In the heart of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, a harrowing narrative of sexual violence unfolds amidst the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian army and the Fano militia. This report, based on extensive interviews and data collation by the BBC, sheds light on the untold suffering of women and girls caught in the crossfire of this brutal insurgency.
标签： Africa
非洲
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World Cup dreams shattered as Iraq beat UAE 2-1, advance to intercontinental playoff
In a dramatic turn of events, Iraq shattered the United Arab Emirates’ World Cup aspirations with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Basra on Tuesday. The match, which saw both teams locked in a tense battle, culminated in a last-gasp penalty by Amir Al-Ammari in the 15th minute of injury time. The decisive moment came after a VAR review, sending Iraq to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE, who had drawn the first leg of the fifth-round playoff in Abu Dhabi on November 13, needed a win to keep their dreams alive. Despite a valiant effort, including a stunning goal by Caio Lucas in the 52nd minute, the UAE succumbed to Iraq’s resilience. Mohanad Ali’s equalizer in the 66th minute set the stage for the dramatic finale, leaving the UAE players devastated as their World Cup journey ended in heartbreak. Iraq, with only one previous World Cup appearance in 1986, now has a golden opportunity to join other Gulf nations in the global tournament.
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Microsoft, Nvidia to invest in Anthropic as Claude maker commits $30 billion to Azure
In a landmark move that highlights the escalating competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Microsoft and Nvidia have announced plans to invest in Anthropic, the creator of the Claude AI model. This partnership includes a staggering $30 billion commitment by Anthropic to utilize Microsoft’s Azure cloud services. Nvidia will contribute up to $10 billion, while Microsoft will invest up to $5 billion, according to statements released on Tuesday. Although specific details remain undisclosed, sources indicate that both companies are set to participate in Anthropic’s upcoming funding round. The collaboration underscores the AI industry’s relentless demand for computing power as companies vie to develop systems capable of rivaling or surpassing human intelligence. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the symbiotic nature of the partnership, stating, ‘We’re increasingly going to be customers of each other. We will use Anthropic models, they will use our infrastructure, and we’ll go to market together.’ He also reaffirmed Microsoft’s continued commitment to OpenAI, a key partner in its AI endeavors. This development follows OpenAI’s recent restructuring, which has seen the company pivot further from its non-profit origins, securing greater financial and operational flexibility. Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, has emerged as a formidable competitor, boasting a valuation of $183 billion and a rapidly expanding customer base of over 300,000 businesses. The company projects its annualized revenue run rate to potentially triple to $26 billion next year. As part of the deal, Anthropic will collaborate with Nvidia to enhance chip and model performance, committing up to 1 gigawatt of computing power using Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell and Vera Rubin hardware. Industry experts estimate that 1 gigawatt of AI computing could cost between $20 billion and $25 billion. Additionally, Microsoft will grant Azure AI Foundry customers access to the latest Claude models, positioning Claude as the only frontier model available across all three major cloud providers. Analysts view this partnership as a strategic move to diversify the AI economy’s reliance on OpenAI. ‘Microsoft has decided not to rely on one frontier model company,’ noted D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria. ‘Nvidia, which was somewhat dependent on OpenAI’s success, is now helping generate broader demand.’ The deal reflects the ongoing consolidation of the AI industry around a few dominant players, signaling a new era of collaboration and competition in the race to advance AI capabilities.
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More jobs in UAE: Emirates plans to continue hiring as it adds more aircraft
Emirates Airline, the Dubai-based aviation giant, is set to continue its recruitment drive as it prepares to expand its fleet and launch new ventures. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline, announced the plans during the Dubai Airshow 2025, emphasizing the need for additional staff to support the growing operations. The airline has placed orders for hundreds of new aircraft, including 65 Boeing 777-9s, valued at $38 billion, as part of its ambitious expansion strategy. This brings its total orderbook with Boeing to 315 widebody aircraft and 540 GE9X engines. Emirates Group, which includes both the airline and ground handling services firm dnata, has already hired over 3,700 employees in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, bringing its total workforce to 124,927. The group plans to recruit 17,300 people this year, equivalent to the population of a mid-sized town, across various roles such as cabin crew, pilots, engineers, and support services. Additionally, Emirates has partnered with Safran Seats to establish a manufacturing and seat assembly facility in Dubai, creating highly-skilled jobs in the region. The airline’s expansion is also supported by new ventures like Linencraft, a Dh160 million laundry arm under Emirates Flight Catering, which is expected to generate 400 direct jobs. These initiatives underscore Emirates’ commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and employee welfare as it continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation leader.
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Inside the mind of a maker: Jigar Sagar
Jigar Sagar, a prominent investor-judge on *The Final Pitch Dubai*, has carved a unique niche in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Middle East. With 15 years of experience in both building companies and fostering the conditions for their growth, Sagar has become a pivotal figure in early-stage entrepreneurship. His approach is a blend of pragmatism and idealism, offering a rare combination of experience, curiosity, and empathy.
