In a significant move aimed at enhancing residency regulations, Oman has announced the extension of residency card validity from three years to a decade. This decision, issued under Decision 157/2025, amends the Executive Regulations of the Civil Status Law and applies to specific categories as defined by the Director General. Cardholders are required to renew their residency within 30 days of issuance. The annual fee for the residency card remains at 5 Omani riyals, while replacement cards will cost 20 Omani riyals. This development follows Oman’s recent introduction of a visa amnesty scheme, effective until December 31, 2025. The scheme allows visa violators to regularize their status or settle fines. According to the Royal Oman Police, foreign nationals seeking to renew their residence permits or transfer employment within Oman will be exempt from fines related to expired permits, provided their status is verified by the Ministry of Labour. Similarly, those wishing to leave Oman permanently will be exempt from fines tied to non-work-related visa terminations. These measures reflect Oman’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and support foreign residents.
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Investigators blame bad weather for helicopter crash that killed two ministers in Ghana
A devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others has been attributed to adverse weather conditions and outdated aviation systems, according to an investigative committee. The Z9 military helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi in August, crashed in a dense forest, leaving no survivors. The two-month investigation revealed that the aircraft experienced a ‘downdraft,’ a downward air current, causing it to lose altitude and lift. While the helicopter was deemed airworthy, the report highlighted the lack of modern safety and navigational systems, such as the terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), which could have alerted the pilots to potential ground collisions. Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired commercial pilot and aviation engineer who led the investigation, emphasized the need for modernizing the Ghana Air Force fleet. The probe was conducted by Ghanaian authorities with assistance from US aviation experts and the Chinese manufacturer of the helicopter. The passengers were traveling to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining. An eyewitness reported the helicopter was flying at an unusually low altitude before the crash, describing hearing a loud sound followed by a bang. Upon reaching the scene, the witness found no survivors. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced aviation safety measures in Ghana.
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Six punished for disrupting wedding procession in Hebei
In a recent incident in Xianghe county, Langfang, Hebei province, six individuals were penalized by local authorities for disrupting a wedding procession and demanding cigarettes. The event, which occurred on November 5, saw the group stopping a wedding car under the guise of offering congratulations and insisting on receiving nine cartons of cigarettes, without specifying any particular brand. Contrary to circulating online rumors, officials clarified that the claim of 50 cartons being involved was unfounded and originated from a driver within the wedding convoy who disseminated the false information. After a 20-minute standoff, the newlyweds managed to continue their journey in a different vehicle, while the six individuals departed empty-handed. Local authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to curb such disruptive practices and have urged the public to report any similar occurrences.
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Apple pulls two gay dating apps in China under government order
In a move reflecting the increasing regulatory scrutiny on China’s LGBTQ+ community, Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. The tech giant cited an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) as the reason for the takedown. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We follow the laws in the countries where we operate,’ emphasizing the company’s compliance with local regulations. While the full versions of both apps are no longer accessible in China, an ‘express’ version of Blued remains available, though its differences from the original are unclear. Finka’s developer had already opted to remove the app outside China earlier this year. This action follows the removal of another popular gay dating app, Grindr, from Apple’s Chinese App Store in 2022. Both Blued and Finka are owned by BlueCity, a Chinese company focused on LGBTQ+ services, which was delisted from Nasdaq in 2022. Apple’s decision underscores its willingness to adhere to Chinese internet regulations, a stance that has been noted by industry experts. George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group, remarked that Apple rarely resists government takedown requests, given the importance of the Chinese market to its global operations. This development highlights the growing challenges faced by China’s LGBTQ+ community, which has seen increased pressure from authorities despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1997.
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Russian court extends jailing of teenage singer over street performance of anti-war songs
In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates, a Russian court in St. Petersburg has extended the detention of Diana Loginova, an 18-year-old street singer, for an additional 13 days. Loginova, who performs under the stage name Naoko with the band Stoptime, faces charges of violating public order during an October performance where she sang anti-war songs. This marks her third consecutive sentencing since her initial arrest on October 15, with the court also imposing fines for allegedly “discrediting the Russian armed forces.”
Alexander Orlov, another member of Stoptime, has similarly faced repeated detentions alongside Loginova. Both have denied any wrongdoing. Amnesty International has criticized these actions as “carousel arrests,” designed to keep them in custody without formal criminal charges.
Human rights activists argue that Loginova and her bandmates have been targeted for performing songs by artists who opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and subsequently left the country. Videos of their performances, which feature crowds singing lyrics critical of the Kremlin and the war, have gone viral online, prompting calls from pro-Kremlin activists for police intervention.
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, condemned the arrests, stating that Loginova and Orlov are being punished for their public performances, which he described as “a breath of fresh air in a country gasping under repression and self-censorship.” He called for their immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that their only “crime” is exercising their right to freedom of expression.
