In a dramatic showdown at Twickenham, England narrowly lost to New Zealand 24-22 last year, with George Ford bearing the brunt of the crowd’s frustration. Ford missed two crucial opportunities in the final moments, hitting the post with a penalty and narrowly missing a drop goal. Coach Steve Borthwick also faced criticism for his substitution strategy, replacing the in-form Marcus Smith with Ford, who was returning from a five-week break. Despite the backlash, Borthwick and Ford remain key figures as England prepares to host the All Blacks this Saturday, aiming to cap off a year of redemption. Ford, who made way for Fin Smith during the Six Nations, later co-captained England to a series victory in Argentina and celebrated his 100th test. Borthwick has led England to nine consecutive wins, their longest streak in eight years, and has earned praise for bold selections, including a bench stacked with six British and Irish Lions. Borthwick has even predicted that Ford could become a future England coach, citing his deep understanding of the game. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of history and learning from past performances. Australia, on the other hand, faces a challenging European tour, with second-year coach Joe Schmidt lamenting recent results and preparing to hand over the reins to Les Kiss next year. Elsewhere, South Africa, France, and Wales are gearing up for crucial matches, with the Wales-Japan game potentially impacting the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Scotland will also face Argentina on Sunday, as the rugby world anticipates a weekend of high-stakes action.
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Watch: Blue Origin sends satellites to Mars in historic launch
In a groundbreaking achievement, Blue Origin has successfully launched satellites destined for Mars, marking a historic moment in space exploration. The mission, powered by the New Glenn rocket, showcased advanced engineering as the booster separated from the upper stage and executed a precise landing back on Earth. This event not only highlights Blue Origin’s technological prowess but also signifies a significant leap forward in interplanetary satellite deployment. The successful launch and recovery of the booster underscore the company’s commitment to reusable space technology, paving the way for more cost-effective and sustainable space missions. This milestone is expected to accelerate advancements in Mars exploration and deepen our understanding of the Red Planet.
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Trump administration says it has trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala
The Trump administration announced on Thursday the establishment of preliminary trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These agreements aim to enhance the ability of U.S. companies to export industrial and agricultural products to these nations. A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the frameworks focus on reducing non-tariff barriers, eliminating tariffs on American-made goods, and preventing the imposition of digital services taxes on U.S. firms. Additionally, select products from these countries will receive tariff relief, and import licenses will be streamlined. Intellectual property rights issues will also be addressed. The agreements are expected to be finalized and signed within approximately two weeks. This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to reshape global trade dynamics through the use of tariffs. Argentine President Javier Milei praised the agreement as a significant milestone, marking Argentina’s first bilateral trade framework with the U.S. in nearly a decade. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo also welcomed the deal, noting that 70% of Guatemalan exports to the U.S. would face zero tariffs under the framework. The U.S. currently imposes a 10% tariff on goods from Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and a 15% tariff on Ecuadorian products. The administration has indicated that tariffs on commodities like coffee, cocoa, and bananas could be reduced, addressing affordability concerns for U.S. consumers.
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Fight demogorgons, unlock portals at Stranger Things: The Experience in Abu Dhabi
Fans of the hit Netflix series *Stranger Things* can now step into the show’s eerie universe at *Stranger Things: The Experience* in Abu Dhabi. This immersive attraction allows visitors to battle Demogorgons, unlock portals, and harness telekinetic powers, just like the show’s beloved characters. The experience begins at Hawkins Lab, where guests are divided into teams and tested for telekinetic abilities. Using gestures, participants can seemingly crumple soda cans and make objects fly, creating the illusion of superpowers. The adventure continues in the systems analysis room, where the main cast appears on screens to guide teams in opening a portal to the Upside Down. As Demogorgons attack and bloodstains appear, the tension builds. Once the portal is unlocked, guests enter the dark dimension of the Upside Down, wearing 3D glasses for added realism. A live actress portraying Eleven leads the fight against Vecna, the show’s main antagonist, culminating in a dramatic rescue mission. The experience concludes with a walk through iconic settings from the series, such as ‘Scoops Ahoy’ and Will Byers’ living room. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, revealed that the setup took three weeks, and the attraction will run from November 14 to February 15, coinciding with the premiere of the show’s final season on November 26.
