The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has unveiled a groundbreaking ‘one-stop’ travel system aimed at streamlining cross-border movement for Gulf citizens. The UAE and Bahrain have been chosen to spearhead the pilot phase of this initiative, set to commence in December 2025. This innovative system will consolidate all travel procedures—including immigration, customs, and security checks—into a single checkpoint, eliminating the need for multiple inspections upon arrival. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced the project during the 42nd meeting of GCC Interior Ministers in Kuwait City, emphasizing that the system will be expanded to all six member states if the pilot proves successful. The initiative aligns with the GCC’s broader efforts to enhance regional integration, including the introduction of a unified GCC tourist visa, which is expected to launch in late 2025. Together, these measures are poised to revolutionize intra-Gulf and inbound travel, fostering a more seamless and efficient experience for citizens, residents, and international visitors alike.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Jewish groups condemn ADL’s Mamdani Monitor as ‘blatant Islamophobia’
A coalition of Jewish organizations has strongly criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its creation of the ‘Mamdani Monitor,’ labeling it as a blatantly Islamophobic and racist initiative targeting New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The coalition, which includes groups such as IfNotNow, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, and J Street NYC, released a letter on Tuesday condemning the project, stating that it undermines the collective fight against antisemitism and Islamophobia in the city. The letter emphasized unity with Mamdani and rejected the ADL’s claim to represent all Jewish communities. It also highlighted Mamdani’s commitment to combating hate violence and his outreach to Jewish communities during his campaign. The ADL, however, defended its initiative, with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt asserting that Mamdani has promoted antisemitic narratives and demonstrated animosity toward Israel. The tracker has faced widespread backlash, with critics accusing the ADL of scaremongering and conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Despite the controversy, Greenblatt stated that the monitor would also share positive news if Mamdani’s administration takes steps to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish New Yorkers.
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India vows justice after deadly ‘terror’ car blast
India has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi to justice. The blast, which occurred on Monday, killed at least 12 people and injured 30 others, marking one of the most significant security incidents in recent months. The Indian government, in a cabinet statement, confirmed the incident as an act of terrorism, describing it as a ‘heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the emergency meeting, where the cabinet expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and reiterated India’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards terrorism. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the venue for the annual Independence Day speech, is one of India’s most iconic landmarks. Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene of the car exploding in traffic, with victims engulfed in flames. The explosion occurred hours after Indian police arrested a gang linked to Pakistan-based radical groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, both designated as terrorist organizations in India. The National Investigation Agency is leading the probe, with the government emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding national security and bringing the culprits to justice. The incident has drawn international condemnation, with foreign governments expressing solidarity. This attack follows a pattern of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. The recent Islamabad suicide bombing, claimed by a Pakistani Taliban faction, has further strained relations, with both nations trading accusations of supporting terrorism.
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India faces a stern test in two-match home series against South Africa
The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is set to face a formidable challenge against South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship winners, in a two-match series commencing Friday at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The series has already seen significant adjustments, including a venue change from New Delhi to Kolkata due to severe air pollution in the capital. Additionally, the second Test, scheduled for November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, will feature altered session timings to maximize daylight in northeastern India, where the sun sets earlier. The Barsapara Stadium, which hosted matches during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, will make its debut as a men’s Test venue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the second Test’s start time to 9 a.m. local time, with the tea break at 11 a.m. and lunch at 1:20 p.m., concluding at 4 p.m. The first Test in Kolkata will follow regular session timings. The series is expected to highlight pace bowling, deviating from India’s recent preference for spin-friendly pitches. South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj anticipates traditional Test wickets that deteriorate over time, reflecting a shift in India’s approach. India, fresh from a 2-0 series win against the West Indies, will rely on a mix of spin and pace, with Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj leading the bowling attack. South Africa, coming off a 1-1 draw in Pakistan, will pose a significant spin threat, with Simon Harmer and Maharaj in top form. This series marks a new chapter for India, with a young squad under Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir aiming to build momentum for the 2027 World Test Championship. The return of Rishabh Pant strengthens India’s batting lineup, while South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma seeks to secure the Proteas’ first Test series win in India in 25 years. Dewald Brevis, a rising star from the Indian Premier League, will also be in the spotlight as he dons the white jersey for South Africa.
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Prost, Gullit, Leconte lead sporting icons at DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am
The DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am witnessed an extraordinary gathering of sporting icons at Jumeirah Golf Estates, marking a historic moment as spectators were invited to the event for the first time. The star-studded lineup included four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, and former World No. 5 tennis player Henri Leconte, who joined DP World Tour professionals for a thrilling day on the Earth course. Prost, paired with professional golfer Laurie Canter, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the course, reflecting on his journey back to the game after a long hiatus. ‘I’ve been playing a lot more golf in recent years, and it’s been a joy to improve and enjoy the atmosphere here,’ Prost remarked. Gullit, playing alongside Joost Luiten, shared his excitement about his Pro-Am debut, humorously noting the abundance of bunkers on the course. The event also featured padel star Paquito Navarro, cricket’s Liam Livingstone, tennis player Alexei Popyrin, and Premier League veteran James Milner, all adding their competitive spirit to the prestigious tournament. In collaboration with Dubai Premier Padel, attendees were treated to free padel lessons and activations throughout the four-day event, further enhancing the experience for fans and participants alike.
