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  • Ireland struggles but finishes strong to defeat Japan 41-10

    Ireland struggles but finishes strong to defeat Japan 41-10

    In a highly anticipated rugby match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Ireland emerged victorious with a 41-10 win over Japan on Saturday. Despite the seemingly comfortable scoreline, the Irish team faced significant challenges in maintaining rhythm and cohesion throughout the game. Coach Andy Farrell, seeking redemption after a 26-13 loss to New Zealand in Chicago, witnessed a sluggish performance from his squad until the final quarter. Japan, still reeling from a 61-7 defeat by South Africa, initially appeared vulnerable but managed to entertain the crowd with spirited play. Ireland’s early struggles included errant passes and shaky set-pieces, but the introduction of substitutes Cian Prendergast, Sam Prendergast, and Jack Conan injected much-needed energy. Three late tries in the final 14 minutes padded the scoreline, masking the team’s earlier difficulties. Flyhalf Jack Crowley and flanker Nick Timoney contributed to Ireland’s first-half efforts, while Japan’s Kenji Sato scored a converted try just before halftime. The second half saw Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Gus McCarthy add to the tally, with Tommy O’Brien sealing the victory with a spectacular try. Despite the win, Ireland’s performance highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare to face Australia next weekend.

  • Thousands flee to overcrowded camps after Sudan’s paramilitary captures el-Fasher

    Thousands flee to overcrowded camps after Sudan’s paramilitary captures el-Fasher

    The ongoing conflict in Sudan has plunged the Darfur region into a deepening humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes to escape reported atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the RSF captured el-Fasher on October 26, over 16,200 people have sought refuge in overcrowded camps in Tawila, located approximately 70 kilometers from the city. The International Organization for Migration estimates that around 82,000 individuals have fled el-Fasher and its surrounding areas as of November 4, many of them arriving in Tawila on foot. The camps, already strained by previous waves of displacement, are ill-equipped to handle the influx, with makeshift tents and scarce resources. Aid groups report severe malnutrition among children and adults, while displaced families struggle to survive on just one or two meals a day. The RSF and the Sudanese army have been locked in a brutal war since April 2023, with at least 40,000 people killed and 12 million displaced nationwide. The conflict has exacerbated food insecurity, leaving nearly half of Sudan’s population in dire need. The RSF’s recent seizure of el-Fasher, following an 18-month siege, has been marked by widespread violence, including summary executions, sexual assaults, and attacks on civilians. Despite a proposed humanitarian truce by a U.S.-led mediator group, the RSF and the army remain at odds over the conditions for a ceasefire. The fall of el-Fasher and escalating violence in North Kordofan signal the RSF’s growing strategic advantage, further destabilizing the region and intensifying the suffering of civilians.

  • Xi urges deepening reform, opening-up during Guangdong inspection tour

    Xi urges deepening reform, opening-up during Guangdong inspection tour

    During his recent inspection tour in Guangdong province, President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity of deepening reform and opening-up to achieve high-quality development. The visit, which took place on November 7 and 8, 2025, highlighted the importance of advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development through sustained efforts. Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited a pomelo growing base in Meizhou city. There, he learned about local initiatives aimed at supporting old revolutionary base areas and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. Xi’s remarks underscored the strategic significance of Guangdong in China’s broader economic and developmental agenda, reinforcing the region’s role as a pivotal hub for innovation and growth.

  • Philippines warns of deadly storm surges as Fung-wong nears super typhoon strength

    Philippines warns of deadly storm surges as Fung-wong nears super typhoon strength

