The Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a sprawling facility in Gujarat, India, has once again come under intense scrutiny. Operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual, the zoo has been accused of importing endangered species in potential violation of international conservation laws. The facility, which claims to house 150,000 animals, was recently cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court. However, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has raised alarms about its practices. The report, published ahead of CITES discussions this month, highlights inconsistencies in the zoo’s import records, particularly concerning Appendix I species—the most critically endangered animals globally. Experts warn that Vantara, as the zoo is informally known, may be inadvertently driving illegal wildlife trade. The report calls for significant reforms to ensure compliance with international regulations. Among the allegations is the acquisition of a Tapanuli orangutan, the world’s most endangered great ape, from the United Arab Emirates. Despite CITES’ prohibition on trading such species, Vantara classified the orangutan as ‘captive-bred,’ a claim disputed by Indonesian experts who assert no such breeding programs exist. Similar concerns have been raised regarding cheetahs from Syria, a gorilla from Haiti, and bonobos from Iraq. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, has been advocating for the return of several orangutans to Indonesia, including one intercepted in India and handed to Vantara. The CITES report underscores the need for India to overhaul its import procedures and enhance oversight. Independent wildlife trade expert Daniel Stiles described the report as a ‘true examination’ of Vantara’s operations. The findings have sparked concerns about India’s conservation credibility, with experts urging immediate action to address the irregularities.
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UAE offers condolences to Brazil after hurricane kills dozens
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed profound condolences to Brazil in the wake of a catastrophic hurricane that ravaged the state of Paraná, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive material destruction. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Brazilian government, and its citizens, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. In a gesture of solidarity, UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent formal messages of condolence to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UAE’s response underscores its commitment to fostering international goodwill and supporting nations during times of crisis. This tragic event highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters, prompting global calls for enhanced climate action and disaster preparedness.
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Investing in people: a worthwhile investment
As China’s modernization drive reaches a pivotal stage, Chi Fulin, President of the China Institute for Reform and Development and the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies, has released a groundbreaking book titled ‘A Great Nation Prioritizing People’s Livelihoods: The Grand Strategy of Chinese Modernization.’ Launched in Beijing on November 9, 2025, the book underscores the necessity of shifting from an investment-led model to a people-centered approach in China’s modernization efforts. Published by CITIC Press, the work draws on over four decades of research and reform experience, emphasizing the importance of improving human capital, ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare, and fostering inclusive urbanization. Chi, a veteran reform advisor since the 1980s, argues that investing in people is not merely a social expenditure but a productive investment that drives innovation, consumption, and job creation. The book aligns with the Communist Party of China’s vision of shared prosperity and offers a practical roadmap for achieving these goals. Chi highlights that redirecting resources from infrastructure to human development can unlock the vast potential of China’s 1.4 billion population, boosting productivity and consumption. He also stresses the unique advantages of China’s socialist system in implementing equitable and sustainable policies. As China progresses toward its 2035 long-term goals, Chi’s insights provide both strategic direction and inspiration for building a modern, inclusive society.
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Drones to help Dubai authorities investigate fire incidents, improve safety
Dubai authorities are set to revolutionize fire incident management and safety protocols through the integration of cutting-edge drone technology. In a strategic move, Dubai Police and the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance coordination and expertise in drone applications. This collaboration will link the Civil Defence reporting system with the Dubai Police Drone Systems Center, enabling detailed incident reconstruction, scenario development, and knowledge exchange. The initiative aims to improve emergency response times, integrate drones into security infrastructure, and ensure community safety. Lt Gen Harib Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs, emphasized that the MoU aligns with Dubai’s leadership vision to establish a comprehensive security system adaptable to modern challenges. He highlighted the importance of institutional integration in achieving strategic goals for safety and well-being. Lt Gen Jamal Al Muhairi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, underscored the role of smart technologies in enhancing rapid response mechanisms and incident management. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a leader in security innovation and future readiness.
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‘The Night Manager 2’ teaser: Tom Hiddleston returns to unearth an arms conspiracy
The highly anticipated teaser for the second season of *The Night Manager* has been released, marking the return of Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine. The new season, filmed across the UK, Spain, Colombia, and France, promises a gripping narrative of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action. Hiddleston’s character, now living under the alias Alex Goodwin, is drawn back into the world of international intrigue when he encounters a former mercenary linked to his past. This chance meeting propels Pine into a dangerous mission to expose a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing a nation. Along the way, he crosses paths with Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva), a Colombian businessman, and Roxana Bolanos (Camila Morrone), a reluctant ally who aids Pine in infiltrating a deadly arms operation. The series delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths one must go to uncover the truth. The first three episodes will premiere on January 11, 2026, on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing weekly until the season finale on February 1. The show will also be available on BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Returning cast members include Olivia Colman as Angela Burr, alongside new additions Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, Indira Varma, Paul Chahidi, and Hayley Squires. The series is created and executive produced by David Farr and directed by BAFTA winner Georgi Banks-Davies.
