A devastating explosion rocked a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, during Friday prayers, leaving 54 individuals injured. The incident occurred in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta, prompting immediate emergency response and police investigation. Authorities, led by city police chief Asep Edi Suheri, are working to determine the cause of the blast, which resulted in injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burns. Local media outlets, including KompasTV and MetroTV, broadcasted scenes of the aftermath, showing a police cordon around the school and ambulances on standby. Despite the explosion, the mosque did not sustain significant structural damage. The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in public spaces, particularly during religious gatherings. Investigations are ongoing, with no immediate clarity on the cause or motive behind the explosion.
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China’s Greater Bay Area builds world-class city cluster through connectivity, innovation
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly transforming into a world-class city cluster, driven by unprecedented connectivity and technological innovation. Spanning 56,000 square kilometers and home to over 80 million people, the GBA is set to host the 15th National Games, a symbolic event that underscores the region’s collaborative spirit and economic prowess. The games’ road cycling race will traverse the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, showcasing the GBA’s integrated infrastructure and co-host model for major events. The GBA’s economy has surged to 14.79 trillion yuan ($2.09 trillion) in 2024, surpassing both the New York and San Francisco Bay Areas, and positioning it among the world’s leading economic hubs. Enhanced connectivity, including thousands of kilometers of expressways and harmonized standards across 36 fields, has significantly reduced travel times and streamlined cross-border cooperation. The region’s technological innovation is equally impressive, with institutions like the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology producing an average of 4.7 patents daily and the establishment of 31 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao joint labs. The GBA’s rise is a testament to China’s broader development strategy, aiming to create a global hub for technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.
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India’s top court says Air India crash report does not insinuate anything against pilot
India’s Supreme Court has clarified that a preliminary report on the tragic Air India crash in June, which claimed 260 lives, does not implicate the pilot in any wrongdoing. The court announced this on Friday, November 7, 2025, while agreeing to hear a plea from the pilot’s father, Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, on November 10. The 91-year-old has demanded an independent investigation led by a panel of aviation experts and overseen by a retired Supreme Court judge. This follows his criticism of the government’s initial probe, which he claims implied his son, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, deliberately cut the plane’s fuel supply after takeoff. The government has refuted these allegations, describing its investigation as ‘very clean’ and ‘thorough.’ Earlier this year, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released an interim report stating that the plane’s fuel engine switches had simultaneously moved from ‘run’ to ‘cutoff’ shortly after takeoff. The case continues to draw significant attention as the court prepares to address the plea for an independent inquiry.
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Guangzhou forestry and fruit expo to showcase Xinjiang’s specialty products
The Fifth China Xinjiang Special Forestry and Fruit Products Expo is set to open in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, from November 14 to 16, 2025. This annual event aims to expand the sales market for high-quality forest and fruit products from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Zhang Dongsheng, Deputy Director General of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Government, highlighted the expo’s role in positioning Xinjiang as a major national supplier of agricultural and livestock products, thereby promoting social stability and economic development in the region. Xinjiang boasts a stable forest and fruit cultivation area of approximately 1.33 million hectares, with a fruit output of 14 million metric tons in 2025, leading the nation in jujube, grape, apricot, and almond production. The expo will feature over 300 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products, including agricultural and livestock items, refined and deep-processed goods, and new additions such as desert farming, floriculture, and Chinese medicinal materials. The event is expected to attract more than 400 procurement officers, fostering business talks and agreements to further explore and expand Xinjiang’s market presence.
