A 37-year-old man from Gravesend, Kent, has been charged by Merseyside Police after an audacious prank during a high-profile rugby league match between Australia and England. The incident occurred on Saturday at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, which recently opened earlier this year and hosted its first non-football event. Daniel Jarvis was captured on live BBC One television coverage standing at the end of Australia’s line-up during the national anthems, a move that disrupted the pre-game proceedings. Authorities charged Jarvis with disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The Rugby Football League is expected to conduct an internal review of the incident as part of its standard protocol. Despite the disruption, Australia secured a 14-4 victory in the match, marking a decisive win in the three-Test series, which concludes next Saturday in Leeds. The incident has sparked discussions about security measures at major sporting events, particularly in newly inaugurated venues.
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UAE Flag Day: 10 dos and don’ts when hoisting nation’s symbol on November 3
Every year on November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Flag Day, a significant occasion where public and private institutions, along with residents, hoist the national flag to honor its symbolism of unity and pride. This tradition traces back to 1971 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, first raised the flag during Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Designed by Abdullah Al Maeena as part of a competition by Al-Ittihad newspaper, the flag’s red, green, white, and black colors embody the nation’s history and shared values. For those participating in this cherished event, adhering to proper flag etiquette is crucial. Here are the key dos and don’ts:
**Dos:**
– Ensure the flag is made from high-quality, sustainable polyester blend with a neutral finish.
– Keep the flag at least 20-25 centimeters above the ground and ensure it remains clean and ironed.
– Inspect the flag for damage or fading before hoisting and fold it properly after use.**Don’ts:**
– Avoid any act of disrespect, such as dropping, tearing, or improperly lowering the flag, as such actions are punishable by law.
– Do not add emblems, logos, or decorative elements to the flag.
– Refrain from using the flag on edibles or altering its proportions for decorative purposes.Flag Day serves as a reminder of the UAE’s unity and the deep respect its citizens and residents hold for their national symbol. By following these guidelines, individuals can contribute to preserving the dignity and significance of the UAE flag.
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Emirates to get 6 new A350 aircraft with HSBC financing, boosting long-haul growth
Emirates, the Dubai-based global aviation leader, has secured financing for six new Airbus A350-900 aircraft through HSBC, marking a significant milestone in its fleet modernization and long-haul growth strategy. This deal, structured under the Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (Jolco) framework, signifies Emirates’ return to the Jolco market after a six-year hiatus and underscores the enduring 40-year partnership between the airline and the global banking giant. Five of the aircraft have already been financed, with the sixth in progress, diversifying Emirates’ funding sources while bolstering its position as one of the world’s largest long-haul carriers. The A350-900, renowned for its advanced aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, aligns with Emirates’ sustainability goals and the aviation industry’s broader decarbonization efforts. The aircraft’s deployment on medium- to long-haul routes, including key markets in Europe and Asia, enhances Emirates’ operational flexibility and supports its strategy to meet rising global air travel demand. With a fleet exceeding 260 aircraft, dominated by Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, Emirates continues to expand its order book, including 65 A350s, 205 Boeing 777X aircraft, and 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This expansion reinforces Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub connecting East and West. The financing deal highlights HSBC’s pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s aviation sector, with senior executives from both organizations commemorating the partnership’s continuity since 1985. As Emirates scales its network and fleet, international banks and investors are expected to play an increasingly critical role in structuring diversified funding strategies, further solidifying the airline’s global leadership in the aviation industry.
