In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a crucial phone conversation on Monday, laying the groundwork for upcoming high-level engagements between the two nations. Wang emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to foster bilateral relations and create favorable conditions for future exchanges. He highlighted the enduring respect and strategic rapport between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, describing their relationship as a cornerstone of China-U.S. ties. The call preceded Xi’s visit to South Korea for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Wang underscored the global implications of a stable and sustainable China-U.S. relationship, noting its significance for both nations and the international community. He also addressed recent challenges in economic and trade relations, referencing the fifth round of talks in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides reached a framework consensus on pressing trade issues. Wang stressed the importance of implementing head-of-state agreements and resolving differences through dialogue. Rubio echoed the sentiment, calling the U.S.-China relationship the world’s most critical bilateral partnership and expressing hope for positive international signals through high-level interactions.
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Wolves fans change their tune as Pereira calls for unity
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira faced a stark contrast in fan sentiment following Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat to Burnley. Just months after being celebrated for securing the team’s Premier League status, Pereira was met with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from disillusioned supporters. The loss leaves Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table with only two points from nine games, making them the only winless team across England’s top four divisions. Pereira had to be restrained by his own players after confronting angry fans at the final whistle. Despite the backlash, the Portuguese coach called for unity, emphasizing that success is unattainable without fan support. “We understand the frustration, but if we fight united, we can win games and achieve our targets,” he told reporters. Wolves initially trailed 2-0 but fought back with goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi, only for Burnley to clinch victory in stoppage time. Pereira praised his team’s spirit and urged fans to remain proud of their efforts. Wolves now face Chelsea in the League Cup midweek before a crucial league clash with Fulham on Saturday.
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‘Circle Dubai’ aims to reduce daily waste by nearly half a kg per resident
Dubai has unveiled an ambitious new initiative, ‘Circle Dubai,’ aimed at significantly reducing daily waste generation across the emirate. Spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, the program targets a reduction from 2.2 kilograms of waste per person per day to 1.76 kilograms, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable waste management and the transition to a circular economy. This initiative comes in response to Dubai’s status as one of the world’s highest per-capita waste generators, producing approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste daily. Through ‘Circle Dubai,’ authorities aim to curb waste production, enhance recycling rates, and foster widespread community participation across various sectors. Key strategies include the installation of smart recycling bins in public and residential areas, along with the distribution of waste segregation containers to institutions. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041 and the broader Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which envision a 100% diversion of solid waste from landfills by 2041. Eng. Mohammed Alrayees, Director of the Waste Strategy and Projects Department at Dubai Municipality, emphasized the program’s focus on transforming waste into a valuable resource. ‘Waste is no longer just waste — it’s a resource,’ he stated, highlighting the importance of proper waste segregation and community engagement. To drive participation, Dubai Municipality has introduced the Learning Material System (LIMS), enabling residents to become DM Ambassadors and promote door-to-door waste segregation. The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global leadership in circular economy practices.
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Mine explosion in Australian outback kills man and woman
A devastating underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, western New South Wales, has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting an urgent response from emergency services. Located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Sydney, the mine became the site of a harrowing rescue operation. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while two women were brought to the surface. Tragically, one of the women succumbed to her injuries, and the other was airlifted to a hospital, suffering from hearing damage and shock. Authorities have announced that a comprehensive report will be prepared for the coroner, and the state’s workplace safety authority will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the situation as ‘absolutely tragic,’ emphasizing the profound impact on the tight-knit mining community. ‘The most valuable thing to come out of a mine are the miners, and two families don’t get to see their loved ones anymore,’ he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The Endeavor mine, which has been operational since 1982, was acquired by Polymetals Resources in 2023. The company had recently been in the process of restarting mining activities focused on silver, zinc, and lead production. The mine features a 7-kilometer decline and a 300-meter shaft, according to its website.