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US grounds MD-11 cargo planes for inspections after deadly crash
In the wake of a catastrophic crash involving a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane in Kentucky, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency directive grounding all MD-11 and MD-11F models for immediate inspections. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and narrowly avoided a major Ford vehicle assembly plant employing approximately 3,000 workers. The plane, operated by UPS and laden with 144,000 liters of fuel, exploded upon impact, leaving a trail of debris and billowing smoke. The FAA’s directive, announced on Saturday, mandates that all MD-11 aircraft remain grounded until thorough inspections and necessary corrective actions are completed. The agency cited the detachment of the left-hand engine and pylon during takeoff as the primary concern, indicating that similar issues could arise in other aircraft of the same design. UPS and FedEx, both major operators of the MD-11, have voluntarily grounded their fleets, with UPS stating that the model constitutes about nine percent of its total fleet. Boeing, the current owner of McDonnell Douglas, has recommended suspending all MD-11 operations pending further engineering analysis. The crash, described as the deadliest in UPS history, has prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for prayers for the victims’ families and the Louisville community, emphasizing the tragic impact of the event. The incident has also raised concerns about air safety amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, though the NTSB has confirmed no staff shortages at Louisville’s airport at the time of the crash.
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Trump administration tells states to stop paying full food aid benefits
The Trump administration has mandated that U.S. states cease providing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to low-income families, labeling such payments as ‘unauthorized.’ This directive, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, follows a Supreme Court decision permitting the administration to withhold a portion of funding pending further legal proceedings. As a result, states are now required to distribute only 65% of the usual benefits. This development affects over 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, and comes amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Previously, some states had utilized emergency funds to supplement recipient benefits, but the USDA’s recent memo insists that states immediately reverse any actions taken to issue full benefits for November 2025. The legal dispute arose after the USDA announced that SNAP benefits would be suspended in November due to funding shortages caused by the shutdown. The White House sought intervention from the Supreme Court after a lower court ruled that full benefits should be disbursed. On Friday, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order, temporarily allowing the administration to withhold $4 billion in SNAP funding. SNAP, which supports approximately one in eight Americans, costs nearly $9 billion monthly.
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BBC director resigns after criticism of the broadcaster’s editing of a Trump speech
In a significant development, the BBC’s top executives, Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness, stepped down on Sunday following widespread criticism over the broadcaster’s handling of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy stems from the BBC’s editing of Trump’s address on January 6, 2021, which preceded the storming of the U.S. Capitol by protesters. The public broadcaster faced backlash for its editorial decisions, which were perceived as altering the context of the speech. The resignations mark a pivotal moment for the BBC, raising questions about journalistic integrity and accountability in the face of public scrutiny. The organization has yet to announce replacements for the departing leaders, leaving a leadership vacuum at a critical time.
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Grammys 2026: Priyanka Chopra lauds Anoushka Shankar for her two nominations
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar has once again made headlines with her latest Grammy nominations, marking her 12th and 13th nods at the prestigious awards. Her single ‘Daybreak’ has been nominated for Best Global Music Performance, while her collaborative album ‘Chapter III: We Return To Light’—featuring Alam Khan and drummer Sarathy Korwar—has secured a nomination for Best Global Music Album. The 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will reveal the winners. Shankar took to Instagram to express her gratitude, stating, ‘Today is a day of contrasts—a horrific migraine AND news of my 12th and 13th Grammy nominations all in one afternoon. I’m beyond grateful.’ Her achievement has been celebrated by fellow artists, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who praised Shankar’s ‘queen energy’ on her Instagram Story. Additionally, composer Siddhant Bhatia and Indo-American jazz pianist Charu Suri have also earned nominations for their respective works, ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ and ‘Shayan’. Shankar’s continued success highlights her enduring influence in the global music scene.
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Iraqi forces, displaced people vote early ahead of election
Iraqi security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) cast their ballots on Sunday in early voting ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. The polls opened at 0400 GMT, allowing over 1.3 million members of the armed forces and more than 26,500 IDPs to participate. This election marks the sixth parliamentary vote since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. A total of 7,740 candidates, including nearly a third women, are vying for the 329 seats in parliament. The elections will be governed by an old electoral law reinstated in 2023, which critics argue favors larger political parties. In the 2021 elections, around 70 independents secured seats, but only 75 are contesting this time. Concerns loom over voter turnout, which hit a record low of 41% in 2021, reflecting widespread voter apathy and disillusionment amid entrenched leadership, mismanagement, and corruption. Influential Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has called for a boycott, labeling the election as ‘flawed.’ Since the US-led invasion, Iraq’s Shia majority has dominated politics, with key figures like former Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and cleric Ammar Al Hakim expected to play pivotal roles. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, backed by pro-Iranian parties, is seeking a second term and is anticipated to secure a significant bloc. By tradition, the prime minister’s post is held by a Shia, the parliament speaker by a Sunni, and the largely ceremonial presidency by a Kurd. The next prime minister will be chosen by the coalition that forms the largest parliamentary bloc through negotiations.