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Top economists call on world leaders to set up an international panel on inequality
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a significant move, hundreds of prominent economists and experts, including former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have issued a compelling call for the establishment of an independent international panel to address income and wealth inequality. This appeal was made in an open letter released on Friday, just ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) summit scheduled for November 22-23 in South Africa. The summit is expected to feature a groundbreaking report on global inequality, chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, which will be presented to world leaders. The report, published earlier this month, highlights a dual crisis of inequality and climate change, warning of increased political instability, conflicts, and a decline in democratic trust. It reveals that between 2000 and 2024, the wealthiest 1% captured 41% of all new global wealth, while 2.3 billion people—approximately one in four globally—face moderate or severe food insecurity, a figure that has surged by 335 million since 2019. The report advocates for the creation of an International Panel on Inequality, modeled after the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to guide governments in addressing this pressing issue. The letter, signed by Nobel laureates and former senior officials from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, emphasizes that extreme wealth concentration undermines democratic governance, erodes societal trust, and fuels political polarization. South Africa, the G20 host and the world’s most unequal country according to the World Bank, has prioritized global inequality as a key summit agenda item.
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Dubai: Nearly 30,000 taxi, limo violations caught; speeding, phone use top offences
In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially unveiled the commencement of commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the realm of transportation technology. This initiative positions the UAE capital as a global leader in the adoption of cutting-edge mobility solutions. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban transport by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The launch underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its vision for a smart, connected future. Meanwhile, in the sports arena, Luanzinho emerged as a national hero, securing a hard-fought draw for the UAE in a crucial World Cup playoff match against Iraq. His stellar performance not only salvaged the game but also reignited hopes for the team’s World Cup aspirations.
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‘I’ve been in UAE for 58 years’: Meet expat who came to Dubai in a boat in 1967
In 1967, a 22-year-old Kunhu Mohamed embarked on a life-changing journey from his hometown in Thrissur, India, to the UAE. With no passport, money, or certainty about the future, he boarded a wooden dhow named Khwaja Moideen, relying solely on faith and the wind to guide him. After a grueling 40-day voyage, he arrived near Dibba Al Baya in Oman, where he began his new life. From there, he made his way to Sharjah, a land of opportunity still in its infancy, with unpaved roads and endless possibilities. Mohamed’s early years in the UAE were marked by hard work and perseverance. He took on various jobs, from assisting a plumber to milking cows, always striving to do more than expected. His dedication caught the attention of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the then Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who employed him as a driver. This marked a turning point in Mohamed’s life. With the Sheikh’s support, he ventured into business, eventually founding Jaleel Holdings, a thriving enterprise in the foodstuff and FMCG distribution sector. Today, at 79, Mohamed continues to inspire with his humility and commitment to his employees. He attributes his success to faith, hard work, and the generosity of the UAE and its people. His story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and the opportunities that the UAE has offered to countless expatriates over the decades.
