Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed serious concerns about how a worsening injury situation could derail the club’s Premier League championship campaign, despite their commanding 2-0 victory over Brentford that extended their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions. The Wednesday night triumph at Emirates Stadium, powered by goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, propelled the Gunners to a five-point advantage over second-place Manchester City. However, the win came at a significant cost as both midfielder Declan Rice and defender Cristhian Mosquera were forced from the pitch with apparent injuries. The situation compounds existing absences including first-choice center-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, along with attackers Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard. Arteta particularly lamented the demanding fixture schedule that required his squad to play with one fewer recovery day than their opponents, questioning the Premier League’s commitment to player welfare. With a critical early Saturday kick-off against in-form Aston Villa looming, the injury-depleted squad faces mounting physical challenges despite their impressive table position.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Sudan army chief’s Islamist ties complicate peace efforts
The already daunting challenge of achieving peace in Sudan faces additional complications stemming from Army Chief Abdel Fattah Al Burhan’s intricate relationship with Islamist factions, whose influence has expanded significantly since the conflict’s inception. These groups have become instrumental to Burhan’s military strategy and political survival, providing both combat personnel and strategic guidance in his war against former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Analysts indicate that Islamist elements within Burhan’s power structure actively oppose ceasefire initiatives, fearing that any peace agreement and subsequent return to civilian governance would marginalize their recently regained political influence. Sudanese analyst Kholood Khair notes, ‘The Islamists are very upset at the prospect of a ceasefire. They want the war to continue as much as possible.’
Despite welcoming international mediation efforts, including recent engagement with US President Donald Trump facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Burhan has consistently rejected proposed ceasefire arrangements. His delicate balancing act requires maintaining Islamist support while navigating increasing pressure from international mediators who view these alliances as destabilizing.
The term ‘Islamists’ in Sudan’s context refers to a network of parties, leaders, and patronage systems developed under former autocrat Omar Al Bashir. Since the conflict began, Bashir-era associates have been released from detention, mobilized troops, and regained political prominence—a significant reversal from their diminished status following Bashir’s 2019 ousting.
Daglo has strategically framed the conflict as a struggle against ‘radical Islamists’ and remnants of Bashir’s regime. Meanwhile, Burhan publicly denies Muslim Brotherhood presence in his government, despite evidence of complex interdependencies. A secret August meeting with US envoy Massad Boulos resulted in tentative agreements to gradually distance from Islamist allies, though implementation has been limited to minor personnel changes.
International actors including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt have jointly declared that Sudan’s future cannot be determined by groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which the Trump administration has moved to designate as terrorist organizations. Recent US sanctions targeting Burhan’s finance minister and the Al Baraa ibn Malik Brigade reflect efforts to limit Islamist influence and counter Iran’s regional activities, which include alleged drone shipments to Sudanese forces.
Burhan currently faces mounting pressures: maintaining unity within his factionalized camp, addressing military setbacks including losses in Darfur, and responding to intensified diplomatic pressure from regional powers concerned about national security implications. With exhausted troops and diminishing territorial control, the army chief appears trapped between Islamist dependencies and international demands, lacking viable alternatives for political survival without his controversial allies.
-
Look: How this army doctor reinvented herself as a contemporary artist
Dr. Meenakshi Singhal has embarked on an extraordinary professional metamorphosis, transitioning from a distinguished career as an Indian Army radiologist to emerging as a celebrated contemporary artist within a single year. Her journey represents a profound evolution from medical science to artistic expression that has captured international attention.
After more than three decades interpreting grayscale radiological images with precision at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, Dr. Singhal made the decisive shift to full-time artistry in January 2025. Her medical background continues to profoundly influence her artistic vision, with years of analyzing anatomical structures and subtle densities refining her exceptional eye for composition, depth, and underlying architectures.
“In many ways, I still read images,” Dr. Singhal reflects, “just with a completely different purpose now.” Her canvases represent a liberation from monochrome medicine into vibrant color fields, where technical precision merges seamlessly with intuitive expression. The discipline and resilience cultivated during demanding forward-area postings with the Army now manifest in artworks that explore themes of protection, grounding, and quiet strength.
