In a significant development in international relations, senior military officials from North Korea and Russia convened in Pyongyang this week to discuss enhanced cooperation, as reported by North Korean state media on Friday. The talks, led by North Korea’s Pak Yong Il, vice director of the Korean People’s Army’s General Political Bureau, and Russia’s Vice Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin, focused on deepening bilateral ties under the leadership of Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. While no specific agreements were disclosed, the discussions underscored the growing alignment between the two nations, particularly in the context of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows recent intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, which indicated potential recruitment and training activities in North Korea, possibly for additional troop deployments to Russia. South Korean officials, including Unification Ministry spokesperson Chang Yoon-jeong, have refrained from speculating on the exact nature of these discussions but are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent visit to South Korea highlighted the strengthening of U.S.-South Korea security ties, with praise for South Korea’s plans to increase military spending in response to regional threats, including those posed by North Korea. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has already sent approximately 15,000 troops and significant military equipment to Russia since last fall, with further deployments of military construction workers and deminers expected.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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ADL’s move to establish ‘Mamdani Monitor’ decried as scaremongering and Islamophobia
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a prominent pro-Israel organization, has announced plans to closely monitor the policies and personnel decisions of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. In a statement released on Wednesday, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt expressed concerns over Mamdani’s alleged promotion of antisemitic narratives and associations with individuals accused of antisemitism. Greenblatt emphasized that Mamdani’s views on Israel starkly contrast with those of the majority of Jewish New Yorkers, raising fears that his administration could exacerbate the recent surge in antisemitic incidents in the city. The ADL plans to establish a dedicated tipline for reporting antisemitic acts and will create a ‘Mamdani Monitor’ to track his governance. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim civil rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which accused the ADL of hypocrisy and anti-Muslim bias. Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City and a self-declared Democratic Socialist, has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s policies, accusing the country of genocide in Gaza. His campaign faced repeated attacks from pro-Israel groups, and he has been the target of Islamophobic rhetoric on social media. Despite the controversy, Mamdani secured a decisive victory in the mayoral election, winning four out of five boroughs. He is set to take office on January 1, 2026.
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UAE: Emirati National Identity Strategy launched to strengthen sense of belonging, pride
The UAE Government has introduced the ‘Emirati National Identity Strategy,’ a comprehensive initiative aimed at reinforcing national belonging, pride, and social cohesion. Announced during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the strategy was developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court. Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi outlined its vision and objectives during a keynote session titled ‘Legacy and Responsibility,’ emphasizing its role in unifying government efforts to embed Emirati identity across all sectors. The strategy is built on three pillars: defining the identity’s core values, establishing a national framework, and creating a governance model to ensure sustainability. It also highlights six core elements of Emirati identity, including Islamic values, the Arabic language, heritage, and family, alongside five core values such as respect, ambition, and generosity. Seven dimensions, ranging from education to media, will serve as channels to deliver the strategy’s objectives. Thirteen key initiatives, including integrating national identity into educational curricula and developing a Media Content Policy, will drive implementation. A National Identity Committee will oversee governance, ensuring alignment across entities. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the strategy’s role in fostering unity and inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage. The initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s vision of nurturing a society rooted in shared values and coexistence.
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The next step in financial inclusion may not be human at all
Across the Middle East, financial inclusion has seen remarkable growth, driven by soaring mobile penetration rates exceeding 95% in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Egypt, financial inclusion has more than doubled since 2016, with mobile penetration surpassing 100%. Despite these advancements, a significant portion of the underbanked population still struggles with financial literacy, digital navigation, and cultural barriers, limiting their ability to fully engage with formal banking systems. This gap has prompted financial institutions to explore innovative solutions, with Agentic AI emerging as a transformative tool. Unlike traditional AI models, Agentic AI operates independently within defined boundaries, processing diverse inputs, recognizing behavioral patterns, and making context-driven decisions. Early deployments by global institutions like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and BNY Mellon have demonstrated its potential to streamline operations and enhance reliability. In the UAE, Agentic AI is already being used for autonomous decision-making in personal lending and SME financing, addressing long-standing inclusion challenges. By focusing on engagement rather than mere access, Agentic AI can preemptively assist users, guide those with low financial literacy, adapt to irregular income patterns, and communicate in local languages, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. As financial institutions shift their focus from expanding reach to enhancing service adaptability, Agentic AI is poised to redefine the future of financial inclusion.
