A significant international forum, the ‘2025 Forum on the Development of Xizang, China,’ convened in Nyingchi city, Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, on Wednesday. The event, organized by the Xizang regional government, attracted over 400 participants from 44 countries and regions, including government officials, diplomats, experts, and media representatives. The forum, themed ‘Discovering a beautiful Xizang and writing a new chapter on the plateau,’ focused on key areas such as international communication, the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) governance guidelines, Xizang’s image-building, and its development philosophies and practical pathways. Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and director of the State Council Information Office, emphasized the importance of Xizang’s modernization as China formulates its 15th Five-Year Plan. He highlighted the exchange of governance experiences, improving people’s well-being, and enhancing civilizational exchanges. Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, praised Xizang’s transformation, noting its modern infrastructure and expanded opportunities. The forum, which has been held since 2007, included four sub-forums on international communication, sustainable local industries, youth engagement, and environmental protection. Prior to the main event, participants visited a high-altitude pasture, a local village, and a wetland park in Nyingchi.
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Sudan’s paramilitary killed hundreds including hospital patients in Darfur, residents say
In a harrowing escalation of violence, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of committing mass atrocities in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, over the weekend. According to the United Nations, displaced residents, and aid workers, the RSF killed hundreds of people, including patients in the Saudi Maternity Hospital. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed profound shock, stating that 460 patients and companions were reportedly massacred. The Sudan Doctors Network corroborated these reports, describing the killings as cold-blooded executions of everyone inside the hospital. Witnesses recounted RSF fighters going house-to-house, beating and shooting civilians, including women and children, with many dying in the streets as they attempted to flee. Satellite imagery from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) corroborated mass killings around the hospital and other locations, suggesting systematic executions. The RSF’s actions have drawn global condemnation, with France, Germany, the UK, and the EU denouncing the atrocities. Human Rights Watch’s Mohamed Osman emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians. U.S. Senator Jim Risch called for the RSF to be designated as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its role in genocide and unspeakable crimes against the Sudanese people. Aid groups warn of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with hundreds killed and thousands displaced, while communication blackouts obscure the true scale of the violence.
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Brazilians in a Rio favela line up bodies after the city’s deadliest police raid
In the wake of a massive police operation targeting a notorious drug gang, residents of a Rio de Janeiro favela spent the night collecting bodies from their community and laying them in a central square. By early Wednesday morning, at least 50 bodies, mostly of young men, were displayed in Penha, one of the two sites targeted in what has become Rio’s deadliest police raid. Critics have condemned the operation as another example of Brazil’s excessive use of force. The raid, involving 2,500 police and soldiers, resulted in at least 64 deaths, including 60 suspected gang members and four officers, according to state Governor Claudio Castro and police officials. Residents, however, believe the death toll is higher, with some bodies yet to be counted. Many victims were found in a wooded area near the community. Forensic authorities retrieved the bodies by late Wednesday morning, but the state government has not yet commented on the incident. Local activist Raull Santiago, part of a team that discovered about 15 bodies before dawn, described the scene as a massacre, with victims showing signs of execution, including gunshots to the head and stab wounds. Governor Castro defended the operation, stating that Rio is at war against ‘narco-terrorism,’ a term reminiscent of the Trump administration’s campaign against drug smuggling in Latin America. The state government claimed those killed had resisted police action. Rio has a long history of lethal police raids, but the scale and lethality of Tuesday’s operation are unprecedented. Non-governmental organizations and the U.N. human rights body have raised concerns and called for investigations. The operation aimed to capture leaders and curb the territorial expansion of the Red Command criminal gang, which has tightened its grip on favelas in recent years. Police arrested 81 suspects and seized 93 rifles and over half a ton of drugs. The raid triggered violent retaliation from gang members, leading to chaos across the city. Schools and a local university canceled classes, and roads were blocked with buses used as barricades. Gang members reportedly targeted police with drones, one of which was captured on video firing a projectile. Governor Castro criticized the federal government for not providing sufficient support, a claim challenged by the Justice Ministry, which stated it had responded to Rio’s requests for national forces. Gleisi Hoffmann, the Lula administration’s liaison with parliament, acknowledged the need for coordinated action but highlighted recent anti-money laundering efforts as evidence of federal action against organized crime. Lula’s chief of staff, Rui Costa, called for an emergency meeting in Rio with local authorities and the Justice Minister. Criminal gangs have expanded their presence across Brazil, including in the Amazon rainforest. Filipe dos Anjos, secretary general of favela rights’ organization FAFERJ, argued that such police operations fail to address the root problem, as organized crime quickly reorganizes. ‘In about thirty days, they will be back to selling drugs, stealing cargo, and collecting payments,’ he said, adding that these operations achieve little for society.