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Barca’s Yamal can learn Clasico lessons after Madrid triumph
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 18-year-old rising star, found himself at the center of controversy following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the latest Clasico clash. Yamal’s pre-match comments, where he jokingly accused Real Madrid of ‘stealing’ and ‘complaining,’ sparked widespread criticism and drew the ire of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. The teenager, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career, faced a harsh reality check as his subdued performance mirrored the intense scrutiny he faced. Madrid players, led by captain Dani Carvajal, confronted Yamal after the match, highlighting the heated nature of the rivalry. Barcelona’s assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, acknowledged that the hostile atmosphere likely affected Yamal’s performance, stating, ‘He is learning to deal with the crowd, the shouting, and whistles from spectators.’ Yamal, who has previously thrived in high-pressure situations, including winning Euro 2024 with Spain and a domestic treble with Barcelona, now faces the challenge of navigating the intense spotlight of one of football’s fiercest rivalries. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, the match-winner, subtly responded to Yamal’s comments with a post-match Instagram message: ‘Talk is cheap.’ Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong criticized Carvajal for publicly confronting Yamal, suggesting such discussions should remain private. Despite the criticism, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni downplayed the significance of Yamal’s remarks, stating they served as motivation rather than provocation. Yamal’s performance, hampered by a recent groin injury, was uncharacteristically lackluster, with Madrid’s defensive strategies limiting his impact. Sorg emphasized the need for Yamal to regain his rhythm and adapt to the increased attention from opponents. While Yamal’s outspoken nature has made him a compelling figure both on and off the pitch, this experience will undoubtedly shape his growth as a player in the months ahead.
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Youth leads GCC spending boom to outperform global peers
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is poised to experience a sustained consumer boom, driven by its youthful, expanding, and increasingly affluent population. This demographic advantage positions the region to outperform many advanced economies in consumer spending over the coming decades. According to Oxford Economics, robust demographics, rising labor participation, and sustained migration flows are fueling household income and demand across all sectors. Azad Zangana, Head of GCC Macroeconomic Analysis at Oxford Economics, highlights that the region’s favorable age profile, with an average age of 30.7 years in 2024, provides a significant head start into prime earning and spending years. By contrast, the United States and China face aging populations, with average ages of 38.3 and 39.6 years, respectively. Structural enablers such as high inward migration, rising female labor participation, and improved educational attainment further bolster the GCC’s consumer spending trajectory. The World Bank forecasts regional growth at 3.2% in 2025, rising to 4.5% in 2026, driven by private consumption and investment. The GCC retail market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% through 2028, exceeding $390 billion. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate retail sales, accounting for three-quarters of the market. Food retail alone was valued at $127.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $162 billion by 2028. The region’s low age-dependency ratio (32.1 in 2024, projected to rise only to 35.1 by 2050) contrasts sharply with high-income countries, where ratios often exceed 50 or 60. This demographic edge reduces pension and healthcare burdens, freeing up disposable income for goods, services, and lifestyle upgrades. Migrant workers contribute significantly to aggregate demand, while nationals and long-term expatriates drive spending on travel, dining, e-commerce, and luxury goods. Rising female workforce participation further amplifies the consumption engine. Despite global economic challenges, the GCC’s luxury and personal-care markets remain resilient, supported by rising wealth and population growth. GDP per capita in the region stood at $70,300 in 2023, with a population CAGR of 1.5% expected to reach over 62.5 million by 2028. For investors and brands, the GCC represents a growth-oriented market with healthy household balance sheets and strong consumer confidence. In the UAE, 60% of residents expect financial improvement, compared to 37% globally, while 42% plan to increase spending, versus 22% globally. Policymakers and analysts recognize that the GCC’s future lies not only in hydrocarbons but also in human capital and consumption growth. The region’s unique combination of favorable demographics, rising incomes, and structural retail expansion creates a compelling investment case. As advanced economies grapple with aging populations and stagnant growth, the GCC is set to maintain its consumer sector’s outperformance, driven by a youthful, dynamic population with the capacity to consume and thrive.
