标签: North America

北美洲

  • Carney says trade talks with Trump to resume ‘when it matters’

    Carney says trade talks with Trump to resume ‘when it matters’

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed the urgency of resuming trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions with President Donald Trump will resume “when it’s appropriate.” Carney dismissed questions about his recent communication with Trump, remarking, “Who cares? It’s a detail. I’ll speak to him again when it matters.” His comments follow a breakdown in trade talks last month, triggered by Trump’s reaction to an anti-tariff advertisement aired by Ontario featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The ad, which included Reagan’s 1987 radio address criticizing tariffs, was perceived by Trump as a direct challenge to his policies. Despite the tensions, Trump has yet to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports, as previously threatened. The U.S. has already levied a 35% tariff on most Canadian goods, with sector-specific tariffs reaching 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles. Ottawa is actively seeking to reduce these tariffs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s approach, arguing that it neglects the urgency for sectors heavily impacted by the levies. With three-quarters of Canada’s exports destined for the U.S., the Canadian economy remains highly vulnerable. In response, Carney has prioritized diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships. Over the weekend, he announced a new agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to begin negotiations on a long-awaited trade deal, signaling a shift in focus. Carney also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announcing progress on a critical minerals deal. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding trade in the coming years. However, Carney’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries like India and the UAE have drawn criticism, particularly given allegations of Indian interference in Canadian affairs and the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war. Carney acknowledged potential friction with India but emphasized its reliability as a trading partner. He also highlighted the UAE’s role in delivering aid to Gaza, though the Sudan conflict remains a point of discussion.

  • Dharmendra dies: Celebrities offer tribute to their beloved icon

    Dharmendra dies: Celebrities offer tribute to their beloved icon

    The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. A towering presence in Bollywood, Dharmendra was celebrated for his roles in timeless classics such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, and ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken. Filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Dharmendra in the 2023 romantic drama ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, expressed his grief on social media, calling him ‘the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema’ and ‘an enigmatic screen presence’. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing Dharmendra as ‘an iconic film personality’ whose diverse roles resonated with millions. Modi highlighted the actor’s humility and warmth, extending condolences to his family and fans. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan shared nostalgic photos of Dharmendra with her grandfather, Raj Kapoor, while Shilpa Shetty praised his kindness and originality. Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar also shared heartfelt messages, with Kumar referring to Dharmendra as ‘the industry’s original He-Man’. Dharmendra’s legacy as a versatile actor and a beloved figure in Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.

  • UAE residents turn balconies, backyards into cosy winter hangouts

    UAE residents turn balconies, backyards into cosy winter hangouts

    As the UAE experiences a drop in temperatures, residents are creatively adapting their homes to embrace the winter season. Families are crafting cosy indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling them to relish the cooler evenings without stepping outside. In Al Ain, Maha A., an Emirati resident, shared that her family erects a traditional tent in their backyard annually. ‘We spend most winter evenings there, whether it’s with friends, family, or simply relaxing with karak and coffee,’ she explained. The tents, which range from Dh1,800 to Dh12,000 depending on size, are carefully selected based on fabric, color scheme, and interior layout. Once summer arrives, the tents are packed away to prevent damage. Many families prioritize durable materials, with some opting for heavier fabrics to block the wind and others choosing lighter, decorative options. Interior touches like carpets, cushions, and even chandeliers are added to enhance the ambiance. In Dubai, Lebanese expat Marwa Aalim transforms her balcony into a winter retreat. During summer, it serves as a laundry area, but as the weather cools, she brings out bean bags, a small swing, and warm lights. ‘It becomes the designated chill area during winter, so we move from the couch to the balcony. We even had a movie night outdoors once,’ she said. Marwa ensures affordability by updating the space annually without overspending. Similarly, Dubai resident Shams Mubarak dedicates a winter budget to his balcony and backyard. ‘We live on the first floor and have a larger outdoor space, so I add games for the kids along with a full outdoor seating setup,’ he explained. For Shams, winter is the ideal time to maximize the use of outdoor spaces, creating a simple yet inviting area for family gatherings without the need to venture out every evening.

