given suspended sentence for sharing nude film scenes on Reddit
A Danish man has been found guilty of distributing nude scenes from copyrighted films and TV series on Reddit, marking a significant legal precedent in copyright law. According to a police report obtained by BBC News, the unnamed individual shared 347 explicit clips on a Reddit group he moderated, which garnered 4.2 million views. The Danish court handed him a seven-month suspended sentence for copyright infringement, citing a rarely invoked clause in Danish copyright law that protects artists’ ‘moral rights.’ The judge ruled that by removing the scenes from their original context, the man had harmed the integrity and reputation of the artists involved. Additionally, he was convicted of sharing over 25 terabytes of copyrighted data. Operating under the pseudonym ‘KlammereFyr,’ the man posted sexually explicit scenes featuring more than 100 actresses between March 2022 and May 2023. His subreddit, which had over 6,000 members, encouraged users to request clips of specific actors. The case was reported to the police in 2023 by The Rights Alliance (TRA), an anti-piracy group, on behalf of affected actors, directors, and producers, leading to the subreddit’s closure. Andrea Vagn Jensen, one of the actresses whose scenes were shared, described the posts as ‘abuse,’ emphasizing the distinction between appearing nude in a film and having those scenes distributed on Reddit. The man was arrested in September 2024 and pleaded guilty last month. Maria Fredenslund, head of TRA, hailed the ruling as an ‘important’ signal that violations of artists’ rights have consequences. The case is notable for its application of the ‘moral rights’ section of the Danish Copyright Act, which safeguards an artist’s work from misuse that could damage their reputation. Dr. Alina Trapova, a copyright law expert, told the BBC that the case is ‘rare’ for its focus on the integrity of artists rather than economic harm. While the broader implications for other countries remain unclear, Trapova suggested that similar cases may increase with the rise of artificial intelligence, which could make it easier to manipulate the integrity of creative works.
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Nigerians praise young soldier for standing up to powerful minister
A young Nigerian soldier, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become a symbol of courage and professionalism after a video of him standing his ground against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike went viral. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Lt. Yerima, acting on orders from his superiors, prevented Minister Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The video, which has garnered millions of views, shows Wike growing increasingly agitated as Lt. Yerima calmly refuses him entry, citing his orders. Social media users have widely praised the soldier’s composure, with many describing him as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous.’ Some have even shared his photo on their WhatsApp statuses as a mark of respect. The confrontation is particularly notable because Wike, a former governor of oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Known for his assertive demeanor, Wike rarely faces resistance from lower-ranking officials. In the video, Wike is heard insulting the soldier, saying, ‘You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.’ Lt. Yerima responds calmly, stating, ‘I am not a fool, sir.’ The reason for the soldiers’ presence on the land remains unclear, and the Nigerian military has yet to comment on the incident. Wike later told journalists that he visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers. He claimed the land falls under his jurisdiction and that his administration is investigating reports of illegal construction and land encroachment. ‘This is what prevents us from progressing,’ Wike said, adding that the soldiers failed to produce the documents he requested. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about accountability, professionalism, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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Pink-purple buckwheat fields bloom in Guizhou province
Every November, the rolling hills of Anshun in Guizhou province are transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink and purple as buckwheat fields burst into full bloom. Unlike the more common white buckwheat flowers, these blooms exhibit a unique and striking pink-purple hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts visitors and photographers alike. The vibrant colors blanket the gently sloping terrain, offering a stark contrast to the region’s usual greenery. This natural phenomenon not only highlights the beauty of Guizhou’s rural landscapes but also underscores the area’s agricultural diversity. The annual bloom has become a symbol of the region’s natural charm, drawing attention to its ecological and cultural significance.