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Experts from Kenya hail the Global Development Initiative
Kenyan experts have praised the Global Development Initiative (GDI), introduced four years ago, for its significant contributions to promoting equitable and inclusive growth and enhancing South-South cooperation. The initiative, which aims to address global development challenges, has been lauded for its role in fostering collaboration among developing nations and ensuring sustainable progress. Experts highlighted that the GDI has been instrumental in bridging gaps in infrastructure, technology, and education, particularly in Africa. They emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s development goals and has provided a platform for mutual learning and resource sharing. The positive reception from Kenyan experts underscores the GDI’s impact in creating a more balanced and interconnected global development landscape.
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Google boss warns no company immune if AI bubble bursts
In a recent interview with the BBC, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet, issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble burst. Pichai emphasized that no company, including Google, would be immune to the fallout. He acknowledged the ‘irrationality’ driving the current AI investment boom, which has fueled a tech rally but also raised concerns about sustainability. Recent fears of an AI bubble have triggered a selloff, causing global stock markets to tumble in recent months. Pichai highlighted the ‘immense’ energy demands of AI, which accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption last year, according to the International Energy Agency. By 2030, AI’s global computing footprint could reach 200 gigawatts—equivalent to Brazil’s annual electricity consumption—with half of that demand concentrated in the United States. The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, driven by geopolitical tensions, has led to the construction of massive data centers housing tens of thousands of power-hungry chips. Pichai stressed the urgent need for new energy sources and infrastructure development to meet these demands. He also admitted that Alphabet’s AI operations would delay the company’s climate goals but reaffirmed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Pichai further discussed AI’s societal impact, predicting ‘disruptions’ across industries, including potential changes in leadership roles. He urged individuals to adapt to AI tools, stating that those who embrace the technology will thrive in their professions. Despite the challenges, Alphabet reported a record $100 billion in quarterly revenue in October, attributing the success to its ability to capitalize on the AI boom. The company has significantly increased spending to meet AI infrastructure demands and has rolled out AI features globally, including in Google Search and its Gemini AI models.
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How UAE banks can grow by focusing on underserved, niche segments
In the competitive landscape of the UAE’s banking sector, financial institutions are increasingly turning to technology and niche markets to drive growth. Experts highlight that digital banks and financial disruptors can achieve faster expansion by focusing on underserved segments and leveraging advanced technologies to streamline operations. Saadaat Yaqub Bajwa, Director and Co-founder of Kamel Pay, emphasized the potential of targeting blue-collar workers, who constitute 50% of the UAE’s population. ‘They are underbanked and underserved, offering significant growth opportunities,’ he noted. Kamel Pay has expanded its offerings to include microfinance, loans, and B2B financing, catering specifically to this demographic. At the Banking Innovation and Technology Summit in Dubai, industry leaders discussed the rise of digital banks and open finance. Vibhor Mundhada, CEO of Neopay, stressed the importance of horizontal availability alongside niche focus, ensuring their platform supports diverse payment methods for merchants. Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling operations efficiently. Fazil Badrudeen, Head of Brand and Marketing at Vision Bank, explained how AI and automation have streamlined compliance processes, enabling the bank to handle transactions with a lean team while meeting regulatory standards. Mohamed Roushdy, CIO of Reem Finance, praised the UAE’s supportive regulatory environment, which facilitates the transition from financial services to full banking. The Central Bank’s proactive approach in approving fintech partnerships and licenses further underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the banking sector.
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Why is ‘Varanasi’ director SS Rajamouli facing a police complaint?
Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for blockbusters like ‘RRR’ and ‘Baahubali,’ has found himself embroiled in controversy following a police complaint lodged by the Vanara Sena organization. The complaint alleges that Rajamouli made remarks perceived as atheist during a promotional event for his upcoming film ‘Varanasi,’ held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15. The organization claims that Rajamouli’s statement, ‘I don’t believe in God Hanuman,’ hurt Hindu sentiments. The event, attended by thousands of fans and the film’s lead cast, including Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, marked the release of the teaser and title reveal for ‘Varanasi.’ While the Saroornagar police station has received the complaint, no formal case has been registered yet, and investigations are ongoing. Rajamouli reportedly made the remarks while addressing technical glitches during the event. ‘Varanasi,’ set to release during Sankranti 2027, stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Chopra Jonas portraying Mandakini and Sukumaran as Kumbha.
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UAE transfers National Day holiday to give residents a 4-day break for Eid Al Etihad
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a new holiday transfer system, granting residents an extended four-day break for Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day). Originally scheduled for December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday), the holiday has been shifted to December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday). This adjustment, introduced under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, allows public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the week if they fall mid-week, creating longer, uninterrupted weekends. For residents following the Saturday–Sunday weekend, the break now spans November 29 to December 2. Sharjah residents benefit even more, with a five-day break starting November 28, as Friday is part of the weekend in the emirate. The new system aims to enhance work-life balance, providing families and individuals more time for staycations, travel, and personal commitments. This marks the first application of the holiday-transfer policy for Eid Al Etihad, signaling a shift toward more flexible public-holiday planning. With additional public holidays anticipated in 2026 and beyond, residents can expect similar extended weekends in the future.