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Death becomes a growing business in ageing, lonely South Korea
South Korea is witnessing a profound societal shift as its population ages rapidly, with nearly half of its citizens aged 50 or older and birth rates plummeting to among the lowest globally. This demographic transformation has spurred a burgeoning industry centered around death and its associated services. In Busan, a port city, rows of coffins fill university classrooms, where students at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology train to become funeral directors. These students meticulously prepare mannequins for burial, simulating the care required for real-life funerals. Jang Jin-yeong, a 27-year-old student, chose this career path anticipating the growing demand for funeral services in an ageing society. Similarly, Im Sae-jin, 23, was inspired to enter the field after witnessing the dignified preparation of his grandmother’s funeral. The rise of single-person households, now accounting for 42% of all homes in South Korea, has also given birth to a new profession: posthumous home cleaners. These specialists are called to tidy up residences after the solitary deaths of occupants. Cho Eun-seok, a former classical musician, has become one such cleaner, often encountering heartbreaking remnants of lives lived alone. He described homes filled with unopened gifts and neatly stored soju bottles, painting a poignant picture of isolation. South Korea’s high suicide rate, the highest among developed nations, further compounds the issue of lonely deaths. Cho has even begun cleaning vehicles where individuals have taken their own lives and is developing a device to detect unattended deaths, which can lead to environmental hazards. The emotional toll of this work is evident in stories like that of a high school girl who, after escaping domestic violence, lived alone in a tiny room and took her own life. Cho discovered her cherished hamster and guitar, remnants of her unfulfilled dream of becoming a musician. Kim Doo-nyeon, a veteran funeral director, notes an increasing number of young recruits entering the industry, reflecting the growing need for such services. Despite the challenges, these professionals play a vital role in addressing the societal consequences of South Korea’s demographic crisis.
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Israel warns of intensifying attacks against Hezbollah in south Lebanon
Israel has issued a stark warning of intensifying military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following a deadly air strike that claimed four lives, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israel continues to station troops in five strategic areas in southern Lebanon and has sustained regular strikes against the militant group. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah is ‘playing with fire’ and criticized the Lebanese government for its inaction in disarming the group. Katz vowed that Israel would ‘continue and even intensify’ its enforcement to safeguard its northern residents. The conflict traces back to October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a prolonged confrontation that displaced thousands of Israelis near the northern border. Although Hezbollah has been significantly weakened by the war, it remains armed and financially resilient. In September 2024, Israel eliminated the group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior figures. Since the ceasefire, the United States has pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies. Recent escalations include a deadly Israeli ground raid into southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned, ordering the army to counter such incursions. Aoun had previously called for talks with Israel, but accused the latter of responding with intensified air strikes, including the latest attack in Nabatiyeh district. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah operative involved in weapon transfers and efforts to rebuild the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
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Academic journal on Hongshan culture launched in Liaoning
Shenyang, Liaoning Province witnessed the official launch of the academic journal *Research on Hongshan Culture* on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This quarterly publication marks a significant milestone in the systematic and long-term study of Hongshan culture, a pivotal component of Chinese civilization dating back to the late Neolithic period. The journal aims to foster academic exchange and collaboration, featuring diverse research areas such as new archaeological discoveries, material culture studies, social and cultural theses, comparative civilization research, scholarship history, and international perspectives. Gu Yucai, President of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, chairs the journal, while Bai Baoyu, Director of the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, serves as the editor-in-chief. The editorial board includes esteemed scholars from China and abroad, such as Jia Xiaobing, Pauline Sebillaud from France, and Christian E. Peterson from Canada. Hongshan culture is renowned for its exquisite jade artifacts, large-scale stone tombs, and goddess temples, which highlight the advanced civilization of the era and provide critical evidence for understanding the origins and development of Chinese civilization. Gu Yucai emphasized the journal’s mission to inherit the roots of Hongshan civilization, solve its mysteries through innovation, and promote international exchange. Chu Tianyun, Vice-Governor of Liaoning Province, pledged full support for the journal, envisioning it as a platform for cross-regional and interdisciplinary research to revitalize Hongshan culture in the modern era.
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China to ease chip export ban in new trade deal, White House says
In a significant development aimed at de-escalating trade tensions, the United States and China have reached a comprehensive trade agreement that includes the easing of China’s export ban on automotive computer chips, a critical component for global car production. The White House confirmed the details of the deal in a fact sheet released after a high-profile meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump in South Korea earlier this week. The agreement also addresses key issues such as US soybean exports, rare earth mineral supplies, and fentanyl production materials. The deal marks a turning point in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies, which began when Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods upon taking office, triggering retaliatory measures and global market uncertainty. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic relations, echoing President Xi’s call for the business relationship to remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, expressed cautious optimism, noting China’s past unreliability as a trade partner. The agreement ensures the resumption of automotive chip exports from Nexperia, a Chinese-owned company based in the Netherlands, whose production facilities in China are crucial to global supply chains. Additionally, China has agreed to pause export controls on rare earth minerals for a year and take significant measures to address fentanyl production, a major contributor to opioid overdose deaths in the US. On the agricultural front, China has committed to purchasing substantial quantities of US soybeans, providing relief to American farmers who had lost access to their largest export market earlier this year. The deal underscores the importance of collaboration in resolving trade disputes and stabilizing global markets.