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Manfred Goldberg: Holocaust survivor who said he was ‘heartbroken’ by Gaza dies aged 95
Manfred Goldberg, a distinguished Holocaust survivor and advocate for Holocaust education, has died at the age of 95. Born in Germany in 1930, Goldberg endured the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II before settling in the UK in 1946. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by King Charles for his lifelong dedication to educating others about the Holocaust. Goldberg began sharing his harrowing experiences publicly only in his 70s, becoming a prominent figure in the Jewish community and a frequent speaker at schools and memorial events. He also participated in innovative educational projects like Testimony 360, which uses virtual reality and AI to preserve survivors’ stories. In January 2024, Goldberg expressed his heartbreak over Israel’s war on Gaza, particularly after a British soldier fighting for Israel used a Holocaust survivor’s prayer shawl in a controversial social media post. Goldberg, who had a close friendship with fellow survivor Zigi Shipper, believed Shipper would have been equally devastated by the conflict. Dr. Agnes Kory, another Holocaust survivor, lamented Goldberg’s passing, emphasizing the growing challenge of preserving the memory of the Holocaust as survivors pass away. Goldberg’s life was marked by resilience and a commitment to peace, as he and Shipper often urged others to reject hatred. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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Belgium rushes to secure drone defences after airport disruption
The Belgian government has revealed to the BBC that it is urgently working to acquire advanced drone defense systems following a recent incident that forced the temporary closure of Zaventem Airport, the main airport near Brussels. The disruption occurred on Thursday night after drones were sighted near the airport and other sensitive locations, including a military base. Defense Minister Theo Francken emphasized that what was once considered a localized issue for military bases has now escalated into a significant threat to civilian infrastructure across multiple European nations. Francken confirmed that several European allies, including Germany, have offered assistance, with the German military providing anti-drone defenses. The incident impacted approximately 3,000 passengers of Brussels Airlines, leading to considerable costs from flight cancellations and diversions. Joelle Neeb of Brussels Airlines noted that while EU compensation schemes do not apply, the airline is obligated to ensure passengers reach their destinations promptly by offering refunds, alternative flights, and covering accommodation and transport expenses. Neeb described drones as a ‘new threat,’ prompting the airline to revise its contingency plans. Recent months have seen similar drone-related disruptions across Europe, including in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Some officials have accused Russia of engaging in ‘hybrid warfare,’ though the Kremlin denies any involvement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that these incidents may be linked to EU discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a controversial plan that could see Belgium legally obligated to repay Moscow post-conflict. While Belgian security services suspect Russian involvement, Francken acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence. The situation has been further complicated by recent Russian airspace incursions in Eastern Europe, involving fighter jets and larger attack drones, which are seen as attempts to test European defenses and divert attention from Ukraine.
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Tianjin’s Hangu Salt Field marks 1,100th anniversary
Tianjin’s Changlu Hangu Salt Field commemorated its 1,100th anniversary on Thursday, showcasing its remarkable journey from an ancient salt production site to a beacon of green and high-quality development. Established in 925, the Hangu Salt Field has long been a cornerstone of salt production along China’s Bohai coast, with an annual output of approximately one million tons. Over the centuries, the field has transitioned from traditional methods like ‘boiling seawater for salt’ to advanced, intelligent production systems that seamlessly blend industrial efficiency with cultural tourism. Yan Haibin, head of the publicity department at the Hangu Salt Field, emphasized the dual significance of the site: ‘We are not only preserving a millennium-old salt field but also safeguarding a cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.’ The anniversary celebration highlights the field’s enduring legacy and its role as a model for sustainable development in the modern era.
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Explainer: What does China’s 2035 per capita GDP goal of ‘mid-level developed country’ status mean
As China outlines its development priorities for the next five years, a key objective has emerged: achieving a per capita GDP comparable to that of a ‘mid-level developed country’ by 2035. This target, highlighted in the Party leadership’s recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), is central to China’s broader modernization strategy. The goal also includes strengthening the economy, advancing science and technology, and enhancing national defense and global influence.
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Louvre vows to restore the imperial crown dropped by thieves during museum robbery
The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced plans to restore the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie, which was recovered outside the museum following a daring robbery on October 19. The crown, adorned with over 1,300 diamonds and emeralds, was one of eight precious objects stolen from the Apollo Gallery. Thieves used disc cutters to break into display cases, making off with items including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring linked to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. The crown was found outside the museum, likely damaged during the theft rather than when it fell to the ground. Laurence des Cars, the Louvre’s director, confirmed that most of the crown’s jewels remain intact, though a few small diamonds and one of its eight gold eagles are missing. The restoration will be funded by patrons and supervised by a scientific committee, symbolizing the museum’s ongoing ‘New Renaissance’ initiative. Des Cars, who offered to resign after the robbery, emphasized the need for modernization, citing issues such as outdated facilities, overcrowding, and inadequate security. The ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, launched earlier this year, aims to address these challenges with an estimated budget of 800 million euros ($933 million) by 2031.
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EU tightens visa restrictions on Russians over the Ukraine war and acts of sabotage
In a significant policy shift, the European Union (EU) has imposed stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens entering the Schengen area, citing ongoing security risks linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, increased acts of sabotage attributed to Moscow, and concerns over visa misuse. Effective immediately, Russian nationals will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas, requiring them to apply for a new visa for each trip to Europe. This measure aims to enhance scrutiny of applicants and mitigate potential security threats, according to the European Commission, the EU’s executive body. Exceptions will be granted to individuals deemed trustworthy, such as dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and close family members of Russians residing in the EU or EU citizens living in Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that travel within the EU is a privilege, not a right, amid unprecedented security challenges. The decision has drawn criticism from Russia, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accusing the EU of prioritizing illegal migrants over Russian tourists. The EU had previously suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leading to a sharp decline in visas issued to Russians—from over 4 million in 2019 to approximately 500,000 in 2023. While the new rules make visa applications more cumbersome, they stop short of an outright ban. Additionally, the EU has urged Serbia to cease granting citizenship to Russians, citing potential security risks for the bloc.