Over six years after the tragic crash of a Boeing 737 Max jetliner in Ethiopia, which claimed the lives of all 157 passengers and crew on board, the first civil trial related to the disaster is set to commence. While Boeing has settled the majority of the wrongful death lawsuits filed by the victims’ families following the March 2019 crash, two remaining cases are scheduled to go before a federal court jury in Chicago as early as Tuesday. The trial, taking place in Boeing’s former headquarters city, will not re-examine the company’s liability, as Boeing has already accepted responsibility for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash and a similar incident in Indonesia that killed 189 people less than five months prior. Instead, an eight-person jury will determine the compensation owed to the families of Mercy Ndivo, a 28-year-old Kenyan mother, and Shikha Garg, a 36-year-old Indian consultant for the United Nations. Both women were among the victims of the fatal crash, which occurred minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Ndivo, who had just earned a master’s degree in accountancy in London, left behind her husband and infant daughter, now nearly 8 years old. Garg, en route to a U.N. environmental assembly in Nairobi, is survived by her husband and parents. Boeing expressed its condolences in a statement, reiterating its commitment to compensating the families and acknowledging its legal responsibility. However, attempts to reach pre-trial settlements through mediation have failed, prompting the families to seek justice in court. The trial’s outcome could set a precedent for future cases, as Boeing continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the 737 Max’s flawed flight-control system, which contributed to both crashes. The Justice Department has proposed a deferred prosecution agreement, which, if approved, would require Boeing to pay or invest $1.1 billion in fines, victim compensation, and safety improvements.
标签： Africa
非洲
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UAE weather: Dubai temperatures to dip to 24ºC; humidity by night
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted a shift in weather conditions across the UAE, with temperatures in Dubai expected to drop to 24ºC on Tuesday, November 4. Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will experience slightly cooler lows of 23ºC. The day will be characterized by partly cloudy to cloudy skies, particularly in western and coastal regions, with occasional dust in northern and eastern areas. Humidity levels are predicted to rise by night and into Wednesday morning, affecting both coastal and internal regions. Winds will be light to moderate, shifting from southeasterly to northwesterly, with speeds ranging from 10-25 km/hr, occasionally reaching 40 km/hr. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will remain slight to moderate. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments as these changes could impact daily activities.
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Tanzanian opposition claims security forces are secretly dumping bodies after election violence
Tanzanian authorities are under intense scrutiny following widespread allegations of violence and killings during and after last week’s contentious election. The largest opposition party, Chadema, accused security forces of secretly disposing of hundreds of bodies to conceal the true scale of the fatalities. Protests erupted across the country after the election, with demonstrators in Dar es Salaam and other cities decrying what they perceived as an unfair electoral process. Security forces responded with live ammunition and tear gas, prompting a nationwide curfew. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with over 97% of the vote, a result critics argue lacks credibility due to the suppression of opposition candidates and low voter turnout. Human Rights Watch condemned the violent crackdown, urging accountability for security forces. International observers, including the U.K., Norway, and Canada, have expressed concern over credible reports of significant casualties. The Catholic Church also reported hundreds of deaths, though exact figures remain unverified. Amid the turmoil, Hassan was inaugurated as Tanzania’s first female president, acknowledging the loss of life and calling for a return to normalcy. Authorities have warned against sharing unverified images of the violence, threatening treason charges for those who spread panic. As the internet was restored after a six-day shutdown, life in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma began to slowly return to normal, with businesses reopening and public transport resuming.
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DP World Tour Play-Offs 2025: Can anyone stop Rory’s Race to Dubai charge?
The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs have arrived, bringing with them a high-stakes battle for the coveted Race to Dubai title. Rory McIlroy, the current leader, is on the verge of securing his seventh championship, but the competition is fierce. Emerging star Marco Penge, just 500 points behind McIlroy, is poised to challenge the golfing legend in the season-ending Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship. These events, hosted in the UAE, promise to deliver drama and potentially historic performances. McIlroy’s dominance in the UAE is well-documented, with victories in the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2024. However, Penge’s meteoric rise, from the HotelPlanner Tour to the 29th spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, makes him a formidable contender. With 9,000 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi and 12,000 in Dubai, every shot and putt will be crucial. Beyond the Race to Dubai title, the top 10 players not already holding a PGA Tour card will earn dual cardholder status for 2026, adding another layer of excitement. The $6 million Race to Dubai Bonus Pool further intensifies the competition, with the winner taking home $2 million. As the season concludes, the DP World Tour Play-Offs are set to provide a thrilling finale to an already remarkable year.
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World Cup triumph hailed as India women’s ‘1983 moment’
In a landmark achievement for Indian cricket, the women’s national team clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The victory, witnessed by a jubilant crowd of 40,000 fans, marks a significant milestone in the history of women’s cricket in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team’s exceptional performance, describing the win as ‘historic’ and a source of inspiration for future generations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of 510 million Indian rupees ($5.8 million) for the triumphant squad. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed hope that this victory would serve as a turning point for the women’s game in the cricket-crazy nation. The triumph is being compared to the Indian men’s team’s iconic 1983 World Cup win, which revolutionized the sport in the country. Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj also celebrated the victory, emphasizing its potential to inspire young girls across India to pursue cricket. The win comes after years of near-misses, including heartbreaking losses in the 2005 and 2017 finals, and a challenging tournament journey that saw the team overcome three consecutive defeats to reach the semifinals. This victory not only cements India’s place as a global cricketing powerhouse but also heralds a new era for women’s cricket in the country.