  • US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan

    US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan

    In a high-stakes diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe convened in Geneva on November 23, 2025, to deliberate on a draft peace plan proposed by Washington. The discussions, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, aimed to address concerns raised by Kyiv and its allies over perceived concessions to Moscow. The 28-point plan, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, calls for Ukraine to relinquish territory, accept military restrictions, and abandon its NATO aspirations. However, European allies expressed frustration over their exclusion from the drafting process. A US official emphasized that the Geneva talks were intended to finalize details beneficial to Ukraine, with no agreement to be reached until Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet directly. Trump hinted that the current proposal is not his final offer, leaving room for further negotiation. The Geneva meeting included participation from national security advisers of the E3 alliance (France, Germany, and the UK), the European Union, and Italy, underscoring the international significance of the discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also planned to engage with Zelensky regarding the plan. While Western leaders acknowledged the proposal as a starting point, they stressed the need for additional refinements to secure a favorable outcome for Ukraine before the looming Thursday deadline.

  • Premier League: Eze treble fuels Arsenal’s derby rout of Tottenham

    Premier League: Eze treble fuels Arsenal’s derby rout of Tottenham

    In a thrilling North London derby, Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat-trick to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, solidifying their title aspirations. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, saw Arsenal dominate from the outset, with Leandro Trossard opening the scoring in the first half. Eze, who joined Arsenal in the summer after rejecting Tottenham’s advances, added two more goals before the break, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure. Tottenham’s Richarlison managed a spectacular long-range goal in the second half, but it was merely a consolation as Eze completed his treble with a clinical finish. This victory marks Arsenal’s biggest win over Tottenham since 2012 and extends their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games. The defeat raises questions about Tottenham’s tactical approach under manager Thomas Frank, whose conservative style failed to contain Arsenal’s attacking prowess. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, Arsenal’s form suggests they are serious contenders for their first Premier League title since 2004.

  • Outcomes of COP30 show multilateralism is alive despite headwinds

    Outcomes of COP30 show multilateralism is alive despite headwinds

    The 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belem, Brazil, concluded with significant outcomes, underscoring the enduring strength of multilateralism despite global challenges. The conference adopted a comprehensive package of decisions, including a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, emphasizing the need for developed nations to enhance climate finance for developing countries. A set of 59 voluntary indicators was finalized to track progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, covering sectors such as water, food, health, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Additionally, COP30 introduced a just transition mechanism to foster international cooperation and equitable transitions. A historic framework titled ‘Global Mutirao: Uniting Humanity in a Global Mobilization Against Climate Change’ was also adopted, featuring the Global Implementation Accelerator to support countries in meeting their climate commitments. Chinese officials, including Wang Yi and Li Gao, highlighted the importance of these outcomes, particularly the inclusion of mechanisms to counter unilateral measures. UN officials, including Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, praised the conference for its unprecedented political signals and called for continued global efforts to address the climate crisis. The event marked a pivotal moment in global climate governance, reaffirming the collective resolve to combat climate change despite political and economic headwinds.

  • Donald Glover reveals on stage he had a stroke last year

    Donald Glover reveals on stage he had a stroke last year

    In a heartfelt revelation during his performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles, multi-talented artist Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, disclosed that he suffered a stroke last year. The 42-year-old actor and rapper shared the harrowing experience with the audience, explaining that the stroke occurred shortly after he began his New World tour in August 2024. Glover recounted feeling severe head pain during a show in Louisiana, which he initially ignored. However, after experiencing vision problems in Houston, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a stroke. The health scare forced him to postpone and eventually cancel the remainder of his tour. Glover also revealed that doctors discovered a hole in his heart, necessitating two surgeries. During his emotional on-stage confession, Glover reflected on the fragility of life, stating, ‘They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realize you have one.’ He expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of health and resilience. Glover’s candid disclosure has sparked widespread concern and admiration, highlighting the challenges faced by performers in balancing their careers and well-being.