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Dubai: Gold prices steady after a week of downward trend; 24K drops to Dh476
After experiencing a significant drop of over Dh50 in the past week, gold prices in Dubai have shown signs of stabilization as of Wednesday morning. The 24K gold price settled at Dh476 per gram, down from Dh479 on Tuesday. Other variants, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also saw slight declines, standing at Dh440.75, Dh422.75, and Dh362.25 per gram, respectively. This follows a brief dip in prices on Tuesday afternoon, which later recovered. Globally, spot gold prices fell to $3,959 per ounce at 9:30 AM UAE time, while silver prices rose by 0.63% to $47.5 per ounce. Market analysts attribute the volatility to shifting investor sentiment, with many opting for equities over safe-haven assets like gold. Josh Gilbert, a Market Analyst at eToro, noted that the potential for a trade deal between major economies has reduced the demand for gold as a safe haven. He explained that strong inflows into ETFs, Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, and geopolitical tensions had driven gold prices up by 50% in 2025. However, recent data indicates a cooling momentum, with gold-backed ETFs experiencing significant outflows as investors lock in profits. Gilbert added that while lower interest rates, central bank purchases, and inflation hedging demand could support gold prices in the long term, the near-term outlook remains uncertain due to positive equity market drivers.
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Putin says Russia’s nuclear-armed underwater drone was tested successfully
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear-powered underwater drone, named Poseidon, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized that the drone is unmatched in speed and depth, making it virtually impossible to intercept. This development comes just days after Russia tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile, signaling Moscow’s continued focus on advancing its strategic weapons capabilities. Putin described the Poseidon test as a “huge success,” revealing that the drone’s nuclear reactor is significantly smaller than those used in submarines but boasts a more powerful warhead than the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The Poseidon drone, first introduced in Putin’s 2018 state-of-the-nation address, is designed to explode near coastlines, potentially unleashing a radioactive tsunami. Putin’s announcement appears to be a strategic message to the United States, particularly amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. The Russian president has repeatedly highlighted Moscow’s nuclear readiness since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, asserting that Russia will use “all means” to protect its security interests. The test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, which covered 14,000 kilometers in a 15-hour flight, further underscores Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology. These developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a planned summit with Putin and imposed new sanctions on Russia, intensifying the geopolitical standoff.
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Real Madrid to seek compensation from UEFA after court ruling against European body on Super League
In a significant legal development, Real Madrid has announced its intention to seek compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court dismissed appeals filed by the European soccer governing body. The court upheld a previous ruling that found UEFA in breach of EU competition law for blocking plans for the breakaway Super League. The Madrid-based court also dismissed appeals from the Spanish league and the national soccer federation, reinforcing the 2023 decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which declared that UEFA and FIFA had abused their market dominance and violated EU law. Real Madrid expressed its satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it confirmed UEFA’s infringement of EU competition rules and its abuse of a dominant position. The club emphasized its commitment to global football and fans while pursuing substantial damages from UEFA. The Spanish league, however, downplayed the ruling’s significance, noting that it did not endorse any specific competition format or the original 2021 Super League project, which had been modified since its initial announcement. The league clarified that the court’s decision focused on procedural aspects, emphasizing the need for transparent and objective authorization systems. Real Madrid did not specify the amount of damages it would seek but highlighted its ongoing discussions with UEFA to address governance, financial sustainability, player health, and fan experience issues. The Super League project, launched in 2021, faced widespread fan protests and quickly collapsed, but the legal battle continues to shape the future of European football governance.
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Character.ai to ban teens from talking to its AI chatbots
Character.ai, a popular AI-driven chatbot platform, has announced significant changes to its services for users under 18, following widespread criticism and legal challenges. Starting November 25, teenagers will no longer be able to engage in conversations with virtual characters but will instead be limited to creating content such as videos. This decision comes in response to mounting concerns from regulators, safety experts, and parents about the potential risks posed by AI chatbots to young and vulnerable users. The platform, which has faced lawsuits in the U.S., including one linked to a teenager’s death, has been accused of being a ‘clear and present danger’ to youth. Karandeep Anand, CEO of Character.ai, emphasized the company’s commitment to building the ‘safest AI platform on the planet’ for entertainment purposes, citing parental controls and guardrails as part of their aggressive approach to AI safety. However, online safety advocates argue that such measures should have been implemented from the outset. The platform has previously been criticized for hosting harmful or offensive chatbots, including avatars impersonating tragic figures like Brianna Ghey and Molly Russell, as well as a chatbot based on Jeffrey Epstein. The Molly Rose Foundation and other critics have questioned the platform’s motivations, suggesting that sustained media and political pressure prompted the changes. Moving forward, Character.ai plans to introduce new age verification methods and fund an AI safety research lab. Social media expert Matt Navarra described the move as a ‘wake-up call’ for the AI industry, highlighting the challenges of balancing engagement with safety. Dr. Nomisha Kurian, an AI safety researcher, praised the decision as a ‘sensible move’ that separates creative play from emotionally sensitive interactions, emphasizing the importance of protecting young users navigating digital boundaries.