    The Philippines is on high alert as Typhoon Fung-wong, rapidly intensifying toward super typhoon status, approaches the country’s eastern coast. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued dire warnings of life-threatening storm surges reaching up to five meters and destructive winds capable of widespread devastation. The typhoon, locally named Uwan, is expected to make landfall on Sunday night, with its massive 1,500-kilometer circulation already unleashing heavy rains and strong winds across eastern regions. PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja emphasized the storm’s potential to cover nearly the entire country, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gusts up to 170 kph, possibly intensifying to 185 kph upon landfall. Such force could obliterate homes, uproot trees, and flatten structures. Eastern provinces, particularly the Bicol region and parts of Samar, are forecast to receive up to 200 mm of rainfall, heightening risks of severe flooding and landslides. Northern and central Luzon may also experience 100-200 mm of rain. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to evacuate immediately and halt all marine activities. In preparation, several local governments have suspended classes for Monday, and the national flag carrier has canceled multiple flights. The looming threat follows the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently claimed 204 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, displaced hundreds of thousands, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Both nations, situated along the Pacific typhoon belt, remain highly vulnerable to such extreme weather events. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of storms like Kalmaegi and Fung-wong to rising global temperatures, underscoring the escalating impact of climate change.

  • More than 1,000 flights cancelled in US government shutdown fallout

    More than 1,000 flights cancelled in US government shutdown fallout

    The ongoing US government shutdown has led to the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights across the country, causing widespread disruption to air travel. The crisis, now in its sixth week, has left many government employees, including essential airport staff, either working without pay or furloughed at home. The Trump administration has implemented flight reductions to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers, with cuts affecting 40 major airports, including hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The reductions, starting at four per cent, are expected to rise to 10 per cent next week if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement. According to FlightAware, over 1,000 flights scheduled for Friday were cancelled, with significant delays reported at Reagan National Airport in Washington, Denver International, and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted average delays of four hours at Reagan National, with 90-minute waits in Phoenix and one-hour delays in Chicago and San Francisco. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed frustration, stating, ‘We don’t need to be in this position.’ The shutdown, driven by a bitter standoff between Republicans and Democrats over health insurance subsidies, has left federal agencies inoperable since funding lapsed on October 1. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for the shutdown, urging them to vote to reopen the government. President Donald Trump also called on Senate lawmakers to remain in Washington until an agreement is reached. The flight reductions come as the US enters its busiest travel period, with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. Retiree Werner Buchi and other travellers expressed concerns about the impact on holiday plans. American Airlines reported 220 daily flight cancellations, while Delta Air Lines cut about 170 flights and Southwest Airlines axed around 100 flights. Despite the disruptions, the Trump administration reassured the public that flying remains safe, with Duffy stating, ‘It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking.’ However, many aviation workers are reportedly calling in sick or seeking second jobs to cope with financial stress.

  • What to know about COP30, this year’s UN climate talks

    What to know about COP30, this year’s UN climate talks

    As the world grapples with escalating climate crises, Belem, Brazil, has become the focal point for the 30th United Nations Climate Summit, COP30. Delegates from across the globe are converging at the gateway of the Amazon, aiming to forge collective strategies to mitigate the devastating impacts of human-induced climate change. Despite the urgency, many experts warn that the window to achieve meaningful progress is rapidly closing. The stakes are monumental, as climate change continues to exacerbate life-threatening disasters for billions worldwide. Delaying action, they argue, will only deepen the crisis. This year’s summit places a spotlight on Indigenous communities, forest conservation, and sustainable agriculture, recognizing their pivotal role in combating climate change. Brazil’s government is championing the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, an innovative initiative offering financial incentives for forest protection. However, the success of this program hinges on substantial financial commitments from global leaders. The summit also underscores the need to overhaul food systems and safeguard ecosystems that absorb pollution and protect against diseases. Despite these efforts, the world remains off track from the Paris Agreement’s goals, with global temperatures rising alarmingly. While renewable energy has become more cost-effective than fossil fuels, many nations’ climate plans fall short of what is required. COP30 is not expected to yield a landmark agreement but is instead framed as an ‘implementation COP,’ focusing on accelerating existing commitments. Critics, however, remain skeptical, with some labeling such gatherings as ineffective bureaucratic exercises. As the world watches, the question remains: Can COP30 catalyze the urgent action needed to avert climate catastrophe?

  • New typhoon bears down on Philippines days after deadly storm

    New typhoon bears down on Philippines days after deadly storm

    The Philippines is preparing for the imminent arrival of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across the nation, claiming at least 200 lives and causing widespread destruction. Fung-wong is forecast to intensify with sustained winds exceeding 185 km/h (115 mph) before making landfall on Luzon, the country’s largest island, as early as Sunday evening. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has warned of life-threatening storm surges and torrential rains accompanying the typhoon.