Her artistic ascent has been remarkably rapid. Following successful group exhibitions across India including ‘Raabta,’ ‘Imprints,’ and ‘Art Spectra,’ her work gained international recognition at Hanoi’s ‘Intersection’ exhibition in October 2025. The following month, her participation in Dubai’s ‘Khwab-e-Mussawiri’ event drew admiration from diverse international audiences and established regional artists, including celebrated Emirati artist Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni who took particular interest in her artistic evolution.
This December marks a significant milestone with her debut solo exhibition in Gurgaon, representing both a personal and professional culmination. “This show is the story of my transition,” she explains, “from a life rooted in science and service to one rooted in intuition and creation. It is a celebration of coming home to myself.”
The emotional resonance of her work transcends cultural boundaries, with viewers from different backgrounds connecting with her pieces for varied reasons. As one international attendee observed upon learning this was only her first year as a professional artist: “Then your soul has been painting much longer.”
-
Rain forecasts raise fears in flood-hit Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Meteorological warnings of impending rainfall have triggered widespread alarm throughout flood-ravaged regions of Indonesia and Sri Lanka, where previous cataclysmic flooding has already claimed over 1,500 lives across four Southeast Asian nations. The Indonesian meteorological agency issued specific alerts for Sumatra’s most severely affected provinces, forecasting moderate to heavy precipitation between Thursday and Friday. Although current rainfall intensity remains below last week’s catastrophic levels, the psychological impact on survivors remains profound, with many expressing terror about potential repeat flooding.
Current official figures place Indonesia’s death toll at 776, with more than 560 individuals still unaccounted for due to compromised communication infrastructure and electrical failures in remote areas. Survivor testimonies reveal harrowing accounts of endurance, including one woman’s experience of being stranded on her rooftop for 48 hours without sustenance. The scale of destruction has overwhelmed local response capabilities, with fuel shortages creating kilometers-long queues at distribution points and relief operations struggling to reach isolated communities.
The broader meteorological context reveals a disturbing pattern: while seasonal monsoons traditionally provide essential irrigation for agricultural systems, climate change has dramatically altered their behavior, creating erratic and increasingly deadly weather phenomena. Last week’s catastrophic events simultaneously drenched Sri Lanka, Sumatra, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia through two separate weather systems, creating a regional humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.
In Sri Lanka, authorities renewed landslide alerts for vulnerable areas and advised against returning to unstable homes. The national death toll has reached 479, with hundreds still missing and survivors reporting entire villages transformed into graveyards. The economic implications are staggering, with preliminary rebuilding estimates approaching $7 billion—a devastating financial burden for a nation still recovering from its worst economic crisis in decades.
-
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan says UK statue is like having ‘life-size doll’
In a historic celebration of Indian cinema, Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a dual statue honoring their iconic roles in Leicester Square, London, amidst torrential rainfall on Thursday. The monument commemorates the 30th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), the longest-running film in Indian cinematic history.
Khan, humorously remarking that the statue resembled a “life-size doll,” engaged in playful banter with his co-star during the ceremony. “I think I’m looking very handsome. You’re also looking very pretty,” he told Kajol, who responded with laughter: “It’s like a second thought, but thanks.”
The installation joins Leicester Square’s prestigious Scenes in the Square trail, placing the Bollywood icons alongside cultural monuments including Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, and the recently added Bridget Jones statue. Khan emphasized the significance of the London location, noting that “England’s audience has been very responsible for Indian cinema’s takeoff globally in modern times.”
Despite monsoon-like conditions, dedicated fans gathered to witness the unveiling, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the film often described as Bollywood’s Romeo and Juliet. DDLJ follows the cross-continental romance between Raj (Khan) and Simran (Kajol), with several key scenes filmed in London and Leicester Square itself.
The ceremony sparked broader discussions about Bollywood’s contemporary challenges. Both actors addressed the industry’s post-pandemic struggles, with Kajol noting increased competition from streaming services and changing viewer habits. Khan countered by affirming the enduring power of communal viewing experiences: “We like to see things, enjoy things together.”
The event also highlighted Khan’s remarkable career trajectory—from romantic lead to industry mogul. Recently joining the billionaire club, he now ranks among the world’s wealthiest actors alongside figures like Taylor Swift and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite his global success, Khan maintained his characteristic humility, deflecting suggestions of playing James Bond with his trademark wit: “I don’t have the accent. And I don’t like shaken martinis.”