  • Dubai’s Secure.com secures $4.5m to launch AI agents amid soaring cyber threats

    Dubai’s Secure.com secures $4.5m to launch AI agents amid soaring cyber threats

    Dubai-based cybersecurity startup Secure.com has secured $4.5 million in funding from Disrupt.com to accelerate the deployment of its AI-driven Digital Security Teammate (DST) platform. This innovative solution aims to address the critical talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry, which has reached a crisis level with 4.8 million unfilled roles globally. The funding comes at a time when global cybercrime damages have surged to $10.5 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and the Middle East faces an average breach cost of $7.29 million per incident. Despite these alarming figures, only half of affected companies in the region plan to increase their security budgets. Secure.com’s DST platform is designed to alleviate the operational pressures on security teams by acting as virtual colleagues embedded within existing security systems. These AI agents investigate alerts, triage incidents, and handle compliance tasks, reducing noise by 60% and saving thousands of analyst hours annually. Early deployments in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors have demonstrated significant improvements, including 70% faster threat detection and 50% quicker resolution times. The platform’s affordability, starting at $2,500 per month, makes enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to mid-market organizations with limited resources. Secure.com’s initiative aligns with the Middle East’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for next-generation technologies and global cybersecurity standards. Uzair Gadit, CEO of Secure.com, emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to combat the escalating cyber threat landscape, stating, ‘You cannot hire your way out of a $10.5 trillion threat. You need leverage. Digital Security Teammates deliver that leverage—today.’

  • Smriti Mandhana’s wedding with Palash Muchhal postponed after cricketer’s father unwell

    Smriti Mandhana’s wedding with Palash Muchhal postponed after cricketer’s father unwell

    The much-anticipated wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and Bollywood music composer Palash Muchhal has been indefinitely postponed following the sudden illness of Mandhana’s father. Srinivas Mandhana, the cricketer’s father, was rushed to a private hospital in Sangli, Maharashtra, on November 23, 2025, after feeling unwell during breakfast. Tuhin Mishra, Mandhana’s business manager, confirmed the news, stating that the family decided to prioritize Srinivas’s health over the wedding festivities. ‘Smriti is very close to her father. She has decided that the marriage will not proceed until he recovers,’ Mishra told reporters. The wedding, originally scheduled for November 23, was called off as Srinivas remains under medical observation. Earlier, glimpses of the pre-wedding celebrations, including the sangeet night, had gone viral on social media, showcasing the couple’s joyous moments with friends and family. The cricketing community and fans have expressed their support for Mandhana during this challenging time. It is unclear when the wedding will be rescheduled.

  • Gulf steel industry accelerates green transition amid global supply chain shifts

    Gulf steel industry accelerates green transition amid global supply chain shifts

    The Gulf steel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by decarbonization efforts, rising infrastructure demands, and the strategic integration of mining and manufacturing value chains. As global iron ore flows and pricing trends evolve, regional producers are leveraging advanced technology, renewable energy, and backward integration to establish themselves as leaders in low-carbon steel production. In 2025, global seaborne iron ore loadings reached 1.247 billion metric tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged year-on-year, with Australia and Brazil accounting for nearly 78% of the total volume. China continues to dominate as the primary importer, receiving 74% of global shipments. This concentration highlights the need for Gulf producers to diversify sourcing and secure raw materials amidst volatility caused by carbon-adjusted costs and trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The global iron ore market is projected to grow from $290 billion in 2024 to $397 billion by 2032, reflecting a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), though price fluctuations are expected to persist. Gulf steelmakers are capitalizing on competitive access to raw materials, the region’s energy cost advantages, and modern Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technologies to produce low-carbon steel at scale. Major projects, such as Oman’s Vulcan Green Steel and Saudi Arabia’s Essar Group facility at Ras Al-Khair, exemplify this strategic shift. Producers are also recalibrating operations to meet sustainability goals without compromising competitiveness. Mineral Technologies Group (MTG) is pioneering hydrogen-fueled direct ore-to-metal routes and cost-effective solutions for processing lower-grade ores. Jindal Steel Oman is embedding sustainability into its strategy through efficiency, technology, and community engagement, with significant investments in renewable energy and hydrogen-ready steel complexes. The Gulf’s push to integrate mining and downstream metallurgical value chains is reshaping its industrial landscape, supported by policy frameworks like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which allocates $186.5 billion for renewables. Digital transformation is further enhancing competitiveness, with predictive analytics and AI-driven maintenance improving equipment uptime by 20–25%. With $2.5 trillion in GCC infrastructure investments planned by 2030, the Gulf steel industry is poised to become a global hub for sustainable industrial production, turning the green challenge into a competitive advantage.