  • UAE: Parents ordered to pay Dh65,000 in 2 bullying cases as kids’ behaviours cause injury

    UAE: Parents ordered to pay Dh65,000 in 2 bullying cases as kids’ behaviours cause injury

    In a landmark ruling, the Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims has ordered parents to pay a total of Dh65,000 in compensation for two separate cases of school bullying and violence involving their children. The court’s decision underscores the legal responsibility of parents for their children’s actions, even outside the home. In the first case, a father was fined Dh30,000 after his two sons repeatedly bullied, physically assaulted, and filmed a classmate, causing the victim severe emotional distress and mood swings. The minors had already been convicted in a related criminal case, which confirmed the physical and psychological harm inflicted. In the second case, several guardians were jointly ordered to pay Dh35,000 after their children attacked another student with sharp tools, leaving the victim with multiple injuries and emotional trauma. The court ruled that the guardians were negligent in supervising their children, leading to the incidents. The compensation covered both physical injuries and the emotional suffering endured by the victims. The court based its decisions on Article 313 of the Civil Transactions Law, which holds guardians legally accountable for damages caused by minors under their care if proper supervision is lacking. The rulings also emphasized the role of criminal case findings in establishing civil liability, including proof of wrongdoing, the extent of harm, and the appropriate compensation. By considering the severity of the harm and the victims’ recovery time, the court sent a clear message: bullying and violence by minors can result in not only criminal consequences for the children but also significant financial liabilities for their parents and guardians.

  • UAE: Travelling for Umrah? How to get mandatory vaccine; health tips to stay safe

    UAE: Travelling for Umrah? How to get mandatory vaccine; health tips to stay safe

    As millions of Muslims prepare for the spiritual journey of Umrah, Saudi Arabian authorities have introduced stringent health measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. These measures include mandatory vaccinations and health advisories to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in crowded areas. The UAE has also emphasized the importance of vaccinations for its residents traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The seasonal influenza vaccine is mandatory for all UAE residents planning to undertake the pilgrimage. It is recommended that travelers receive this vaccination at least 10 days before departure to ensure adequate immunity. The vaccine is available at Emirates Health Services (EHS) general health centers for Dh50, with an additional Dh20 fee for a vaccination card required at travel hubs. Certain groups, including UAE citizens, individuals over 50, people of determination, children under 5, pregnant women, students, and healthcare workers, are exempt from the vaccination fee. Previously, the meningococcal vaccine was mandatory for all Umrah travelers aged 1 and above, but Saudi Arabia recently announced that this is no longer a requirement. However, those who still wish to receive the vaccine must book a doctor’s consultation, which costs Dh150 unless they possess an EHS health card. The Saudi Ministry of Health also recommends the SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine for travelers to Umrah areas, which include Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif. Pilgrims with chronic conditions are advised to carry detailed medical documentation and sufficient medication in its original packaging. In addition to vaccinations, travelers are encouraged to follow general health tips, such as frequent handwashing, using face masks in crowded areas, maintaining food hygiene, staying hydrated, and protecting against mosquito bites. These precautions are essential for ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience.

  • US to boycott G20 in South Africa, Trump says

    US to boycott G20 in South Africa, Trump says

    In a surprising move, former US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. Trump cited unsubstantiated claims of persecution against the white minority in South Africa, particularly Afrikaners, as the reason for the boycott. He labeled South Africa’s hosting of the event as a ‘total disgrace’ and vowed that no US government officials would attend under these circumstances. This decision has drawn criticism from South Africa’s foreign ministry, which described it as ‘regrettable’ and refuted the allegations as baseless. The ministry emphasized that no political party in South Africa, including those representing the white community, has supported the claim of genocide. Trump’s stance has reignited tensions between the two nations, following his earlier confrontation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in May. The Trump administration has also granted refugee status to Afrikaners, citing a supposed ‘genocide,’ a claim dismissed by South African courts as ‘clearly imagined.’ The G20, established in 1999 to address global economic stability, will proceed without US representation, raising questions about the future of international cooperation.