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Galadari Brothers earns second place in Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025
Galadari Brothers has proudly secured the second position in the Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025, a citywide initiative orchestrated by Companies for Good. This event aimed to galvanize corporate teams to take actionable steps towards fostering a greener and more sustainable Dubai. The three-week challenge saw the participation of leading organizations across the UAE, documenting over 500 sustainable actions, including waste reduction, energy conservation, community volunteering, and recycling initiatives. The program concluded with a grand finale desert clean-up, where the top three companies collaborated to collect waste from the desert environment.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This recognition reflects Galadari Brothers’ shared purpose to drive meaningful change. Our teams demonstrated how sustainability can thrive when it becomes a collective habit, woven into the way we work and contribute to the community.’ Employees from various divisions of Galadari Brothers actively participated, contributing ideas and daily actions that aligned with the conglomerate’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Talat Jahan Sheikh from Group Finance highlighted the personal impact of the challenge, saying, ‘What made the challenge special was how it turned sustainability into something personal. Small habits like switching off unused lights or reusing materials created a real sense of ownership.’ The finale event was marked by a spirited desert cleanup competition, which Muhammad Kamran from Galadari Ventures Division described as ‘an inspiring day,’ adding, ‘Seeing teams from different companies working together in the open desert reminded us how powerful collective action can be.’
This achievement underscores Galadari Brothers’ steadfast commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and corporate culture, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a green and circular economy and the UAE’s sustainable future.
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Adipec sees 35,000 deals worth $46 billion, sets bold agenda for energy future
The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) 2025 concluded with a historic $46 billion in deals across 35,000 agreements, solidifying its position as a premier global energy platform. The event, held over four days, attracted an unprecedented 239,709 attendees from 172 countries, marking a 17% increase from 2024. This surge in participation underscores the UAE’s growing influence in fostering global energy dialogue. Organized by Adnoc under the theme “Energy. Intelligence. Impact.”, Adipec highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and low-carbon solutions in the energy sector. Beyond the deals, the event generated an estimated $400 million in economic benefits for Abu Dhabi, boosting hospitality, tourism, and transport industries. Featuring over 1,800 speakers, including 45+ ministers and policymakers, Adipec welcomed delegations from industry giants like Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, described Adipec 2025 as “extraordinary in every measure,” emphasizing its role in fostering tangible partnerships and investments. Abdulmunim Al Kindy, Chairman of Adipec 2025, stressed the event’s contribution to shaping a secure energy future through data-driven solutions and global collaboration. With energy demand on the rise, Adipec’s focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive financing models positions it as a key driver of sustainable growth. The next edition, Adipec 2026, is scheduled for November 2–5, with an expanded agenda addressing energy security and global progress.
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Small-town India to cricket World champions: The women who made history
The Indian women’s cricket team recently etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever World Cup title, a monumental achievement nearly five decades after their international debut. Their journey to victory was fraught with challenges, including a three-match losing streak in the round-robin stage. However, the team showcased unparalleled resilience, overcoming both external and internal obstacles to triumph over the previously unbeaten Australia in the semi-final and a determined South African side in the final. The players’ grit and determination on the field mirrored their off-field struggles, as many hailed from modest backgrounds in India’s small towns, where their families made significant sacrifices to support their dreams. These women, who honed their skills in village lanes with second-hand equipment, defied societal norms and gender biases to forge a legacy of perseverance and success. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional celebration with her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, underscored the profound familial support that fueled her journey from Moga, Punjab, to lifting the World Cup trophy in Mumbai. Similarly, pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s story of her father crafting her first bat from leftover wood in his carpentry workshop highlighted the unwavering belief in her potential. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s ascent from a small grocery shop in Mumbai to the global stage, supported by her family’s sacrifices, further exemplified the team’s collective spirit. Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur’s perseverance, driven by her mother’s sacrifices, culminated in a stellar performance in the final. This historic win not only celebrates their cricketing prowess but also honors the enduring spirit of their families and communities.