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Mined versus lab diamonds: Not even gemologists can tell the difference, says expert
The diamond industry is undergoing a seismic shift as Astrea, a pioneering lab-grown diamond brand co-led by Nathalie Morrison and Sarah Jessica Parker, prepares to launch in Dubai. The brand is set to challenge a century-old narrative that mined diamonds are inherently superior, rare, and more authentic than their lab-grown counterparts. Astrea’s claim is bold: its lab-grown diamonds, representing the top 0.01% of global quality, surpass the precision and performance of many mined stones. As Nathalie Morrison asserts, even gemologists cannot distinguish between the two with the naked eye or a loupe. This revelation is reshaping consumer perceptions, particularly among younger buyers who prioritize sustainability, transparency, and value over traditional notions of rarity. Lab-grown diamonds, which share the same chemical, optical, and structural composition as mined stones, are gaining traction globally. In the US, 60% of engagement rings now feature lab-grown diamonds, a figure that has surged from just 1% a decade ago. Economists predict this market share could reach 70–75% by 2032. Astrea, however, is not targeting the mass market. Instead, it focuses on the highest echelon of the diamond category, offering meticulously engineered and certified stones that redefine excellence. The brand’s upcoming collection, designed by Sarah Jessica Parker, showcases the creative potential of lab-grown diamonds, with modular pieces and vibrant designs that would be nearly impossible to achieve with mined stones. Beyond aesthetics, Astrea emphasizes environmental responsibility, highlighting the minimal ecological footprint of lab-grown diamonds compared to the environmental and human toll of mining. The brand’s flagship store in Dubai, located at the Mandarin Oriental, will offer an immersive experience, allowing customers to witness the diamond-making process and design bespoke pieces. This transparency marks a departure from the industry’s traditional secrecy, aligning with the values of a new generation of luxury consumers.
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Some Korean workers detained in Georgia immigration raid have returned to their jobs at Hyundai site
Two months after a high-profile immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing site in Georgia, some of the 300 South Korean nationals detained have returned to the U.S. to resume their jobs, according to their employer. The September raid, which targeted workers with expired visas or visa waivers prohibiting employment, temporarily halted construction at a battery plant operated by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. The plant, part of Hyundai’s $7.6 billion investment in Georgia, is crucial for producing batteries to power Hyundai EVs. HL-GA Battery confirmed that construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers, thanking U.S., South Korean, and Georgia officials for their collaboration. The company remains on track to start production in the first half of next year. The raid, which saw workers shackled and detained for a week, sparked outrage in South Korea, a key U.S. ally. While some workers are hesitant to return, others have come back after confirming their B-1 business visas remain valid. South Korea has since secured U.S. commitments to improve visa processes for skilled workers.
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Canadian boycott of US travel shows no sign of slowing
Kristy Gammon, a Nova Scotia resident, used to travel to the United States regularly, enjoying ski trips in Lake Placid, New York, and attending Baltimore Orioles baseball games with her husband. However, those trips have come to an abrupt halt. This year, Gammon avoided even passing through the US on her way to Ontario, opting for a longer 18-hour drive instead. Her decision reflects a growing trend among Canadians, who are increasingly boycotting the US in protest of President Donald Trump’s policies and trade actions targeting Canada. Gammon, 62, is not alone. Many of her Canadian friends have also stopped visiting the US, citing concerns over the administration’s international behavior, treatment of citizens, and strained relations with allies like Canada. This sentiment has translated into a significant decline in Canadian travel to the US. October marked the 10th consecutive month of reduced visits, with air travel dropping nearly 24% and car travel falling over 30% compared to the same period last year, according to Canada’s statistics office. The US Travel Association reported a 3.2% overall decline in international spending, driven largely by fewer Canadian visitors. Historically, Canadians accounted for about a quarter of all international visitors to the US, spending over $20 billion annually. However, Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 35% levy on certain products, has fueled tensions and prompted Canadians to rethink their travel plans. Trade talks between the two nations were further derailed last month after Trump expressed anger over an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan, sponsored by Ontario. Meanwhile, his public remarks about making Canada the “51st state” have only deepened Canadian frustrations. Some US tourist destinations, like Kalispell, Montana, have attempted to lure Canadians back with initiatives like the “Canadian Welcome Pass,” offering discounts and deals. However, these efforts have yet to reverse the trend. On the flip side, Canada’s domestic tourism industry has benefited, with record-breaking revenues of C$59 billion from May to August 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. Even Canadian snowbirds—retirees who traditionally winter in warmer US states like Florida—are staying home, with only 10% planning US trips this year, a 66% drop from last year. Gammon and her friends have even sold their Florida winter homes, signaling a profound shift in attitudes. While Gammon misses her US travels, she remains committed to her boycott for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, unless significant changes occur. ‘Who knows what could change between now and three years,’ she said. ‘But it would have to be pretty significant changes for us personally to change our minds.’