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He made his money selling camels and gold. Now this warlord controls half of Sudan
Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, widely known as ‘Hemedti,’ has ascended to a position of immense power in Sudan, with his paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) now controlling half of the country. The RSF recently achieved a significant victory by capturing el-Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur. Hemedti, feared by his enemies and revered by his followers, has built a reputation for ruthlessness and strategic acumen, promising to dismantle a discredited state. Born into the Rizeigat community, a camel-herding Arabic-speaking group spanning Chad and Darfur, Hemedti’s early life was marked by poverty and displacement. After dropping out of school, he traded camels across the desert, eventually joining the Janjaweed militia, which gained notoriety for its atrocities during the Darfur conflict. Hemedti’s rise began in earnest when he was appointed head of the RSF in 2013, a force that absorbed the Janjaweed and received modern equipment and training. Under his leadership, the RSF expanded its influence, securing lucrative gold mining operations and forging alliances with foreign powers, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Russia’s Wagner Group. Hemedti played a pivotal role in the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, but his relationship with the Sudanese army deteriorated, leading to a brutal civil war. The RSF has been accused of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rape, and looting, yet Hemedti remains defiant, positioning himself as a key political player in Sudan’s future. With the RSF now controlling vast territories and wielding significant military power, Hemedti’s ambitions—whether as a president, puppet master, or warlord—continue to shape Sudan’s turbulent landscape.
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International cricket returns to Faisalabad with Pakistan-South Africa ODIs
The historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is set to witness the return of international cricket after a 17-year hiatus, as Pakistan and South Africa gear up for a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday. The central Punjab city last hosted an international match in 2008 when Pakistan faced Bangladesh. This marks a significant milestone for Faisalabad, which has been sidelined as an international venue due to inadequate facilities, now improved over the past three years. Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘It’s a special occasion that Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 years. It will be good for the fans of the city.’ The series concludes South Africa’s tour, which saw a 1-1 draw in the Test series and a 2-1 loss in the T20Is. Shaheen acknowledged the weight of captaincy, calling it an honor to lead the team. Pakistan’s squad, featuring stars like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, is at full strength. South Africa, however, will miss key players, including injured skipper Temba Bavuma and rested pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who scored a record 150 on his ODI debut earlier this year, will lead the Proteas. Despite the absence of several regulars, Breetzke remains optimistic, emphasizing the opportunity for younger players to step up. Star opener Quinton de Kock will also make a comeback to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement. The remaining matches are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, continuing the cricketing resurgence in Faisalabad.
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The start-up creating science kits for young Africans
Stemaide, a Ghana-based technology firm founded in 2022, is making waves with its mission to equip young Africans with essential science and technology skills. Under the leadership of CEO Prince Boateng Asare, the company has developed a groundbreaking science kit designed to function seamlessly in areas without internet access. This innovation aims to bridge the digital divide and prepare the continent’s youth for future job markets. As part of a six-part series on African technology, Stemaide’s initiative highlights the transformative potential of localized technological solutions. By focusing on accessibility and education, the firm is paving the way for a more inclusive and technologically adept Africa.
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For small states, air links can be the first step in welcoming international investment
In the early 1980s, the Maldives was among the world’s poorest nations, with a fragile economy and minimal global presence. Today, it stands as a testament to transformation, with a tripled population, per capita income exceeding $18,000, and significant improvements in health, education, and life expectancy. A key driver of this success? Air connectivity. In 1987, Emirates launched biweekly flights to Malé, a bold move that unlocked the Maldives’ potential as a global tourism hub. Today, Emirates operates multiple daily flights, supporting a tourism sector that contributes nearly a third of the nation’s GDP. This story underscores the pivotal role of air links in economic development, particularly for small states. Airlines not only facilitate tourism but also attract investment, foster innovation, and reduce operational friction for international businesses. They enable students to study abroad, entrepreneurs to access new markets, and nations to integrate into the global economy. Antigua and Barbuda, a small island nation, recognizes this potential. Recent discussions with Emirates on potential air routes aim to deepen connectivity and economic opportunities. The nation has also signed bilateral air service agreements with Qatar and visa waiver agreements with several African countries, positioning itself as a hub between the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract visitors, investment, and partnerships. However, as small states expand their air networks, they must balance growth with environmental responsibility. Emirates’ commitment to sustainable aviation fuel and cleaner technologies aligns with this vision, offering a model for sustainable development. Air connectivity is more than a logistical tool; it is a catalyst for transformation, unlocking potential and fostering resilience in small states.
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Look: Sheikh Hamdan meets people of determination painting Flag Day mural on Mamzar beach
In a vibrant celebration of UAE Flag Day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, joined over 200 individuals of determination and 400 volunteers at Al Mamzar Park for a special art session. The event, titled ‘Art Session with People of Determination’, was part of the ‘7 Over 7’ initiative, aimed at fostering skill-based volunteering and community engagement across the UAE’s seven emirates. Participants showcased their artistic talents by creating a series of artworks that celebrated the UAE’s identity and heritage, with the highlight being the painting of the UAE flag on the outer theatre wall at the park. Sheikh Hamdan praised the creativity and unity displayed, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism and the role of art in uniting the community. The event also saw the presence of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and other officials, who commended the participants for their inspiring contributions to the nation’s cultural development.