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Sudan paramilitaries agree to mediators’ truce proposal
In a significant development in Sudan’s protracted conflict, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday their acceptance of a humanitarian truce proposal put forward by international mediators. This announcement comes shortly after the RSF seized control of El Fasher, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in the western Darfur region. The capture of El Fasher marks a pivotal moment in the two-year-long war, effectively consolidating the RSF’s dominance over all five state capitals in Darfur. The RSF stated that the truce aims to address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of urgent aid. The proposal, backed by the Quad countries—the United States, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—has yet to receive a response from the Sudanese government. Earlier in the day, army chief Abdel Fattah Al Burhan vowed to continue the fight, emphasizing his commitment to defeating the RSF and avenging the losses suffered by his forces. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has divided Sudan along geographical lines, with the RSF controlling Darfur and parts of the south, while the army retains the north, east, and central regions. The mediators’ proposal, details of which remain undisclosed, is expected to include provisions for a temporary ceasefire, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and a transition to civilian governance.
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First phase of Bihar elections posts ‘highest’ turnout in 30 years
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Thursday with a provisional voter turnout of 64.46 percent across 121 constituencies, marking a significant increase from the 56.1 percent recorded in the 2020 elections. According to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, this turnout is likely the highest in the state over the past three decades. Both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan alliance swiftly claimed victory following the polls. Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan alliance forming the government, stating, ‘We are forming the next government with a clear majority, perhaps even more.’ Prashant Kishore, chief of the Jan Suraaj Party, interpreted the high turnout as a sign of imminent change, predicting a ‘new arrangement’ by the counting date. BJP candidate Sanjay Saraogi attributed the surge in voter enthusiasm to strong public support for the NDA, while Janata Dal (U) leader Neeraj Kumar credited the Bihar government’s Mahila Rozgar Yojana for mobilizing women, backward classes, and Dalit voters. The elections have highlighted Bihar’s demand for development and trust in current leadership, setting the stage for a highly anticipated outcome.
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Emaar Properties records Dh61b in 9-month sales as backlog crosses Dh150b
Emaar Properties, a leading global real estate developer based in Dubai, has announced a remarkable 22% increase in property sales, reaching Dh61 billion in the first nine months of 2025. This milestone is further bolstered by an unprecedented revenue backlog of Dh150.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, marking a 49% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore the company’s robust performance and the sustained demand for premium real estate in Dubai. Emaar’s revenue surged 39% to Dh33.1 billion, while EBITDA grew 32% to Dh16.6 billion. Net profit before tax also saw a significant 35% increase, reaching Dh16.7 billion. The company’s strategic land bank, comprising approximately 660 million square feet of mixed-use development opportunities, provides a solid foundation for future expansion. Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar’s founder, credited the UAE government’s leadership and Emaar’s long-term planning for this success. Emaar Development, the company’s build-to-sell subsidiary, reported Dh52.9 billion in property sales, a 10% increase, while its international operations saw a staggering 331% growth in sales, particularly in Egypt and India. Recurring revenue streams, including malls, hospitality, and leisure, contributed Dh7.7 billion, reflecting 13% growth. Emaar’s ESG initiatives and credit rating upgrades further highlight its commitment to sustainability and financial stability. With new luxury projects like Emaar Hills and Dubai Mansions, Emaar continues to lead the global real estate market.