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The case for and against counting castes in India
India’s caste system, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy, continues to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape. The upcoming 2027 national census will mark a historic shift by including a full enumeration of castes for the first time in nearly a century. This move, driven by political pressure and demands for equitable distribution of government benefits, aims to provide a clearer picture of who benefits from affirmative action and who remains marginalized. However, the initiative has sparked intense debate among scholars and activists. Anand Teltumbde, a prominent scholar-activist, warns that counting castes risks legitimizing and perpetuating the very system it seeks to address. In his provocative book, *The Caste Con Census*, Teltumbde argues that caste is inherently hierarchical and defies measurement, echoing B.R. Ambedkar’s call for the annihilation of caste rather than its management. Critics like Teltumbde fear that the census could be exploited by political parties to redraw quotas or fuel caste-based resentment, further entrenching inequality. On the other hand, proponents such as sociologist Satish Deshpande and economist Mary E John view the census as a necessary tool for achieving social justice. They argue that reliable caste data can expose both privilege and deprivation, enabling more targeted welfare policies. Political scientist Sudha Pai suggests that linking caste data to income and educational indicators could shift India from a caste-based to a rights-based welfare system. Yet, challenges abound, from the complexity of data collection to the risk of solidifying caste identities. As India prepares for this monumental exercise, the question remains: Will the caste census pave the way for social justice, or will it deepen the divisions it seeks to address?
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Fleetwood eyes ‘very special’ first DP World Tour Championship win
Tommy Fleetwood, the Dubai-based English golfer, is determined to secure his first-ever DP World Tour Championship win, a victory he describes as ‘very special.’ Having narrowly missed the title in 2019 and 2023, Fleetwood is eager to cap off an already remarkable 2025 season with this prestigious trophy. The world number four has been in exceptional form this year, clinching his maiden PGA TOUR title at the Tour Championship, contributing to Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory, and winning the DP World India Championship. Despite a recent playoff loss at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Fleetwood remains optimistic and focused on finishing the season on a high note. ‘This is the last event I’m going to play this year. It has been a great year,’ Fleetwood remarked. ‘It would be very special to be on the 18th green having won.’ The DP World Tour Championship, held at a course familiar to Fleetwood and close to his home, holds significant personal and professional importance for him. Reflecting on his recent performances, Fleetwood highlighted the positives and expressed his determination to seize the opportunity this week. ‘I feel like I played so well and so consistently throughout the week,’ he said. ‘Now, one more week to go in the season.’
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Indian government terms Delhi car blast as ‘terrorist incident’
The Indian government has officially classified the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort as a ‘terrorist incident.’ The tragic event, which occurred on November 11, 2025, claimed the lives of eight individuals and left at least 20 others injured. The declaration was made following a resolution by the country’s federal cabinet of ministers, as reported by Reuters. The blast, which took place on Monday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting immediate action from authorities. On Wednesday, the government issued directives to investigative agencies, urging them to handle the case with ‘utmost urgency and professionalism’ to ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are swiftly brought to justice. The incident has raised concerns about security in the region, with officials emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance to prevent future attacks. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, has been a focal point of national pride, making the attack particularly significant. The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to addressing terrorism and ensuring public safety. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives and stands united in the face of this tragic event.
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Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to enter MLB posting process Nov. 19
LAS VEGAS — Tatsuya Imai, the standout Japanese pitcher, is set to enter the Major League Baseball (MLB) posting process starting November 19, as announced by his agent, Scott Boras, on Wednesday. This initiates a 45-day window for Imai to secure a contract with an MLB team. Boras, a prominent figure in baseball negotiations, drew comparisons between Imai and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the recent World Series MVP who played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over Toronto. Boras emphasized Imai’s durability and competitive spirit, stating, ‘He’s done everything Yamamoto’s done.’ Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, boasts an impressive 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA this season for the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Pacific League. He struck out 178 batters in 163.2 innings, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Over his eight-year career with Seibu, Imai has accumulated a 58-45 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 907 strikeouts in 963.2 innings. His accolades include three All-Star selections and notable achievements such as pitching eight innings in a combined no-hitter and setting a team record with 17 strikeouts in a single game. Boras highlighted Imai’s preference for big markets and his desire to compete at the highest level, stating, ‘He loves big markets and wants to be on a winning team.’ Under MLB’s posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee structure includes a 20% fee on the first $25 million of a contract, decreasing to 17.5% for the next $25 million and 15% for amounts exceeding $50 million. Additional fees apply for bonuses and options. Imai’s move to MLB is highly anticipated, with teams expected to vie for his talent.
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India asks UN wildlife body to not curb animal imports amid Ambani zoo uproar
India has appealed to the United Nations’ wildlife trade body, CITES, to refrain from imposing restrictions on its imports of endangered species. This comes amid allegations of improper animal shipments to Vantara, a sprawling 3,500-acre zoo in Gujarat, operated by the philanthropic arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate. The zoo has faced scrutiny from authorities in Germany and the European Union over claims of irregular imports. Despite a Supreme Court-appointed panel clearing Vantara of wrongdoing in September, CITES recently urged India to review its import procedures, citing discrepancies in trade data and insufficient checks on animal origins. In a submission dated November 10, India argued that any restrictive measures would be premature and disproportionate, potentially destabilizing the CITES framework. The government emphasized that it has already tightened oversight, including enhanced due diligence for all future acquisitions. Vantara, home to 2,000 species, including exotic animals from South Africa, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, maintains that all imports comply with regulations. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation efforts and the operations of private zoos.