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Juventus sack coach Tudor after eight-match winless run
Juventus Football Club has announced the termination of head coach Igor Tudor’s contract after a disappointing eight-match winless run across all competitions. The decision was made public on Monday, with the club confirming that Tudor and his coaching staff have been relieved of their duties. Massimo Brambilla, the head coach of the reserve team, will step in as interim manager for the first team. Tudor, a former Juventus player who spent nearly a decade at the club, was appointed as head coach in March, succeeding Thiago Motta. He became the first foreign manager to lead Juventus since Didier Deschamps in the 2006-07 season. Despite guiding the team to a fourth-place finish in Serie A last season and securing Champions League qualification, Juventus’ performance has significantly declined in recent weeks. After a strong start with three consecutive league victories, the team has since drawn five matches and suffered three consecutive defeats to Como, Real Madrid, and Lazio. Tudor acknowledged the team’s struggles in a post-match interview following the loss to Lazio, stating, ‘We prepared well, but something is still missing. There’s no need to dramatize; we’re all responsible for this difficult period.’ Juventus, currently eighth in the Serie A standings and six points behind leaders Napoli, will face Udinese on Wednesday as they aim to turn their season around.
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Chinese premier calls for openness, stronger alignment of development strategies
In a significant address at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of openness, strategic alignment, and regional cooperation to navigate the complex global economic landscape. Premier Li highlighted the resilience and vitality of the East Asian economy, which has been one of the fastest-growing regions globally, creating numerous economic miracles over the decades. He stressed that the East Asian Miracle is not a relic of the past but a continuing narrative that requires sustained effort and collaboration. Li called for an environment conducive to regional development, urging parties to resolve differences through dialogue, uphold free trade, and oppose protectionism. He also emphasized the need to deepen industrial and supply chain collaboration, leverage respective strengths, and enhance connectivity and cooperation. The premier underscored the importance of scientific and technological innovation, advocating for joint research and the development of new growth drivers in areas such as the digital economy, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Other leaders at the summit echoed Li’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for solidarity, regional community, and commitment to openness and mutual benefit. They highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in trade, investment, finance, food security, green economy, public health, climate change, and disaster mitigation. The summit, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic integration.
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Charlie Kirk murder suspect can wear civilian clothes in court, judge says
In a significant development in the case surrounding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Judge Tony Graf has issued rulings on the attire and restraints for the accused, Tyler Robinson. During a virtual court hearing on Monday, Judge Graf determined that Robinson, 22, will be permitted to wear civilian clothing during pre-trial proceedings to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid influencing potential jurors. However, Robinson will remain in restraints during hearings, though images or footage of him in restraints will be prohibited. The judge emphasized the need to balance courtroom safety with the defendant’s rights, stating that the restraints must be the ‘least restrictive’ option. Robinson, who faces seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm, was arrested on September 12, more than a day after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Judge Graf acknowledged the high-profile nature of the case and the emotional intensity surrounding it, stressing that safety remains the court’s top priority. Robinson’s next in-person court appearance is scheduled for January 16. Utah County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case.
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Israel discards waste and rubble in Gaza despite risk of environmental crisis
The Israeli military has been disposing of construction waste and debris into the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the already dire environmental and humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. According to a report by Haaretz, trucks laden with rubble have been entering Gaza and unloading waste onto its streets. Footage obtained by the Israeli news outlet shows excavators dumping debris near the Kissufim crossing, a process that has been repeated multiple times. The waste includes significant amounts of construction materials and garbage left behind by the military during the prolonged conflict. Israeli army officers confirmed to Haaretz that field commanders authorized the dumping of waste materials inside Gaza, allowing private Israeli companies to dispose of their trash indiscriminately within the territory. One soldier questioned the logic of dumping waste just a few hundred meters from residential areas, expressing concerns over the long-term impact on local communities. Another officer highlighted the potential for Hamas to repurpose some of the discarded materials, such as iron, irrigation pipes, and concrete blocks. The report follows warnings from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that Gaza is buried under 61 million tonnes of debris, with 15% of it potentially contaminated with hazardous substances like asbestos, industrial waste, or heavy metals. UNEP’s latest assessment revealed that nearly two-thirds of the debris was generated in the first five months of the war, with destruction accelerating in the months leading up to the ceasefire. Inger Andersen, UNEP’s executive director, emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental and humanitarian crisis, warning that continued neglect could leave a legacy of environmental destruction affecting the health and wellbeing of Gaza’s residents for generations.