-
Pakistan to allow UN humanitarian aid into Afghanistan
In a significant humanitarian gesture, Pakistan has authorized the United Nations to transport essential supplies into Afghanistan through a temporary border opening. This marks the first partial reopening since October’s deadly cross-border clashes severely strained relations between the neighboring nations.
The approval came through a formal exception to Pakistan’s border closure policy, specifically for UN humanitarian containers. According to anonymous government officials, this limited authorization covers critical supplies including food provisions, medicinal products, medical equipment, and other health and education-related essentials.
The aid delivery will be implemented through a structured three-phase process, though specific timelines for the initial phase remain undisclosed. A United Nations representative confirmed the arrangement, indicating readiness to commence operations once logistical details are finalized.
However, uncertainty persists on the Afghan side. Authorities in Spin Boldak, the Afghan border city near the crucial Chaman crossing, reported no official notification regarding the humanitarian corridor and confirmed the border gate remains closed.
The border closure, initiated on October 12 following lethal cross-border exchanges and a subsequent fragile ceasefire, has created substantial economic hardship. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates losses exceeding $100 million on both sides, with approximately 25,000 border region workers affected by the trade suspension.
Pakistan emphasized that this authorization constitutes a conditional humanitarian exception rather than a full border reopening. Official statements clarify that general trade, immigration, and Afghan Transit Trade arrangements remain suspended indefinitely. The decision reflects ongoing tensions stemming from Islamabad’s allegations that Taliban authorities harbor militants conducting cross-border attacks—claims consistently denied by Afghanistan’s government.
As Afghanistan’s largest trading partner, Pakistan normally supplies crucial commodities including rice, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials while absorbing nearly half of Afghan exports, according to World Bank data. This humanitarian corridor represents a critical lifeline for a nation facing severe economic and humanitarian challenges.
-
Shenzhou XXI crew set for first extravehicular activities
China’s ambitious space program reaches another milestone as the Shenzhou XXI astronauts aboard the nation’s orbiting space station prepare to conduct their inaugural extravehicular activities (EVAs) in the coming days. The China Manned Space Agency officially confirmed the planned operations during Thursday’s announcement, marking a significant advancement in China’s celestial capabilities.
The upcoming spacewalks represent a critical phase in China’s ongoing space station operations, demonstrating the country’s growing proficiency in complex orbital maneuvers. These activities will involve crew members exiting the station’s pressurized modules to perform external maintenance, scientific experiments, and equipment testing in the vacuum of space.
This mission continues China’s steady progression in space exploration, building upon previous successful missions that established the country as a major spacefaring nation. The carefully orchestrated EVAs require meticulous planning and coordination between the astronauts and ground control teams to ensure absolute safety during the high-risk procedures.
Technical teams at mission control have been conducting comprehensive simulations and system checks to prepare for the operations. The astronauts have undergone extensive training in both underwater simulations and virtual reality environments to master the complex movements required for working in microgravity conditions while encumbered by pressurized spacesuits.
The successful execution of these spacewalks will provide invaluable data for China’s future space station operations and potential lunar missions, contributing to humanity’s broader understanding of long-duration space habitation and extravehicular operations.
-
Pickleball drives Shangyou’s green growth
The rural Chinese county of Shangyou in Jiangxi Province has transformed an unlikely sporting equipment—the pickleball paddle—into an engine for environmentally conscious economic growth, drawing international recognition for its innovative development approach.
International observers participating in a Belt and Road Initiative training program recently witnessed firsthand how this mountainous region has strategically leveraged the rapidly growing sport to drive tourism while preserving its ecological integrity. The delegation, which included academics, journalists, and public servants from multiple nations, concluded a field visit with a pickleball experience event showcasing the county’s signature industry.
Lim Chong Heng, a Malaysian university lecturer, noted the exceptional air quality and natural surroundings, stating that Shangyou’s environment makes it ideally suited for short retreats and extended weekend stays. He particularly endorsed the local government’s decision to implement subsidy programs supporting pickleball development, predicting that tournament hosting would significantly boost visitor numbers and stimulate local economic activity.
Shangyou’s systematic approach to pickleball development began in 2023 when officials identified the sport’s accessibility, social nature, and space efficiency as ideal characteristics for their national fitness strategy. This recognition evolved into a comprehensive three-year action plan (2024-2026) featuring substantial financial commitments, including annual allocations of 13 million yuan ($1.8 million) in subsidies and dedicated funds for tournament hosting.