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3 rare North China leopards spotted in Hebei nature reserve
In a significant ecological development, infrared cameras have captured rare footage of three North China leopards in the Hebei Yinheshan Provincial Nature Reserve. The sightings, which include both male and female individuals, suggest that this endangered species may be expanding its range. The reserve, spanning 36,000 hectares in western Fuping county, Baoding, has been under joint biodiversity monitoring since April 2024. The team has recorded multiple clear videos of the leopards, with some individuals appearing repeatedly, indicating a stable presence rather than transient passage. This marks the northernmost sighting of the North China leopard in the Taihang Mountains in the past decade, just 160 kilometers from Beijing’s administrative boundary. The monitoring team also recorded footage of the Chinese goral, a primary prey species of leopards, in the same area in March, although the goral population size remains unclear. Yang Jianwei, head of the Fuping County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, attributed these findings to Fuping’s long-term commitment to ecological protection and afforestation. The reserve’s forest coverage has increased substantially in recent years, leading to greater biodiversity among both plant and animal species. The forestry department will continue monitoring and has reminded visitors and villagers to be cautious in the mountains.
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Shanghai unveils innovation associations to promote Yangtze River Delta integration
Shanghai has taken a significant step towards fostering regional integration and technological advancement with the establishment of sector-specific innovation associations. The announcement was made on October 26, 2025, during the World Cities Day Series of Events and Technology and Industrial Collaborative Innovation Day at the T-Center in Putuo district. The newly unveiled associations focus on key industries such as biomedicine, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and an online services platform. Additionally, 74 technology managers were appointed to spearhead these initiatives. This move aligns with the global theme of ‘People-Centered Smart Cities Towards the Future’ and supports the integrated development strategy of the Yangtze River Delta region. The Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt, which includes nine cities—Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, and Taizhou—is at the forefront of this effort. These cities collectively represent one of China’s most economically vibrant and innovative regions, contributing 11.8% to the national GDP and 48% to the Yangtze River Delta’s economic output. Since February, Putuo district has actively participated in this initiative, leveraging its strategic location to enhance Shanghai’s position as a global hub for science and technology innovation.
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Sudan’s military expels top UN food aid officials as conflict escalates
Sudan’s military government has ordered the expulsion of two senior officials from the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis fueled by a brutal civil war that began in April 2023. The WFP confirmed that its Sudan operation directors were declared ‘personae non grata’ and given 72 hours to leave the country without any explanation. This decision follows the recent capture of the strategic city of el-Fasher in Darfur by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege, which included a severe food blockade. The WFP described the expulsions as occurring at a ‘pivotal time,’ with over 24 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity—the highest level of need in the country’s history. While the military government has not provided a reason for the expulsions, it has previously accused aid organizations of violating local laws and disseminating misleading reports on famine conditions. Despite the expulsion, the government stated that its cooperation with the WFP would continue, according to the state news agency Suna. The WFP is currently in discussions with Sudanese authorities to address the situation. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has intensified, with the RSF’s capture of el-Fasher raising fears for the safety of approximately 250,000 residents, many from non-Arab communities. Reports of atrocities, including mass killings, have surged since the city fell. Escaped residents have described dire conditions, including looting and indiscriminate violence. The RSF has denied targeting civilians, but allegations of ethnic violence persist, with local activists and international researchers accusing the group of executing wounded individuals at el-Fasher’s Saudi Hospital. The international community, including the European Union and African Union, has expressed grave concern, with many drawing parallels to the Darfur genocide of 2003-2020. Sudanese-American poet Emtithal Mahmoud, who has family in el-Fasher, warned that the current violence resembles a ‘genocide,’ amplified by the RSF’s use of social media to broadcast their actions. The situation in Sudan remains critical, with the conflict and famine threatening to push the country further into chaos.