The case has sparked solidarity performances in several Russian cities, leading to further arrests and fines. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have intensified their crackdown on dissent, targeting rights groups, independent media, civil society organizations, LGBTQ+ activists, and religious groups. Hundreds have been jailed, and thousands have fled the country.
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Families of Camp Mystic victims sue owners over deadly Texas flood
The families of victims from the tragic Camp Mystic floods have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Christian camp, alleging gross negligence and failure to protect the children under their care. The devastating flash floods during the 4 July holiday claimed the lives of 27 children and counselors. The lawsuit, filed in Austin, seeks over $1 million in damages and accuses the camp owners of ignoring flood warnings and failing to evacuate campers promptly. The camp’s decision to partially reopen next year has further fueled outrage among the victims’ families. The lawsuit states, ‘These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety.’ The camp’s lawyer expressed empathy but contested some allegations, citing the unprecedented nature of the flood. Texas lawmakers have since passed legislation to prevent such tragedies, including restrictions on camps in flood-risk zones and mandatory emergency training.
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Fog helps Russian forces push deeper into key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk
In a strategic maneuver facilitated by dense fog, Russian forces have intensified their advance into the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, located in the eastern Donetsk region. The adverse weather conditions have significantly reduced visibility, hampering Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance efforts and allowing Russian troops to move more freely. According to Ukraine’s 7th Airborne Assault Corps, the fog has enabled Moscow to deploy additional forces into the city, aiming to encircle Ukrainian defenders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the challenging situation, noting that the weather has favored Russian military operations. A viral video on social media shows Russian soldiers driving through the foggy outskirts of Pokrovsk on civilian vehicles, a tactic made possible by the lack of Ukrainian drone surveillance. The BBC verified the location of the footage as the southern outskirts of the city. A Ukrainian drone pilot, known by the call-sign ‘Goose,’ revealed that the fog has severely limited their ability to monitor and intercept Russian movements. Despite repelling some attacks, Ukrainian forces face significant challenges in maintaining control over the city, which is now largely a contested ‘grey zone.’ Russian troops are reportedly attempting to encircle Pokrovsk and neighboring Myrnohrad, cutting off logistical routes and targeting Ukrainian supply lines with drones and ground infiltrations. Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets highlighted the effectiveness of Russian infiltration tactics, which include disguising soldiers as locals or Ukrainian troops to sow chaos. Meanwhile, Russian forces are also pushing on other fronts, including Kupyansk in the northeast and Zaporizhzhya in the south, although Ukrainian officials deny claims of encirclement in these areas. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in intense combat as the conflict continues to escalate.
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Fact check: Red Fort blast in Delhi not confirmed to be CNG explosion
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has left at least 12 people dead, sparking widespread concern and heightened security measures across India. Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially denied that the blast was caused by a CNG cylinder explosion. The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, is currently under investigation by national security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG).
Initial reports from a popular social media account, TeamSaathOfficial, suggested that the explosion was a tragic accident rather than a terror attack. The account, which has over 100,000 followers, cited an alleged confirmation from Special CP Ravindra Yadav of the Delhi Police. However, no official statement from the Delhi Police has corroborated this claim. TeamSaathOfficial later deleted the post and issued a public apology, urging followers to verify information from reliable sources before sharing.
In response to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to deliver justice for the victims and extended his condolences to the affected families. The owner of the car involved in the explosion, along with two associates, has been arrested. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India has announced that the Red Fort will remain closed until November 13 to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Security has been significantly tightened across the country, with police checkpoints established in various cities and airports issuing advisories to passengers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired a high-level security meeting to address the situation. The incident has also prompted a broader discussion on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence, as misinformation continues to spread rapidly in the aftermath of such events.
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‘There was a state of terror’: Sudan hospital worker describes fleeing before alleged massacre
In the wake of a devastating conflict in Sudan, Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed, a laboratory technician at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, has shared his harrowing experiences with the BBC. Ahmed, who fled to a displaced persons camp in Tawila, 70 kilometers west of el-Fasher, described the loss of his colleagues and the pervasive sense of despair that now engulfs him. ‘I have lost the people whose faces I used to see smiling… It feels as if you lost a big part of your body or your soul,’ he lamented.
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China’s digital leap empowering the world
China’s rapid advancements in digital technology are making waves across the globe, transforming industries and improving lives. From cutting-edge digital crop estimation techniques to the expansion of e-commerce platforms into international markets, China’s digital revolution is setting new benchmarks. International experts have lauded these innovations, highlighting their profound impact on global economies and societies. The integration of digital solutions in agriculture, commerce, and communication is not only enhancing efficiency but also fostering cross-border collaboration. As China continues to lead in digital innovation, its contributions are empowering nations worldwide, driving progress, and bridging technological divides.