The infrastructure development has been equally impressive: the county has already constructed or upgraded over 300 courts distributed across communities, educational institutions, and public parks, establishing what officials term a “10-minute sports circle” for residents. Looking ahead, an even more ambitious blueprint aims to expand the network to 500 courts by 2028, creating a “5-minute sports circle” while allocating 10 million yuan annually to support the entire pickleball industry ecosystem.
The international visitors universally praised the environmental compatibility of this development model. Tsaone Basimanebotlhe, a journalist from Botswana, emphasized that sports constitute a genuinely green industry that preserves rather than damages natural surroundings. She noted the minimal spatial requirements of pickleball and expressed admiration for Shangyou’s well-preserved landscape and protected areas.
Echoing this sentiment, Tsegaye Girma, an Ethiopian public servant, characterized pickleball development as “a very good choice” for economic stimulation. He further commended China’s broader environmental protection and green development practices as valuable lessons for his home country, explicitly stating that “Chinese development is green development.”
The economic returns already demonstrate the strategy’s effectiveness: tournament events have consistently filled local hotels and restaurants with visitors. Official statistics reveal that from January to September, Shangyou recorded approximately 9.3 million tourist visits, generating over 9.4 billion yuan in tourism revenue—representing year-on-year increases of 8.1% and 8.5%, respectively.
-
Bomb threat forces IndiGo’s Madinah-Hyderabad flight to land in Ahmedabad
An international IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Madinah, Saudi Arabia to Hyderabad, India was urgently diverted to Ahmedabad on Thursday following a credible bomb threat received via email. The aircraft landed safely at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport approximately at 12:30 PM local time, where all passengers and crew were immediately evacuated as a standard security precaution.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Bansal, the flight diversion occurred mid-route after the airline received specific threat information indicating explosive devices had been planted aboard the aircraft. Ahmedabad was selected as the emergency landing site as it represented the nearest available airport at the time of the threat assessment.
Indian authorities initiated comprehensive security protocols upon landing, including a thorough sweep of the aircraft by specialized bomb detection and disposal teams. The incident comes amid operational challenges for IndiGo, which has recently experienced significant flight disruptions due to crew rostering issues, though authorities confirm this security incident is unrelated to those internal logistical matters.
Aviation security experts emphasize that such threats, whether hoax or credible, trigger immediate response protocols under international aviation security conventions. The incident highlights continuing security challenges facing commercial aviation and the sophisticated response mechanisms now standard across international airports.
-
UAE: Palestinian-Jordanian expat on why money is both a ‘blessing and a test’
Dr. Eman AbuKhousa, a Palestinian-Jordanian professor of information technology at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai, is redefining financial literacy through a unique cultural lens. As a STEM champion and data science expert specializing in digital transformation strategies, she applies professional analytical rigor to personal finance while maintaining profound philosophical perspectives inherited from her heritage.
In a recent interview, Dr. AbuKhousa described money as both “a blessing and a test”—a concept deeply rooted in her cultural background where wealth is perceived as rizq (divine provision) rather than personal property. This duality shapes her approach: while she strategically manages finances through meticulous Excel sheet planning, she maintains awareness that money’s true value lies in its utilization for personal, familial, and communal benefit.
The professor credits her mother as her primary financial influence, recalling maternal wisdom that “in exile, money is like a homeland.” This proverb proved particularly prescient during a crisis when Dr. AbuKhousa found herself stranded abroad, realizing that financial resources represented not luxury but essential security and peace of mind.
Her financial education came through hard-won experience rather than textbooks. “Life itself” served as her most effective teacher, with overdue debts and emotional shopping sprees providing harsh but valuable lessons about fiscal responsibility.
Living in the UAE has significantly altered her financial perspective, introducing new budget categories like brunches and valet parking while fostering an environment where ambition and self-investment are normalized. The Emirates’ opportunity-rich landscape has reinforced her belief that financial independence means “having enough when you need it most” rather than pursuing excessive wealth.
Dr. AbuKhousa’s unconventional approach to money discussions involves self-dialogue through spreadsheets and occasional “financial therapy” sessions with trusted friends during dinners. Her advice to younger generations emphasizes that money’s value derives not from spending but from wise allocation, noting that “shoes wear out, trends fade, but choices made with sense turn money into real value.”