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AU congratulates Hassan on winning Tanzania’s presidential election
The African Union (AU) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Samia Suluhu Hassan on her resounding victory in Tanzania’s presidential election. The announcement was made by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who lauded Hassan’s triumph as a significant milestone for the nation. The Tanzanian Independent National Electoral Commission declared on Saturday that Hassan, representing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, secured an overwhelming 97.66 percent of the vote in the general elections held on Wednesday. However, the electoral process was overshadowed by violent protests, prompting Youssouf to express profound sorrow over the loss of lives and extend condolences to the bereaved families. In his statement, Youssouf emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including peaceful assembly and expression, and urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold these principles within the legal framework. He also called on citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in maintaining peace, national unity, and democratic governance. Hassan, who previously served as vice-president from 2015 to 2021, assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the demise of President John Magufuli, becoming Tanzania’s first female head of state. Her election marks a historic achievement, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer in Tanzanian politics.
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Shenzhen hailed as ideal choice for hosting APEC
Shenzhen, the bustling metropolis in Guangdong province, has been chosen to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. This announcement has thrust the city into the global limelight, garnering widespread recognition and praise. This marks the third time China will host APEC, following Beijing in 2001 and Shanghai in 2014. The selection of Shenzhen is seen as both fitting and significant, reflecting its role as a beacon of China’s reform, opening-up, and modernization.
Shenzhen’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a global economic powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, its GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan ($516.73 billion), a staggering leap from 270 million yuan in 1980. The city also cemented its status as China’s top foreign trade hub, with total import and export values hitting 4.5 trillion yuan. Shenzhen’s alignment with APEC’s core values of open trade, digital transformation, and sustainable growth makes it an ideal host.
Experts highlight Shenzhen’s symbolic importance. Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University’s College of International Studies, emphasized that the city serves as a window into China’s development model and a testament to its reform success. ‘Through Shenzhen, China will showcase its path to modernization, particularly to developing nations,’ Dai noted.
As a hub of technological innovation, Shenzhen is home to global giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, underscoring China’s commitment to high-quality development and self-reliance in science and technology. Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the International SparkLink Alliance, sees APEC 2026 as a platform to highlight Shenzhen’s advancements in sectors like wireless communication and foster international collaboration.
The event is also a source of pride for local residents. Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student, expressed enthusiasm about volunteering and sharing the city’s spirit of openness and innovation with global leaders. Meanwhile, Ma Jiangtao, founding director of the Doctorate Association in Shenzhen, plans to leverage APEC to promote talent exchanges and innovation cooperation.
Hosting APEC 2026 will further test and enhance Shenzhen’s capabilities in conference organization, urban management, and international exchanges. Guo Wanda of the China Development Institute views the event as a milestone that will elevate Shenzhen’s global profile and drive improvements in its soft power and infrastructure.
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UAE resumes food aid deliveries worth Dh43 million as soon as Gaza’s borders open
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommenced its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering food aid worth Dh43 million ($11.7 million) as soon as the region’s border crossings reopened. This initiative, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide essential food supplies and relief parcels to the most vulnerable families in Gaza. The aid is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through land, sea, and air deliveries. The recent efforts follow a January 2024 announcement by MBRGI to contribute Dh43 million in direct food aid, benefiting one million individuals in the Gaza Strip. This initiative is a continuation of the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian legacy, which included Dh50 million in urgent aid in 2023 and a 71.6-ton shipment of medical supplies delivered via Egypt’s El Arish port in September 2024. Additionally, MBRGI pledged Dh37 million ($10 million) in January 2024 to bolster Gaza’s health sector, focusing on essential medical supplies for children. Samer AbdelJaber, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, praised the partnership, stating that it reflects a shared commitment to alleviating suffering and offering hope to Gaza’s population. These efforts underscore MBRGI’s dedication to making a tangible impact in Gaza and strengthening its strategic alliance with WFP.